2021 Nissan Altima: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2021 Nissan Altima: 2 recalls, 70 owner complaints and up to 32 mpg combined.
Recalls
2 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Steering Vehicle recall #21V138000 · 2021 · 2,407 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: A detached tie rod ball joint can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.
Backup camera Vehicle recall #23V628000 · 2023 · 153,376 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
The 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…
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 4 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Forward collision avoidance (22): the most common themes are noise or vibration (3), warning light on (3).
- Electrical (21): the most common themes are door / lock issues (10), electrical failure (3).
- Brakes (18): the most common themes are noise or vibration (4).
- Other / unknown (12): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 2021 Nissan Altima has 70 owner complaints, ranking #29 of 34 Altima model years for complaints (well below the 455 average). Complaints peaked in 2025 (19 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 3 years old, at a median of 42,897 miles. Neighboring years: 2020 (158 complaints, 6 recalls), 2022 (31 complaints, 0 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 39 | 32 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2021 Nissan Altima.
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Most $25–$78, one-timePro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.
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FAQ
Does the 2021 Nissan Altima have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 vehicle recalls for the 2021 Nissan Altima. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2021 Nissan Altima problems?
Owners have filed 70 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are forward collision avoidance (22), electrical (21), brakes (18).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Nissan Altima get?
EPA ratings run up to 32 mpg combined (2.5 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios)), across 1 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2021 Nissan Altima repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.