Nissan Altima vs Subaru Legacy: reliability compared
From 2006 to 2025, owners filed an average of 553 complaints per model year about the Nissan Altima and 83 about the Subaru Legacy.
Side by side
| Nissan Altima | Subaru Legacy | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years compared | 2006-2025 | 2006-2025 |
| Owner complaints | 11,064 | 1,664 |
| Complaints per model year | 553 | 83 |
| Recalls | 43 | 50 |
| Years to avoid | 2008200920132014 | 20112015 |
| Best years | 201820192020 | 200720212022 |
| Most common problem | Transmission | Electrical |
| Crash rating | No data | No data |
| Fuel economy | 28-31 mpg combined (2025) | 26-30 mpg combined (2025) |
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
| Altima | Legacy | |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 1,914 | 211 |
| Airbags | 1,587 | 210 |
| Engine | 1,363 | 218 |
| Electrical | 1,354 | 309 |
| Steering | 1,251 | 81 |
| Lights | 1,133 | 54 |
| Visibility | 476 | 300 |
| Brakes | 576 | 121 |
Questions about the Nissan Altima vs Subaru Legacy
Which is more reliable, the Nissan Altima or the Subaru Legacy?
Between 2006 and 2025, the Nissan Altima has 4 years to avoid and the Subaru Legacy 2. The Subaru Legacy has been more consistent from year to year. By raw volume, the Subaru Legacy drew fewer complaints per model year (83 vs 553), though sales volume affects that number.
Which has more recalls, the Nissan Altima or the Subaru Legacy?
From 2006 to 2025, the Nissan Altima was covered by 43 recalls and the Subaru Legacy by 50.
What years of the Nissan Altima and Subaru Legacy should you avoid?
Nissan Altima: 2008, 2009, 2013 and 2014. Subaru Legacy: 2011 and 2015.
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