NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Nissan Altima Safety Ratings
The 2021 Nissan Altima scores 89 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 64 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Nissan Altima achieves a strong safety profile, earning a five-star overall NHTSA crash rating. The inclusion of standard crash-avoidance technology across the entire lineup further contributes to its NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100. However, two active recall campaigns warrant attention, and prospective owners should ensure these issues have been addressed.
The 2021 Nissan Altima AWD sedan received a five-star overall crash rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 89 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Nissan Altima ranks 41 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 89 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.2% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 64 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 41 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Nissan Altima?
The 2021 model year represents a meaningful step forward for the Altima in MotorCaliber's safety scoring, with the Safety Index rising seven points to 89/100 from the 2020 model's 82/100, both within the Strong band but with the 2021 sitting notably higher within it. That gain is reflected in the defect record sub-score of 13.75 out of 20, a component that captures recall history and complaint volume relative to the vehicle population. The crash protection sub-score of 65 out of 70 is anchored by the five-star overall NHTSA rating, with the four-star frontal result the sole drag on an otherwise top-tier performance. The avoidance technology sub-score reaches the maximum 10 out of 10, driven by forward collision warning and lane departure warning both being standard equipment rather than optional add-ons. The two recalls on record are substantive, one touching steering integrity and one touching a safety-critical sensing system introduced years after the vehicle's sale date. The 64 filed complaints, with the Forward Collision Avoidance system drawing the most allegations, deserve attention given that this technology is a core contributor to the avoidance tech score. Taken together, this is a year with genuine strengths in crash protection and standard safety technology, but one with open recall business that used-market shoppers must treat as unfinished.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Nissan Altima perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Nissan Altima AWD sedan achieved an overall rating of five out of five stars from NHTSA. While its side impact and rollover protection each earned five stars, the frontal crash rating was a four-star result. The rollover risk was assessed at nine percent, with the dynamic tip test recording "No Tip."
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15545
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Nissan Altima have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2021 Altima. The first, issued in March 2021, targets the tie rod ball joint fastener in the steering linkage assembly, which may not have been tightened to specification. The second, issued in September 2023, addresses potential damage to the backup camera harness that can compromise the back-over prevention sensing system. Neither campaign has been classified as a do-not-drive order, but both warrant VIN verification before purchase.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA23V628000
Risk: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 r
Reported 2023-09-08
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY21V138000
Risk: A detached tie rod ball joint can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2021-03-04
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Nissan Altima?
Sixty-four unverified owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for this model year. Alleged problem areas include Forward Collision Avoidance systems, which lead with 21 reported complaints, followed by the Electrical System at 19, and Service Brakes at 18. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
64 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Nissan Altima?
Shoppers considering a used 2021 Altima should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm whether both the steering tie rod and backup camera harness recalls have been remedied. Remedy completion is the responsibility of the selling dealer or current owner, and an unrepaired recall on a five-year-old vehicle is a concrete, checkable risk factor.
- The 2021 Altima's Safety Index of 89/100 is seven points higher than the 2020 model's 82/100, a year-over-year improvement that reflects a stronger defect record sub-score in this specific model year.
- A steering linkage recall issued in March 2021 covers the tie rod ball joint fastener, which may have been undertightened at the factory, a structural safety concern that should be confirmed as repaired on any used example.
- A second recall issued in September 2023, well after the vehicle's sale date, targets backup camera harness damage that can disable the back-over prevention sensing system, meaning many units may still be unrepaired in the used market.
- Forward Collision Avoidance is the single most-alleged problem component in NHTSA complaints for this model year, with 21 unverified reports, a notable figure given that the standard fitment of this technology is a key reason the avoidance tech sub-score reaches 10 out of 10.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Nissan Altima places
The 2021 Nissan Altima qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Nissan Altima safety questions
Was the 2021 Nissan Altima crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Nissan Altima, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 89 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Nissan Altima crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Nissan Altima earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 9.2%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Nissan Altima have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Nissan Altima. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Nissan Altima?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 64 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Nissan Altima. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Altima years
Rivals in Sedan (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15545), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Altima 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 41 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.