2021 Nissan Titan Problems and Top Complaints – Is Your Car A Lemon?

Electrical, fuel system and steering issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

Updated on Author: Brian Jones

Introduced in 2004, the Titan is a Nissan success story. But, like everything else in life, it isn’t without its problems, as complaints to the United States Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) show.

By mid-January 2022, NYTSA records show 14 complaints, 2 recalls, and 30 manufacturer communications that provide an early warning about defects or non-compliance. Some of these are in response to customer complaints made directly to Nissan.

You can read about complaints about other models in our article, 2019 Nissan Titan Problems and Top Complaints. Here we highlight electrical, fuel, and steering issues.

In addition to these, Lemberg Law is investigating complaints about transmission issues, which are one of the major problems that relate to the 2021 Nissan Titan.

Click on other model year to view more problems: 2017   2018   2019

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NHTSA Complaints for the 2021 Nissan Titan

Complaint CategoryNumber of Complaints
Power Train
23
Unknown Or Other
4
Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
3
Engine
3
Fuel/propulsion System
2
Electrical System
2
Suspension
2
Vehicle Speed Control
1
Back Over Prevention: Warnings
1
Steering
1

Most Common Problems with the 2021 Nissan Titan

The second-generation Nissan Titan, launched in 2016, had its most recent “refresh” in 2020. There are no major changes between the 2020 and 2021 models. As with previous models, it is available in both a regular and heavy-duty XD version. The XD has a longer body and wheelbase, and its suspension is taller.

All the complaints refer to the Nissan Titan Crew Cab rather than the XD Crew Cab. One of the two recalls relates to exterior lighting and turn signals, and is common to both models. It is seen as a crash risk. Most of the manufacturer communications are the same except that there are 30 on record for the regular Crew Cab and only 27 for the XD.

Of the 14 complaints to the NHTSA, there are 5-powertrain related issues, 2 that relate to the electrical system, and 2 to suspension problems. Additional complaints relate to the engine, forward collision avoidance, the fuel/propulsion system, lane departure, service brakes, and tires. The second recall, which potentially affects 36,141 vehicles produced between 2008 and 2021, is tire-related and can cause drivers to lose control of their trucks and risk crashing.

2021 Nissan Titan Powertrain Problems

All complainants report transmission problems saying that when they shift the gears the truck jerks and lurches forward. A complaint on October 29 says that when the truck was taken to a dealer, the response was, “Nissan is fully aware of the issue and is working on a fix.” Nothing was done even though it was an ongoing issue for nearly a year.

Another complaint says: “If one is not hard on the brakes at the time, the truck will lurch forward with the last downshifts, with the potential to strike pedestrians or the car in front.”

There are 3 manufacturer communications about the powertrain, but none of them mention this problem.

If you have a powertrain complaint, you can report it and be part of our ongoing class action investigation.

2021 Nissan Titan Electrical System Problems

The electrical system problems are different. One truck gets a key system error when the driver starts it, and while the vehicle is running. Also, a warning light icon stays on intermittently.

The second complaint is a bad glare on the infotainment screen. “I have contacted Nissan customer service and they say there is nothing they can do for it. This is a very dangerous problem that can be distracting while you are driving.”

Additionally, there are 18 manufacturer communications about electrical system problems of other kinds.

2021 Nissan Titan Suspension Problems

Suspension complaints refer to squeaking and grinding noises and a broken rear axle.

What to do if your 2021 Nissan Titan is a Lemon? Your Lemon Rights

If you think your Nissan Titan is a lemon, call our Helpline as soon as you can. We will assess your truck problems and advise you.

We have helped many drivers get cash settlements, buy-back deals, and trade-ins. If you’ve bought a lemon, we can do the same for you. And it will cost you nothing because the law says Nissan must pay.

