Nissan Altima vs Volkswagen Beetle
For 2005–2019 models, the Volkswagen Beetle has 24.8 owner complaints per 10,000 sold, against 27.7 for the Nissan Altima. Below: what each one’s owners report most, when it shows up, and what it costs to fix.
Both rates cover the same model years (2005–2019), counting each complaint once and dividing by US sales, so the more popular vehicle isn’t penalized for being popular. Years too new to judge are left out. How this is calculated.
Nissan Altima
27.7 complaints per 10,000 sold
about the same as the Volkswagen Beetle
- Complaints
- 11,241
- Sold
- 4,052,427
- Recall campaigns
- 27
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 2
Most complaints: 2008–2009 and 2013–2014. Fewest: 2011 and 2018–2019. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 32,000 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 60,200 mi
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 68,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 70,000 mi
-
Wiring harness, grounds and connectors
Typically around 72,000 mi
Volkswagen Beetle
24.8 complaints per 10,000 sold
about the same as the Nissan Altima
- Complaints
- 876
- Sold
- 352,627
- Recall campaigns
- 17
- Open NHTSA investigations
- 0
Most complaints: 2005 and 2015–2016. Fewest: 2011 and 2017–2019. Every year →
Most-reported problems
-
Harsh, delayed or erratic shifting
Typically around 73,525 mi
-
Airbags, seatbelts and restraints
Typically around 64,000 mi
-
Doors, windows, latches, seats and trim
Typically around 50,100 mi
-
Wiring harness, grounds and connectors
Typically around 75,000 mi
-
Body control and other modules
Typically around 47,364 mi
Common questions
Which has fewer problems, the Nissan Altima or the Volkswagen Beetle?
For 2005–2019 models, the Volkswagen Beetle has 24.8 owner complaints per 10,000 sold and the Nissan Altima has 27.7, counting the same model years for both.
What is the most common problem on the Nissan Altima?
The most-reported problem on the Nissan Altima is airbags, seatbelts and restraints, typically around 32,000 miles.
What is the most common problem on the Volkswagen Beetle?
The most-reported problem on the Volkswagen Beetle is harsh, delayed or erratic shifting, typically around 73,525 miles.
Which Nissan Altima and Volkswagen Beetle years have the most complaints?
Relative to each vehicle's typical year: Nissan Altima: 2008–2009 and 2013–2014; Volkswagen Beetle: 2005 and 2015–2016.
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, recalls and investigations; US sales from public industry figures; repair costs from book labor hours and parts pricing at national rates. Complaints are self-reported and not independently verified. Problem lists cover each vehicle’s full history. This is not a recommendation to buy or avoid either vehicle.