Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
Auto manufacturing has come a long way since it first began spreading rapidly across America, and the processes used to manufacture cars have developed just as much.
Nevertheless, even with advanced and modern techniques, vehicles are sometimes still manufactured containing defects. The 2021 Nissan Altima is no exception, and consumers have discussed a number of defects on online forums and car report platforms.
There is a lot of information out there, and it can quickly become confusing to go through: this article will organize that information and present it so that you can be best informed on what issues the 2021 Nissan Altima typically runs into.
Then, we will discuss the lemon law and how consumers can use it to be compensated for purchasing a defective vehicle under warranty.
Common 2021 Nissan Altima Problems
- Forward Collision Avoidance Problems: Spontaneous cruise control deactivation, sudden and unexpected automatic braking, faulty vehicle sensors, false warning reports
- Electrical System Problems: False warning reports, car doors locking unintentionally, faulty exterior sensors
- Steering Problems: Tie rod detachment, tie rod failure, vibrations while driving, loose steering, steering wheel locking up
2021 Nissan Altima Forward Collision Avoidance Problems
Unfortunately, a seemingly common defect in several of Nissan’s recent vehicles is a faulty forward collision avoidance system. This system includes features like cruise control and automatic emergency braking (AEB) which, ideally, work together to prevent the vehicle from getting into accidents with vehicles in front of it.
Based on what consumers are reporting, however, it seems that this system is more likely to cause an accident than anything else. Spontaneous activation of the emergency brakes was reported frequently, likely due to false reports coming from the front sensors “telling” the car to brake quickly. Consumers who notice such problems in their vehicle should take the vehicle to be inspected, as the problems can be dangerous if they manifest.
2021 Nissan Altima Steering Problems
Steering problems refer to problems that impact the ability of the driver to control the wheels of the vehicle and how it turns. In the 2021 Nissan Altima, several consumers reported their steering wheels feeling loose while driving, while others reported the steering wheel suddenly locking up. Vibration of the vehicle while driving was also a common report.
Finally, most consumers who reported steering problems found them to be caused by defective tie rods. It should be no surprise, then, that Nissan issued a recall on these rods in March 2021.
This recall impacted only a small number of vehicles, and the remedy was inspection and replacement of the defective parts. The National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Recall ID is 21V138000.
Example Complaints from Real Owners
“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.”
“On two separate occasions, during intermittent weather changes, my vehicle has giving me notice of forward warning collision being disabled or has flashed on my dashboard. Same goes with my rear collision warnings. My car has also force-brake while driving under 30 mph. I don’t know if there is a safety issue with the alignment of the radars in the newer models but its caused a fear of driving my family in that car.”
“I purchased this vehicle 2022 Altima SR with only 15 miles on it and as soon as arriving home the vehicle had a burnt plastic smell coming from under the hood as well as loud noises upon breaking and moving steering wheel side to side. This is not suppose to be heard on a new vehicle! If your looking to buy a new vehicle stay away from NISSAN, i had to learn this the hard way. The vehicle is still in the dealership and its been a month already, i have not even had the chance to drive it and yet they are so timely to send the first bill but still cant figure out how to fix the vehicle!”
How the Lemon Law Could Help with Your 2021 Nissan Altima Issues
The lemon law creates a route for consumers to bring claims against manufacturers of defective vehicles if the vehicle was repeatedly repaired during the manufacturer warranty. In California, the lemon law requires a “reasonable number of repair attempts” before a vehicle can be considered a lemon. Typically, this means two to four attempts, but this number can vary if the defect is particularly dangerous.
Every lemon law claim begins with the consumer discovering a defect and taking the vehicle to an authorized manufacturer dealer for repair. If the defect persists, it ideally will be attempted to be repaired again until it has undergone a reasonable number of attempts. It is crucial for the vehicle owner to carefully document all repairs, as this information is essential for filing a lemon law claim.
Once the consumer suspects their vehicle is likely the consumer should consider presenting a lemon law claim against the manufacturer. Consulting and potentially hiring a skilled lemon law attorney is highly recommended at this stage to organize the claim and navigate the legal process.
The remedies for a lemon law claim are either a refund or a replacement, and in California. A refund includes all the money spent on the vehicle, including the down payment, monthly payments. interest and taxes, and sometimes incidental fees like registration renewal costs or rental car costs.
A replacement involves receiving a vehicle of similar make and model to the defective one, often a current-year model, though not necessarily. In either case, the manufacturer deducts a usage fee, representing the time the vehicle was driven without problems and in the case of a replacement vehicle, the consumer is typically responsible for any difference in price.
Count on a California Lemon Law Attorney for Assistance!
The legal process can feel confusing and complex, but it doesn’t have to be that way! Hiring an experienced lemon law attorney is the best thing you can do for your peace of mind while bringing a lemon law claim.
An attorney will help you organize your documentation, keep track of and meet deadlines, communicate with the manufacturer, and represent you in court if need be.
Under California’s lemon law, a prevailing consumer against a manufacturer does not pay any attorney’s fee or costs, so the legal representation comes at no cost to them.
The Lemon Law Experts are your premier choice for lemon law representation. Since 2009, we have secured millions of total settlement dollars for thousands of clients dealing with defective vehicles.
Lemon law claims can be time-sensitive, so don’t hesitate to contact us today either by calling (877) 885-5366 or by filling out our form online for a free case evaluation!
