2021 Nissan Titan Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
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What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2021 Nissan Titan, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Powertrain (other)2542.4%
- Electrical915.3%
- Driver assistance813.6%
- Brakes46.8%
- Engine35.1%
- Suspension35.1%
- Steering23.4%
- Fuel system23.4%
- Tires & wheels11.7%
- Body & structure11.7%
- Airbags11.7%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Dealership signed off on NHTSA Recall 22V671 / Nissan Bulletin NTB22-085 in 2023 as 'reprogramming not needed.' The vehicle's transmission software is currently mismatched/corrupted, causing transmission fault codes. The manufacturer (Nissan Consumer Affairs) and the local dealer are refusing to honor the safety remedy and are attempting to charge a $240 diagnostic fee to investigate a failed recall campaign.
Two different incidents involving the transmission. The first was going at a moderate speed, it’s a nine speed transmission. It shifted down into second gear, revving the engine horribly and throwing me forward somewhat. If this had happened at highway speeds it could have locked up the back wheels causing me to loose control of the vehicle. I have picture of the dash panel showing it shifted down to second gear. I’m not sure how to attach it here. I pulled over and put it in park, then went back to drive and it reset itself. When I took it to the dealership they said since it wasn’t actively doing it they could not help me. It was still under warranty at this point. The second incident was when I was at a stop sign on an uphill grade. The service transmission light came on and the vehicle started to roll backwards very fast. I hit the brake but had nowhere to go but forward. I had to accelerate quite a bit just to get it to barely move forward and get out of traffic. Luckily I was near my house. I returned home and having some automotive knowledge I disconnected the battery and it reset the computer and transmission. Once again it drove normal. Had this happened in heavy traffic at high speeds I could have been stranded on a busy freeway. Once again the dealership said if it wasn’t actively doing the problem they couldn’t help me. I have since read their is a lawsuit pending against Nissan for these very issues, telling me I’m not the only one having these problems. The second incident occurred just a few weeks after the 5 years warranty was out. The vehicle still only has 45,000 miles on it. Both these defects could cause injury to myself or others.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
2021 Nissan Titan XD was being driven. I was listening to an audio book through android auto. I began to hear a noice I can best describe as a beep or squeal like you might hear from an electronic toy with a battery about to die. I thought the sound was coming from the center console and was trying to identify the source when I observed flames erupt behind the passenger door speaker grill. I exited the vehicle and opened the passenger side door where I patted the speaker grill and was able to extinguish the flame. I called 911. The call connected via bluetooth and I was able to hear the call through the other speakers. I pulled the door panel cover open and was able to observe the speaker was damaged. I reached in and pulled the connector out of the top of the speaker to hopefully ensure it would not reignite. The connector was not hot, melted or damaged.
I am filing this complaint due to persistent and repeated failures of the vehicle’s head unit infotainment system and rear backup camera, and mirror controls on my 2021 Nissan Titan. These failures have occurred multiple times despite repairs covered under an extended warranty. The issues severely impair vehicle safety and usability. The infotainment head unit screen is completely black and unresponsive. The rear backup camera fails to activate when the vehicle is shifted into reverse, eliminating a federally mandated safety feature. During the first failure, the mirror adjustment controls stopped functioning simultaneously with the infotainment failure. Steering wheel audio controls do not activate or change the issue. Although my phone shows as connected to CarPlay when plugged into the vehicle, no display or control function during the failure. These failures have recurred three times, the 2nd time immediately after the first repair. Despite replacing the head unit on the 2nd attempt, it is in for a third time. In total, the truck has been out of service for nearly a month due to these electrical issues. The problem points to a systemic electrical or communication fault affecting multiple vehicle systems. The loss of the backup camera constitutes a significant safety hazard. The vehicle is currently unusable in its full potential in this condition. Repairs have been conducted under an extended warranty with Zurich, including previous head unit replacements. The dealer has performed extensive diagnostics. Electrical grounds, wiring harnesses, and control modules are suspected to be involved. Despite these efforts, the issue persists, significantly impacting vehicle safety and operation. The inability to use the backup camera compromises safety while reversing. The loss of infotainment and steering wheel controls reduces driving convenience and distracts from safe operation. Extended repair downtime affects my ability to use the vehicle reliably. Please advise.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Titan. The contact stated that while reversing, the back-up camera display screen appeared distorted, with lines inside the image. The contact stated that the failure created a visibility hazard. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the camera infotainment display needed to be replaced; however, the part was on backorder and not currently available. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and confirmed that the part was unavailable. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.
I was traveling on the Interstate at about 50 miles an hour. I went under a bridge and my front crash avoidance sensors malfunctioned and the breaks were applied. My truck completely locked down to a stop and I could not get the truck to move. I in turn was hit in the rear end by a semi truck. The local Nissan dealership started that it was a known.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
My Titan had no real indicators or trouble codes but failed into limp mode and began to smoke and caught on fire! Nissan refused to investigate as they claimed the 2021 was unaffected but shares the same manufacturer plant and engine harness from the 2020.
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Titan. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH and attempting to slow down, the brake pedal displayed an abnormal pulsation. The vehicle seemed to return to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined there was excessive wear on the front and rear rotors, as well as excessive wear on the rear brake pads. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 33,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle will not move between lower level gears and will not accelerate when it is stuck. The vehicle will rev up very high but not switch gears even if you dig all the way in on the gas pedal. In fact, if you do that the engine makes a chirping noise. This defect prevented me from accelerating through an intersection and I nearly got hit by oncoming traffic. We have taken it to the Nissan dealership 3 times and they have said this is normal for this type of truck. We are taking this to an independent service center for a second opinion.
