Nissan Altima vs Volkswagen Passat: reliability compared
From 2006 to 2022, owners filed an average of 646 complaints per model year about the Nissan Altima and 219 about the Volkswagen Passat.
Side by side
| Nissan Altima | Volkswagen Passat | |
|---|---|---|
| Model years compared | 2006-2022 | 2006-2022 |
| Owner complaints | 10,983 | 3,726 |
| Complaints per model year | 646 | 219 |
| Recalls | 40 | 35 |
| Years to avoid | 2008200920132014 | 2006201220132014 |
| Best years | 201820192020 | 201620172018 |
| Most common problem | Transmission | Airbags |
| Crash rating | No data | No data |
| Fuel economy | 29-32 mpg combined (2022) | 28 mpg combined (2022) |
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 | Passat | |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission | 1,908 | 231 |
| Airbags | 1,584 | 1,533 |
| Engine | 1,352 | 691 |
| Electrical | 1,338 | 551 |
| Steering | 1,245 | 385 |
| Lights | 1,133 | 130 |
| Fuel system | 275 | 501 |
Questions about the Nissan Altima vs Volkswagen Passat
Which is more reliable, the Nissan Altima or the Volkswagen Passat?
Between 2006 and 2022, the Nissan Altima has 4 years to avoid and the Volkswagen Passat 4. Both are about equally consistent from year to year. By raw volume, the Volkswagen Passat drew fewer complaints per model year (219 vs 646), though sales volume affects that number.
Which has more recalls, the Nissan Altima or the Volkswagen Passat?
From 2006 to 2022, the Nissan Altima was covered by 40 recalls and the Volkswagen Passat by 35.
What years of the Nissan Altima and Volkswagen Passat should you avoid?
Nissan Altima: 2008, 2009, 2013 and 2014. Volkswagen Passat: 2006, 2012, 2013 and 2014.
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