2021 Nissan Altima Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2021 Nissan Altima has a complaint index of 15, the lowest among most Altima years, and ranks 18th worst out of 21 model years, earning a Best verdict. It has 70 complaints, 2 recalls, and no do-not-drive campaigns.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 15/100
- #18 of 21 Altima years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 70
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 7
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 4
- Top issue
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 30
- 26.5 city / 36 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 4 / 0
Top 2021 Nissan Altima problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras25 (36%)
- Brakes21 (30%)
- Electrical System21 (30%)
- Other12 (17%)
- Engine7 (10%)
- Steering7 (10%)
- Structure & Body6 (9%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires6 (9%)
- Seat Belts3 (4%)
- Transmission & Powertrain3 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners describe sudden loss of steering control accompanied by dashboard malfunction alerts and seat vibration warnings.
- Multiple drivers report the brakes failing to stop the vehicle even with hard pedal pressure, sometimes at low speed in parking lots.
- Some owners say the automatic emergency braking or forward collision system did not engage before a crash.
- One owner reported airbags failing to deploy during a side-impact collision.
- A driver's side door reportedly locked and would not open with the handle or key fob, requiring exit through a window.
- One report describes a rear tire blowout at highway speed linked to low tire pressure readings on the TPMS.
2021 Nissan Altima recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V628000Sep 8, 2023Collision Avoidance & Cameras153,376 vehicles
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
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."
Risk: 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.
- NHTSA 21V138000Mar 4, 2021Steering2,407 vehicles
Steering:linkages:tie rod assembly
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.
Risk: 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.
2021 Nissan Altima fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 26.5 MPG
- Highway
- 36 MPG
- Combined
- 30 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,175
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2021 compared with other Altima years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Nissan Altima reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2021 Altima ranks 18th worst out of 21 model years with a complaint index of 15, earning a Best verdict relative to other Altima years.
- What are the main problem areas for the 2021 Nissan Altima?
- NHTSA complaints show Collision Avoidance & Cameras (25 complaints, 36% share), Brakes (21 complaints, 30% share), and Electrical System (21 complaints, 30% share) as the top reported problem areas.
- Does the 2021 Nissan Altima have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists two recalls: one for a rearview camera harness that can cause image distortion or loss, and one for tie rod ball joint fasteners that were not properly tightened. Neither is a do-not-drive recall.
- How many complaints does the 2021 Nissan Altima have?
- NHTSA lists 70 complaints for the 2021 Altima, including 7 crashes, 1 fire, and 4 injuries, with a median mileage at failure of 42,897 miles.
- How does the 2021 Altima compare to other model years?
- The 2021 Altima's complaint index of 15 is far below years like 2013 (100) and 2009 (95), which are rated Avoid, making 2021 one of the better years for the model.