When slowing down the transmission will Jerk between gears 1 and 2 causing the truck to lunge forward.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
NHTSA I own a 2021 Nissan Titan. I am deeply concerned that I have defective Air Bags. I have had 2 collisions in my vehicle at high rates of speed and none deployed either time. I now fear that this vehicle will not protect me in the unfortunate case of another collision. I do understand they will not deploy under every condition, but I do expect additional protection outside of a seatbelt in a collision at a high rate of speed. In the first Collision, I was going 45 MPH. I had injuries to my neck and back. I had extensive work done to the suspension, drivers door, headlight, fender, bumper, grill, and the hood. In my second collision, a deer ran into my truck while I was traveling at 70 MPH. The head of the deer damaged the headlight and wiring harness, the bumper, grill, and hood and its body heavily damaged my passenger front door and fender. My passenger rear door also had some damage. No injuries occurred but the impacts should have caused a deployment. I am aware that there was a Recall on 2021 & 2024 Titans about the air bags having a delayed or failed deployment however I received no letter from this, neither is this in any of my printed service records. I would like Nissan to inspect my air bag system to see if there’s a defect that is causing them not to deploy or to make sure that my Titan was not missed in the group of trucks that had this defect, that way the recall can be extended to more 2021 Titans. I am in fear to drive this truck due to the fact that it may not protect me in the case of another accident. I am ready to purchase another Titan and have been loyal to the Nissan brand after owning 4 Altimas, 1 Armada, and soon to be 2 Titans.
WITHIN FIRST 5000 MILES LEFT REAR LEAF SPRING STARTED TO UNCOIL AND HAD TO BE REPLACED FOLLOWED BY RIGHT REAR. VEHICLE WAS MAKING SQUEAKING AND GRINDING NOISES.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Twice after a rain I've found substantial amount of water leaking from the driver side, left side dashboard near the ebrake peddle and under steering wheel. The inside padding around the frame is soaked. It appears it could be broken windshield seal or leaking sunroof. I also have video.
1st issue was power steering failed while driving. All fluid was purged and steering became very difficult. No injuries nor damage occurred as vehicle was stopped safely. Repaired by dealer (12000mi) 2nd failure. Transmission failed shifting abruptly to first gear while driving in traffic. Vehicle was limped into parking lot. Vehicle towed to dealer, valve body replaced, vehicle returned after 1 week. 5 hours after pickup vehicle slammed back into 1st gear while driving causing similar issue in traffic. Vehicle back in dealership awaiting transmission from Nissan (13000mi)
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle will not move between lower level gears and will not accelerate when it is stuck. The vehicle will rev up very high but not switch gears even if you dig all the way in on the gas pedal. In fact, if you do that the engine makes a chirping noise. This defect prevented me from accelerating through an intersection and I nearly got hit by oncoming traffic. We have taken it to the Nissan dealership 3 times and they have said this is normal for this type of truck. We are taking this to an independent service center for a second opinion.
The digital readout for miles to empty never resets after a fill up and the fuel gauge takes an excessive amount of time to show full after a fill up. Not trusting what the fuel gauge says I have in the tank. Sound like the sending unit or the float is sticking but not accurate.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
My 2021 Titan, which I bought new in June of 2021 had a sidewall crack while driving. I did read, when I googled Continental/General tires that there has been a recall on Titan and Altima tires due to sidewall blowouts and cracks. The dealership said they never received anything about tires, however, My Titan had a 2 inch crack develop while driving, and I only have 3K miles on the truck. I do not feel real safe with the other 3 on it. This should be looked into.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
NHTSA I own a 2021 Nissan Titan. I am deeply concerned that I have defective Air Bags. I have had 2 collisions in my vehicle at high rates of speed and none deployed either time. I now fear that this vehicle will not protect me in the unfortunate case of another collision. I do understand they will not deploy under every condition, but I do expect additional protection outside of a seatbelt in a collision at a high rate of speed. In the first Collision, I was going 45 MPH. I had injuries to my neck and back. I had extensive work done to the suspension, drivers door, headlight, fender, bumper, grill, and the hood. In my second collision, a deer ran into my truck while I was traveling at 70 MPH. The head of the deer damaged the headlight and wiring harness, the bumper, grill, and hood and its body heavily damaged my passenger front door and fender. My passenger rear door also had some damage. No injuries occurred but the impacts should have caused a deployment. I am aware that there was a Recall on 2021 & 2024 Titans about the air bags having a delayed or failed deployment however I received no letter from this, neither is this in any of my printed service records. I would like Nissan to inspect my air bag system to see if there’s a defect that is causing them not to deploy or to make sure that my Titan was not missed in the group of trucks that had this defect, that way the recall can be extended to more 2021 Titans. I am in fear to drive this truck due to the fact that it may not protect me in the case of another accident. I am ready to purchase another Titan and have been loyal to the Nissan brand after owning 4 Altimas, 1 Armada, and soon to be 2 Titans.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Titan. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, another vehicle turned in front of their vehicle, causing the contact's front end to hit the other vehicle's passenger side. The air bags failed to deploy. Both vehicles had severe damage to the body of the vehicle. The contact received a concussion and needed medical assistance. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed but the final decision regarding it being totaled had not been decided. The vehicle had not been taken to the dealer and the cause of the air bags failing had not been diagnosed. The vehicle had not received any repairs. The dealer was contacted, and they were referred to the manufacturer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 77,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .