NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Nissan Altima Safety Ratings
The 2023 Nissan Altima scores 92 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 27 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
For the 2023 model year, the Nissan Altima 4 DR AWD achieves an Exceptional rating in the NHTSA Safety Index, scoring 92 out of 100. This sedan enters the market with a clean recall record, indicating no safety defects warranting federal action in its initial year. Its strong performance in NHTSA crash tests, coupled with a full suite of standard crash-avoidance technologies, contributes significantly to this assessment.
The 2023 Nissan Altima 4 DR AWD received a 5-out-of-5 overall star rating and zero recall campaigns in NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 92 Sedans from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Nissan Altima ranks 32 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- families prioritizing rollover safety
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 92 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.2% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 27 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 32 of 92 Sedans tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Nissan Altima?
The 2023 Nissan Altima AWD sedan improved its NHTSA Safety Index by one point over the 2022 model, moving from 91 to 92 out of 100 while remaining in the Exceptional band. That incremental gain reflects a defect record score of 17 out of 20, supported by the fact that this model year carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns, a meaningful distinction in a competitive segment. The crash protection component contributed 65 of a possible 70 points, anchored by the 5-star overall NHTSA rating and the perfect side and rollover scores. The 4-star frontal result is the one area where the vehicle did not reach the ceiling, and it is the primary reason crash protection stopped short of a full 70. Avoidance technology earned a perfect 10 out of 10, reflecting standard fitment of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across the trim. The 27 unverified owner complaints skew toward the Electrical System and Engine categories, and four separate reports allege concerns specifically about the Forward Collision Avoidance system, which is worth monitoring given that this technology earned the vehicle its full avoidance-tech score. No complaint has been linked to a death, and the two alleged injuries remain unverified allegations in the NHTSA database.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Nissan Altima perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Altima AWD sedan achieved a 5 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its side impact protection and rollover resistance were exemplary, each earning the maximum 5 stars. The rollover risk was assessed at a low 9 percent, with the dynamic tip test confirming "No Tip." The only area not to receive a perfect score was frontal crash protection, which was rated at 4 out of 5 stars.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18390
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Nissan Altima have any recalls?
The 2023 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. Shoppers should still run a VIN check before purchase, as recall records can be updated at any time.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Nissan Altima?
NHTSA has received 27 unverified owner complaints for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System with 10 reports, followed by the Engine and Unknown Or Other categories at 5 each, Service Brakes at 4, Forward Collision Avoidance at 4, and Visibility/Wiper at 2. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
27 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Nissan Altima?
No recall campaigns are currently on file for the 2023 Altima. However, buyers considering this 3-year-old vehicle should run the VIN through the NHTSA recall database before finalizing any purchase; the record can change, and confirming that no remedy is outstanding costs nothing and takes minutes.
- The 2023 Altima AWD holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 92/100, one point higher than the 2022 model year, with zero NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this specific year.
- NHTSA awarded the 2023 model a 5-star overall rating, with the frontal test at 4 stars being the only category that did not reach the maximum score.
- Four of the 27 unverified NHTSA complaints for this model year specifically allege issues with the Forward Collision Avoidance system, the same technology that earned a perfect 10 out of 10 in the avoidance-tech portion of the Safety Index.
- Rollover safety is a standout for this model year: a 9 percent rollover risk and a No Tip result in the dynamic test contributed to the 5-star rollover rating and supported the strong crash protection score of 65 out of 70.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Nissan Altima places
The 2023 Nissan Altima qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Nissan Altima safety questions
Was the 2023 Nissan Altima crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Nissan Altima, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 92 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 2023 Nissan Altima crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 2023 Nissan Altima have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 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 2023 Nissan Altima?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 27 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Nissan Altima. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Altima years
Rivals in Sedan (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model S Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18390), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Altima 2023.
- 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 32 of 92 in the Sedan class for 2023.
- 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.