Problems · NHTSA complaints

2021 Nissan Altima problems

Owners filed 71 complaints about the 2021 Nissan Altima with NHTSA between Nov 2021 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (22).

Complaints
71
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
7
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
4
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Electrical system22
  2. Forward collision avoidance22
  3. Service brakes18
  4. Engine7
  5. Steering7
  6. Suspension5
  7. Back over prevention4
  8. Service brakes, hydraulic3
  9. Latches/locks/linkages3
  10. Seat belts3
  11. Power train3
  12. Seats3
  13. Air bags2
  14. Visibility2

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20212
20226
202314
202412
202519
202618

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Electrical system

22 reports2 crashes1 fire
“The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the rear seat belt failed to latch securely. The instrument panel illuminated, and the seat belt warning light remained displayed with a beeping sound during and after the failure. The battery was replaced twice within one year, and the vehicle needed to be jumpstarted by AAA due to an issue associated with a sensor. The contact stated that while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the RPC became extremely elevated. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally stalled and shut off unexpectedly. There was an abnormal odor coming from the vehicle which was associated with the radiator. Additionally, Bluetooth calls were dropped, a key fob failed to be recognized by the vehicle, and the TPMS readings were incorrect. The contact also stated that the windshield wiper malfunctioned, and that the remote control needed a battery replacement at the time of purchase, and that the vehicle was pulling to one side whenever the brake pedal was depressed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The dealer associated the failure with a sensor caused…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 28, 2026Electrical system, EngineODI 11774240

Forward collision avoidance

22 reports4 crashes
“My car is supposed to have an automatic braking system/collision detection. Two cars in front of me slammed on their brakes and the car in front of me slammed on his brake, and I didn't have enough time to react. I totalled my car, but my car is supposed to have a safety feature that automatically brakes. The faulty automatic braking didn't engage as it should have.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 8, 2026Service brakes, Forward collision avoidanceCrash reportedODI 11749014

Service brakes

18 reports3 crashes1 fire
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 10, 2026Steering, Suspension, Service brakesODI 11749536

Engine

7 reports
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 21, 2026Unknown or other, EngineODI 11745511

Steering

7 reports1 crash1 fire1 related recall
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 30, 2023Steering, SuspensionODI 11547535

Suspension

5 reports
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 13, 2025SuspensionODI 11666708
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.