2021 Nissan Altima Problems & Owner Complaints

Forward Collision Avoidance 22 4 crash 2 injury

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11749014, 2026 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“While driving home from work I experienced my fourth or fifth malfunction error flashing across my digital display. It scares me because this time is different. This time the flash made the seat vibrate and before I had a chance to react, I totally lost control Of my steering even though I had my hand family placed on each side of the wheel none of my maneuvers resulting in the tires moving in any direction. I was trying to straighten myself out but the trajectory Steered me to the right side of the road and up over the curb which tore out my front end And, had it not been for my superb brak…”
NHTSA complaint #11444993, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I was driving on the interstate in a construction zone and begin reducing speed from about 62 mph after noticing brake lights from cars in the far distance. As the car start to reduce speed, I begin to apply the brakes as I'm approaching the stopped traffic and instead of stopping my car kept going. I pressed the brakes harder, and the car began to slide. After sliding about 9-10 car lengths, I was stopped by rear ending the vehicle in front of me. There was an error message on the dash "Chassis Control System Error See Owner's Manual" that appeared on the dash. I was struck in the back by a T…”
NHTSA complaint #11525319, 2023 · crash

Electrical System 21 2 crash 1 fire 2 injury

“I purchased this car in April 2023 and in December 2023. I had to get a new battery when I purchased a car. They told me that there was no worries or mishaps with the vehicle they said just only normal wear and tear for is a used vehicle. My car is a 2021 Nissan Altima so the car would’ve been about two years old maybe or on his way to be in two years old when I got the car according to the Carfax and the information provided to me it only had one owner previously. I’m not sure what the person did with the car but the battery was bad fast-forward to 2025. I was hit by a F150 truck. I got T-bon…”
NHTSA complaint #11746502, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“While driving home from work I experienced my fourth or fifth malfunction error flashing across my digital display. It scares me because this time is different. This time the flash made the seat vibrate and before I had a chance to react, I totally lost control Of my steering even though I had my hand family placed on each side of the wheel none of my maneuvers resulting in the tires moving in any direction. I was trying to straighten myself out but the trajectory Steered me to the right side of the road and up over the curb which tore out my front end And, had it not been for my superb brak…”
NHTSA complaint #11444993, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Due to the Pasadena wildfires the car has been highly affected due to the extreme heat and the ashes”
NHTSA complaint #11636408, 2025 · fire

Service Brakes 20 3 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11749014, 2026 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Due to the Pasadena wildfires the car has been highly affected due to the extreme heat and the ashes”
NHTSA complaint #11636408, 2025 · fire

“I was driving on the interstate in a construction zone and begin reducing speed from about 62 mph after noticing brake lights from cars in the far distance. As the car start to reduce speed, I begin to apply the brakes as I'm approaching the stopped traffic and instead of stopping my car kept going. I pressed the brakes harder, and the car began to slide. After sliding about 9-10 car lengths, I was stopped by rear ending the vehicle in front of me. There was an error message on the dash "Chassis Control System Error See Owner's Manual" that appeared on the dash. I was struck in the back by a T…”
NHTSA complaint #11525319, 2023 · crash

Unknown Or Other 12 1 crash 1 injury

“On 10/26/23 at 5:00 pm I was involved in an accident I was hit on the front passenger side and none of the airbags deployed I do remember that right on impact immediately my chest started hurting I also hit my head on the driver side window now i dont know how fast i should be going or how hard do i need to be hit for the airbags to deploy but they never did. When I first purchased the vehicle back in May of 2021 I had set up my nissan connect services which i was paying $14.99 a month and in those l services I had an option that if I were to ever be in an accident that it would contact my fam…”
NHTSA complaint #11567063, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11745511, 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”
NHTSA complaint #11744468, 2026

Steering 7 1 crash 1 fire 1 injury

“While driving home from work I experienced my fourth or fifth malfunction error flashing across my digital display. It scares me because this time is different. This time the flash made the seat vibrate and before I had a chance to react, I totally lost control Of my steering even though I had my hand family placed on each side of the wheel none of my maneuvers resulting in the tires moving in any direction. I was trying to straighten myself out but the trajectory Steered me to the right side of the road and up over the curb which tore out my front end And, had it not been for my superb brak…”
NHTSA complaint #11444993, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Due to the Pasadena wildfires the car has been highly affected due to the extreme heat and the ashes”
NHTSA complaint #11636408, 2025 · 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.”
NHTSA complaint #11749536, 2026

Engine 6

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11745511, 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”
NHTSA complaint #11744468, 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.”
NHTSA complaint #11736122, 2026

Suspension 5

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11749536, 2026

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11666708, 2025

“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.”
NHTSA complaint #11547535, 2023

Back Over Prevention 4

“Rear Crash warning comes on when stopped at light , or when car is put in reverse and nothings there . also wiper refill warning. stays on even when full. Has been reported to dealership more than once also hear clicking at speeds over 50 mph.”
NHTSA complaint #11671215, 2025

“The car rear impact warning comes on when driving this has happened at least 5 times Also the windshield washer fluid light comes on even though the reservoir is full”
NHTSA complaint #11594614, 2024

“The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while in reverse, the back over prevention camera malfunctioned and images were displayed distorted at times or black and blue, creating a visibility hazard for the driver. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V628000 (Back Over Prevention). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall The failure mile…”
NHTSA complaint #11576178, 2024

