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
79/100
Latest model-year reliability score
4.0/5
RepairPal rating (medium)
$483
Avg annual repair cost vs $526 category avg
#11/24
Ranking in midsize cars · better than 54% of peers
Data sourced from Auto Reliability Index, aggregating NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, and RepairPal repair-cost records.
Used-car research
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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
What owners reported
2021 Nissan Altima owner complaints in detail
Owners have reported 4 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries to NHTSA for the 2021 Nissan Altima. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints14
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2021 Nissan Altima frequently report issues with the vehicle's door locking mechanisms and automatic emergency braking system. Complaints often describe the door locks failing to engage or disengage using the key fob or manual controls, with some owners unable to lock or unlock doors at all. The automatic emergency braking system is also noted for unexpected activation or failure to activate, sometimes accompanied by warning lights, particularly during adverse weather conditions. These problems are typically reported at mileages ranging from 17,000 to 42,500 miles. Safety implications include potential distractions from malfunctioning audio systems and risks associated with unexpected braking or unlocked doors, though no crashes are specifically reported. Buyers should be aware of these recurring electrical issues when considering a used 2021 Altima.
Owner complaints12
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2021 Nissan Altima frequently report issues with the braking system, particularly concerning the automatic emergency braking (AEB) activating unexpectedly and independently. Symptoms commonly described include the brakes engaging without warning, especially under overpasses or approaching intersections, and warning lights related to the vehicle's collision systems illuminating intermittently. Complaints occur at varied mileages, with some issues noted around 40,000 to 45,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with two reported crashes attributed to brake failures, including instances where the brakes did not engage as expected, leading to collisions. Buyers should be aware of these potential issues, especially regarding the AEB system and its impact on vehicle control.
Owners of the 2021 Nissan Altima commonly report issues with the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system, where the vehicle unexpectedly applies the brakes without any obstruction present. Symptoms include sudden braking at high speeds and in clear traffic conditions, often accompanied by warning lights and collision alerts. Complaints frequently mention these issues occurring at various mileages, including vehicles with as few as 10,000 miles. The malfunction creates a risk of rear-end collisions and loss of vehicle control. Multiple owners have sought repairs through dealerships, with some reporting repeated unresolved issues despite service visits.
Owner complaints5
STEERING
Owners of the 2021 Nissan Altima report issues with steering control, particularly involving detached tie rod ball joints and improperly tightened bolts, which can lead to a loss of steering. Complaints frequently mention symptoms such as unusual noises, popping sounds, and loose steering, with some problems occurring as early as 300 miles. One report includes a crash with injury, highlighting the potential for loss of control. Additionally, a complaint links a vehicle malfunction with a digital display error and brake issues. These patterns suggest potential safety implications for steering reliability in this model.
Owners report issues with the 2021 Nissan Altima's engine, noting several distinct problems. Complaints frequently mention a jerking transmission that has persisted since purchase, with no resolution despite multiple reports. Additionally, some owners describe abnormal sounds from the engine compartment, with one owner finding metal fragments in the oil at around 51,000 miles. Another issue involves the car failing to start intermittently, initially attributed to a battery problem but later linked to a faulty engine and alternator. These issues occur over varying mileages and can leave the vehicle undrivable, but no crashes or safety incidents are reported. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring engine-related problems when considering this model.
Owner complaints3
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2021 Nissan Altima report several issues related to vehicle functionality. Frequent complaints describe the backup camera becoming unusable in rainy conditions, with additional reports of false alerts when reversing after rain. Another reported issue involves the vehicle unexpectedly applying brakes on its own, both while driving at approximately 35 mph and when accelerating from a stoplight. Additionally, some owners experience complete electrical failure, rendering the vehicle inoperative, with one owner noting this occurred at both 2,000 and 10,000 miles. These issues have safety implications, including unexpected stopping and loss of control, which could be concerning for potential buyers.
Owner complaints2
VISIBILITY
Owners of the 2021 Nissan Altima report issues related to windshield damage. Complaints frequently mention cracked windshields, sometimes caused by external impacts like rocks while driving. One owner describes difficulty in replacing the windshield due to the risk of damaging the windshield wiper motor, which complicates repairs. Another owner does not report any repair attempts or manufacturer involvement. These issues are noted at approximately 41,000 miles and pose potential safety implications due to compromised structural integrity of the vehicle.
Owner complaints2
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2021 Nissan Altima frequently report issues with the vehicle's CVT transmission. Common symptoms include a front seal leak and significant power loss while driving, with some reports indicating the issue occurs at speeds of 50 mph or more, which poses a safety risk. These problems are noted at various mileages, with some occurring as early as 25,000 miles and others around 51,000 miles. The recurring nature of these issues suggests potential reliability concerns for used car buyers, especially regarding the longevity of the CVT transmission.
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
65.4%estimated value retained after 5 years
720listings in the model-level benchmark
$19,998median asking price from 60 listings
Listing benchmarks establish a market range; trim, mileage, condition, title history and prior damage determine what one vehicle is worth.
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
✓Available title brand history
✓Odometer readings & rollback detection
✓Accident & damage records
✓Auction sales with photos
✓Open safety recalls
✓Theft & stolen vehicle check
Check a 2021 Nissan Altima now
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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.