Complaint Data

CategoryUnknown Or Other, Vehicle Speed Control
DateFeb 14, 2023
StateCO
Description
The instrument cluster on the dashboard and continuing down the center console, entertainment screen, heating/ cooling controls to the usb ports on my 2021 nissan titan.. The entire cluster of indicator lights, alarms, settings etc. Create a dangerous element of distraction never experienced in my driving history. Take a look! Please investigate the entire aray of the dash lights when illuminated at night. It's a truck not a boeing 747. These unproven driver aids provide nothing but discraction when attentiveness is what highway safety relies on from all motorists. As a side note: the crusise control on this nissan vehicle does not control your speed. The mileage indicator before fuel runs out stops showing miles till empty at around 40 miles. Say you're traveling with a young child at night and you merely want an indication of miles till empty to determine if you should take the baby home and get fuel tomorrow or, if it's a more critical situation. There is a danger of distracted driving akin to texting while driving with this cluster of controls, warning lights and an aray of information indicators as distracting as I've found on this nissan titan. I should not have to "bone-up" on the owners manual to simply operate a motor vehicle.
CategoryPower Train
DateFeb 09, 2023
StateTX
Description
The contact owns a 2021 nissan titan. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign numbers: 22v671000 (power train) and 22v457000 (power train) however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Vin tool confirms parts not available.
CategoryForward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
DateJan 18, 2023
StateND
Description
The vehicles automatic emergency braking system falsely triggers under certain conditions. It most commonly occurs when the the vehicle travels under bridges in sunny, clear conditions. Presumably, the vehicle believes that the shadow cast by the bridge is an object when it is in fact just a shadow. After this happened three times in a 20 mile stretch, the vehicle displayed a warning light saying that the system had malfunctioned and automatically turned the forward collision system off. The problem still occurs to this day when driving under the conditions previously described and has nearly caused a number of accidents. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.
CategoryPower Train
DateDec 19, 2022
StateGA
Description
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.
CategoryForward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking
DateDec 07, 2022
StateTN
Description
The contact owns a 2021 nissan titan. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the automatic emergency braking system inadvertently activated, causing the vehicle to suddenly decelerate. The contact stated that on one occasion, the vehicle abruptly stopped. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and indicated that the vehicle operated as designed. The contact stated that on another occasion while driving 60 mph, the vehicle independently stopped underneath a bridge. The contact stated that the shadow from the bridge had caused the forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking to inadvertently activate. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 14,900.
CategoryPower Train
DateDec 05, 2022
StateLA
Description
My vehicle when slowing to a stop down shifts a bit harshly then upshifts suddenly making a loud click and lurches forward abruptly. This has gotten worse with time. I have 8,156 miles as I write this. The 2 recalls were complied with friday 12/02/2022 at orr nissan bossier city, la. I initially called and took it in for the problem described and even though the technician said the problem no longer exits, it does. I called them back after I left but they were closing up when I left and no one answered the phone, except the receptionist. I called again saturday morning no answer then again at 1412 and told them problem still exists. Joe, my service tech was off saturday. I called again monday morning at 0810 to verify my message was delivered to him but it had not been. They want me to bring it in and stayed it may be 2-3 days before they can get to it. No courtesy vehicle and I have to work. This is in my opinion a safety issue. The sudden lurch forward while slowing could cause a rearend accident. Please look into this issue as I see it seems to be a common concern for 2021 nissan titan owners.
CategoryUnknown Or Other
DateNov 11, 2022
StateMO
Description
The front door windows have both automatic down and automatic up. It has been my experience in the past when vehicles have the automatic up feature, they have a pressure/resistance sensor which stops the window from going any further and therefore not getting anything caught up in the window. These do not have that. You can hit the auto up button and hold hard pressure with your hand and they still roll up. This is a major problem just waiting to happen, especially to a child. What made me notice it was a spoiled rotten dog we have had her head in it, and I had hit the auto up button not realizing she was hanging out the window and it almost caught her up in it. She yelped and pulled back in just in the nick of time. This needs to be fixed by nissan and soon before a child loses fingers, breaks a hand, or worse.
CategoryBack Over Prevention: Warnings, Unknown Or Other
DateNov 10, 2022
StateUT
Description
I took my vehicle in due to the open recall their are two and they informed me that the recall on both can not be fixed until they get the software need to make the repair. Both recalls are related and need to be fixed together. I have contacted the dealer and no solution is available at this time.
CategoryPower Train
DateNov 07, 2022
StateUT
Description
