The Lemon Index

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Nissan Altima vs Hyundai Elantra: which has fewer problems?

Nissan AltimaHyundai Elantra

Photos: Mr.choppers · Elise240SX (Wikimedia Commons)

Verdict

Too close to call

Overall they drew about the same complaints per car sold (70 vs 74). Pick by model year below.

Head to head

Lemon Index
100 = average, lower is better
70
74
Years with fewer complaints
2002–2024
13 of 23
10 of 23
Recalls
2002–2024
107
85
MPG
latest year
28–31
23–54
Crash test
best, latest year
★★★★★
★★★★★
Best year to buy

Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the government within 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average, lower is better. Green check = the better of the two on that line.

Year by year

Shorter bar = fewer complaints per car sold. Tap a year for its full report.

Every Nissan Altima year · Every Hyundai Elantra year · How the index works