Kia Optima vs Nissan Altima: reliability compared
From 2006 to 2020, owners filed an average of 452 complaints per model year about the Kia Optima and 725 about the Nissan Altima.
Side by side
| Kia Optima | Nissan Altima | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years compared | 2006-2020 | 2006-2020 |
| Owner complaints | 6,784 | 10,880 |
| Complaints per model year | 452 | 725 |
| Recalls | 18 | 40 |
| Years to avoid | 201120122013201420152016 | 2008200920132014 |
| Best years | 200820092010 | 201820192020 |
| Most common problem | Engine | Transmission |
| Crash rating | No data | No data |
| Fuel economy | 24-41 mpg combined (2020) | 29-32 mpg combined (2020) |
A car that sells more collects more complaints, so the fairest test is the number of years to avoid, which compares each year with a typical year of the same car.
Complaints per model year
Problems compared
| Optima | Altima | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3,331 | 1,337 |
| Electrical | 809 | 1,309 |
| Steering | 739 | 1,238 |
| Brakes | 495 | 539 |
| Transmission | 473 | 1,901 |
| Fuel system | 459 | 275 |
| Airbags | 453 | 1,579 |
| Lights | 344 | 1,132 |
Questions about the Kia Optima vs Nissan Altima
Which is more reliable, the Kia Optima or the Nissan Altima?
Between 2006 and 2020, the Kia Optima has 6 years to avoid and the Nissan Altima 4. The Nissan Altima has been more consistent from year to year. By raw volume, the Kia Optima drew fewer complaints per model year (452 vs 725), though sales volume affects that number.
Which has more recalls, the Kia Optima or the Nissan Altima?
From 2006 to 2020, the Kia Optima was covered by 18 recalls and the Nissan Altima by 40.
What years of the Kia Optima and Nissan Altima should you avoid?
Kia Optima: 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. Nissan Altima: 2008, 2009, 2013 and 2014.
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