A dependable modern Altima
The 2021 Altima drew about a third of the model's average complaints. Watch for false automatic braking and the steering tie rod recall.
Updated November 2026 · based on 71 owner complaints and 2 recalls
68 67% below the Altima average
2 free to fix at a dealer
Every Altima year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2021 Altima
Top problems and what they cost
False automatic braking
The front sensor triggers braking with nothing ahead.
Fix: Sensor calibration $150 to $400.
Collision avoidance
Screen and key fob glitches
The center screen cutting out and key fob issues.
Fix: Software update, often free.
Electrical
Tie rod recall
Recall 21V138 covers a steering tie rod that can bend.
Fix: Free under recall.
Steering
Recalls
A detached tie rod ball joint can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.
A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2021 Nissan Altima
- Confirm the tie rod (21V138) and camera (23V628) recalls show as repaired.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2021 Altima has 2 recalls on record, listed below.
- Listen for clicking when turning.Turning the wheel fully both ways at low speed loads the steering hardest. Clicks, grinding or heavy spots point to a worn coupler, rack or power steering fault.
- Watch for false braking on the drive.The automatic emergency braking system can brake hard for no reason, called phantom braking. Testing it around parked cars and overpasses shows whether this car does it.Owners filed 11 complaints about automatic emergency braking problems on the 2021 Altima.
Questions
Is the 2021 Nissan Altima reliable?
A dependable modern Altima. The 2021 Altima drew about a third of the model's average complaints. Watch for false automatic braking and the steering tie rod recall.
How many recalls does the 2021 Nissan Altima have?
2 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Nissan dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2021 Nissan Altima problems?
False automatic braking; Screen and key fob glitches; Tie rod recall.
Crash rating shown for the 2021 Nissan Altima 4 DR AWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.