2021 Nissan Altima Problems
What owners have reported about the 2021 Nissan Altima, which problems come up most, at what mileage, and which recalls to check.
From NHTSA owner complaints and recalls. Updated Oct 17, 2026.
Is the 2021 Nissan Altima a good year?
It's one of the better years for the Altima. Owners have filed 70 complaints with NHTSA, the 14th most of 17 Altima model years. The most reported problems involve the emergency braking system, brakes and electrical system.
70 complaints 2 recalls, 1 crash risk 14th worst of 17 Altima years
Top 2021 Nissan Altima problems
Emergency braking problems
22 complaints (31%) name the emergency braking system, most often the automatic emergency braking and warnings.
Brake problems
21 complaints (30%) name the brakes.
Electrical problems
21 complaints (30%) name the electrical system, most often the speedometer / odometer.
Steering problems
7 complaints (10%) name the steering.
Which parts fail most
Share of complaints that name each system. One complaint can name several.
Mileage when it failed
Each dot is a complaint that gave a mileage (12 of 70). The amber line is the middle value, about 43,000 miles.
When problems were reported
Complaints by the year the problem happened.
2021 Nissan Altima recalls
Camera
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." A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Recall 23V628000 · Sep 2023Loose tie rod can cause loss of steering
Crash riskThe tie rod ball joint fastener was not tightened properly, so the joint could separate from the steering knuckle. If that happens, the driver can lose steering control and the risk of a crash goes up.
Fix: The dealer will tighten the left and right tie rod ball joint fasteners, or install new fasteners if needed, at no cost to you.
Recall 21V138000 · Mar 2021Get an email when your 2021 Nissan Altima gets a new recall
We check NHTSA every month. If a new recall or safety investigation covers the 2021 Nissan Altima, you'll hear about it the same week.
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Altima years to avoid
Total NHTSA complaints by model year. Newer years have had less time on the road, so their totals will keep climbing. See the full comparison.
Common questions
Is the 2021 Nissan Altima a reliable year?
It's one of the better years for the Altima. Owners have filed 70 complaints with NHTSA, the 14th most of 17 Altima model years. The most reported problems involve the emergency braking system, brakes and electrical system.
What are the most common 2021 Nissan Altima problems?
Owners most often report problems with the emergency braking system, brakes, electrical system and steering. 22 complaints (31%) name the emergency braking system, most often the automatic emergency braking and warnings.
At what mileage do 2021 Nissan Altima emergency braking system problems start?
Reported mileage ranged widely, but most complaints fell between about 17,000–17,000 miles, with a middle value near 17,000 miles.
How many recalls does the 2021 Nissan Altima have?
2. Camera (23V628000); Loose tie rod can cause loss of steering (21V138000). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if the work was done.
Should I buy a used 2021 Nissan Altima?
Ask for service records covering the emergency braking system, confirm the recall work was done, and compare with the 2023, 2022 and 2024 models, which have the fewest complaints.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases. Complaints are unverified owner reports. Counts include each complaint once per model year.