Last updated: 2026-10-10
2021 Nissan Altima Reliability Report
The 2021 Nissan Altima rates good for reliability, but owners report door lock failures and automatic braking with nothing ahead.
Recalls
2
Complaints
53
Complaint Rate
5.1per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$483
Annual Fuel Cost
$1,850–$2,050
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
A middle-ranked year with good reliability and lower repair costs than its class, marked by door lock failures, false automatic braking, and two recalls.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (14)
- SERVICE BRAKES (12)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (5)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2021 is year 3 of the Sixth generation (L34).
- Redesigned for the 2019 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- A refresh arrives in 2023.
- 6th generation Altima (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
2019: Sixth generation (L34) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2021: This Model Year
2021 is year 3 of the Sixth generation (L34).
2023: Mid-Cycle Refresh
Updated features and styling tweaks.
Should You Buy the 2021 Nissan Altima?
Reliability is good for this year. It stands well above average among 2021 sedans and sits in the middle of the nine scored Altima years. Independent repair-cost data puts yearly upkeep at $483, under the $526 typical for the class, and the federal crash-test rating is 5 of 5 stars. The 2020 model rates worse, with 162 complaints and 6 recalls. The 2022 rates better, with 20 complaints and no recalls.
Owners describe three main trouble spots. Door lock actuators fail, often on two or three doors in a row, and some doors will not open even by hand. The car can also brake on its own under overpasses, in rain, or in reverse with nothing behind it. Both reported crashes involved a car that did not stop when the driver pressed the pedal. Steering complaints mention a loose front end, and one injury crash followed a malfunction warning. Federal records list two recalls, covering back over prevention and steering.
Ask the seller for repair records on door locks, brakes, and the emergency braking system, and have the VIN checked for open recalls. The 2022 is worth a look, though part of its low complaint count comes from less time on the road.
Compared to the 2022 Nissan Altima, which scored 4 points higher. See also the 2020 Nissan Altima for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +$43 cheaper to maintain than avg midsize cars
- +Infrequent unscheduled repairs
- +Low major repair risk (12%)
Cons
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Door lock actuators fail, often on two or three doors in a row (14 complaints)
- −SERVICE BRAKES: Most of these reports describe the car braking on its own (12 complaints)
Compare 2021 Nissan Altima With
2021 Subaru Legacy
Reliability: 75/100
2021 Honda Accord
Reliability: 78/100
2021 Chevrolet Malibu
Reliability: 74/100
2021 Hyundai Sonata
Reliability: 64/100
2021 Kia K5
Reliability: 71/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 2 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (14)
- SERVICE BRAKES (12)
Recall Overview
2
recalls on record
The 2021 Nissan Altima carries 2 recalls — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
5.1
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 16.7
Safety Incidents
4
Crashes
1
Fires
2
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2021 Nissan Altima Recall Details
2 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Nissan Altima. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
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."
Consequence
A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
STEERING
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.
Consequence
A detached tie rod ball joint can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
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.
Buying a used 2021 Nissan Altima? Check its history first
Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2021 Nissan Altima, and 2 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2021 Nissan Altima NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 9.2%
Safety Technologies
Nissan AltimaRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$483
vs $526 avg for midsize cars
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.3
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
12%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
Nissan Altima Resale Value
The Nissan Altima is estimated to retain about 65.4% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.
This benchmark covers the Nissan Altima model overall and is not specific to the 2021 model year.
- Value Retained
- 65.4%
- Depreciation
- 34.6%
- Listings Analyzed
- 720
after 5 years
over the same period
U.S. used-car listings
Listings observed in . Actual resale value varies by trim, mileage, condition, and location.
Explore Nissan Altima depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.comMPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
29–32 MPG
Running cost: $2,350–$2,550/yr
Fuel + repair
25–28 city / 34–39 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2021 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altima 2.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 28 | 39 | 32 | $1,850 |
| Altima SR 2.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 27 | 37 | 31 | $1,950 |
| Altima SV/SL 2.5L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 27 | 37 | 31 | $1,950 |
| Altima AWD 2.5L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 26 | 35 | 29 | $2,050 |
| Altima AWD SR/Platinum 2.5L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 25 | 34 | 29 | $2,050 |
| Altima SR/Platinum 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 25 | 34 | 29 | $2,050 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Nissan Altima.
Drive at highway speed and under overpasses, and watch for sudden braking with nothing ahead.
Back out of a parking space slowly and check that the car does not brake hard with nothing behind it.
Watch the dash for AEB, stability control, or "malfunction: see owner's manual" warnings during and after the drive.
Lock and unlock every door by fob, button, and hand, then confirm all doors auto-lock once moving.
