NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Nissan Altima Safety Ratings
The 2020 Nissan Altima scores 82 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 6 recalls, and 172 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Nissan Altima achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 82/100, placing it in the Strong band. This assessment reflects excellent crash-test performance and robust avoidance technology, though the sedan's safety profile is tempered by a recall record of six campaigns. On balance, the Altima presents as a well-protected sedan, with specific caveats that merit review.
The 2020 Nissan Altima AWD sedan received a 5-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA and a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, sourced entirely from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Nissan Altima ranks 77 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 82 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.2% |
| Recalls on file | 6 |
| Owner complaints | 172 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 77 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Nissan Altima?
The 2020 model year marks a meaningful step up for the Altima in MotorCaliber's safety scoring: the index climbed six points to 82/100 from the 2019 model's 76/100, moving the vehicle from the Average band into the Strong band. That gain was driven primarily by the crash-protection component, which contributed 65 of a possible 70 points, anchored by the NHTSA 5-star overall rating. The avoidance-tech score of 8.5 out of 10 reflects standard forward collision warning and standard electronic stability control, though lane departure warning remained optional rather than standard in this model year, a gap that kept the tech score from reaching its ceiling. The defect record component is where the 2020 year-specific story gets complicated: scoring only 8 out of 20, it reflects six recall campaigns that span engine internals, backup camera wiring, two distinct Continental tire issues, and a tie rod fastener concern. The 172 owner-reported complaints, including 28 allegations specifically targeting the Forward Collision Avoidance system, add texture to the defect picture. The strong crash numbers are genuine and year-specific, but the recall volume is the defining safety story for this particular model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Nissan Altima perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Altima AWD sedan achieved an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its side and rollover protection each earned a perfect 5 stars, with a low rollover risk of 9 percent and no tip in the dynamic test. Frontal crash protection is a relative weak point, rated at 4 out of 5 stars, though this remains a solid result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14519
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Nissan Altima have any recalls?
Six recall campaigns cover the 2020 Altima. Components affected include internal engine hard parts, the backup camera harness and wiring, two separate Continental tire populations, and a tie rod ball joint fastener that was not tightened to specification. The tie rod and engine recalls carry direct safety implications for steering control and powertrain integrity. Shoppers should verify remedy completion by VIN before purchase.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:HARD PARTS INTERNAL/MECHANICAL25V437000
Risk: Engine failure increases the risk of a crash. A bearing failure may cause a breach in the engine block, allowing hot oil to be discharged, increasing the risk of an engine fire.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the engine control module (ECM) software, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 8, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261 or Infiniti's customer service at 1-800-662-6200. Nissan's numbers for this recall are R25A8/A9 and R25B1/B2.
Reported 2025-06-27
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA23V628000
Risk: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rearview camera and harness for damage and replace them as necessary. If no damage is found, the dealer will apply protective tape and reroute the rearview camera harness. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 19, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this r
Reported 2023-09-08
TIRES21V169000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2021-03-11
STEERING:LINKAGES:TIE ROD ASSEMBLY21V138000
Risk: A detached tie rod ball joint can cause a loss of steering control, and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will tighten the left and right-side tie rod ball joint fasteners, or install new fasteners as necessary, free of charge. The began March 31, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7769. Nissan's number for this recall is PC795.
Reported 2021-03-04
TIRES20V685000
Risk: Over cured tires can result in a sidewall break causing a sudden loss of air or the tread separating from the tire. Both conditions increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the vehicle's tires to see if they are affected, replacing them as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 10, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-8677669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC765.
Reported 2020-11-05
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR20V570000
Risk: Rear window glass that separates from the vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the back window glass, free of charge. The recall began November 4, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC752.
Reported 2020-09-22
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Nissan Altima?
Owners have filed 172 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System with 42 reports, the Engine with 34, an unspecified category with 34, Forward Collision Avoidance with 28, and Steering with 20. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
172 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Nissan Altima?
Six years on, this vehicle's six recall campaigns necessitate a VIN-specific check of NHTSA's recall database. Prior to purchase, confirm that remedies for the tie rod, engine, tire, and camera harness issues have been completed. An open remedy on any of these campaigns should be resolved before transfer of ownership.
- The 2020 Altima's Safety Index of 82/100 represents a 6-point gain over the 2019 model year's 76/100, a year-over-year improvement that moved the vehicle from the Average band into the Strong band.
- Six recall campaigns are specific to this model year, covering internal engine hard parts, backup camera wiring, a tie rod ball joint fastener torque deficiency, and two separate Continental tire populations, making VIN-level remedy verification critical.
- Lane departure warning was listed as optional rather than standard for this model year, which is reflected in the avoidance-tech subscore of 8.5 out of 10 and distinguishes this year's safety equipment profile from configurations where that feature ships as standard.
- NHTSA received 28 unverified owner complaints specifically alleging problems with the Forward Collision Avoidance system on this model year, a concentration worth noting given that forward collision warning is listed as a standard safety feature on this vehicle.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Nissan Altima places
The 2020 Nissan Altima qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Nissan Altima safety questions
Was the 2020 Nissan Altima crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Nissan Altima, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Nissan Altima crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Nissan Altima earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 5 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 9.2%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Nissan Altima have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 6 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Nissan Altima. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Nissan Altima?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 172 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Nissan Altima. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Altima years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14519), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Altima 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 77 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.