2016 Nissan Altima vs 2016 Subaru Outback
Reliability comparison based on NHTSA recall and complaint records.
2016 Nissan Altima
2016 Subaru Outback
Stories from the shop
Reliability scores run close (3.5 versus 3.5). The pick comes down to specific use case more than overall reliability scoring.
If you lean 2016 Nissan Altima, know what you're getting into on powertrain and airbags. Those categories have noticeably more complaints than the 2016 Subaru Outback sees, and they're not cheap items when they go.
Going with the 2016 Subaru Outback? Watch the electrical and visibility. The 2016 Nissan Altima has fewer reports in those categories, so you'd be trading one set of weak spots for another.
On the dollars-and-cents side, total repair exposure across the top problem areas runs 1.2x higher on the 2016 Nissan Altima. That's the number to keep in mind when you're pricing the deal — a $2,000 difference in purchase price disappears the first time you're staring at a transmission rebuild.
Bottom line: pick based on use case more than the spec sheet. If you tow heavy and don't want to think about it, that's one calculation. If you're a daily driver and want the cheapest path forward, that's another. Both of these will get you down the road. We're just telling you where each one is most likely to break.
Side-by-side by problem area
Common questions
Which is more reliable, the 2016 Nissan Altima or the 2016 Subaru Outback?
It's close to a tie. Both vehicles score within 0.2 points on our reliability index (3.5 vs 3.5). At this margin, either choice is defensible — base your decision on the specific failure modes that matter to you.
What goes wrong more often on the 2016 Nissan Altima?
Compared to the 2016 Subaru Outback, the 2016 Nissan Altima sees more reported issues in powertrain and airbags. That doesn't mean it's a bad truck — it means those are the categories worth budgeting for if you go that direction.
What goes wrong more often on the 2016 Subaru Outback?
Compared to the 2016 Nissan Altima, the 2016 Subaru Outback has more complaints in electrical and visibility. Whether that's a deal-breaker depends on the cost and severity — see the comparison table above for repair cost ranges.
Which has more recalls?
Both vehicles have 0 active recalls. Total recall count alone isn't a great signal — what matters is severity. See the recall counts by severity in the comparison table.
Is an extended warranty worth it on either of these?
Both vehicles are out of factory bumper-to-bumper coverage at this point. Combined repair exposure across the top problem categories runs around $13,950 on the higher-risk vehicle. A quality service contract typically costs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years, so a single major failure usually pays for the contract. The math favors warranty coverage on whichever vehicle you choose, especially if you plan to keep it past 100,000 miles.