The Lemon Index2021 Nissan Altima.
The 2021 Nissan Altima is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 34 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 30, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about automatic emergency braking, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 29 to 32 mpg combined. The best Nissan Altima year is 2022.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 70 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Nissan Altima year. 2021 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 21K to 85K miles on the car (12 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 2
- back over prevention 2023
Damage to the camera harness can cause distortion or loss of the rearview camera display image.
- steering 2021
The tie rod ball joint fastener was not tightened properly, which could result in the tie rod ball joint detaching from the steering knuckle.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Nissan told dealers about
Nissan sent dealers 109 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- 2019-2021 ALTIMA AND 2021 ROGUE; AC INOPERATIVE WITH DTC B20C8-14 STORED IF YOU CONFIRM The AC…
- Rear automatic braking warning light illuminated and/or dtc c1b56-04 or c1b56-97 stored in the…
- DTC B12A3-72 FOR FUEL PUMP RELAY STUCK OPEN SERVICE INFORMATION DTC B12A3-72 (Fuel Pump Relay…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenHertz/vehicles rented with open recalls2022
- ClosedComplete loss of motive power due to engine failure2023–2025
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Altima 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Nissan Altima 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2000–2200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Every time I drive under an over pass my vehicle will come to a stop. Placing me in DANGER with traffic.
2021 Nissan Altima owner · NHTSA complaint 11617082
Quick answers
Is the 2021 Nissan Altima reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 3.3× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 30; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Nissan Altima year by this measure is 2022.
What are the most common 2021 Nissan Altima problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are automatic emergency braking (53%), brakes (38%) and electrical (18%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Nissan Altima have?
2 safety recalls (latest: back over prevention). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Nissan Altima get?
29 to 32 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 Nissan Altima safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2021 Nissan Altima have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2021 Nissan Altima cost in fuel a year?
About $2000 to $2200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Nissan Altima have?
2.0L 4-cyl, 2.5L 4-cyl.
What Nissan Altima year is better than the 2021?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2022, 2011 and 2021.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works