NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Nissan Armada Safety Ratings
The 2020 Nissan Armada scores 78 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 9 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Nissan Armada secured an Average rating from MotorCaliber, with a Safety Index score of 79/100. This outcome is notably influenced by a strong performance in side-impact crash testing and a limited recall record of only one incident for the year. However, its overall safety assessment is tempered by 3-star ratings in both frontal crash protection and rollover resistance.
The 2020 Nissan Armada holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 79 out of 100 and an NHTSA NCAP overall crash-test rating of 4 out of 5 stars, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Nissan Armada ranks 84 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 78 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 3 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 21.9% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 9 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 84 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Nissan Armada?
The 2020 Nissan Armada represents a two-point gain in the NHTSA Safety Index, moving from 77 in 2019 to 79 this year, both within the Average band. That incremental improvement reflects a defect-record sub-score of 18.25 out of 20, the strongest component in this year's Index breakdown, driven in part by only a single recall campaign entering the record. Crash protection contributed 52 out of a possible 70 points, a figure shaped directly by the split between the 5-star side result and the 3-star frontal and rollover outcomes. Avoidance technology added 8.5 out of 10, supported by standard forward collision warning and standard electronic stability control, though lane departure warning remains optional rather than standard on this year's configuration. The lone recall targets the fuel pump control module on V8 vehicles, a system-level concern that Nissan extended across the 2020-2021 Armada and the related INFINITI QX80. Nine NHTSA complaints for this year are a modest volume for a full-size SUV, but the cluster of three unverified forward collision avoidance allegations is worth noting alongside the avoidance-tech sub-score.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Nissan Armada perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Nissan Armada Crew Cab AWD achieved a 4 out of 5 star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its side-crash protection proved exceptional, earning a full 5 stars. However, frontal impact protection and rollover resistance were weaker points, each rated at 3 stars. The vehicle exhibits a 22 percent rollover risk, though it successfully passed the dynamic tip test with no tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14529
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Nissan Armada have any recalls?
The 2020 Nissan Armada carries one recall campaign: a fuel pump control and drive module defect affecting V8-equipped 2020-2021 Armada and INFINITI QX80 vehicles, filed by Nissan North America. The concern sits in the fuel delivery system. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data, but VIN verification is still recommended.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS26V455000
Risk: An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install new labels, free of charge. Additionally, Nissan will mail replacement labels to owners. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed September 2, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated Fall 2026. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are R26B1 and P6A13/4
Reported 2026-07-15
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP:CONTROL/DRIVE MODULE21V373000
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 4, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R21A2. Owners may contact INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200. INFINITI's number for this recall is R21A3.
Reported 2021-05-20
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Nissan Armada?
Nine owner complaints have been submitted to NHTSA for this model year, all unverified allegations. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the Electrical System with 4 reports, Forward Collision Avoidance with 3, and Service Brakes with 2. One alleged crash and one alleged injury are included in those filings.
9 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Nissan Armada?
A specific and significant recall for the fuel pump control module warrants attention for the 2020 Armada. Shoppers of this model year should verify the recall's remedy status via NHTSA's VIN lookup tool; unaddressed recalls transfer with vehicle ownership, making this confirmation a critical safety measure prior to purchase.
- The 2020 model year recorded a two-point Safety Index increase over the 2019 Armada, from 77 to 79, while remaining in the Average band.
- NHTSA's NCAP testing gave this year's Armada a 5-star side-crash result alongside 3-star scores for both frontal protection and rollover resistance, with a measured rollover risk of 22 percent.
- A single recall was issued for this model year, targeting the fuel pump control and drive module on V8-equipped vehicles, shared with the 2021 Armada and 2020-2021 INFINITI QX80.
- Of the nine unverified NHTSA complaints filed for this model year, four allege electrical system issues and three allege problems with the forward collision avoidance system, the same technology that is standard equipment on this configuration.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Nissan Armada places
The 2020 Nissan Armada qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Nissan Armada safety questions
Was the 2020 Nissan Armada crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Nissan Armada, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 78 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Nissan Armada crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Nissan Armada earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 3 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 3 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 21.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Nissan Armada have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Nissan Armada. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Nissan Armada?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 9 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Nissan Armada. 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 Armada years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14529), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Armada 2020.
- 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 84 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- 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.