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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

2021 Nissan Altima Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
3about this part
Share
4%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 3 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2021 Nissan Altima, 4% of the 70 complaints for this model year.

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.

“Often while driving the car loses power as if the power went off or I ran out of gas,,, studder for a moment then pick up power to continue to drive is the best way I can describe it. Immediately after I get a notification on the dashboard saying maintenance something”

NHTSA complaint #11744468, filed 2026-06

“I am writing to formally lodge a complaint regarding a recurring transmission issue with my 2021 Nissan Altima. The car has been experiencing significant power loss while driving, which I am certain is linked to a malfunctioning CVT transmission system. Despite ensuring that the transmission fluid levels are correct, the problem persists. Recently, the car lost power while I was going at least 50 mph on a busy road, which is very dangerous. Additionally, I have come across numerous complaints from other owners of the same model experiencing similar transmission issues. …”

NHTSA complaint #11603901, filed 2024-07

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2025114%
2024410%
202313%
2022413%
202134%
2020179%
201994%
20182411%
201713334%
201623542%
201516117%
201420919%
201350522%
201214935%
20116828%
20107319%
2009956%
2008808%
20076213%
20067910%
200511511%
2004176%
2003344%
2002394%
200164%
200096%
199978%
199865%
199787%
199678%
19952715%
199433%
199311%

Other parts of the 2021 Nissan Altima

Forward collision avoidance
22 complaints
Brakes
21 complaints
Electrical system
21 complaints
Other or unknown
12 complaints
Steering
7 complaints
Engine
6 complaints
Suspension
5 complaints
Back-over prevention (rear camera)
4 complaints
Latches, locks and linkages
3 complaints
Seat belts
3 complaints
Seats
3 complaints
Air 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 29, 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