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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.

Complaints by model year
  22. 70

Of the 2021 reports, 7 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 4 people were injured.

Primary concernForward collision avoidance22 reports · 31% of complaints
Owner complaints70Filed with NHTSA
Recall relationship2 safety recallsNHTSA campaign records

What owners report most often

  1. Forward collision avoidance22
  2. Electrical system21
  3. Service brakes21
  4. Other or unspecified12
  5. Steering7
  6. Engine6
  7. Suspension5
  8. Back over prevention4

Recalls and investigations

  1. 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

  2. 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: suspension

5 reports, newest first. Show all

  1. Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Jul 10, 2026

    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 prevention sensing system camera & NHTSA# 21V138000 Steering Linkage Tie Rod Assembly.

  2. Suspension, Jun 13, 2025

    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 with fractured front driver's and passenger's side axles. The contact was informed that the driver's and passenger's side axles needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 34,500.

  3. Steering, Suspension, Sep 30, 2023

    My car has a detached tie rod ball joint and is causing a loss of steering control, and increasing the risk of a crash. My children are in danger yet your site says my vin has no safety recall after I reviewed the safety recall for my vehicle and noticed a connection. I can’t afford any repairs and I shouldn’t have to risk my life over a recalled problem with my make model and year vehicle.

  4. Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, May 31, 2023

    Unknown. But upon googling I’ve discovered a recall for ball joint separating from steering column due to bolt not tightened properly which explains the noise I’ve heard since I got It which has now progressed to popping even up exiting the vehicle and shutting the door. Yet, “0 unrepaired recalls” according to you.

  5. Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Nov 10, 2021

    First of all I know there is a break in period. The stering seems to be loose at times almost to loose when I’m turning , especially a more sharper turn. The brakes are loud at a stop almost like they are warped but it only has 300 miles.the suspension, brakes,,underneath the front end, and the steering do not feel like they are one unit.