2021 Nissan Altima Brakes Problems
NHTSA lists 21 brakes complaints for the 2021 Nissan Altima, 30% of its 70 total complaints for the year — the highest share of any Altima model year. There are no related recalls, and the median mileage at failure is 44,794 miles.
- Brakes complaints
- 21
- 30% of 70
- Crashes reported
- 4
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 44,794 mi
- Related recalls
- 0
Typical brake symptoms owners report
- Owners describe pressing the brake pedal and having the car fail to stop or slow as expected, sometimes leading to a crash or a slide into traffic ahead.
- Several complaints describe unexpected automatic braking or "phantom braking," where the car suddenly slows or stops on its own with no obstacle present, sometimes at highway speed.
- Some drivers report the forward collision/automatic braking safety feature failing to engage when needed, contributing to a crash.
- Owners report loud grinding or popping noises from the brakes and front end, in one case starting as early as 300 miles.
- One owner reports a rear brake caliper failure discovered after a dealer initially said the brake pads were fine.
When 2021 Nissan Altima brake complaints were filed
First complaint Nov 10, 2021, latest Sep 10, 2026.
Brakes recalls for the 2021 Nissan Altima
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
Brakes complaints by Altima model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How common are brake complaints for the 2021 Nissan Altima?
- NHTSA lists 21 brakes complaints for the 2021 Altima, which is 30% of all 70 complaints filed for that model year — the largest share among Altima years listed.
- Is there a brake recall for the 2021 Nissan Altima?
- No. NHTSA's data shows no related recalls tied to these brake complaints for the 2021 Altima.
- At what mileage do 2021 Altima brake problems tend to show up?
- The median mileage at failure among reported brake complaints is 44,794 miles.
- Do the brake complaints involve crashes or injuries?
- Yes. Among the 21 brakes complaints, NHTSA records 4 crashes, 1 fire, and 1 injury.
- What kind of brake issues do owners describe most?
- Owners most often describe the brakes failing to stop the car as expected and unexpected automatic braking, or "phantom braking," with no obstacle present.