2021 Nissan Altima: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2021 Nissan Altima? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 59 complaints, with Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB as the top reported area.
2021 Nissan Altima Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2021 Nissan Altima trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2021 Nissan Altima Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2021 Nissan Altima 4 DR AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
9.2% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
9.2% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2021 Nissan Altima has 59 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Altima
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 59
- Crash-related complaints
- 4
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 31
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 27 / 37
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 5/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2021 Nissan Altima Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB
Electrical Faults
Brake System
Complaint patterns center on Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB, Electrical Faults, Brake System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2021 Nissan Altima?
The 2021 Nissan Altima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2021 Nissan Altima
Inspection Focus
- Test the Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB system during a test drive.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and brake system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Test the Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB system during a test drive.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for electrical and brake system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 Nissan Altima, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The 2021 Nissan Altima has 59 NHTSA complaints, with the highest volume in Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB (21 complaints) and Electrical Faults (18 complaints). Brake System issues also appear frequently (18 complaints). There are 2 recalls and 4 crash-related complaints, but the low confidence level suggests caution in interpretation.
- Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB accounts for the largest share of complaints (21 out of 59).
- Electrical Faults and Brake System issues each have 18 complaints, tied for second most.
- There are 2 recalls for the 2021 model year.
- Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB
- Electrical Faults
- Brake System
All 2021 Nissan Altima Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Nissan Altima. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 21 | 3 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 18 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Brake System | 18 | 2 | 1 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 10 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 6 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Nissan Altima. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving on four occasions, the front driver's side seat belt unintendedly unbuckled. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure milea…
Steering wheel module buttons are not working . / needs a sensor replaced - recalibration.
The system malfunctioning is the front sensor braking. My safety and others were put at risk with this because multiple times my car has braked me and or completely stopped me because it’s malfunctioning , it happens while I am on a busy street and someone even almost rear ended …
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that after stopping at a traffic light, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where…
Passenger back locks stopped working first. Then driver side back locks. Now both driver and passenger front locks will not lock/unlock automatically. This is scary when not being able to get in/out of vehicle for an emergency. I have reviewed multiple complaints and it appears t…
Back up camera display distorted
Vehicle Breaking on Its Own While Driving I am writing to file a formal safety complaint and to demand immediate corporate intervention regarding an extremely dangerous mechanical/ADAS defect. My Nissan Altima has serious, ongoing safety issues where the vehicle will unexpectedly…
RE: Formal Demand for Vehicle Repurchase/ Buyback due to Critical Safety Defect- Vehicle Breaking on Its Own While Driving I am writing to file a formal safety complaint and to demand immediate corporate intervention regarding an extremely dangerous mechanical/ADAS defect in my …
Hi this is in reference to my 2021 Nissan altima. The fob key entry and electrical door control doesn't work. The automator for my doors have had to be replaced. First the rear passenger and five days later the rear passenger door on drivers side and now the drivers door. As a s…
The Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system in my 2021 Nissan Altima SR frequently malfunctions. The forward radar sensor, located behind the front grille, becomes easily obstructed by normal road dirt or weather conditions. When this happens, the system falsely detects obstacle…
The transmission is jerking while driving. it has been doing this since purchased in 2021. I have reported this several times to nissan and the consumer advisors deemed it undrivable but no on has resolved the issue.
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the brakes independently activated, and the rear of the vehicle fishtailed. The contact stated an unknown warning light showing an image of the rear of the vehicle was briefly illuminated. In addition…
Rear Crash warning comes on when stopped at light , or when car is put in reverse and nothings there . also wiper refill warning. stays on even when full. Has been reported to dealership more than once also hear clicking at speeds over 50 mph.
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormally loud clicking sound coming from the vehicle. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed w…
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2021 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while attempting to register the vehicle, it was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 35,189 and at the …
About a month ago I noticed my backup camera had gotten dark. I didn’t worry much about it until it started glitching a couple days ago. I gave it a couple of days thinking it would go away but it hasn’t. It either glitches with lines through it, it freezes, or goes black altoget…
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, there were abnormal sounds coming from the engine compartment. The contact inspected the vehicle and sent off an oil sample. The contact stated that a metal fragme…
Stating that something is malfunctioning and see owners manual
The contact rented a 2021 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to respond. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that it felt like the brakes were inoperable. The vehicle was then take…
Windshield Repair Issue I have a cracked windshield that I attempted to have repaired through my insurance company. The repair company I was sent to was unable to remove the windshield, so they referred me to Nissan, as they are the manufacturer of my vehicle. However, when I we…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Nissan Altima.
2021 Nissan Altima Recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Nissan Altima. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2021 Nissan Altima Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Nissan Altima reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 59 owner complaints, 4 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 Nissan Altima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Nissan Altima?▾
#1: Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB (21 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (18 complaints). #3: Brake System (18 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Nissan Altima?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Nissan Altima?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Nissan Altima, NHTSA complaints include 4 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 59 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Nissan Altima have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Nissan Altima. A major recall area is STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2021 Nissan Altima?▾
The 2021 Nissan Altima shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Nissan Altima reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2021 Nissan Altima based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.