NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Nissan Ariya Safety Ratings
The 2023 Nissan Ariya scores 91 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 39 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Nissan Ariya achieves an overall 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA crash testing, a strong indicator of occupant protection. This performance, coupled with high scores in its avoidance technology, contributes to its NHTSA Safety Index of 91/100, placing it in the Exceptional band. However, its safety profile is notably impacted by four active recall campaigns, each targeting critical propulsion and steering system components.
The 2023 Nissan Ariya received a 5-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 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Nissan Ariya ranks 33 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 | 91 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.9% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 39 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 33 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Nissan Ariya?
The 2023 Nissan Ariya achieved an Exceptional Safety Index of 91/100, a strong debut performance. This score is supported by a crash protection subscore of 65 out of 70 and a perfect 10/10 for standard avoidance technology, which includes forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. Its defect record subscore of 15.5 out of 20 reflects four recall campaigns. All four recalls address the electric propulsion architecture: two for inverter software, and one for a traction motor. These indicate ongoing refinements to the Ariya’s EV drivetrain during its initial production. An additional recall concerns a steering wheel bolt, suggesting a manufacturing process issue. None of these campaigns carried a do-not-drive designation. The number of recalls, however, prevented the defect subscore from reaching its maximum. Owner complaints total 39, predominantly related to the Electrical System, which aligns with the recall patterns and reinforces the propulsion system as the primary safety focus for this model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Nissan Ariya perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Ariya achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its side impact protection and rollover resistance each received 5 stars, with dynamic testing confirming a No Tip result and a rollover risk of 10 percent. The frontal crash rating, however, stands at 4 out of 5 stars, preventing a perfect score in overall crash protection.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18416
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Nissan Ariya have any recalls?
Four recall campaigns cover the 2023 Ariya. Two target the inverter software, one for a potential misdiagnosis that can shut the vehicle down and one for detecting a false short-circuit condition. A third addresses O-rings inside the electric front traction motor. A fourth involves a steering wheel bolt that may have been tightened incorrectly. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the supplied campaign data, but shoppers should verify current remedy status by VIN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:INVERTER24V560000
Risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the vehicle's inverter software version and update the software, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 12, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R24A8.
Reported 2024-07-25
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION MOTOR24V391000
Risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front traction motor assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R24A3.
Reported 2024-06-03
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:INVERTER23V657000
Risk: An unexpected loss of drive power increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the inverter software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 20, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R23C6.
Reported 2023-09-28
STEERING:CRITICAL FASTENERS23V131000
Risk: A steering wheel with a loose or missing bolt can detach from the steering column, causing a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Owners are advised to contact their dealer for transport and immediate repair if the steering wheel feels loose when gently rocking the wheel forward and back with their hands. Dealers will replace the steering wheel bolt, free of charge. Nissan began notifying owners on March 2, 2023 via phone and will follow up with owner notification letters beginning on March 30, 2023. Owners may contact Nissa
Reported 2023-02-28
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Nissan Ariya?
Owners have filed 39 unverified complaints with NHTSA, including one alleged crash. The Electrical System dominates with 24 reported allegations, followed by Power Train and Engine at 9 each, Vehicle Speed Control at 5, and Fuel/Propulsion System at 4. All figures are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
39 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Nissan Ariya?
The 2023 Ariya was subject to four recall campaigns, an elevated number for a vehicle in its inaugural model year. Prospective owners should verify the completion of all recall repairs, particularly those addressing the inverter software and the traction motor, which are critical to powertrain function. The recall campaign concerning the steering wheel bolt also warrants confirmation of its resolution.
- The 2023 Ariya carries four NHTSA recall campaigns, all tied to the electrical propulsion system or steering, making VIN-level remedy verification a critical step for any used-market buyer.
- NHTSA's frontal crash test returned 4 stars, the only rating below 5 in an otherwise top-scoring test suite that includes 5-star side and rollover results and a 10 percent rollover risk figure.
- All three crash-avoidance technologies tracked by NHTSA, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard on this model year, earning a perfect 10/10 avoidance-tech subscore.
- Of the 39 unverified owner complaints on file with NHTSA, 24 allege Electrical System issues, a concentration that aligns directly with the inverter and traction motor recall campaigns specific to this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Nissan Ariya places
The 2023 Nissan Ariya qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Nissan Ariya safety questions
Was the 2023 Nissan Ariya crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Nissan Ariya, 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 2023 Nissan Ariya crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Nissan Ariya 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 9.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Nissan Ariya have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2023 Nissan Ariya. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Nissan Ariya?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 39 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Nissan Ariya. 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 Ariya years
Rivals in SUV (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18416), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Ariya 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 33 of 139 in the SUV 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.