Transmission issue. The transmission is sluggish when trying to accelerate when at a complete stop. It's almost like it doesn't downshift properly after coming to a complete stop. I have had several instances when I am trying to clear an intersection and have to apply more acceleration than normal to prevent getting hit from oncoming traffic. The transmission also kicks when coming to a complete stop. It almost seems like it has a hard time downshifting to first gear. I have come close to hitting someone in front of me because it lurches forward after coming to a complete stop. I noticed the problem a few months after purchasing the vehicle brand new. I made an appointment with the nissan dealership and they could not replicate the issue. I again a few months later in 2021 mentioned the issue while getting an oil change, and they finally were able to replicate the issue. They informed me they didn't have any remedy for the issue and to continue to check in with them for a possible software update. I continue to ask when I go in for an oil change, and continue to get the same answer. This is not only dangerous but frustrating to have a brand new truck have this issue.
CategoryPower Train
DateOct 11, 2022
StateAZ
Description
Downshifting during braking causes sudden and unpredictable forward jumping. During normal braking, the truck will jump two to three feet forward without warning or any way to prevent it.
CategoryPower Train
DateSep 27, 2022
StateLA
Description
I have been dealing with a transmission issue with a 2021 new nissan titan since jul 26 with no resolution. I brought my nissan titan hd in for service at bayou nissan on july 26 for a transmission issue. The truck jerks when downshifting, the jerk can throw you forward with a hard downshift when coming to a stop. This has at times locked my seatbelt and thrown passengers forward. This is clearly and regularly documented online, the links provided are the exact description of what is happening in my vehicle. Https://www. Titanxdforum. Com/threads/9-speed-transmission-shifting. 44760/ https://thedriveradviser. Com/nissan-titan-transmissions-overview-problems-fluids/ https://www. Mylemon. Com/lemon-law-blog/common-nissan-titan-transmission-problems/ my truck has been in service on and off for 20 days since july 26, I have lost 20 days of having my vehicle. I have had two computer updates to the transmission, on both occasions I drove less than 5 miles before the issue began happening again. I was told by the nissan dealership that nissan corporate said this how the vehicle performs, which is absolutely an unacceptable answer. No one should pay this amount of money for a truck with a 100k warranty and not find a fix or resolution.
CategoryEngine, Fuel/propulsion System, Power Train
DateJul 04, 2022
StateTN
Description
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.
CategoryPower Train
DateMay 24, 2022
StateKY
Description
Truck lags when taking off and has a severe downshift from 2nd to first gear. This causes the truck to jump forward when braking.
CategoryPower Train
DateMay 11, 2022
StateMI
Description
The transmission would jerk and clunky when coming to a stop and vibrate, shifting hard upon acceleration. Dealership refuses to acknowledge the problem.
CategoryPower Train
DateMay 08, 2022
StateIL
Description
Severe lag/hesitation on acceleration, hard shift lime being hit at around 10 mph and same issue when slowing down as it downshifts. Has happened intermittently for the last 2 months.
CategoryPower Train
DateMay 01, 2022
StateCA
Description
Transmission downshifts hard from 2nd, to 1st, gear. When this happens, the truck jerks forward, and I have to now keep a big distance between me and the cars ahead of me.
CategoryPower Train
DateApr 09, 2022
StateOR
Description
The gears shift rough causing the vehicle to jerk or down shifting early causing a stall when imcreasing accelaration. It is dangerous when you cant accelarate at times to avoid cars or merging on to the highway. I took it in and nissan said this was fine and everything seemed normal.
CategoryPower Train
DateMar 29, 2022
StateOH
Description
Transmission lags, and clunks. Will downshift unexpectedly upon deceleration causing the truck to lurch forward. Acceleration lags because vehicle does not shift correctly. This could put myself and others at risk. My truck only has 7,000 miles on it but the truck has done this since I got it brand new.
CategoryPower Train, Steering
DateMar 25, 2022
StateCO
Description
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)
CategoryPower Train
DateMar 16, 2022
StateIL
Description
Vehicle began to rev the engine to approximately 6,000 or 7,000 rpm's. This occurred for several seconds before correcting itself. Immediately after correcting itself, the engine began to rev to the same rpm's as stated before for several seconds again. After a few seconds, there was a loud clunk sound and the entire truck learched forward aggressively. Truck was travelling approximately 20 mph in stop and go traffic. Vehicle was pulled to the side of the road and felt as if it could not get past the 1st gear/limp mode. For safety reasons, vehicle was moved to a nearby parking lot where it was parked until a tow truck was available.
CategoryEngine, Power Train
DateMar 15, 2022
StateSC
Description
When slowing down the transmission will jerk between gears 1 and 2 causing the truck to lunge forward.
CategoryPower Train
DateFeb 23, 2022
StateTX
Description
Transmission issue: *taking off from a complete stop at a traffic light or stop sign the truck is sluggish unless I give it about 1/4 throttle then it takes off slow it feels like its not in 1st gear. This is dangerous if trying to avoid incoming traffic while turning on a busy intersection. *there's occasions at a stop the truck surges forward by itself. *while driving and trying to pass a vehicle the transmission downshifted normal then it shifts up then down again. *when shifting from park to drive the transmission clunks. *when slowing down the downshift is harsh. I have taken to the dealership 2 times their response its the nature of the transmission.
CategoryPower Train
DateFeb 04, 2022
StateTN
Description
The transmission lags, slips gears, shift's harshly. When slowing down shifting from second to first gear around 15th, there is a very noticeable clunk in the transmission.
CategoryPower Train
DateJan 18, 2022
StateGA
Description
My 2021 pro4x titan with 6,400 miles has on numerous occasions not shifted up and out of 1st gear despite being in typical drive, automatic transmission. I have owned the truck for just over 1 year and I have noticed this 10+ times when moving at slower speeds. I generally shift into neutral and enter drive again, which fixes the issue.