Latches/Locks/Linkages 3

“Rear door locks both do not work other than manually locking. Reported incidents online show many others have had newer Nissan vehicles like our 2021 Nissan Altima with the same issue, some have been locked in the car and had to climb out the window and others said the door unlocked and opened while driving. This is a big concern for me as a mom who has a son driving this car, the entire reason was that the safety ratings were good on this AWD full size 2021 vehicle. We bought it certified pre-owned from the Nissan dealership 2 years ago (2024) and after 1 year, both locks stopped working unle…”
NHTSA complaint #11748567, 2025

“The contact rented a 2021 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the driver's side door was locked and failed to open with the door handle or the key fob. The contact was able to exit the vehicle through the passenger’s side window. The contact was also unable to open the door from the outside. The contact had to use the key to unlock the door. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11448805, 2022

Power Train 3

“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”
NHTSA complaint #11744468, 2026

“TRANSMISSION HAD FRONT SEAL LEAKING.CAR HAS LESS THAN 51,OOO MILES.”
NHTSA complaint #11628170, 2024

“I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding a recurring transmission issue with my 2021 Nissan Altima. The car has been experiencing significant power loss while driving, which I am certain is linked to a malfunctioning CVT transmission system. Despite ensuring that the transmission fluid levels are correct, the problem persists. Recently, the car lost power while I was going at least 50 mph on a busy road, which is very dangerous. Additionally, I have come across numerous complaints from other owners of the same model experiencing similar transmission issues. This history of compla…”
NHTSA complaint #11603901, 2024

Seat Belts 3 1 crash 1 injury

“I purchased this car in April 2023 and in December 2023. I had to get a new battery when I purchased a car. They told me that there was no worries or mishaps with the vehicle they said just only normal wear and tear for is a used vehicle. My car is a 2021 Nissan Altima so the car would’ve been about two years old maybe or on his way to be in two years old when I got the car according to the Carfax and the information provided to me it only had one owner previously. I’m not sure what the person did with the car but the battery was bad fast-forward to 2025. I was hit by a F150 truck. I got T-bon…”
NHTSA complaint #11746502, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving on four occasions, the front driver's side seat belt unintendedly unbuckled. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11732684, 2026

“The backseat driver seatbelt does not click locked. The driver seat squeaks and moves. The driver door locks while trying to open.”
NHTSA complaint #11642343, 2025

Seats 3

“The backseat driver seatbelt does not click locked. The driver seat squeaks and moves. The driver door locks while trying to open.”
NHTSA complaint #11642343, 2025

“The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Altima. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the brakes independently activated, and the rear of the vehicle fishtailed. The contact stated an unknown warning light showing an image of the rear of the vehicle was briefly illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the driver's side front seat frame was fractured, and the seat was loose. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the brake failure was not duplicated. The contact was informed that the driver's side front seat rack was fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. T…”
NHTSA complaint #11675586, 2024

“The drive seat warmer heats up even when the warmer button is off. Also the driver seat seems to be not bolted down correctly you can feel the seat trying to come up when turning and braking”
NHTSA complaint #11518001, 2023

Air Bags 2 2 crash 2 injury

“I purchased this car in April 2023 and in December 2023. I had to get a new battery when I purchased a car. They told me that there was no worries or mishaps with the vehicle they said just only normal wear and tear for is a used vehicle. My car is a 2021 Nissan Altima so the car would’ve been about two years old maybe or on his way to be in two years old when I got the car according to the Carfax and the information provided to me it only had one owner previously. I’m not sure what the person did with the car but the battery was bad fast-forward to 2025. I was hit by a F150 truck. I got T-bon…”
NHTSA complaint #11746502, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“On 10/26/23 at 5:00 pm I was involved in an accident I was hit on the front passenger side and none of the airbags deployed I do remember that right on impact immediately my chest started hurting I also hit my head on the driver side window now i dont know how fast i should be going or how hard do i need to be hit for the airbags to deploy but they never did. When I first purchased the vehicle back in May of 2021 I had set up my nissan connect services which i was paying $14.99 a month and in those l services I had an option that if I were to ever be in an accident that it would contact my fam…”
NHTSA complaint #11567063, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Visibility 2

“Windshield Repair Issue I have a cracked windshield that I attempted to have repaired through my insurance company. The repair company I was sent to was unable to remove the windshield, so they referred me to Nissan, as they are the manufacturer of my vehicle. However, when I went to Nissan, I was informed that they could not remove the necessary bolts to replace my windshield without breaking my windshield wiper motor. This situation poses significant safety risks. A cracked windshield compromises the structural integrity of the vehicle, reducing its ability to protect occupants in the even…”
NHTSA complaint #11644838, 2024

“The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a rock hit the front windshield, causing the windshield to crack. The contact scheduled an appointment with an auto glass company to have the front windshield replaced. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11460048, 2022

Engine And Engine Cooling 1

“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 w…”
NHTSA complaint #11723560, 2026

Structure 1

“The contact rented a 2021 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that the driver's side door was locked and failed to open with the door handle or the key fob. The contact was able to exit the vehicle through the passenger’s side window. The contact was also unable to open the door from the outside. The contact had to use the key to unlock the door. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 2,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11448805, 2022

Tires 1

“The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Altima equipped with Continental Tires, Tire Line: ProContact, Tire Size: 215/55/R17, DOT Number: VY3RWCN5(3621). The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 MPH, the TPMS showed that the tire pressures were low. After stopping the vehicle, the contact discovered a blowout of the driver’s side rear tire. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not contacted. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 6,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11466998, 2022