2021 Nissan Altima Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 7about this part
- Share
- 10%of 70 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the steering of the 2021 Nissan Altima, 10% of the 70 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 1 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Unknown. But upon googling I’ve discovered a recall for ball joint separating from steering column due to bolt not tightened properly which explains the noise I’ve heard since I got It which has now progressed to popping even up exiting the vehicle and shutting the door. Yet, “0 unrepaired recalls” according to you.”
NHTSA complaint #11524722, filed 2023-05“My car has a detached tie rod ball joint and is causing a loss of steering control, and increasing the risk of a crash. My children are in danger yet your site says my vin has no safety recall after I reviewed the safety recall for my vehicle and noticed a connection. I can’t afford any repairs and I shouldn’t have to risk my life over a recalled problem with my make model and year vehicle.”
NHTSA complaint #11547535, filed 2023-09“First of all I know there is a break in period. The stering seems to be loose at times almost to loose when I’m turning , especially a more sharper turn. The brakes are loud at a stop almost like they are warped but it only has 300 miles.the suspension, brakes,,underneath the front end, and the steering do not feel like they are one unit.”
NHTSA complaint #11439954, filed 2021-11“While driving home from work I experienced my fourth or fifth malfunction error flashing across my digital display. It scares me because this time is different. This time the flash made the seat vibrate and before I had a chance to react, I totally lost control Of my steering even though I had my hand family placed on each side of the wheel none of my maneuvers resulting in the tires moving in any direction. …”
NHTSA complaint #11444993, filed 2021-12Related recalls
- 21V138000Mar 4, 2021Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Nissan Altima vehicles. The tie rod ball joint fastener was not tightened properly, which…Covers: Nissan Altima 2020–2021
Related service bulletins
- 10243708Sep 21, 2023DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of…
- 10232652Feb 22, 2023DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of…
- 10188338Feb 12, 2021Tie Rod End Socket Nuts Dealer Inventory *****Dealer Announcement***** Nissan is conducting a dealer inventory quality action on 955 specific model year 2021 Altima vehicles…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 12% |
| 2023 | 1 | 3% |
| 2021 | 7 | 10% |
| 2020 | 20 | 11% |
| 2019 | 3 | 1% |
| 2018 | 12 | 5% |
| 2017 | 16 | 4% |
| 2016 | 16 | 3% |
| 2015 | 48 | 5% |
| 2014 | 58 | 5% |
| 2013 | 94 | 4% |
| 2012 | 17 | 4% |
| 2011 | 13 | 5% |
| 2010 | 20 | 5% |
| 2009 | 859 | 56% |
| 2008 | 37 | 4% |
| 2007 | 17 | 4% |
| 2006 | 15 | 2% |
| 2005 | 31 | 3% |
| 2004 | 11 | 4% |
| 2003 | 13 | 1% |
| 2002 | 15 | 1% |
| 2001 | 5 | 3% |
| 2000 | 3 | 2% |
| 1999 | 2 | 2% |
| 1998 | 3 | 2% |
| 1997 | 1 | 1% |
| 1996 | 3 | 3% |
| 1995 | 1 | 1% |
| 1994 | 1 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2021 Nissan Altima
22 complaintsBrakes
21 complaintsElectrical system
21 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsEngine
6 complaintsSuspension
5 complaintsBack-over prevention (rear camera)
4 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
3 complaintsSeat belts
3 complaintsSeats
3 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
3 complaintsAir bags
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Nissan Altima
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology