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The 2021 Nissan Altima is an excellent option for many buyers because of its affordable price points and everything it offers for the cost. The latest model year is modern and sporty, with a handful of trim levels and options to give the car a touch of luxury and sport. For the cost of the spunky sedan, it has everything to offer that you might expect, but the new Nissan Altima also already has one recall owners are dealing with.

A red nissan altima
Nissan Altima | Michael Brochstein, SOPA Images, LightRocket, Getty Images

What is the recall for the 2021 Nissan Altima?

The word ‘recall’ by itself is enough to strike fear into the hearts of many consumers, but that doesn’t mean they are all dramatic and dangerous. For the 2021 Nissan Altima, there is currently an active recall for the tie rod ball joint, which can come unattached while driving and cause a steering malfunction.

To fix the issue, the manufacturer has a rather simple solution. If your car is affected by the recall, simply bring it in to the dealer and they will secure the ball joint properly, or replace the part entirely if the technician feels it is necessary.

A Nissan Altima on display at the New York International Auto Show
The Nissan Altima | Spencer Platt, Getty Images

How many Nissan Altimas will be affected by the recall?

The recall itself doesn’t apply to every single Nissan Altima that has been sold or will be on the road. According to Consumer Reports, this active recall for the 2021 Nissan Altima is estimated to only affect 2,407 vehicles. This is only a small percentage of the model year, but it can still be frustrating to owners who are affected by the recall.

As usual, it’s important to remember the important, basic facts about recalls, like how the cost of the recall is covered by the manufacturer, meaning that the 2021 Nissan Altima recall will only cost owners a bit of their time and energy.

An otherwise well-rounded sedan

Regardless of this minor hiccup, the 2021 Nissan Altima is still an impressively well-rounded car for the price. Perhaps that is why it received not only a high score from Consumer Reports but also the website’s recommendation.

It receives special remarks for controls and fuel economy, which is marked at offering an overall offering of 31 mpg, and its standard automatic emergency braking.

Regardless of the somewhat annoying recall, only a small number of cars are affected, meaning that overall the car is still an excellent and reliable option.