Check the VIN in federal recall records and confirm any steering ball joint recall repair was done.
Listen for popping from the front end over bumps and check for loose steering in sharp turns.
Check that the backup camera picture is clear, the radio volume knob works, and no false rear warnings appear.
Look for transmission fluid leaks underneath and feel for jerking or power loss when accelerating.
2021 Nissan Altima Common Problems by Component
53 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
14 complaintsDoor lock actuators fail, often on two or three doors in a row. Affected doors stop locking or unlocking by fob or button, and some will not open even by hand. Several owners say the doors no longer lock automatically while driving, and dealers sometimes cannot reproduce the fault. Other reports describe false rear crash and washer fluid warnings and a backup camera that darkens, freezes, or goes black. Some describe an A/V control unit failure that blasts the radio at full volume with no way to turn it down. A few report unwanted automatic braking.
SERVICE BRAKES
12 complaintsSafety-relatedMost of these reports describe the car braking on its own. It brakes hard under overpasses, near railway crossings, in rain, and while backing up with nothing behind it, and sometimes the rear fishtails. AEB and stability warning lights or a "malfunction: see owner's manual" message often come first. Both reported crashes describe the opposite problem: the car did not stop when the driver pressed the brake, and one showed a "Chassis Control System Error" message. Dealers often cannot reproduce the fault. One separate report blames a failing rear caliper.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
5 complaintsThe automatic emergency braking system brakes hard with nothing ahead. Owners report it at 60 to 70 mph, in steady traffic, leaving parking garages, and in reverse. One owner traces the false alarms to the forward radar behind the grille, which road dirt or weather can block, and turns AEB off on every drive. Another says a replaced front radar failed again within two months, on a car just past 10,000 miles. Owners say the problem started soon after purchase and kept coming back after dealer visits, and they fear being rear-ended.
STEERING (5 complaints)
STEERING
5 complaintsSafety-relatedThe main concerns are lost steering control and a loose front end. The one crash, which caused an injury, came right after a malfunction warning. The wheel then stopped responding and the car went over a curb. Other reports describe a detached tie rod ball joint, popping noises from the front end, and steering that feels too loose in sharp turns. Several owners link these symptoms to a ball joint recall but say their VIN shows no open recall. The one fire-flagged report is about wildfire heat and ash damage, not a vehicle fault.
ENGINE (3 complaints)
ENGINE
3 complaintsOnly three engine complaints are on file, and each describes a different problem. One owner reports abnormal engine noises and a metal fragment found in an oil sample at about 51,000 miles. Another reports a car that loses all power while parked and will not start, even after a new battery. A parts store later found a faulty alternator. The third complaint is filed here but describes the transmission jerking since purchase, with no fix so far.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaintsTwo problems show up here: sudden stalls and unwanted braking. In one report the car shuts off completely at a red light, with no power even for the hazard lights. That happened at 2,000 miles and again at 10,000. Another describes the brakes applying on their own at about 35 mph and again when pulling away from a green light, stopping the car at once. Rain also blinds the backup camera and sets off false alerts when reversing.
VISIBILITY (2 complaints)
VISIBILITY
2 complaintsBoth complaints involve windshields cracked by road debris, and neither describes a defect in the glass itself. The real problem is the repair. One shop could not remove the windshield, and a dealer said the bolts could not come out without breaking the wiper motor. One crack happened at about 41,000 miles after a rock strike.
POWER TRAIN (2 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
2 complaintsThe car loses power while driving, once at 50 mph on a busy road. The owner blames the CVT, even though the fluid level is correct. A separate report describes a leaking transmission front seal at under 51,000 miles. Only two complaints are filed here, but a report in the engine category of the transmission jerking since purchase points the same way.
SUSPENSION (1 complaints)
SUSPENSION
1 complaintThe 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.
SEAT BELTS (1 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
1 complaintThe backseat driver seatbelt does not click locked. The driver seat squeaks and moves. The driver door locks while trying to open.
Best & Worst Nissan Altima Years
Best Nissan Altima Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreNissan Altima Years to Avoid
Nissan Altima Reliability Score Trend
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 79/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 83/100 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 84/100 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 82/100 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2026 | 88/100 | Excellent |
Nissan Altima Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2021 Nissan Altima reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Nissan Altima?
Does the 2021 Nissan Altima have automatic braking problems?
Does the 2021 Nissan Altima have door lock problems?
Is the 2022 Nissan Altima more reliable than the 2021?
Don’t buy a 2021 Nissan Altima without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2021 Nissan Altima
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2021 Nissan Altima does best on how many systems draw complaints (86/100) and worst on complaint severity (75/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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