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2021 Nissan Altima recalls & problems

The 2021 Nissan Altima has 2 safety recalls and 70 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is forward collision avoidance (26 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls
Complaints70filed by owners
Crashes · fires7 · 1reported in complaints
NHTSA overall5 ★crash-test stars
2021 Nissan Altima in an NHTSA crash test
NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

Back over preventionSep 8, 2023

Sensing system › Camera

Recall 23V628000153,376 vehicles

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.
SteeringMar 4, 2021

Linkages › Tie rod assembly

Recall 21V1380002,407 vehicles

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.

Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Crash test ratings

2021 Nissan Altima 4 DR AWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk9.2%

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard

2021 Nissan Altima 4 DR FWD

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★
Rollover risk9.2%

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard

2021 Nissan Altima NHTSA side crash test
NHTSA side barrier crash test
2021 Nissan Altima NHTSA side pole crash test
NHTSA side pole crash test

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.

Fuel economy

Altima

32mpg combined
City / highway28 / 39 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,100/year to fuel

Altima SR

31mpg combined
City / highway27 / 37 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,150/year to fuel

Altima SV/SL

31mpg combined
City / highway27 / 37 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,150/year to fuel

Altima AWD

29mpg combined
City / highway26 / 35 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,300/year to fuel

Altima AWD SR/Platinum

29mpg combined
City / highway25 / 34 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2.5 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · All-Wheel Drive · about $2,300/year to fuel

Altima SR/Platinum

29mpg combined
City / highway25 / 34 mpg
FuelRegular Gasoline

2 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,300/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem areaComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuriesTypical mileage*
Forward collision avoidanceAutomatic emergency braking; Warnings26703—
Electrical systemInstrument panel › Speedometer/odometer21212—
Service brakes18311—
Unknown or other12101—
Steering7111—
Engine6000—
Suspension5000—
Back over preventionWarnings4000—
Latches/locks/linkagesDoors › Latch; Doors › Lock3000—
Seats3000—
Power train3000—
Seat beltsFront › Buckle assembly3101—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations