Nissan Altima 2021

Car

Nissan Altima 2021

12 source-linked failure reports. Most reported: Other. Typical failure around 2.9 yr.

Reliability signal C · Early signal · data confidence Low

12 confirmed failure reports

Reliability summary

What is likely to go wrong, when it happens, and how expensive it can be — from source-linked failure reports. Counts are reports in our database, not a population failure rate.

Reliability signal

C

12 confirmed failure reports · Early signal · Data confidence: Low

Most common issue
Other
Typical first failure
2.9 yr
Median of confirmed reports with timing
Median repair cost
—
Reported costs only · market varies
Highest reported repair
—
Not a quote · costs differ by country

What breaks?

Failure types

Click a type in the reports section below to filter.

  • Other4 · 33.3%
  • Electrical system failure3 · 25%
  • Brake system failure2 · 16.7%
  • Engine failure1 · 8.3%
  • Powertrain / transmission failure1 · 8.3%
  • Airbag / restraint failure1 · 8.3%

When does it break?

Failure timing

Months after purchase, using reports that included timing.

What does it cost?

Reported repair costs

Distribution of owner-reported repair costs— not a quote or guarantee. Labor and parts prices vary by country.

No reported repair costs yet for this model.

Median months to failure

34.5

Failure reports

12

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Median repair cost

—

Still recommend

—

% repaired

—

% mfr warranty

—

% extended warranty

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% support helpful

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Use these reports as a risk signal, then check current listings before you buy.

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What breaks?

What breaks? · reports

Engine failure

ENGINE

12 months

Government / agencyIndexed Oct 9, 2026Source-linkedVerify source — NHTSA complaint #11581518

This has been an ongoing issue for over 2 years where I go somewhere, park and come back out and my car won’t start. I literally have to have someone come in to give me a jump so the whole time I was thinking it was a bad battery so I went and bought a new battery. Well fast forward not even 7 months later I’m in the same position I go to the store come out and my car completely has no power so I take the car to autozone and what do you know a faulty engine and alternator. So I get on line and see I’m not the only one with this issue. My main concern is I’ve always gone to my car dealership to get oil changes and not once have they ever told me after putting my car on the machine that they found an issue with neither. And again this has been going on for quite some time. My issue is now my warranty is out and it just so happen to just have ran out after my last oil change and again this was going on then and they never mentioned it. What are they going to do about this problem.

VerifiedEvidence ★★★★☆
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Months until failure

12 months

Repair cost

Not stated

Repaired

Not stated

Manufacturer warranty

Not stated

Extended warranty

Not stated

Support helpful

Not stated

Would recommend

Not stated

AI extraction confidence

90%

Verification status

Verified

Evidence quality

★★★★☆ (4/5)

Discussion

Brake system failure

SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

56 months

Government / agencyIndexed Oct 9, 2026Source-linkedVerify source — NHTSA complaint #11729180

The system malfunctioning is the front sensor braking. My safety and others were put at risk with this because multiple times my car has braked me and or completely stopped me because it’s malfunctioning , it happens while I am on a busy street and someone even almost rear ended me because my car braked out of nowhere. It’s called “Phantom Braking”. No, the problem has not been confirmed by dealer became they stopped answering. I took it to the manufacture but they want to charge me too much. Yes and it first appeared Feb 2nd , a day after I bought the car. So at first it will aggressively brake me and I can tell when it’s going to start braking me because this loud scratching/grinding noise appear .. the noise sounds like it’s coming from the bottom and I can feel it vibrating my car when I relax my feet on the brakes or the floor. But as soon as that noise comes on then the car starts braking me and sometimes it will cause the engine to stall and then the car will stop driving completely while im on the middle of traffic.

VerifiedEvidence ★★★★☆
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Months until failure

56 months

Repair cost

Not stated

Repaired

Not stated

Manufacturer warranty

Not stated

Extended warranty

Not stated

Support helpful

Not stated

Would recommend

Not stated

AI extraction confidence

90%

Verification status

Verified

Evidence quality

★★★★☆ (4/5)

Discussion

Other

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

51 months

Government / agencyIndexed Oct 9, 2026Source-linkedVerify source — NHTSA complaint #11684670

The Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system in my 2021 Nissan Altima SR frequently malfunctions. The forward radar sensor, located behind the front grille, becomes easily obstructed by normal road dirt or weather conditions. When this happens, the system falsely detects obstacles and engages braking or gives collision warnings even when the road ahead is clear. This places my safety and the safety of others at risk because the vehicle can suddenly slow or stop without cause, increasing the chance of a rear-end collision. To avoid false activations, I must disable the AEB system every time I drive, which defeats the purpose of having this federally mandated safety feature. The problem is ongoing and repeatable. Warning lights and collision alerts appear when the sensor is dirty or misreading conditions. Nissan dealerships have acknowledged this issue through Technical Service Bulletins, but there is no permanent fix and no recall. The malfunction has not been resolved by the manufacturer and continues to pose a safety hazard.

VerifiedEvidence ★★★★☆
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Months until failure

51 months

Repair cost

Not stated

Repaired

Not stated

Manufacturer warranty

Not stated

Extended warranty

Not stated

Support helpful

Not stated

Would recommend

Not stated

AI extraction confidence

90%

Verification status

Verified

Evidence quality

★★★★☆ (4/5)

Discussion

Brake system failure

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,SEATS

40 months

Government / agencyIndexed Oct 9, 2026Source-linkedVerify source — NHTSA complaint #11675586

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. The contact stated that the vehicle had been taken to several dealers; however, the brake failure was not duplicated. The contact was afraid to continue driving the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was informed that the repair for the driver's side front seat rack was not covered under warranty or any special programs. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.

VerifiedEvidence ★★★★☆
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Months until failure

40 months

Repair cost

Not stated

Repaired

Not stated

Manufacturer warranty

Not stated

Extended warranty

Not stated

Support helpful

Not stated

Would recommend

Not stated

AI extraction confidence

90%

Verification status

Verified

Evidence quality

★★★★☆ (4/5)

Discussion

Other

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

21 months

Government / agencyIndexed Oct 9, 2026Source-linkedVerify source — NHTSA complaint #11514300

My car completely malfunctioned, the first time my car only had 2,000 miles on it. I was sitting at a red light on a busy Atlanta Rd. The vehicle went completely dead, I mean I could not even turn on the emergency flashers- " nothing worked" Dead car! I could not go anywhere for about 2 minutes. People honking and getting aggressive in traffic started up in about 2 minutes or so. I stopped in told the service people about it, at the dealership I purchased my car. The service men said it is nothing, it happened to me. They told It would be OK. Now, 2 years later. My car is still under full warranty it had 10,000 miles on it. The same exact thing happened again, in traffic. I told Nissan dealership when I got my oil changed. Told them what happened again. OH you would have a long wait, we are completely booked up in our Diagnostic Dept. They also quoted me a price that was a few hundred for the diagnostic test. I replied to them, My car is still under full warranty. They blew me off again. "saying the vehicle has to be having the problem, for diagnostic to pick up on it. lol Yes, I look like stupid blonde who knows nothing about cars. Thank you

VerifiedEvidence ★★★★☆
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Months until failure

21 months

Repair cost

Not stated

Repaired

Not stated

Manufacturer warranty

Not stated

Extended warranty

Not stated

Support helpful

Not stated

Would recommend

Not stated

AI extraction confidence

90%

Verification status

Verified

Evidence quality

★★★★☆ (4/5)

Discussion

Powertrain / transmission failure

POWER TRAIN

37 months

Government / agencyIndexed Oct 9, 2026Source-linkedVerify source — NHTSA complaint #11603901

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 complaints indicates a widespread problem that poses a serious safety risk and warrants a recall. Although there is an extended warranty, I don’t think it is fair for others being out of warranty when this is a very known issue with all owners. A CVT should last way longer than 70,000 miles, and some owners even report issues as early as 25,000 miles. Some mechanics even tell all their Nissan customers about the cons of the CVT, so it is very well known to not be good. Nissan basically has a deadly issue on their hands. I kindly request a thorough investigation and appropriate action to resolve this matter. Thank you for your attention to this serious issue.

VerifiedEvidence ★★★★☆
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Months until failure

37 months

Repair cost

Not stated

Repaired

Not stated

Manufacturer warranty

Not stated

Extended warranty

Not stated

Support helpful

Not stated

Would recommend

Not stated

AI extraction confidence

90%

Verification status

Verified

Evidence quality

★★★★☆ (4/5)

Discussion

Electrical system failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

40 months

Government / agencyIndexed Oct 9, 2026Source-linkedVerify source — NHTSA complaint #11707198

Vehicle Breaking on Its Own While Driving I am writing to file a formal safety complaint and to demand immediate corporate intervention regarding an extremely dangerous mechanical/ADAS defect. My Nissan Altima has serious, ongoing safety issues where the vehicle will unexpectedly and aggressively apply the brakes on its own while I am driving, including on highways and regular roads. This defect happens without my input, without warning, and creates a major risk of being rear-ended, losing control of the vehicle, or causing a serious accident. This issue is Not minor. It is a life-threatening malfunction that makes the vehicle unsafe to operate. I have taken the vehicle to authorized Nissan dealerships for diagnosis and repair on multiple occasions & originally they told me it should be under warranty & when they spoke to the dealership they said it did not qualify under the warranty nor the extra insurance purchased & i'd have to come out of pocket for repairs. A vehicle that breaks on its own, especially at highway speeds – is not safe, not reliable, and not roadworthy. This situation has gone on for years and the vehicle is now a clear danger to me and the public and my three minor children who ride in the car with me. I am requesting immediate action and a good-faith resolution.

VerifiedEvidence ★★★★☆
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Months until failure

40 months

Repair cost

Not stated

Repaired

Not stated

Manufacturer warranty

Not stated

Extended warranty

Not stated

Support helpful

Not stated

Would recommend

Not stated

AI extraction confidence

90%

Verification status

Verified

Evidence quality

★★★★☆ (4/5)

Discussion

Electrical system failure

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

6 months

Government / agencyIndexed Oct 9, 2026Source-linkedVerify source — NHTSA complaint #11444993

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 braking skills, id be headfirst into a big cement hole on the side of the road. Brakes We’re locked out until I pressed on them 15,000 times it seems. Fortunately I am the only one hurt, I’m grateful that no one else has been involved in this malfunction of supposed quality machinery. But this is a ridiculous thing to have happened to listen 1000 miles in the car, this thing has been malfunctioning since the first day that I drove it off the lot. No clue who to get in touch until I started researching this Very same thing, and I am terrified for anyone else driving one of these vehicles right now, because It can Totally happened to you, and you may not be so lucky to have all the injuries only for yourself.

VerifiedEvidence ★★★★☆
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Months until failure

6 months

Repair cost

Not stated

Repaired

Not stated

Manufacturer warranty

Not stated

Extended warranty

Not stated

Support helpful

Not stated

Would recommend

Not stated

AI extraction confidence

90%

Verification status

Verified

Evidence quality

★★★★☆ (4/5)

Discussion

Electrical system failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

32 months

Government / agencyIndexed Oct 9, 2026Source-linkedVerify source — NHTSA complaint #11752550

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 in the car. I explained to the guy at the Nissan dealer again that the board kept cutting on and off and all he said was it was the Bluetooth. Today my car does not start without me getting a jump. Lastly, I’ve been stopped by the cops three times on my way from work at night because the lights are auto and they they do not work properly. I really do not know what to do at this point. I called last week to speak to someone and I spoke to someone named David, who was not at all trying to help me, but was trying to sell me a car. He informed me that since it wasa used vehicle, the warranty has already iexpired. More importantly they are no longer kingdom Chevy. It is now under new ownership, and that they do not have access to the Records. I ended up with this vehicle because the vehicle that they recently leased to me. The engine went out once I got my oil changed at Valvoline.

VerifiedEvidence ★★★★☆
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Months until failure

32 months

Repair cost

Not stated

Repaired

Not stated

Manufacturer warranty

Not stated

Extended warranty

Not stated

Support helpful

Not stated

Would recommend

Not stated

AI extraction confidence

90%

Verification status

Verified

Evidence quality

★★★★☆ (4/5)

Discussion

Airbag / restraint failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS

43 months

Government / agencyIndexed Oct 9, 2026Source-linkedVerify source — NHTSA complaint #11746502

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-bone I had to go to the hospital, etc. it was a pretty bad hit. My windows were cracked or excuse me broken and my airbags were not deployed. No airbag was deployed. I did have my seatbelt on when the police came. My CB was still on so my car had to go. It was towed, and then it went to a mechanic shop to be fixed by the other person‘s insurance at that time, the mechanic sent me photos and explain that there was faulty, wiring and seatbelts, and he was unsure why it would be there. He said it was a immediate safety hazard, and I should address it with North Coast as soon as possible North Coast auto Mall is where I purchased the car from when I reached out to them all they told me was all you’ve had the car for about three years now we don’t know what you may have done to the Car. I still have the photos of the faulty wiring. I’m no mechanic. I explained to them that was an accident and the airbags did not deploy and when the mechanic also confirmed that’s probably why I have not heard anything from North Coast. This is an extreme safety hazard.

