2021 Nissan Altima VIN Check, Recalls & Reliability
The 2021 Nissan Altima has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 53 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Nissan Altima. Severity signals include 4 crash-related complaints and 1 fire-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (14), Service Brakes (10), Forward Collision Avoidance (5).
Altima reliability snapshot
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
Research the Nissan Altima before checking the VIN
Compare model years, recurring problems, safety campaigns and market value first. Then use the VIN to verify the history of the individual car.
Most-reported 2021 Nissan Altima issues
Owner-reported problem categories from NHTSA complaint filings. Counts reflect complaints per category for the most-recent model year on file.
- Electrical System14
- Service Brakes10
- Forward Collision Avoidance5
- Steering5
- Engine3
- Unknown Or Other3
Pre-purchase inspection checklist for the 2021 Nissan Altima
Hands-on checks distilled from real NHTSA complaint patterns and recall histories. Bring this list to a test drive or mechanic inspection.
- Test door locks with key fob and manual controls
- Check for unexpected braking or warning lights in the AEB system
- Inspect CVT transmission for leaks and power loss
- Verify backup camera functionality in various weather conditions
- Examine steering for looseness or unusual noises
- Inspect engine for abnormal sounds or starting issues
2021 Altima recalls (2)
Every NHTSA safety recall logged against the 2021 Altima. A VIN check confirms whether any recall remains unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
- BACK OVER PREVENTIONNHTSA 23V628000Sep 8, 2023
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. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
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. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23C3.
- STEERINGNHTSA 21V138000Mar 4, 2021
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.
Consequence: A detached tie rod ball joint can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7769. Nissan's number for this recall is PC795.
Used-market value
2021 Nissan Altima resale snapshot
Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.
2021 Nissan Altima on the road
103,776 2021 Nissan Altima units were sold new in the US — a key signal for the size of today's used-market inventory.
How the 2021 Nissan Altima stacks up against rivals
The most-shopped alternatives in the same segment. Each link opens a side-by-side reliability and cost comparison.
Reliability verdict for the 2021 Nissan Altima
With an 84/100 reliability score against a 79/100 segment average, the 2021 Nissan Altima rates above average for its class. That points to generally solid dependability rather than standout or class-leading results. As year three of its generation, it reflects a model that’s no longer in its earliest production phase.
Complaint activity is not evenly spread across the vehicle. Reports cluster most heavily in the electrical system and service brakes, with smaller but notable concentrations in forward collision avoidance and steering. Engine-related complaints appear comparatively limited, suggesting fewer concerns in that area relative to the main hotspots. The recall count is limited, indicating fewer factory-corrected issues than models with elevated recall activity.
Overall, the data supports a moderate-to-low buyer risk level.
What you get in a 2021 Nissan Altima report
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2021 Nissan Altima — Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Nissan Altima reliable?
With an 84/100 reliability score against a 79/100 segment average, the 2021 Nissan Altima rates above average for its class. That points to generally solid dependability rather than standout or class-leading results. As year three of its generation, it reflects a model that’s no longer in its earliest production phase.
How many recalls does the 2021 Nissan Altima have?
2 NHTSA safety recalls have been issued for the 2021 Nissan Altima. A VIN check confirms whether any remain unrepaired on a specific vehicle.
What are the most common 2021 Nissan Altima problems?
The most-reported 2021 Nissan Altima problem areas are: Electrical System (14), Service Brakes (10), Forward Collision Avoidance (5).
Should I run a VIN check on a 2021 Nissan Altima?
Yes. A VIN report verifies title brands, odometer history, accident records, and recall completion on a specific 2021 Nissan Altima, complementing the model-year reliability data on this page.