MODEL
Nissan Altima Safety
NHTSA safety across every Nissan Altima model year we cover.
Across the 8 model years of the Nissan Altima we cover (2019 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 95 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2019 at 76. 18 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Nissan Altima is a midsize family sedan competing in one of the most hotly contested segments in the American market. Targeting value-conscious buyers who want a practical, comfortable commuter with room for five, the Altima has been a perennial volume seller for Nissan. Our coverage spans the 2019 through 2025 model years, a period that includes a full-generation refresh and meaningful year-over-year shifts in the safety picture.
The 2025 Nissan Altima earns an Exceptional rating on the NHTSA Safety Index with a score of 93 out of 100, reflecting its strongest safety performance in this generation. Crash-test results published by NHTSA show a 4-out-of-5-star frontal rating, a 5-out-of-5-star side impact rating, and a 5-out-of-5-star rollover protection score. This rollover performance is particularly noteworthy for a vehicle of its type. However, the Altima's overall safety profile across the 2019 to 2025 model years presents some volume concerns. NHTSA has recorded 17 recalls, a higher frequency than typical for a midsize sedan. Owner complaints total 549, including reports of 60 alleged crashes, 43 injuries, and 1 fatality. Additionally, 15 complaints allege fire-related incidents. While these complaints are unverified, their cumulative volume indicates areas for further buyer scrutiny. The 2025 model stands out as the safest option in this generation.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally position the Altima as a competent, comfortable choice in the midsize sedan segment, praising its composed ride and available all-wheel drive as practical differentiators. Most acknowledge it trails segment leaders in a few dynamic areas but consider it a reasonable, well-rounded option for buyers prioritizing everyday usability over outright performance.
- The 2025 Altima earns the highest Safety Index score in our covered range at 93 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band, so if safety is the priority, newer model years are meaningfully better than earlier ones in this generation.
- Frontal crash protection is rated 4 out of 5 stars at best, which is respectable but not the top mark in the segment. Buyers who prioritize frontal impact performance should compare this directly against class competitors before deciding.
- Seventeen recalls across the 2019 to 2025 model years is an above-average figure for this segment. Before purchasing any specific model year, check NHTSA's recall database to confirm all open recalls on that vehicle have been completed by a dealer.
- Owner complaints include 15 fire-related allegations and 60 alleged crashes across the covered years. These are unverified claims, not confirmed defects, but the pattern is worth investigating by model year, particularly for buyers considering pre-2023 examples.
Most-recalled year on record: 2019 Nissan Altima with 7 recalls.