2021 Nissan Altima
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.
- Complaints
- 70
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Forward collision avoidance
Campaigns on file for 2021
Opened by NHTSA
37% of complaints
Complaints per year
2021: 70 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1993 | 125 |
| 1994 | 113 |
| 1995 | 180 |
| 1996 | 92 |
| 1997 | 108 |
| 1998 | 123 |
| 1999 | 87 |
| 2000 | 160 |
| 2001 | 159 |
| 2002 | 1,047 |
| 2003 | 883 |
| 2004 | 276 |
| 2005 | 1,091 |
| 2006 | 824 |
| 2007 | 471 |
| 2008 | 1,030 |
| 2009 | 1,547 |
| 2010 | 381 |
| 2011 | 241 |
| 2012 | 426 |
| 2013 | 2,310 |
| 2014 | 1,114 |
| 2015 | 955 |
| 2016 | 555 |
| 2017 | 392 |
| 2018 | 226 |
| 2019 | 233 |
| 2020 | 181 |
| 2021 | 70 |
| 2022 | 31 |
| 2023 | 30 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2025 | 6 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Forward collision avoidance
37% · 26 reportsMost commonly citing automatic emergency braking and warnings.
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, 2026-07-08
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, 2021-12-26
Also filed under Electrical system and steering
Electrical system
30% · 21 reportsMost commonly citing speedometer/odometer.
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, 2026-07-23
Service brakes
30% · 21 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
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, 2025-01-17
Steering
10% · 7 reportsEngine
9% · 6 reportsSafety timeline
2 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
-
R
2021-03-31Steering21V138000 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.
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I
2022-12-16Audit queryOpen Hertz/Vehicles Rented with Open Recalls
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R
2023-10-19Back over prevention23V628000 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.
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I
2023-12-13Preliminary evaluationClosed 2025-07-18 Complete loss of motive power due to engine failure
Buy-smart checklist
2021 Nissan Altima — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Forward collision avoidance: 26 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 21 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 21 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 21V138000 · Steering
- Recall 23V628000 · Back over prevention
Other years of this model
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 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.