MODEL
Nissan Ariya
NHTSA safety across every Nissan Ariya model year we cover.
Across the 4 model years of the Nissan Ariya we cover (2023 to 2026), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2026 at 95 on the NHTSA Safety Index, and the lowest is the 2025 at 87. 4 recalls have been issued across those years.
The Nissan Ariya is a fully electric midsize SUV targeting tech-forward buyers who want a stylish, zero-emission alternative to mainstream crossovers. Positioned above the Rogue in Nissan's lineup, it competes in a crowded and fast-growing EV segment. With available all-wheel drive and a cabin-focused design philosophy, the Ariya courts commuters and families alike who are ready to make the switch to electric.
The Nissan Ariya puts up a genuinely impressive safety profile for the 2023 through 2025 model years, and the federal crash-test numbers back that up. NHTSA awarded the 2023 Ariya a Safety Index of 91 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band, which is a meaningful result in a segment where scores can vary widely. Drilling into the star ratings tells a similar story: a perfect 5 out of 5 in both the side-impact and rollover categories, with a solid 4 out of 5 in frontal protection. That frontal result is worth noting, not because it is poor, but because shoppers who prioritize head-on collision performance should be aware it falls one star short of a clean sweep. On the recall front, four recalls across the covered model years is a moderate figure for a relatively new nameplate still being refined in production. Owner complaints number 52 total, with one reported crash and no fires, injuries, or deaths in the dataset. Those figures are unverified allegations, but the low severity indicators are a reasonable sign. Overall, the Ariya earns its place as one of the safer choices in the electric SUV space. The near-perfect NHTSA index, combined with a modest complaint volume, gives cautious shoppers real reason for confidence. The single-star gap in frontal testing is the one area worth watching as newer model-year data arrives.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally praise the Ariya for its refined interior, composed ride, and competitive technology package within the electric SUV segment. Most consider it a strong step forward for Nissan in the EV space, though some note that charging infrastructure and real-world range place it in a competitive but not class-leading position overall.
- The 2023 Ariya earned a 91 out of 100 NHTSA Safety Index, landing in the Exceptional band, which is one of the stronger results in its class.
- Rollover and side-impact crash tests both scored a perfect 5 out of 5 stars, making the Ariya particularly strong in those two critical categories.
- The frontal crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars is solid but not perfect, so shoppers who prioritize head-on collision protection should factor that one-star gap into their decision.
- Four recalls have been issued across the 2023 to 2025 model years, a moderate count for a newer platform, so prospective buyers should verify that any used or new Ariya has had all open recalls addressed before purchase.
Most-recalled year on record: 2023 Nissan Ariya with 4 recalls.