2021 Nissan Altima: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Reliable, Top Safety Pick+ 6th-gen Altima with AWD available; phantom-braking complaints against the collision-avoidance system are the notable blemish. 2 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2021 Nissan Altima ranged from $24,550 to $34,250 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Reliable, Top Safety Pick+ 6th-gen Altima with AWD available; phantom-braking complaints against the collision-avoidance system are the notable blemish.
Sources (4)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=nissan&model=altima…
- cargurus.comhttps://www.cargurus.com/research/articles/nissan-altima-buying-guide
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/nissan/altima
- jalopnik.comhttps://www.jalopnik.com/2036273/nissan-altima-reliability-consumer-reports/
Known issues
-
Forward-collision / automatic-emergency-braking false activation (phantom braking) is the leading complaint on the later cars.
occasional · 15 NHTSA complaints · brake
-
The CVT remains standard on the 2.5L. It is far more reliable than the prior generation, but some owners still report jerking and "CVT hot / power reduced" warnings.
occasional · typically 40k–120k miles · transmission
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (4)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=nissan&model=altima…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=nissan&model=altima…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=nissan&model=altima…
- cargurus.comhttps://www.cargurus.com/research/articles/nissan-altima-buying-guide
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | $24,550 | discontinued | — | — |
| SV | $25,550 | $27,580 | — | — |
| SR | $26,550 | $28,980 | — | — |
| SL | $29,990 | discontinued | — | — |
| SR VC-Turbo | $30,900 | discontinued | — | — |
| Platinum | $34,250 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2021-nissan-altima-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/nissan-altima-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($24,550). Higher trims started higher (up to $34,250), and options added more.
Curve outlook: a typical 2021 loses roughly another 28% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/nissan-altima/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $450–500/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $1,800–1,900/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~250k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/nissan/altima
- moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/nissan-altima-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2021 Nissan Altima have?
Documented issue patterns include: Forward-collision / automatic-emergency-braking false activation (phantom braking) is the leading complaint on the later cars; The CVT remains standard on the 2.5L. It is far more reliable than the prior generation, but some owners still report jerking and "CVT hot / power reduced" warnings. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2021 Nissan Altima reliable?
Reliable, Top Safety Pick+ 6th-gen Altima with AWD available; phantom-braking complaints against the collision-avoidance system are the notable blemish.
How much did the 2021 Nissan Altima cost new?
Between $24,550 and $34,250 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid. 2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Is the Nissan Altima expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $450–500/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.