The 2021 Nissan Titan demonstrates a concerning level of recalls, particularly around critical systems such as powertrain and exterior lighting. The potential for vehicle rollaway due to transmission issues is especially alarming for families with children in the back seat.
Key Factor:Multiple significant recalls
⚠️
Safety Alert
Safety Alert: This model has a higher recall frequency (5) than the average NISSAN vehicle (1.3). Owners should prioritize checking these components.
5 recalls for this vehicle1.3 avg. recalls per vehicle (brand)
📋Why This Matters
Safety is paramount when it comes to family vehicles, especially those transporting young children. The recalls associated with the 2021 Nissan Titan affect crucial components that can compromise safety, such as the powertrain, which includes the automatic transmission parking pawl that may not engage correctly. This presents a serious risk of rollaway, which could lead to catastrophic outcomes if children are present in the rear seats. Additionally, issues with tires and exterior lighting could further endanger occupants by impairing visibility and handling characteristics, exacerbating risks on the road.
Focus Area:Safety Profile
📊
Expert Analysis
📈
Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
⚠️
Primary Risk Area:Various
⚖️
Vs Brand: Worse than avg (1.3)
📝
Summary: In examining the safety profile of the 2021 Nissan Titan, it is evident that this vehicle's reliability has been overshadowed by a series of notable recalls. This trend raises concerns about manufacturer quality control and emphasizes the importance of vigilance among owners and prospective buyers alike.
Safety & Reliability Score
50/100
Score Breakdown
Recall Impact-40
Complaint Impact-4.75
Investigation Impact-5
Technical Specifications
Key specifications for the 2021 NISSAN Titan
Model Year2021
MakeNISSAN
ModelTitan
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle
Safety History Timeline
Scroll for more →
Nov20
ISSUEFirst Report
Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Nov21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jul22
RECALLRecall Issued
Apr23
INVInvestigation Opened
May24
RECALLRecall Issued
✅
No Consumer Complaints Reported
Great news! There are currently no consumer complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2021 NISSAN Titan. This is a positive indicator of owner satisfaction.
🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center
Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).
Primary Risk Areas
TIRESEXTERIOR LIGHTINGPOWER TRAINAIR BAGS
🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions
Based on recall data, these components require verification:
1
Power Train
Issue: Transmission parking pawl may not engage properly, risking rollaway.
✅
Contact your dealer immediately for inspections related to this recall.
🔍
Ensure you verify any recall work has been completed before finalizing your purchase.
Have all tires inspected for any signs of deterioration or wear.
🔍
3
Exterior Lighting
Issue: (Turn Signal Bulbs) Front turn signal bulbs can crack and fail to illuminate.
✅
🔍
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your NISSAN dealer to verify recall completion status.
Official Safety Recalls (5)
Campaign: 21V169000
TIRES
▼
Summary
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Altima and 2018-2021 Titan vehicles equipped with Continental tires. On the affected vehicles, it is possible that one or more tires were cured for too long during tire production.
Consequence
Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 11, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC798.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
Campaign: 21V471000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:BULBS
▼
Summary
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Titan, Titan XD, and Versa vehicles. The front right and/or left turn signal bulb can crack and fail to illuminate.
Consequence
Inoperable front turn signals cannot alert on-coming drivers and/or pedestrians that the vehicle will be turning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the bulbs as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 20, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PM986 and PC811.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 22V457000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
▼
Summary
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Frontier and Titan vehicles. The transmission parking pawl may not engage when the vehicle is shifted into park, which can result in a vehicle rollaway.
Consequence
A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Owners are advised to apply the parking brake every time they park their vehicle. Dealers will replace the transmission parking pawl pin, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R22A2 R22A3.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 22V671000
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
▼
Summary
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Titan, 2020-2022 Frontier, and 2023 Z vehicles. The transmission parking pawl may not engage when the vehicle is shifted into park, which can result in a vehicle rollaway.
Consequence
A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Owners are advised to apply the parking brake every time they park their vehicle. Dealers will perform the applicable repairs below, free of charge: Model Year 2020-2022 Frontier vehicles: reprogram Transmission Control Module (TCM) Model Year 2020-2022 Titan vehicles: reprogram TCM and Engine Control Module (ECM) Model Year 2023 Titan vehicles: reprogram TCM Model Year 2023 Z vehicles: reprogram TCM. Owner notification letters were mailed October 28, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
Campaign: 24V580000
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE
▼
Summary
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 and 2024 Titan vehicles. The Air Bag Control Unit (ACU) may be missing a spacer, which can allow the fastener to loosen and result in an unsecured ACU.
Consequence
An unsecured ACU can prevent or delay air bags from deploying as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the ACU, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 19, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PD120.
Additional Notes
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA Investigations
1 investigation
Official NHTSA safety investigations for 2021 Titan.
INV-2021-1000🟢 Closed
NHTSA opened investigation after receiving consumer complaints regarding Titan performance issues.
Opened: Affected Units: 34,193
Consumer Complaints
0 complaints
✓
No consumer complaints recorded for this vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I know about the safety recalls for the 2021 Nissan Titan?
'The safety recalls include concerns about powertrain functionality that could lead to rollaways due to parking pawl issues. Also significant are tire production defects and potential failures in exterior lighting systems—each could greatly compromise safety while driving with family.'
'How do I ensure my family’s safety when driving a recalled vehicle like the Nissan Titan?'
'To maximize safety, it's critical to address any outstanding recalls promptly by visiting your local dealer. Regular maintenance checks focusing on affected components can help mitigate risks associated with these recalls.'
📊Year-over-Year Context
➡️Stable Pattern
Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows stable reliability patterns. No meaningful structural change detected in recall frequency between adjacent model years.
🧭What This Means for You
Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.
If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.
🔑
If You Own This Vehicle
Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified NISSAN service center—repairs are performed at no cost to you.
Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
Proactive tip: Enroll in NISSAN's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
🛒
If You're Buying Used
Critical: Demand official documentation showing every NISSAN recall has been satisfied.
Investigate whether later Titan iterations (2022+) rectified these persistent issues.
A pre-purchase inspection by a NISSAN specialist is mandatory given the recorded failure patterns.