Diagsheet

Sixth generation (L34)

2021 Nissan Altima

  • 69owner complaints
  • 2recalls
  • 6involved a crash
  • 38,709median miles at failure

Newest report Jul 23, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

miles

2021 Nissan Altima
Photo: Bull-Doser, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain

When each problem shows up

Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: brakes grind, pulse or wear early, 20 complaints.

0k25k50k75k100k125k150kyou

middle half of reports, median tick. Darker bars have 75 or more reports.

Behind you

    Around your mileage

      Ahead of you

        How this compares

        2021 Nissan Altima69
        Median 2021 model here (35 vehicles)286
        Median 2021 sedan here (8)136

        69 complaints is 4.1 times fewer than the median 2021 model on this site and 2.0 times fewer than the median 2021 sedan. Among the 9 Altima model years here it ranks 8th for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.

        Complaints filed by year

        221
        622
        1423
        1224
        1925
        1626

        19 complaints came in 2025. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.

        NHTSA investigations

        PE23-023opened Dec 13, 2023
        Engine And Engine Cooling · model years 2019 to 2021

        Complete loss of motive power due to engine failure. Closed jul 18, 2025, led to recall 25V-437.

        NHTSA summary
        On December 13, 2023, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE23-023 to investigate allegations of engine failures leading to loss of motive power in model year (MY) 2021-2023 Nissan Rogue; MY 2019-2021 Nissan Altima; and MY 2019-2021 Infiniti QX50 vehicles. At that time, ODI had received 6 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQ) and multiple early warning reports, with consumers reporting engine knocking noises accompanied by a loss of engine power while driving. The investigation identified bearing failures in certain vehicles equipped with the subject 3-cylinder 1.5L or 4-cylinder 2.0L variable compression turbo (VC-Turbo) engines. ODI also identified early warning reports describing thermal incidents that occurred immediately after the vehicle suffered a catastrophic engine failure. The failures were the result of a manufacturing defect in specific engine bearings (main, A-, C-, and L-link) or other engine components that may cause engine damage and potentially lead to engine failure. Engine failure can result in a loss of motive power event that can increase the risk of a crash. Engine failure might also result in a fire if internal components detach and impact the engine block creating a hole that allows engine oil to reach hot surfaces. In its April 2024, May 2024, and June 2025 responses to ODI’s information requests, Nissan provided 998 customer reports (including complaints, field reports, and legal claims) and 1,107 warranty claims related to the allege
        AQ22-003opened Dec 16, 2022
        Latches/Locks/Linkages · model years 2018 to 2022

        Hertz/vehicles rented with open recalls. Open.

        NHTSA summary
        NHTSA is opening this audit query to investigate whether The Hertz Corporation (Hertz) has complied with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Safety Act). The Safety Act requires, among other things, that a rental company shall not rent a vehicle subject to a safety recall unless the recall remedy has been performed. 49 U.S.C. § 30120(i).NHTSA is in receipt of information that indicates Hertz rented vehicles to customers without having performed required recall repairs. Accordingly, we are opening this audit query to seek additional information concerning this issue.

        Recalls that include the 2021 Nissan Altima

        Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

        23V-628Sep 8, 2023
        Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

        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."

        Risk and remedy
        Risk: 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.
        21V-138Mar 4, 2021
        Steering:Linkages:Tie Rod Assembly

        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.

        Risk and remedy
        Risk: 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.

        Other model years