2021 Nissan Altima Complaints

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC — Filed 09/05/2026

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while pulling out of a parking lot, the contact shifted into drive(D) and then to reverse(R) to exit the parking lot, and while driving 3 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact attempted to forcefully depress the brake pedal; however, the vehicle failed to stop. Due to the failure, the vehicle crashed into another vehicle. The dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,350.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 02/15/2024

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.

STEERING,SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 06/17/2026

When I make a turn, I hear a clicking noise and also when I come to a complete stop, I can a sound that sounds like a grunting noise. I had new brakes, rotors and brand new tires put on in 2025. I think my ball joints and tie rod is defective. I have a triple AAA membership and I just renewed it in June and it said that my 2021 has two recalls. NHTSA # 23V628000 The back over prevention sensing system camera & NHTSA# 21V138000 Steering Linkage Tie Rod Assembly.

SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 07/07/2026

My car is supposed to have an automatic braking system/collision detection. Two cars in front of me slammed on their brakes and the car in front of me slammed on his brake, and I didn't have enough time to react. I totalled my car, but my car is supposed to have a safety feature that automatically brakes. The faulty automatic braking didn't engage as it should have.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 08/05/2025

Door lock actuators have failed completely on 2 doors, and intermittently on 1 door of a 2021 Nissan Altima. They do not respond to either the key fob or door button. There are no warnings or indicators associated with this component so it is unknown when the failures first occurred, but it was first noticed in summer of 2025. The components have not been inspected but could be made available for inspection if requested. Not being able to unlock doors could present an entrapment hazard in the event of a collision. The doors remaining unlocked is a safety concern as there is nothing preventing the door from potentially being opened while driving, and a security concern as the vehicle may inadvertently be left unlocked even if the lock buttons are pressed on the key fob and/or door. Numerous official and anecdotal consumer reports exist but at the time of this submittal the manufacturer has not issued any notices or recalls regarding this problem.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES — Filed 05/15/2025

Rear door locks both do not work other than manually locking. Reported incidents online show many others have had newer Nissan vehicles like our 2021 Nissan Altima with the same issue, some have been locked in the car and had to climb out the window and others said the door unlocked and opened while driving. This is a big concern for me as a mom who has a son driving this car, the entire reason was that the safety ratings were good on this AWD full size 2021 vehicle. We bought it certified pre-owned from the Nissan dealership 2 years ago (2024) and after 1 year, both locks stopped working unless locked manually. The actuators should now have stopped working with a car only 4 years old at the time. Now is it 5 years old, still very new, and the safety issues I've read others have had is very concerning. There was a previous recall on earlier Nissan models, and I wish Nissan would recall these newer models too since you see class action lawsuits and much concern online about the many people having this issue.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS — Filed 01/15/2025

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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 06/19/2026

While heading west on interstate after a Drs. Appointment my wife was driving our 2021 Nissan Altima when suddenly there was a loss of power to the engine as if the engine was overheating or had loss of fuel or only able to slowly exit the freeway to a safe place and call a tow truck, after 1 1/2 days of diagnosing and testing. I was able to drive the vehicle with no issues for approximately 4000 miles when the exact problem has occurred this past Friday 6-19-2026

POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 06/12/2026

Often while driving the car loses power as if the power went off or I ran out of gas,,, studder for a moment then pick up power to continue to drive is the best way I can describe it. Immediately after I get a notification on the dashboard saying maintenance something

ENGINE — Filed 05/03/2026

Dealership found metal contamination in oil pan from engine. They diagnosed as car needing a new engine due to engine failure. The car only has 90,000 miles and it’s a 2021.

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES — Filed 05/01/2026

Rear door actuator failed again.

SEAT BELTS — Filed 03/31/2026

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that while driving on four occasions, the front driver's side seat belt unintendedly unbuckled. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 141,000.

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 08/01/2025

Steering wheel module buttons are not working . / needs a sensor replaced - recalibration.

SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 02/02/2026

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.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING — Filed 03/03/2026

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Altima. The contact stated that after stopping at a traffic light, the accelerator pedal was depressed, and the vehicle went into LIMP Mode. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local independent mechanic, where it was determined that there was debris in the engine oil pan. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, and debris was found in the engine oil pan. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to NHSTA Campaign: 26V080000 (Engine and Engine Cooling); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 01/01/2026

Passenger back locks stopped working first. Then driver side back locks. Now both driver and passenger front locks will not lock/unlock automatically. This is scary when not being able to get in/out of vehicle for an emergency. I have reviewed multiple complaints and it appears this is a very common Nissan problem that needs to be addressed before it becomes a bigger safety problem.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 02/17/2026

Back up camera display distorted

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 10/05/2024

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.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 01/01/2022

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 11/07/2025

Hi this is in reference to my 2021 Nissan altima. The fob key entry and electrical door control doesn't work. The automator for my doors have had to be replaced. First the rear passenger and five days later the rear passenger door on drivers side and now the drivers door. As a single female this is a safety issue. If I can't access my vehicle in an emergency it turns into a life or death situation. I've researched this and many owners of like vehicle have had this complaint and reported it, but appears that Nissan has ignored it. When my repairs are done it isn't inexpensive. Please please please!!! Look into this. Please and thank you. Tempe dodge chrysler and jeep Tempe Az is where the repairs are done. Jon (833) 552-1518 service department

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 01/07/2025

Due to the Pasadena wildfires the car has been highly affected due to the extreme heat and the ashes

AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 10/26/2023

On 10/26/23 at 5:00 pm I was involved in an accident I was hit on the front passenger side and none of the airbags deployed I do remember that right on impact immediately my chest started hurting I also hit my head on the driver side window now i dont know how fast i should be going or how hard do i need to be hit for the airbags to deploy but they never did. When I first purchased the vehicle back in May of 2021 I had set up my nissan connect services which i was paying $14.99 a month and in those l services I had an option that if I were to ever be in an accident that it would contact my family and during the time of the incident they were never contacted. Ive contacted nissan of the situation and all they have done was reimburseme me 1 month which I feel isn't right I've even gone down to the dealership and told them my concerns and they didn't nothing about it

SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 05/13/2023

I was driving on the interstate in a construction zone and begin reducing speed from about 62 mph after noticing brake lights from cars in the far distance. As the car start to reduce speed, I begin to apply the brakes as I'm approaching the stopped traffic and instead of stopping my car kept going. I pressed the brakes harder, and the car began to slide. After sliding about 9-10 car lengths, I was stopped by rear ending the vehicle in front of me. There was an error message on the dash "Chassis Control System Error See Owner's Manual" that appeared on the dash. I was struck in the back by a Toyota 4Runner resulting in my car being totaled.

SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 05/05/2023

Driving down the street a truck in front of the lady in front of me. It was a green light he decided to stop. She stopped I put I started to stop my brakes would not stop the car nor did the emergency front collision brakes work I could not stop the car.

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 12/24/2021

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.