2021 Nissan Altima: problems, recalls and what it’s worth
NHTSA has 1 open defect investigation (not a recall). 2 recall campaigns to confirm with a dealer.
Ask for the VIN and check it, then get a pre-purchase inspection.
Known problems on the 2021 Nissan Altima
No generation-wide weak spot is flagged in GarageIntel’s research for this year and model. A specific car can still have its own problems, so get it inspected.
2021 Nissan Altima recalls
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2021 Nissan Altima. Repairs are free at a dealer for the brand, and a dealer can confirm by VIN which were already done.
- Driver-assist systems
A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Details 23V628000
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."
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.
- Steering
A detached tie rod ball joint can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.
Details 21V138000
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.
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.
2021 Nissan Altima safety investigations and free repairs
Under investigation (not a recall):
- Hertz/vehicles rented with open recalls since Dec 2022
Ask the seller if the car has had this problem.
No warranty extensions listed.
Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.
2021 Nissan Altima safety and fuel
From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.
What owners complain about
70 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, about average.
Share of complaints that mention each area. One complaint can mention several.
What a 2021 Nissan Altima is worth
Rough trade-in values — roughly what a dealer would pay — by mileage, from published trade-in guides. Private sales and dealer prices run higher. For the exact car, add its VIN.
| Mileage | Trade-in (rough) |
|---|---|
| 40,000 mi | $13,400 |
| 120,000 mi | $11,800 |
From new to now
New, a 2021 Nissan Altima started at about $25,400. At a typical 60,000 miles today it trades in for about $13,000 — roughly 49% less.
Typical mileage = 12,000 miles a year; values between two published mileages are estimated in a straight line. “New” is the base price (cheapest version) as published, give or take destination fees; higher trims cost more.
Other Nissan Altima years
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2022 2023 2024
Printable inspection checklist · Out-the-door price calculator