Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
Auto manufacturers produce hundreds of thousands of vehicles each year, often with new and exciting features to enhance the driving experience of the consumer.
However, some new vehicles also roll out of the factory containing defects that can impact the consumer’s ability to safely use their new vehicle.
In this article, we will discuss some of the most commonly reported defects in the 2021 Nissan Titan. These reports come from other consumers on various platforms, such as the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
We will also discuss the lemon law and how consumers can use it to be compensated for purchasing a defective new vehicle.
Common 2021 Nissan Titan Problems
- Transmission Problems: Rollaway, total transmission failure, gear slippage, trouble shifting gears, trouble accelerating, clicking and crunching noises
- Forward Collision Avoidance Problems: Automatic emergency braking engages improperly, faulty sensors
- Electrical System Issues: Infotainment system issues
- Structural Problems: Suspension issues, exploding sunroofs, water leaks
2021 Nissan Titan Transmission Problems
By far the most commonly reported issue in the 2021 Nissan Titan is a problematic transmission. The transmission in a vehicle allows power to move from the engine to the wheels, which in turn is controlled by the driver to accelerate and decelerate.
When a transmission does not function as intended, it can be extremely dangerous because the driver can no longer effectively control the vehicle.
In the 2021 Nissan Titan, consumers mention their car rolling away unintentionally, their transmission outright failing completely, crunching noises while shifting gears, trouble shifting gears at all, and problems with accelerating.
A consumer who identifies any of these problems should take their vehicle in to be inspected and repaired as soon as possible, given how dangerous these defects can be.
Consumers should also be aware that Nissan has issued two recalls relating to the transmissions on the 2021 Nissan Titan. The first recall took place in June 2022 and the second in September 2022.
Both were associated with the rollaway issue already mentioned. The NHTSA Recall ID numbers for these recalls are 22V457000 and 22V671000 respectively.
2021 Nissan Titan Forward Collision Avoidance Problems
Unfortunately common in many Nissan vehicles, many 2021 Nissan Titan vehicles suffer from a defective forward collision avoidance system.
This system, when working properly, engages the emergency brakes when the vehicle comes too close to another vehicle in front of it. The sensors in some 2021 Nissan Titan vehicles falsely report other vehicles being in front of it, which engages the emergency brake unexpectedly.
Multiple consumers specifically mention that the system engages when driving underneath a bridge, speculating that the shadow the bridge produces triggers the system.
It is unclear whether this system can be repaired by a mechanic, but if a consumer encounters it, they should take the vehicle in to be inspected just in case regardless.
2021 Nissan Titan Structural Problems
Consumers mention a handful of miscellaneous structural problems in their 2021 Nissan Titans as well. Some consumers reported that their suspension units needed to be replaced, while others mentioned their sunroof spontaneously exploding and water easily leaking into the vehicle. These problems were generally not widespread and appear more like individual random incidents than systemic defects in the vehicles.
Example Complaints from Real Nissan Titan Owners
“With less than 3000 miles transmission keep searching for right gear to take off. Engine over revs while searching for right gears. One visit to dealer so for with no solution.”
“2021 nissan titans were equipped with nissan’s new 9 speed transmission. People are having major issues with this new transmission including me. I bought my brand new 2021 nissan titan in January of 2022. I have had issues with the transmission since day 1. Hard shifts from 1 to 4th gear. Always searching for gears. The safety issue is when you come to a stop the truck lurches forward on the last downshift causing the driver to almost hit the car in front of them. Also, when coasting to a stop every downshift is harsh and it slows the truck down because it’s shifting to a lower gear to soon. Nissan performed an engine/transmission computer update but that didn’t resolve anything and now they tell me there’s nothing they can do about it.”
“Is not gas efficient, 9 to 10 miles per gallon, motor is not so great, a little noise to start up, even now that still has 5 k only. very disappointed with this purchase, I will not buy another nissan , just I will said poor design on motor and performance.”
How the Lemon Law Could Help with Your 2021 Nissan Titan Issues
The lemon law assists consumers dealing with defective vehicles by providing specific criteria to classify a vehicle as a lemon and obtain compensation.
If your vehicle satisfies these criteria, you are very likely eligible to be compensated for the purchase of a defective vehicle. The lemon law process begins when a consumer identifies a defect in their vehicle and seeks repairs while the vehicle is still under the manufacturer’s original warranty.
After identifying the defect, the consumer should take it to an authorized manufacturer dealership for a repair attempts. It is essential for consumers to meticulously document and record all repair attempts to support a potential lemon law claim: the more evidence, the stronger the claim.
If the defect persists after a reasonable number of repair attempts, typically between two and four, or if the vehicle is unusable for 30 days or more, it is likely considered a lemon under California law.
At this stage, the consumer may consider hiring a lemon law attorney. Such an attorney can help inform the consumer of their best course forward, help organize and present documentation, assist during negotiations, and ultimately bring your case to court if necessary.
If negotiations resolve in favor of the consumer, the manufacturer must offer either a replacement vehicle or a refund. The replacement will be of a similar make and model. Depending on availability, this is often a current year car and the consumer will be responsible for any difference in price.
The refund option will include the reimbursement of all money spent on the vehicle, including the down payment, monthly payments, taxes and interest, and sometimes includes incidental expenses like rental car costs or registration renewal fees. In either case, the manufacturer takes a fee called the usage fee for the time the consumer drove the vehicle without any issues that lead it to being a lemon.
If negotiations do not resolve in favor of the consumer, they can sue the manufacturer under the lemon law. An attorney is crucial for a successful claim, as the legal process can be complex and confusing for the average consumer.
If the consumer wins their lawsuit, they are entitled to reasonable attorney’s fees, making the lawsuit cost-free for them. In addition to financial compensation, winning a lemon law case can also bring peace of mind and a sense of justice to the consumer, reinforcing their rights and protections under the law.
Connect with an Attorney Specializing in Lemon Law
One of the most effective things a consumer can do for their lemon law claim is hiring an experienced lemon law attorney to guide them through the process.
Such attorneys have dedicated their careers to helping consumers like you receive the compensation they deserve for purchasing a new but defective vehicle.
When it comes to handling your lemon law claim, the Lemon Law Experts are your best bet for a stress-free and efficient process. Since 2009, we have worked diligently with clients to ensure they are represented and compensated.
Contact us today by calling (877) 885-5366 or by filling out a form online for a free case evaluation!
