repaired · 2025 Q3
Sensing system: camera
Risk. A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
2021 Nissan AltimaProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 71 owner complaints about the 2021 Nissan Altima, most often about the electrical system. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 23V-628 the manufacturer reports only 70% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 28, 2026. Updated daily.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Nissan Altima has problems
71 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
22Electrical system3 crash/fire/injury
22Forward collision avoidance4 crash/fire/injury
18Service brakes4 crash/fire/injury
7Steering2 crash/fire/injury
7Engine
5Suspension
4Back over prevention
3Power train
3Seat belts
168 other systems3 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 22 | 3 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 22 | 4 |
| Service brakes | 18 | 4 |
| Steering | 7 | 2 |
| Engine | 7 | 0 |
| Suspension | 5 | 0 |
| Back over prevention | 4 | 0 |
| Power train | 3 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 3 | 1 |
| 8 other systems | 16 | 3 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2021 Nissan Altima recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2022 Q4
Linkages: tie rod assembly
Risk. A detached tie rod ball joint can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Nissan.
Best & worst years
2021 vs. every other Altima year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Altima median. How we score
12210618092108123871601591,0478832761,0918244711,0311,5473812424262,3151,1149565553952262351627132304471
'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2021 Nissan Altima safety ratings
2021 Nissan Altima 4 DR AWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 5 stars (9.2% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Standard
2 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2021 Nissan Altima, and the recalls they led to.
- Hertz/Vehicles Rented with Open RecallsOpen
- Complete loss of motive power due to engine failureLed to recall 25V-437
In owners' words
What Altima owners report
Recent electrical system complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the rear seat belt failed to latch securely. The instrument panel illuminated, and the seat belt warning light remained displayed with a beeping sound during and after the failure. The battery was replaced twice within one year, and the…
Got the car from kingdom Chevy on 66 and western on February 2024 used at 62.000. I took the car back twice because the screen in the car kept cutting off fading on and fading off. Secondly, the Bluetooth plug would not work. I did not have the car a month. They kept telling me that nothing was…
Door lock actuators have failed completely on 2 doors, and intermittently on 1 door of a 2021 Nissan Altima. They do not respond to either the key fob or door button. There are no warnings or indicators associated with this component so it is unknown when the failures first occurred, but it was…
Own a 2021 Altima?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.