2021 Nissan Altima recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Nissan Altima and 70 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are forward collision avoidance (22), service brakes (21), electrical system (21). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 29–32 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2021 ranks #5 of 14 Altima model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (469). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 4.4 per model year.
Recalls 2
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2021 Nissan Altima. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Back over prevention · sensing system · camera
Problem: 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.
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. 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.
Steering · linkages · tie rod assembly
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while pulling out of a parking lot, the contact shifted into drive(D) and then to reverse(R) to exit the parking lot, and while driving 3 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact attempted to forcefully depress the brake pedal; however, the vehicle failed to stop. D…
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 wrong with the vehicle. I took my vehicle to the dealer and was told that there were…
When I make a turn, I hear a clicking noise and also when I come to a complete stop, I can a sound that sounds like a grunting noise. I had new brakes, rotors and brand new tires put on in 2025. I think my ball joints and tie rod is defective. I have a triple AAA membership and I just renewed it in June and it said that my 2021 has two recalls. NHTSA # 23V628000 The back over p…
Safety ratings
2021 Nissan Altima 4 DR AWD
2021 Nissan Altima 4 DR FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2021 Nissan Altima.
Altima
Auto (variable gear ratios) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
Altima AWD
Auto (variable gear ratios) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Nissan Altima have?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Nissan Altima, most recently for back over prevention · sensing system · camera (09/08/2023). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Nissan Altima?
Based on 70 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are forward collision avoidance (22), service brakes (21), electrical system (21).
Is the 2021 Nissan Altima safe?
The 2021 Nissan Altima earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2021 a good year for the Nissan Altima?
The 2021 ranks #5 of 14 Altima model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with fewer complaints than the average year (469). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 4.4 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Nissan Altima get?
EPA ratings for the 2021 Nissan Altima range from 29 to 32 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2021 Nissan Altima in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: ALTIMA, Altima.