2021 Nissan Titan Safety Report

2021 Nissan Titan faces critical airbag and transmission recalls, with numerous powertrain complaints and unrated crash test performance.

50Complaints
5Recalls
45/100Reliability Score
3Crash Reports
2Fire Reports
1Injuries
Most reported components: Power Train (20)Electrical System (4)Unknown Or Other (3)Forward Collision Avoidance (3)Service Brakes (2)Suspension (2)Suspension,Electrical System,Structure (1)Electrical System,Service Brakes (1)Air Bags (1)Back Over Prevention (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Nissan Titan

The 2021 Nissan Titan presents a mixed safety picture, with several critical recalls and a notable pattern of powertrain complaints, despite a relatively low overall complaint count of 50. NHTSA has not provided specific crash test ratings (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover) for this model year, making it difficult to assess its performance in controlled crash scenarios. However, the presence of 3 reported crashes, 2 fires, and 1 injury among the complaints highlights real-world safety concerns. A significant concern is the recall related to the Air Bag Control Unit (ACU), which, if unsecured, can prevent or delay airbag deployment, increasing injury risk in a crash. This is corroborated by multiple complaints describing airbag failures in collisions. The most frequent complaint component is the POWER TRAIN, accounting for 20 out of 50 complaints (40%). This aligns with two major recalls concerning the transmission parking pawl, which could lead to vehicle rollaway and increased crash risk. Several complaints detail harsh shifting, hesitation, and even complete transmission failure, some occurring at low mileage. Beyond the powertrain, other issues include electrical system problems (4 complaints), forward collision avoidance system malfunctions (3 complaints), and service brake issues (2 complaints). The forward collision avoidance system has been reported to falsely trigger, causing sudden braking and increasing the risk of rear-end collisions. While the total number of complaints is not exceptionally high for a vehicle, the nature of the issues – particularly those affecting airbags, transmission, and active safety systems – suggests areas of significant concern for potential buyers. The lack of NHTSA crash test data further complicates a comprehensive safety assessment.

Reliability Score

The 2021 Nissan Titan receives a reliability score of 45 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2021 Nissan Titan

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Nissan Titan:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Transmission Parking Pawl Failure
The transmission parking pawl may not engage, leading to vehicle rollaway, as addressed by two separate recalls (22V671000, 22V457000).
High Common unknown miles
Airbag Control Unit (Acu) Malfunction
The ACU may be missing a spacer, allowing the fastener to loosen and potentially preventing or delaying airbag deployment, as per recall 24V006000. Multiple complaints report airbags failing to deploy in crashes.
High Occasional unknown miles
Harsh Transmission Shifting/Hesitation
Numerous complaints describe harsh downshifts (especially 2nd to 1st), sluggish acceleration, and jerking, sometimes leading to a 'limp mode' or complete stalling.
Medium Common 0-20000 miles
False Activation Of Automatic Emergency Braking (Aeb)
The AEB system can falsely trigger, particularly under bridges or in shadows, causing sudden and unexpected braking, increasing collision risk.
High Occasional unknown miles
Infotainment System And Backup Camera Failures
Persistent issues with the head unit, infotainment system, and rear backup camera, including distorted displays and complete failure.
Medium Occasional unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Nissan Titan:

Power Train 40% of complaints

Dominant issues include harsh shifting, hesitation, failure to engage park, and complete transmission failure, leading to rollaway risk and driving hazards.

Electrical System 8% of complaints

Problems with the head unit, infotainment system, mirror controls, and general electrical malfunctions.

Forward Collision Avoidance 6% of complaints

False activation of the Automatic Emergency Braking system, causing unexpected stops and increasing crash risk.

Air Bags 2% of complaints

Reports of airbags failing to deploy in collisions, linked to a recall regarding the Air Bag Control Unit.

Service Brakes 4% of complaints

Abnormal brake pedal pulsation and issues related to the braking system.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Nissan Titan

Is the 2021 Nissan Titan safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 Nissan Titan has several significant safety concerns, including critical recalls for airbag deployment issues (24V006000) and transmission parking pawl failures (22V671000, 22V457000). While there are only 50 total complaints, 3 crashes and 1 injury have been reported. The lack of NHTSA crash test ratings makes a full safety assessment challenging, but the nature of the recalls and complaints, particularly regarding airbags and powertrain, indicates potential risks.

What are common problems with the 2021 Nissan Titan?

The most reported issues for the 2021 Nissan Titan are related to the POWER TRAIN, accounting for 40% of complaints. These include harsh shifting, hesitation, and the transmission parking pawl not engaging. Other common problems involve the ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (8% of complaints), particularly infotainment and backup camera failures, and the FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE system (6% of complaints) due to false activations.

Are there any recalls for the 2021 Nissan Titan?

Yes, the 2021 Nissan Titan has 5 recalls. Key recalls include those for the AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE (24V006000) which can prevent airbag deployment, two separate recalls for the POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION (22V671000, 22V457000) concerning the parking pawl, and recalls for EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:BULBS (21V606000) and TIRES (21V060000).

How does the 2021 Nissan Titan perform in crash tests?

NHTSA has not provided specific crash test ratings (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover) for the 2021 Nissan Titan. Therefore, its performance in controlled crash test scenarios cannot be assessed based on available NHTSA data.

What should I know about the transmission issues?

The 2021 Nissan Titan has significant transmission issues, highlighted by 40% of all complaints and two recalls (22V671000, 22V457000). Owners report harsh downshifting, hesitation during acceleration, and the transmission parking pawl failing to engage, which can lead to vehicle rollaway. Some complaints describe the vehicle entering 'limp mode' or stalling, posing serious driving hazards.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the critical recalls for airbags and transmission, coupled with numerous powertrain complaints and unrated crash test performance, potential buyers should exercise caution and ensure all recalls have been addressed before purchase. A thorough pre-purchase inspection focusing on the transmission and electrical systems is highly recommended.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Nissan Titan

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Nissan Titan. The data includes 50 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 5 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 3 reported crashes, 2 fire incidents, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.