2021 Nissan Altima recalls and problems

The 2021 Nissan Altima has 2 safety recalls and 72 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Nissan dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
72
Crashes / fires
8 / 1
Injuries / deaths
4 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2021 Nissan Altima vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2021 Nissan Altima recalls

Recall 23V-628: Back Over Prevention

Reported Sep 8, 2023 · 153,376 vehicles affected · Nissan North America, Inc.

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.

Recall 21V-138: Steering

Reported Mar 4, 2021 · 2,407 vehicles affected · Nissan North America, Inc.

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.

2021 Nissan Altima problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Forward Collision Avoidance26
Electrical System22
Service Brakes18
Unknown or Other12
Steering8
Engine7
Suspension6
Back Over Prevention4
Latches/Locks/Linkages3
Seats3
Power Train3
Seat Belts3

Most reported parts

  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 18
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 7
  • Back Over Prevention › Warnings — 3
  • Structure › Body — 1
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Doors › Latch — 1
  • Visibility › Windshield — 1
  • Visibility › Windshield Wiper/Washer — 1
  • Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 44,011 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2021 Nissan Altima complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Steering · reported Nov 11, 2026
As I was making a turn on the highway my steering completely went out. I was in the far left lane ended up in the right lane and hit the median. I had to wheel turned all the way to the left and I still was heading straight when I got out and assess the vehicle. I noticed I was not only driving on the rim, but my entire tire was gone and my axle and other components were disconnected. The police evaluated that was the cause of the crash.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · at 97,350 miles · reported Sep 10, 2026
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. Due to the failure, the vehicle crashed into another vehicle. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,350.
Electrical System · reported Jul 23, 2026
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 no recalls on the vehicle and that basically my car was one of the cars that got put in the bad batch. I was also told that the only recall on this car was the hood. No one could open the hood, even if I pull the latch…
Service Brakes · reported 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.
Forward Collision Avoidance · reported Jul 8, 2026
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.

Other Nissan Altima years

Compare all Nissan Altima years · All Nissan models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Nissan Altima have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Nissan Altima: 23V-628 (back over prevention), 21V-138 (steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 Nissan Altima?

Owners report forward collision avoidance problems most often (26 reports), followed by electrical system (22). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 44,011 miles.

Are Nissan recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Nissan dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.