2021 Nissan Altima Recalls, Problems & MPG
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 70 owner complaints for the 2021 Nissan Altima. The EPA rates it 29 to 32 MPG combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
- Recalls
- 2
- Owner complaints
- 70
- Crashes / fires reported
- 7 / 1
- EPA combined
- 29–32 MPG
2021 Nissan Altima recalls
Back Over PreventionSep 8, 2023 · NHTSA 23V628000+
Risk: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
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 19, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23C3.
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."
SteeringMar 4, 2021 · NHTSA 21V138000+
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.
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.
Recall repairs are free. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours still needs one.
Most reported 2021 Nissan Altima problems
Owner complaints to NHTSA by system. One complaint can name more than one system.
- Forward Collision Avoidance22
- Service Brakes21
- Electrical System21
- Unknown or Other12
- Steering7
- Engine6
- Suspension5
- Back Over Prevention4
2021 Nissan Altima gas mileage
EPA ratings for each version (city / highway / combined).
| Version | Engine | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Altima | 2.5 L 4 cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 28 | 39 | 32 | $2,000 |
| Altima SR | 2.5 L 4 cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 27 | 37 | 31 | $2,050 |
| Altima SV/SL | 2.5 L 4 cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 27 | 37 | 31 | $2,050 |
| Altima AWD | 2.5 L 4 cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 26 | 35 | 29 | $2,200 |
| Altima AWD SR/Platinum | 2.5 L 4 cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 25 | 34 | 29 | $2,200 |
| Altima SR/Platinum | 2.0 L 4 cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 25 | 34 | 29 | $2,200 |
Real-world mileage depends on how and where you drive. Logbay compares your actual MPG with these EPA numbers.
Questions
Does the 2021 Nissan Altima have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Nissan Altima, most recently for the back over prevention (Sep 8, 2023). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2021 Nissan Altima problems?
Owners filed 70 complaints with NHTSA. The most reported areas are forward collision avoidance (22), service brakes (21), electrical system (21).
What gas mileage does the 2021 Nissan Altima get?
The EPA rates the 2021 Nissan Altima at 29 to 32 MPG combined (best version: 28 city / 39 highway).
Sources: NHTSA recalls and owner complaints (api.nhtsa.gov), EPA fuel economy (fueleconomy.gov). Updated Oct 26, 2026. Complaint counts are unverified owner reports.