VerifiedEvidence ★★★★☆
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Months until failure

43 months

Repair cost

Not stated

Repaired

Not stated

Manufacturer warranty

Not stated

Extended warranty

Not stated

Support helpful

Not stated

Would recommend

Not stated

AI extraction confidence

90%

Verification status

Verified

Evidence quality

★★★★☆ (4/5)

Discussion

Other

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

7 months

Government / agencyIndexed Oct 9, 2026Source-linkedVerify source — NHTSA complaint #11702906

RE: Formal Demand for Vehicle Repurchase/ Buyback due to Critical Safety Defect- Vehicle Breaking on Its Own While Driving I am writing to file a formal safety complaint and to demand immediate corporate intervention regarding an extremely dangerous mechanical/ADAS defect in my vehicle that Nissan has failed to repair since I purchased it in 2021. My Nissan Altima has serious, ongoing safety issues where the vehicle will unexpectedly and aggressively apply the brakes on its own while I am driving, including on highways and regular roads. This defect happens without my input, without warning, and creates a major risk of being rear-ended, losing control of the vehicle, or causing a serious accident. This issue is Not minor. It is a life-threatening malfunction that makes the vehicle unsafe to operate. I have taken the vehicle to authorized Nissan dealerships for diagnosis and repair on multiple occasions: Repair Dates 2021-2025 at Passport Nissan of Alexandria 150 S Pickett St Alexandria, VA Location Despite these visits, the problem continues. Nissan’s failure to diagnose or repair this critical break/self-braking issue over several years constitutes: •Failure to remedy a known safety defect •Breach of warranty •Violation of consumer protection laws •Negligence regarding driver and public safety A vehicle that breaks on its own, especially at highway speeds – is not safe, not reliable, and not roadworthy. Because Nissan has had more than a reasonable opportunity since 2021 to correct this defect and has failed to do so, I am demanding that Nissan: 1.Buy back the vehicle at an amount equal to the remaining loan balance. I do not want to do any upgrade trade ins. This situation has gone on for years and the vehicle is now a clear danger to me and the public and my two minor children who ride in the car with me. I am requesting immediate action and a good-faith resolution.

VerifiedEvidence ★★★★☆
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Months until failure

7 months

Repair cost

Not stated

Repaired

Not stated

Manufacturer warranty

Not stated

Extended warranty

Not stated

Support helpful

Not stated

Would recommend

Not stated

AI extraction confidence

90%

Verification status

Verified

Evidence quality

★★★★☆ (4/5)

Discussion

Other

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

17 months

Government / agencyIndexed Oct 9, 2026Source-linkedVerify source — NHTSA complaint #11542313

I purchased my car from Sheehy Nissan of Waldorf on November 1, 2022. At the time of purchase the vehicle had 38,709 miles. It reportedly had one previous owner and was originally titled on 3/11/2021. From the day I purchased this vehicle I have had trouble with the automatic emergency braking system. I am experiencing sudden unintended brake activation in various situations. I have experienced the emergency braking system activating when I am driving at high speeds (60-70 mph) with nothing in front of me. I have had it automatically brake when I am in traffic maintaining safe distances and speeds. I have experienced it braking when I have been leaving a parking garage - again with nothing near or around my vehicle. When this occurs, it is when the warning lights turn off. So, it is completely random and unpredictable. The warning light turns on 100% of the time I drive the vehicle. I took my car to Sheehy Nissan of Waldorf for repair of this issue on 3/28/23, 6/13/23, and 8/3/23, but, to date, they have been unable to correct the problem. Most recently (8/25/23) I was given an estimate of an additional $1,977.43 for a 4th attempt to fix this problem. I met with the Service Manager, [XXX] , on 8/28/23 to discuss the matter. He said he would talk to the Nissan area rep and their warranty rep and get back to me. Two days later he responded that the area rep offered to cover 40% of the repair cost, making my cost $808.96 for the 4th repair attempt. As you are aware, this is a known issue with this vehicle and many other Nissan models. The NHTSA started an investigation into Nissan regarding this issue in September 2019. There have been multiple lawsuits and class action suits against Nissan for this same problem, yet they continue to sell these vehicles without fixing the problem or issuing a recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

VerifiedEvidence ★★★★☆
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Months until failure

17 months

Repair cost

Not stated

Repaired

Not stated

Manufacturer warranty

Not stated

Extended warranty

Not stated

Support helpful

Not stated

Would recommend

Not stated

AI extraction confidence

90%

Verification status

Verified

Evidence quality

★★★★☆ (4/5)

Discussion

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