Is the 2021 Nissan ALTIMA reliable?

The 2021 Nissan ALTIMA has 108 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.3x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS problems.

What are common problems with the 2021 Nissan ALTIMA?

Top problems: DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS (28 complaints, avg repair $500); BRAKES (18 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (18 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2021 Nissan ALTIMA?

Yes, there are 2 recall(s): STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA. Contact any Nissan dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Nissan ALTIMA?

The 2021 Nissan ALTIMA gets 32 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1500. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2021 Nissan ALTIMA?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2021 Nissan ALTIMA is approximately $1,824/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2021 Nissan ALTIMA

Q: Is the 2021 Nissan ALTIMA often stolen?

The Nissan ALTIMA was the #4 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025 with approximately 15,200 thefts (NICB Hot Wheels data). Theft risk tier: high.

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2021 Nissan ALTIMA has 108 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.3x the segment average of 344. The most common issue is driver assist/cameras problems (26% of all complaints), specifically: 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 . There are 2 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 3 fire reports filed.

3 fire reports 10 crash reports 4 injuries

108

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

0.3x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS

28 complaints

26%

• 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
• I bought the car in nov. 2021. I was at a store parked I put the car in reverse ,the car started to move, it made a lot of noise and it stoped. there was nothing behind me. This has happen about four times backing out of my driveway a lot of noise and the car stops. I took it to the dealer once and
• The forward emergency braking system periodically will engage with no reason. I did not record the first date this happened. It was in July 2021. This first happened not long after I purchased the car last year on the interstate in heavy traffic with low speed and nothing close enough to set

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 5 crashes

“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 ”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2021 Nissan ALTIMA

Based on 14 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 41K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 30-60K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (2)

STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY04/03/2021

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: A detached tie rod ball joint can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.

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. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7769. Nissan's number for this recall is PC795.

High theft risk

#4 most stolen in 2025

The Nissan ALTIMA was the #4 most-stolen vehicle in the United States in 2025, with approximately 15,200 thefts reported to law enforcement.

Notes: Widely available, high resale demand

Recommended protection: engine immobilizer verification, steering wheel lock, GPS tracker, and comprehensive insurance coverage. Higher theft risk usually translates to higher comprehensive-coverage insurance premiums.

Source: NICB Hot Wheels 2025 report + HLDI theft loss studies. Model-year ranking; not all years of this model have identical risk.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Nissan ALTIMA

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,500

Per month

$125

Per mile

12.5¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$1,715/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,231/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Nissan ALTIMA

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,824

Full coverage / month

$152

Liability only / year

$574

vs US avg

+9%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.15x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$1824

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Nissan ALTIMA Service Intervals

Oil change

5K mi / 6 mo

Tire rotation

5K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

105K mi

Spark plugs

105K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

CVT-equipped models (Altima, Sentra, Rogue, Pathfinder) MUST use Nissan NS-3 CVT fluid, not conventional ATF. Frequent CVT service extends life significantly.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Nissan New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Nissan. If you're buying a used 2021 ALTIMA, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Nissan dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 108 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: 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
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: First of all I know there is a break in period. The stering seems to be loose at times almost to loose when I’m turning , especially a more sharper turn. The brakes are loud at a stop almost like they are warped but it only has 300 miles.the suspension, brakes,,underneath the front end, and the ste
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: 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
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: 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. P
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Nissan dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)