2021 Nissan Altima: Forward Collision Avoidance complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 22 owner complaints for the 2021 Nissan Altima that list the forward collision avoidance component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11749014 (filed 07/08/2026): “My car is supposed to have an automatic braking system/collision detection. two cars in front of me slammed on their brakes and the car in front of me slammed on his brake, and i didn't have enough time to react. i totalled my car, but my car is supposed to have a safety feature that automatically b…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11729180 (filed 04/04/2026): “The system malfunctioning is the front sensor braking. my safety and others were put at risk with this because multiple times my car has braked me and or completely stopped me because it’s malfunctioning , it happens while i am on a busy street and someone even almost rear ended me because my car br…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11707198 (filed 12/26/2025): “Vehicle breaking on its own while driving i am writing to file a formal safety complaint and to demand immediate corporate intervention regarding an extremely dangerous mechanical/adas defect. my nissan altima has serious, ongoing safety issues where the vehicle will unexpectedly and aggressively ap…”
Likely causes
These complaints do not establish a single root cause; read the examples above and get a diagnosis.
Fix, in plain English
No single fix is established by these reports. Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs) or extended warranty coverage, then have the system diagnosed.
DIY difficulty: Varies
Depends on the specific failure; get a diagnosis first. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range for this issue. Get a written quote after diagnosis.
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