Which Ford Fusion years should I avoid?

NHTSA data flags 2010, 2011, and 2012 as the Fusion years to avoid, with 2010 posting the highest complaint index (100) and steering as the top problem area at 31% of all Fusion complaints.

Which Nissan Altima years should I avoid?

NHTSA data flags 2013 through 2016 as the Altima years to avoid, with 2013 having the highest complaint index (100) and electrical system issues as the leading problem area at 24% of all Altima complaints.

Does the Ford Fusion or Nissan Altima have more complaints?

The Fusion has 18,209 total complaints across 11 model years (1,655 per year on average) versus the Altima's 7,162 complaints across 16 model years (448 per year on average). Totals are not sales-normalized, so this does not prove one is less reliable.

Which gets better fuel economy, the Fusion or Altima?

The Altima averages 28.6 mpg combined across its model years versus 25 mpg combined for the Fusion.

Which car has had more recalls?

The Ford Fusion has had 46 recall campaigns across 11 model years, compared to 33 recall campaigns for the Nissan Altima across 16 model years.

Ford Fusion vs Nissan Altima: Which Years to Avoid

Ford Fusion years to avoid are 2010-2012, led by steering complaints; Nissan Altima years to avoid are 2013-2016, dominated by electrical and transmission complaints. Fusion averages 25 mpg combined with 46 recalls across 11 model years; Altima averages 28.6 mpg with 33 recalls across 16 model years.

Head to head

Ford Fusion

Model years: 2010–2020 (11)
NHTSA complaints: 18,209
Per model year: 1,655
Recall campaigns: 46
Years to avoid: 2010, 2011, 2012
Best years: 2018, 2019, 2020
Top problem area: Steering
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 25.0
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 4.8 ★

Nissan Altima

Model years: 2010–2025 (16)
NHTSA complaints: 7,162
Per model year: 448
Recall campaigns: 33
Years to avoid: 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
Best years: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2025
Top problem area: Electrical System
Avg. EPA combined MPG: 28.6
Avg. NHTSA overall rating: 4.9 ★

Year by year

Complaint Index is relative within each model (0 = that model’s best year, 100 = its worst). Complaints and recalls are raw counts.

Year	Fusion				Altima
Year	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG	Verdict	Complaints	Recalls	MPG
2010	Avoid	5,120	11	23	Caution	380	2	24.5
2011	Avoid	2,786	7	23.5	Good	241	1	26
2012	Avoid	2,516	5	23.5	Caution	426	4	24.5
2013	Caution	1,791	19	26.5	Avoid	2,312	12	26
2014	Caution	1,330	19	26.5	Avoid	1,114	8	28
2015	Good	993	13	26	Avoid	953	10	28.5
2016	Caution	1,627	13	26	Avoid	553	4	30
2017	Good	1,110	4	25	Caution	391	3	30
2018	Best	439	2	25	Good	225	2	30
2019	Best	315	3	25	Caution	232	7	30
2020	Best	182	3	25	Good	158	6	30
2021	—	—	—	—	Best	70	2	30
2022	—	—	—	—	Best	30	0	30.5
2023	—	—	—	—	Best	29	0	29.5
2024	—	—	—	—	Good	41	1	29.5
2025	—	—	—	—	Best	7	2	30

Complaint Index by year

Ford Fusion

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Nissan Altima

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Frequently asked questions

Which Ford Fusion years should I avoid?: NHTSA data flags 2010, 2011, and 2012 as the Fusion years to avoid, with 2010 posting the highest complaint index (100) and steering as the top problem area at 31% of all Fusion complaints.
Which Nissan Altima years should I avoid?: NHTSA data flags 2013 through 2016 as the Altima years to avoid, with 2013 having the highest complaint index (100) and electrical system issues as the leading problem area at 24% of all Altima complaints.
Does the Ford Fusion or Nissan Altima have more complaints?: The Fusion has 18,209 total complaints across 11 model years (1,655 per year on average) versus the Altima's 7,162 complaints across 16 model years (448 per year on average). Totals are not sales-normalized, so this does not prove one is less reliable.
Which gets better fuel economy, the Fusion or Altima?: The Altima averages 28.6 mpg combined across its model years versus 25 mpg combined for the Fusion.
Which car has had more recalls?: The Ford Fusion has had 46 recall campaigns across 11 model years, compared to 33 recall campaigns for the Nissan Altima across 16 model years.