NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Nissan Ariya Safety Ratings
The 2026 Nissan Ariya 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 Ariya achieves a five-star overall NHTSA crash rating, contributing to its NHTSA Safety Index of 95/100, which places it in the Exceptional band. This model year distinguishes itself with zero active recalls and no owner complaints filed, reflecting a strong federal safety profile.
The 2026 Nissan Ariya received a five-star overall crash rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 95/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Nissan Ariya ranks 28 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 | 9.9% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 0 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 28 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Nissan Ariya?
The 2026 Nissan Ariya marks a meaningful step forward from its immediate predecessor. The NHTSA Safety Index climbed eight points, from 87/100 in the Strong band for the 2025 model year to 95/100 in the Exceptional band for 2026. That gain is not cosmetic. The index breakdown shows a perfect 20/20 on defect record, reflecting the clean recall slate, and a perfect 10/10 on crash-avoidance technology, with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all standard. The crash protection subscore of 65/70 anchors the index, supported by the five-star overall NHTSA rating. The frontal result of four stars is the only number that keeps crash protection from a maximum subscore, and it is worth noting for shoppers who prioritize head-on collision outcomes. The zero-complaint baseline is consistent with a brand-new model year, so it carries limited weight on its own, but combined with the recall-free record and the top-tier crash performance, the 2026 Ariya enters the market with the strongest federal safety profile this nameplate has recorded in MotorCaliber's index.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Nissan Ariya perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Nissan Ariya achieved a five-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. This includes five stars for both side impact and rollover protection. The rollover risk for the Ariya is 10 percent, with no dynamic tip recorded during testing. Frontal crash protection was assessed at four out of five stars, marking the only category where the vehicle did not receive a top rating.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21082
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Nissan Ariya have any recalls?
The 2026 Nissan Ariya has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No components have been flagged, and no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories have been issued for this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check at NHTSA.gov, as recall filings can occur at any point after a vehicle enters the market.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Nissan Ariya?
NHTSA has received zero owner complaints for the 2026 Nissan Ariya. No crashes, fires, injuries, or fatalities have been alleged against this model year. Because this vehicle is current, the complaint record remains early and should be revisited as real-world ownership accumulates.
0 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Nissan Ariya?
The 2026 Nissan Ariya, as a current model year vehicle, presently shows no open recalls. Shoppers should be aware that recall campaigns can be initiated at any time. Prospective owners should verify their specific VIN on NHTSA.gov prior to purchase to confirm this status and ensure any future remedy has been completed.
- The 2026 Ariya's Safety Index of 95/100 represents an eight-point increase over the 2025 model year's 87/100, the largest single-year index gain recorded for this nameplate.
- NHTSA's frontal crash test returned four stars, the only rating below five stars across all tested categories, making frontal protection the one measurable safety gap for this model year.
- Zero recall campaigns are on file for the 2026 model year, and the defect-record subscore of 20/20 reflects that clean slate directly in the index calculation.
- All three crash-avoidance technologies tracked by NHTSA, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard equipment on this model year, earning a perfect 10/10 avoidance-tech subscore.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Nissan Ariya places
The 2026 Nissan Ariya qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Nissan Ariya safety questions
Was the 2026 Nissan Ariya crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Nissan Ariya, 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 Ariya crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 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 2026 Nissan Ariya have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Nissan Ariya 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 Ariya?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 0 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Nissan Ariya. 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 Ariya years
Rivals in SUV (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 350e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 550e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander MHEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21082), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Ariya 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 28 of 143 in the SUV 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.