NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Nissan Altima Safety Ratings
The 2026 Nissan Altima scores 95 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 0 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2026 Nissan Altima earned an Exceptional NHTSA Safety Index of 95/100, demonstrating a robust safety profile across all federal metrics. This performance is supported by its perfect avoidance-tech score and zero recalls on file.
The 2026 Nissan Altima received a five-star overall crash rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 95/100 based on NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 72 Sedans from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Nissan Altima ranks 15 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 | 95 / 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 | 0 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 15 of 72 Sedans tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Nissan Altima?
The 2026 Nissan Altima AWD sedan marks a two-point climb in the NHTSA Safety Index, rising from 93/100 in 2025 to 95/100 this year, both readings within the Exceptional band. That upward movement is meaningful because it is driven by a perfect defect-record sub-score of 20/20, reflecting the complete absence of recall campaigns for this model year. The crash-protection sub-score of 65 out of 70 aligns with the NHTSA star picture: five stars overall, five stars on side and rollover, a nine-percent rollover risk with no dynamic tip, and a four-star frontal result that accounts for the modest gap below the maximum crash-protection ceiling. The avoidance-tech sub-score is a full 10/10, supported by forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all listed as standard equipment. The combination of a spotless recall record and top-tier crash performance in the same model year is what separates 2026 from the prior year on paper. With no owner complaints yet filed, the defect picture is clean, though that figure naturally reflects how early this vehicle is in its production life.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Nissan Altima perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Nissan Altima achieved a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its side impact and rollover protection each earned five out of five stars, with the rollover risk assessed at a low nine percent and no dynamic tip in testing. Frontal crash protection received a four-star rating, which precluded a perfect score across all categories.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21064
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Nissan Altima have any recalls?
No recall campaigns are on file for the 2026 Nissan Altima. NHTSA shows zero open recall actions for this model year, meaning there are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories to flag. Shoppers should still run a VIN check through NHTSA's recall database, as campaigns can be issued at any time after a model enters the market.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Nissan Altima?
NHTSA has received zero owner complaints for the 2026 Nissan Altima. No components have been flagged, and no alleged crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths have been reported. Because this is a current-model-year vehicle, the complaint record remains early and should be monitored as ownership mileage accumulates.
0 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Nissan Altima?
The 2026 Altima, as a current model year vehicle, presently shows no open recalls. Shoppers should understand that recall campaigns can initiate at any point post-production. It remains crucial for any prospective buyer to verify the recall status by VIN at NHTSA.gov prior to purchase, and to ensure any future remedy is completed by a franchised dealer.
- The 2026 model year carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns, earning a perfect 20/20 defect-record sub-score and pushing the Safety Index two points above the 2025 result.
- NHTSA's frontal crash test returned four stars for this model year, the one rating below five stars in an otherwise top-scoring crash-test profile.
- Rollover risk is measured at nine percent for the 2026 AWD sedan, with a No Tip result in the dynamic handling test, contributing to the five-star rollover rating.
- Zero owner complaints are on file with NHTSA for this model year, but the complaint record is inherently early-stage for a current-production vehicle and warrants ongoing monitoring.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Nissan Altima places
The 2026 Nissan Altima qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Nissan Altima safety questions
Was the 2026 Nissan Altima crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Nissan Altima, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 95 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 2026 Nissan Altima crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 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 2026 Nissan Altima have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 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 2026 Nissan Altima?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 0 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Nissan Altima. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Altima years
Rivals in Sedan (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Acura Integra | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Acura Integra Type-S | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Honda Accord | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus IS 350 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru Crosstrek Wilderness | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Subaru Impreza | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21064), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Altima 2026.
- 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 15 of 72 in the Sedan class for 2026.
- 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.