2021 Nissan Altima
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Forward collision avoidance is the leading concern among 70 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 22nd highest complaint count among 26 Altima model years with reports.
Of the 2021 reports, 7 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 4 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Back over prevention, sensing system, cameraSep 8, 2023
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."
A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 23V628000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, linkages, tie rod assemblyMar 4, 2021
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.
A detached tie rod ball joint can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 21V138000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: engine
7 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 21, 2026
While heading west on interstate after a Drs. Appointment my wife was driving our 2021 Nissan Altima when suddenly there was a loss of power to the engine as if the engine was overheating or had loss of fuel or only able to slowly exit the freeway to a safe place and call a tow truck, after 1 1/2 days of diagnosing and testing. I was able to drive the vehicle with no issues for approximately 4000 miles when the exact problem has occurred this past Friday 6-19-2026
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 16, 2026
Often while driving the car loses power as if the power went off or I ran out of gas,,, studder for a moment then pick up power to continue to drive is the best way I can describe it. Immediately after I get a notification on the dashboard saying maintenance something
Engine, May 6, 2026
Dealership found metal contamination in oil pan from engine. They diagnosed as car needing a new engine due to engine failure. The car only has 90,000 miles and it’s a 2021.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 11, 2026
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 it was determined that there was debris in the engine oil pan. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, and debris was found in the engine oil pan. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHSTA Campaign: 26V080000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.
Engine, Aug 1, 2025
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.
Engine, May 13, 2025
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 fragment was found in the engine oil. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 51,000.
Engine, Apr 6, 2024
This has been an ongoing issue for over 2 years where I go somewhere, park and come back out and my car won’t start. I literally have to have someone come in to give me a jump so the whole time I was thinking it was a bad battery so I went and bought a new battery. Well fast forward not even 7 months later I’m in the same position I go to the store come out and my car completely has no power so I take the car to autozone and what do you know a faulty engine and alternator. So I get on line and see I’m not the only one with this issue. My main concern is I’ve always gone to my car dealership to get oil changes and not once have they ever told me after putting my car on the machine that they found an issue with neither. And again this has been going on for quite some time. My issue is now my warranty is out and it just so happen to just have ran out after my last oil change and again this was going on then and they never mentioned it. What are they going to do about this problem.