2021 Nissan Altima Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2021 model year · 5,600+ owner reports · Updated April 2026

According to Au7o's analysis of 5,600+ owner reports, the 2021 Nissan Altima has 3 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are CVT Transmission Failure/Shudder ($300-$5,000 repair) and Fuel Pump Failure (Recall) ($0-$0 repair). The most commonly reported issue is CVT Transmission Failure/Shudder with 4,500 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $0 to $5,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 3 Known Issues

Filter:

Community Reported

4,500 owners

On the 2013-2023 Nissan Altima, the CVT transmission is known for reliability issues including shuddering, jerking, and complete failure. Nissan extended the CVT warranty on some model years to 10 years/120,000 miles due to widespread problems. High-mileage CVTs are particularly at risk.

This issue also affects: Acura TL, Infiniti QX60, Mitsubishi Outlander

Common Symptoms

Shuddering during acceleration
Jerky or hesitant response
Delayed engagement from stop
Whining noise from transmission
Complete loss of power
Check engine light

How to Fix

Change CVT fluid regularly with Nissan NS-3. Check if vehicle is covered by Nissan extended CVT warranty. If shuddering, may need valve body or complete CVT replacement. Avoid aggressive driving to prolong CVT life.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 4,500+ owners who fixed this issue

TipChange CVT fluid regularly with Nissan NS-3.
NoteThis is a high-severity issue - ignoring it can lead to costly repairs or safety concerns. Address it promptly.
TipGet a proper diagnosis before replacing parts - similar symptoms can have different causes
UpgradeCVT fluid specifically formulated for continuous variable transmissions (Valvoline CVT Transmission Fluid)
View on Amazon
UpgradeReplacement CVT transmission filter to maintain fluid cleanliness (ATP CVT Transmission Filter Kit)
View on Amazon

Typical repair cost:$300 - $5,000

Research This Issue

4,500+ owners have reported this issue

Google Reddit YouTube NHTSA

Community Reported

High Confidence4,500 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2024Reviewed Feb 2026

Community Reported

680 owners

On the 2019-2021 Nissan Altima, nissan issued a recall for fuel pump issues that can cause engine stalling or failure to start. The fuel pump impeller may deform, causing fuel delivery problems. This affects multiple Nissan models.

This issue also affects: Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Lexus IS

Common Symptoms

Engine stalls while driving
Long crank time
Engine won't start
Rough idle before stall
Loss of power

How to Fix

Check if your VIN is covered by recall campaign. Nissan dealers will replace fuel pump free of charge. Symptoms before complete failure include long crank times and rough running.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 680+ owners who fixed this issue

NoteThis is a high-severity issue - ignoring it can lead to costly repairs or safety concerns. Address it promptly.
TipGet a proper diagnosis before replacing parts - similar symptoms can have different causes
TipSearch Nissan Altima forums and owner groups for real-world experiences and DIY guides
TipGet multiple quotes from independent mechanics - dealer prices can be 2-3x higher for the same repair
UpgradeDelphi fuel pump module — OE-quality direct replacement (Delphi Fuel Pump Module)
View on Amazon
UpgradeBosch fuel pump — reliable OEM alternative (Bosch Fuel Pump)
View on Amazon

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

Research This Issue

680+ owners have reported this issue

Google Reddit YouTube NHTSA

Community Reported

High Confidence680 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2024Reviewed Feb 2026

Community Reported

420 owners

On the 2019-2023 Nissan Altima, the infotainment system can experience freezing, lag, and connectivity issues. Bluetooth pairing problems and CarPlay/Android Auto disconnections are common. The touchscreen may become unresponsive.

Common Symptoms

Screen freezes
Bluetooth disconnects
CarPlay/Android Auto issues
Touchscreen lag
Random reboots

How to Fix

Update infotainment software. Perform system reset by holding power button. Delete paired devices and re-pair. If persistent, head unit may need replacement. Check for Nissan service bulletins.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 420+ owners who fixed this issue

TipGet a proper diagnosis before replacing parts - similar symptoms can have different causes
TipSearch Nissan Altima forums and owner groups for real-world experiences and DIY guides
TipGet multiple quotes from independent mechanics - dealer prices can be 2-3x higher for the same repair
UpgradeProfessional OBD-II diagnostic scanner for reading infotainment and body module codes (BlueDriver Bluetooth Pro OBD2 Scan Tool)
View on Amazon

Typical repair cost:$0 - $800

Research This Issue

420+ owners have reported this issue

Google Reddit YouTube NHTSA

Community Reported

High Confidence420 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2024Reviewed Feb 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Nissan Altima problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 5,600+ owner reports, the 2021-2021 Nissan Altima has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: CVT Transmission Failure/Shudder, Fuel Pump Failure (Recall), Infotainment System Glitches. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Nissan Altima reliable?

The 2021-2021 Nissan Altima has 3 known issues documented across 5,600+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: CVT Transmission Failure/Shudder and Fuel Pump Failure (Recall). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Nissan Altima problems?

Repair costs for known Nissan Altima issues range from $0 to $5,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, CVT Transmission Failure/Shudder, typically costs $300-$5,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2013-2023 Nissan Altima CVT Transmission Failure/Shudder?

The CVT transmission is known for reliability issues including shuddering, jerking, and complete failure. Nissan extended the CVT warranty on some model years to 10 years/120,000 miles due to widespread problems. High-mileage CVTs are particularly at risk. Repairs typically run $300-$5,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2019-2021 Nissan Altima Fuel Pump Failure (Recall)?

Nissan issued a recall for fuel pump issues that can cause engine stalling or failure to start. The fuel pump impeller may deform, causing fuel delivery problems. This affects multiple Nissan models. Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2019-2023 Nissan Altima Infotainment System Glitches?

The infotainment system can experience freezing, lag, and connectivity issues. Bluetooth pairing problems and CarPlay/Android Auto disconnections are common. The touchscreen may become unresponsive. Repairs typically run $0-$800. Severity: low.

2021 Nissan Altima Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 3 Known Issues

2013-2023 Nissan Altima: CVT Transmission Failure/Shudder#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2019-2021 Nissan Altima: Fuel Pump Failure (Recall)#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2019-2023 Nissan Altima: Infotainment System Glitches#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

Other Nissan Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Nissan Altima problems?

Is the Nissan Altima reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Nissan Altima problems?

What is the 2013-2023 Nissan Altima CVT Transmission Failure/Shudder?

What is the 2019-2021 Nissan Altima Fuel Pump Failure (Recall)?

What is the 2019-2023 Nissan Altima Infotainment System Glitches?