CategoryPower Train
DateNov 23, 2021
StatePA
Description
Purchased vehi le with 2000 miles on it. Vehicle shifts very rough. When the transmission downshifts to stop it will bump or lerch forward. If you are not expecting it the truck will go forward. There is a lot of lag while accelerating. Dealer looked over vehicle and worked with nissan to check several things. The dealer techs all noticed the problem. They compared it to a new one and tne new one did the same thing. It is a little frustrating because it acts like a damaged worn out transmission although the vehicle has very little miles and is babied.
CategoryPower Train
DateNov 04, 2021
StateNC
Description
I have a 2021 that is prone to harsh downshifts and jerking just before coming to a complete stop. I have taken the truck to the dealership and they informed me that their technician could not find anything wrong. The problem still continue to happen
CategoryPower Train
DateOct 29, 2021
StateTX
Description
2021 nissan titan is having major transmission problems jerking when down shifting. This has become a serous issue when try to maintain speed. I have taking the vehicle to the dealership to which I am told, "nissan is fully aware of the issue and is working on a fix". This has been on going for close to a year.
CategoryPower Train
DateOct 20, 2021
StateNV
Description
The truck is prone to harsh transmission shifting. It is abrupt and harsh enough when coming to a stop to create a safety issue. If one is not hard on the brakes at the time, the truck will lurch forward with the last downshifts, with the potential to strike pedestrians or the car in front. My titan has about 800 miles, and this behavior has been going on since I bought it recently. I will list today's date below since a date is required.
CategoryForward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking, Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection
DateOct 04, 2021
StateGA
Description
The emergency braking driver assist is panic braking going over railroad tracks. It is "seeing" the railroad tracks as a vehicle and emergency braking with no cars around. The problem is even when slowing to a crawl under 5mph it slams on the brakes. Any car following behind may hit the car as there is no reason for the braking. Any speed going over tracks will cause emergency braking, the safety issue is if going at any speed a car following behind may without warning or reason have this truck stop for no reason. This is a major accident waiting to happen. We ha e reported it to nissan and now the 2nd service reporting it and they have been "investigating" is for over a year now. Multiple trucks have this issue. The sutherland nissan dealer had a tech see this happen to them. If the road is at an decline, and there are rxr tracks the metal in the tracks are seen as a car. The sensors /software need fixed. The only workaround now is to turn off the front end avoidance emergency braking (so why have it) and if there is an accident insurance will want to know why we turned it off.
CategoryTires
DateSep 07, 2021
StateOH
Description
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.
CategoryElectrical System
DateAug 26, 2021
StateGA
Description
The infotainment screen has a very bad glare to it. When backing up and the sun hits it you cant even see the display. While driving and the sun hits the screen the glare is so bad that you cant see anything on the display. My side windows are tinted and that doesn't help. I took it to the dealership and they acknowledged the issue but said there was no resolve for the issue. I have contacted nissan customer service and they say there is nothing they can do for it. This is a very dangerous problem that can be distracting while you are driving as you will spend too long a time with your eyes off the road to try to see the display. The back up camera is useless when the sun hits the screen which could cause and accident.
CategoryFuel/propulsion System
DateAug 11, 2021
StateFL
Description
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.
CategoryElectrical System, Unknown Or Other
DateMay 29, 2021
StateAL
Description
Truck shows a message when started and while driving/running. (key system error) also the warning light icon stays lite but sometimes it does go off, other times not
CategorySuspension
DateApr 19, 2021
StateFL
Description
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.
CategoryEngine
DateMar 19, 2021
StateTN
Description
The nissan connect services app tells me daily that the vehicle has low oil pressure warning. The vehicle itself does not give any indication of low warning. Nissan dealership said this happens with a lot of nissan vehicles and the app is the problem. Nissan customer service said the fix was to disable notifications. I still get this notification from the app on a daily basis on a 2 week old vehicle and am concerned that there really is a low engine oil pressure situation. The notification appears after the vehicle has sat stationary for more than a few hours (5-6 hours).
CategoryService Brakes
DateMar 16, 2021
StateTX
Description
Brakes will not hold pressure
CategorySuspension
DateDec 10, 2020
StateNY
Description
Left rear u-broke

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Brian Jones

About the Author:

Brian Jones spent more than 20 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.

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3 COMMENTS
  • Harry

    I bought my 2021 Titan new 14 months ago Oct 2022 its been in shop 3 times for over 4 months with electrical problems. Nissan is considering the swap/buy back but I don’t know what to expect.

  • Reginald C

    I bought a 2021 Nissan Titan and they replace my driver front seat cover twice. Once 10000 miles and second at 15,500 miles. Now it back at dealership with no compression on right side on engine. 2 weeks now still don’t know why it is during that. They are working with Nissan technicians and they keep telling them to try different things. At moment they should just replace engine an move on.

  • Billy L

    I bought my 2021 Nissan Titan pro 4X. It is only 7 months old and the upholstery on the driver’s seat is cracking already now they are giving me a run around about the repair.

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