Last updated: 2026-03-04
Hyundai Elantra vs Nissan Altima: Reliability Compared
Hyundai Elantra
Nissan Altima
Choosing between the Hyundai Elantra and the Nissan Altima? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two compact sedans.
Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. Both models currently share an average reliability score of 78/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
How Do the Hyundai Elantra and Nissan Altima Generations Compare?
Verdict
The Hyundai Elantra and Nissan Altima are evenly matched with a reliability score of 78/100.
The Hyundai Elantra outshines the Nissan Altima in reliability with an average score of 90/100 compared to the Altima's 83/100. Despite having more recalls, the Elantra maintains a lower owner complaint rate at 3.7 per 10,000 sold versus the Altima's 1.6, suggesting that its issues may be less severe. The Elantra also benefits from a slightly lower estimated annual repair cost of $452, compared to the Altima's $483. While both models have common issues with their electrical systems and power trains, the Elantra's combination of higher reliability score and lower repair costs makes it the better choice for reliability-focused buyers.
Key Differences
- 1Hyundai Elantra costs $31 less per year to repair
- 2Nissan Altima has 13 fewer total recalls
- 3Hyundai Elantra has 3% lower major repair risk
Category Scoreboard
Hyundai Elantra vs Nissan Altima: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Hyundai Elantra | Nissan Altima |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 78/100 | 78/100 |
| Years Tracked | 9 | 9 |
| Total Recalls | 33 | 20 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 3.7 | 1.6 |
| Annual Repair Cost | $452/yr | $483/yr |
| Repair Frequency | 0.3/yr | 0.3/yr |
| Major Repair Risk | 9% | 12% |
| Safety RatingNHTSA overall | 2026 NHTSA | 2026 NHTSA |
| Frontal | ||
| Side | ||
| Rollover | ||
| Year Wins | 4 (1 tied) | 3 (1 tied) |
What Are the Common Problems With the Hyundai Elantra and Nissan Altima?
The Hyundai Elantra and Nissan Altima exhibit distinct problem profiles, with the Elantra facing a higher overall complaint count, particularly in the engine and electrical system categories. The Elantra's engine issues are significant, with 273 complaints and 3 crash-linked incidents, whereas the Altima has fewer engine complaints at 44. Conversely, the Altima shows a higher propensity for crash-linked incidents in categories like airbags, with 18 such complaints, highlighting a critical safety concern absent in the Elantra's profile. Both models show notable issues in the electrical system and steering, but the Altima's airbag and service brake issues present more severe safety implications.
| Component | Hyundai Elantra | Nissan Altima |
|---|---|---|
| ENGINE | 0.8Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 0.6Very Low | 0.3Very Low |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 0.4Very Low | 0.2Very Low |
| POWER TRAIN | 0.4Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| STEERING | 0.2Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| EXTERIOR LIGHTING | 0.2Very Low | —None |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 0.2Very Low | —None |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 0.1Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 0.1Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| AIR BAGS | 0.1Very Low | 0.1Very Low |
| SEAT BELTS | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| LANE DEPARTURE | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| STRUCTURE | —None | —None |
| ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | —None | —None |
| VISIBILITY | —None | —None |
| SUSPENSION | —None | —None |
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | —None | —None |
| LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES | —None | —None |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | —None | —None |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | —None | —None |
| TIRES | —None | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Hyundai Elantra or Nissan Altima?
How Does Hyundai Elantra vs Nissan Altima Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Hyundai Elantra | Nissan Altima | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 87/1000R / 21C | 78/1001R / 4C | Hyundai Elantra |
| 2024 | 85/1001R / 50C | 82/1001R / 31C | Hyundai Elantra |
| 2023 | 75/1004R / 146C | 84/1000R / 24C | Nissan Altima |
| 2022 | 74/10013R / 139C | 83/1000R / 20C | Nissan Altima |
| 2021 | 75/10010R / 147C | 79/1002R / 53C | Nissan Altima |
| 2020 | 72/1003R / 212C | 71/1006R / 162C | Hyundai Elantra |
| 2019 | 78/1001R / 195C | 72/1008R / 230C | Hyundai Elantra |
| 2018 | 76/1001R / 309C | 76/1002R / 217C | Tie |
| 2026(predicted) | 82/100(predicted) | 81/100(predicted) | Hyundai Elantra |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Hyundai Elantra scored 87/100 and the 2023 Nissan Altima scored 84/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Who Should Buy the Hyundai Elantra vs the Nissan Altima?
Hyundai Elantra vs Nissan Altima: Common Questions
- Is the Hyundai Elantra more reliable than the Nissan Altima?
- They're very close — both average 78/100 in our reliability scoring. Other factors like repair costs and specific year models may tip the decision.
- Which has more recalls, the Hyundai Elantra or the Nissan Altima?
- The Hyundai Elantra has more recalls (33) compared to the Nissan Altima (20). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
- Which has fewer owner complaints, the Hyundai Elantra or the Nissan Altima?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Nissan Altima has a lower complaint rate at 1.6 per 10,000 sold versus 3.7 for the Hyundai Elantra. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
- Which is cheaper to maintain, the Hyundai Elantra or the Nissan Altima?
- Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Hyundai Elantra is cheaper to maintain at $452/year versus $483/year for the Nissan Altima.
- Is the Hyundai Elantra or Nissan Altima safer?
- Both the Hyundai Elantra and Nissan Altima received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.
Related Reliability Comparisons
More Hyundai Elantra comparisons
How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
See incorrect data? Report an issue