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NHTSA crash test of the 2022 Nissan Altima

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2022 Nissan Altima Safety Ratings

The 2022 Nissan Altima scores 91 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 20 owner complaints on file.

Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar

0Recalls
20Complaints
1Investigations
VERDICT

The 2022 Nissan Altima distinguishes itself with a clean recall record, a notable achievement for any model year. This, combined with its overall safety rating from NHTSA, contributes to its NHTSA Safety Index of 91/100, placing it in the "Exceptional" band. The Altima also secured a full score in avoidance technology assessments. These factors present a compelling safety profile for consumers considering this vehicle.

The 2022 Nissan Altima 4DR AWD received a five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 91/100 based on NHTSA data.

MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026

Among the 90 Sedans from 2022 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2022 Nissan Altima ranks 41 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • families prioritizing rollover safety
  • new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
2022 Nissan Altima safety at a glance (source: NHTSA)
NHTSA Safety Index91 / 100 (Exceptional)
Overall crash rating5 of 5 stars
Frontal / Side / Rollover4 / 5 / 5 stars
Rollover risk9.2%
Recalls on file0
Owner complaints20 (unverified allegations)
Class rank41 of 90 Sedans tested for 2022
Data verifiedOct 1, 2026

ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Nissan Altima?

The 2022 Nissan Altima marks a meaningful step forward from the prior model year. The Safety Index rose two points, from 89/100 (Strong) in 2021 to 91/100 (Exceptional) in 2022, a band change that reflects genuine improvement across the scoring structure. The crash-protection sub-score of 65 out of 70 anchors that gain, supported by a perfect avoidance-tech score of 10 out of 10, confirming that forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are all standard equipment on this trim. The defect-record sub-score of 16.25 out of 20 is bolstered by the complete absence of recall campaigns, an uncommon result for a model year now four years old. The frontal four-star rating is the one area that prevents a sweep of top scores, and shoppers should weigh that against the otherwise dominant side and rollover results. The 20 unverified complaints on file, including seven alleged forward-collision-avoidance concerns, are worth monitoring given that the system is a core part of this vehicle's safety architecture, but no recall action has followed from those allegations to date.

NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Nissan Altima perform in crash tests?

The 2022 Nissan Altima 4DR AWD earned an overall five out of five stars from NHTSA. Side and rollover protection each achieved five stars, with a rollover risk of nine percent and a No Tip dynamic tip result. Frontal protection, however, received a four out of five-star rating, the only category to fall below the Altima's otherwise dominant performance.

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 9.2%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16821

Index breakdown

Crash protection65/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record16.25/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Nissan Altima have any recalls?

The 2022 Nissan Altima carries zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No components have been flagged, and there are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with this model year. That clean defect record directly contributes to the model year's defect-record sub-score of 16.25 out of 20.

No vehicle recalls are on file for the 2022 Nissan Altima at NHTSA as of 2026-10-01. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the safety score.

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 Nissan Altima?

NHTSA has received 20 unverified owner complaints for the 2022 Altima. Alleged problem areas include Forward Collision Avoidance (7 reports), Electrical System (5), Engine (5), Service Brakes (4), and Air Bags (3). These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.

20 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

4reported crash
1reported fire
3reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsForward Collision Avoidance 7Unknown Or Other 6Electrical System 5Engine 5Service Brakes 4Air Bags 3

USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Nissan Altima?

NHTSA has not opened any recalls for the 2022 Altima. However, purchasers of any used vehicle, including this one, should always verify recall status by VIN with the manufacturer or NHTSA's online tool. This ensures no unaddressed safety campaigns remain outstanding.

  • The 2022 model year improved two full Safety Index points over the 2021 Altima and crossed from the Strong band into the Exceptional band, a distinction specific to this model year.
  • Zero recall campaigns are on file for this model year with NHTSA, a clean defect record that directly supported the 16.25 out of 20 defect-record sub-score.
  • Seven of the 20 unverified NHTSA complaints target the Forward Collision Avoidance system, which is standard equipment on this model year and central to its perfect avoidance-tech sub-score.
  • The frontal crash-test result of four out of five stars is the single rating below top marks, while side and rollover protection both achieved five stars with a nine-percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result.

RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Nissan Altima places

FAQ2022 Nissan Altima safety questions

Was the 2022 Nissan Altima crash-tested by NHTSA?

Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 Nissan Altima, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 91 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.

What are the 2022 Nissan Altima crash-test star ratings?

In NHTSA testing the 2022 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 2022 Nissan Altima have?

According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2022 Nissan Altima as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 Nissan Altima?

According to NHTSA's complaint database, 20 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 Nissan Altima. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.

READ MORE

Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.

Other Altima years

Rivals in Sedan (2022)

Safest Sedan rivals, 2022 (NHTSA Safety Index)
VehicleNHTSA Safety IndexOverall starsRecalls
2022 Audi RS 5 Sportback100/100not rated0
2022 Audi S5 Sportback100/100not rated0
2022 Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing100/100not rated0
2022 Infiniti Q50100/100not rated0
2022 Polestar 2100/1005 of 50
2022 Audi A4 Allroad99/100not rated1
HOW THIS PAGE WAS MADE
  • DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 16821), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Altima 2022.
  • 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 41 of 90 in the Sedan class for 2022.
  • 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.