MYRModel Year Report

2021 Nissan Altima

▲ Better than typical
2021 Nissan Altima
RENDERED 2026-09-17T01:52:34.403Z

This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Nissan Altima Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2021 highlighted. 1993: 125 complaints 1993 1994: 113 complaints 1995: 180 complaints 1996: 92 complaints 1997: 108 complaints 1998: 123 complaints 1998 1999: 87 complaints 2000: 160 complaints 2001: 159 complaints 2002: 1047 complaints 2003: 883 complaints 2003 2004: 276 complaints 2005: 1091 complaints 2006: 824 complaints 2007: 471 complaints 2008: 1028 complaints 2008 2009: 1547 complaints 2010: 380 complaints 2011: 241 complaints 2012: 425 complaints 2013: 2308 complaints 2013 2014: 1114 complaints 2015: 952 complaints 2016: 553 complaints 2017: 391 complaints 2018: 225 complaints 2018 2019: 230 complaints 2020: 178 complaints 2021: 70 complaints 2021 2022: 30 complaints 2023: 29 complaints 2023 2024: 41 complaints 2025: 6 complaints 2025
2021: 70 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
1993125
1994113
1995180
199692
1997108
1998123
199987
2000160
2001159
20021047
2003883
2004276
20051091
2006824
2007471
20081028
20091547
2010380
2011241
2012425
20132308
20141114
2015952
2016553
2017391
2018225
2019230
2020178
202170
202230
202329
202441
20256

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 37%

37% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 26 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing automatic emergency braking and warnings.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

My car is supposed to have an automatic braking system/collision detection. Two cars in front of me slammed on their brakes and the car in front of me slammed on his brake, and I didn't have enough time to react.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260708

While driving home from work I experienced my fourth or fifth malfunction error flashing across my digital display. It scares me because this time is different.

NHTSA ODI report, 20211226

Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and STEERING

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 30%

30% of complaints: electrical system — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing speedometer/odometer.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Got the car from kingdom Chevy on 66 and western on February 2024 used at 62.000. I took the car back twice because the screen in the car kept cutting off fading on and fading off. Secondly, the Bluetooth plug would not work.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260723

SERVICE BRAKES 30%

30% of complaints: service brakes — 21 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Due to the Pasadena wildfires the car has been highly affected due to the extreme heat and the ashes

NHTSA ODI report, 20250117

STEERING 10%

10% of complaints: steering — 7 distinct reports on file.

CRASH FIRE INJURY
ENGINE 9%

9% of complaints: engine — 6 distinct reports on file.

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20210331 — steering

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Nissan Altima vehicles. The tie rod ball joint fastener was not tightened properly, which could result in the tie rod ball joint detaching from the steering knuckle.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the left and right-side tie rod ball joint fasteners, or install new fasteners as necessary, free of charge. The began March 31, 2021.

Campaign 21V138000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20221216 — AQ (open)

Hertz/Vehicles Rented with Open Recalls

R 20231019 — back over prevention

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Altima and 2020-2021 Sentra vehicles. Damage to the camera harness can cause distortion or loss of the rearview camera display image.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rearview camera and harness for damage and replace them as necessary. If no damage is found, the dealer will apply protective tape and reroute the rearview camera harness. Repairs will be performed free of charge.

Campaign 23V628000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20231213 — PE (closed 20250718)

Complete loss of motive power due to engine failure

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2021 Nissan Altima — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (26 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (21 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for service brakes issues (21 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 21V138000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 23V628000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2022 ▲ 2024 ▲ 1999

WORST YEARS

■ 2013 ■ 2009 ■ 2014

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2021 Nissan Altima reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Nissan Altima is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Nissan Altima?

The most-reported component is forward collision avoidance, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2021 Nissan Altima have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.