NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Nissan Armada Safety Ratings
The 2021 Nissan Armada scores 69 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Below Average), 2 recalls, and 12 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Nissan Armada presents an average safety profile, marked by a notable decline from the previous model year. Its NHTSA Safety Index of 70/100 positions it in the Average band, a nine-point reduction from the 2020 model's 79/100. This year is characterized by a single recall and a modest number of owner complaints.
The 2021 Nissan Armada received a NHTSA Safety Index of 70 out of 100 and a 3-out-of-5 rollover star rating from NHTSA.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Nissan Armada ranks 109 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
| NHTSA Safety Index | 69 / 100 (Below Average) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 21.9% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 12 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 109 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Nissan Armada?
What defines the 2021 Nissan Armada in safety terms is a sharp downward shift in its NHTSA Safety Index, falling from 79/100 in the 2020 model year to 70/100 in 2021, a nine-point decline while remaining in the Average band. The defect record sub-score of 18.25 out of 20 is respectable, and the avoidance tech score reaches a perfect 10 out of 10, reflecting standard equipment across forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. The drag on the index comes from crash protection, which contributes only 42 out of a possible 70 points, a consequence of NHTSA not having rated the 2021 model in overall, frontal, or side categories. Only the 3-out-of-5 rollover star rating and the associated 22 percent rollover risk figure are on record. The single recall, addressing the fuel pump control module on V8-equipped units, is a concrete and specific concern for this year. Taken together, the 2021 Armada presents a year where strong standard safety technology coexists with an incomplete crash-test picture and a notable index regression from its immediate predecessor.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Nissan Armada perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Nissan Armada SUV AWD has not been fully evaluated by NHTSA. The agency did not assign overall, frontal, or side crash-test star ratings for this model year. The sole available rating, for rollover resistance, is 3 out of 5 stars, indicating a 22 percent risk of rollover. The dynamic tip test, a component of the rollover assessment, returned a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15550
Index breakdown
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Nissan Armada have any recalls?
The 2021 Nissan Armada carries one NHTSA recall campaign targeting the fuel system, specifically the gasoline delivery fuel pump control and drive module on vehicles equipped with a V8 engine. This campaign also covers 2020 Nissan Armada and 2020-2021 INFINITI QX80 vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the available recall data for this year.
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 2021 Nissan Armada?
Twelve owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Armada, with four top categories each drawing three reports: Electrical System, Forward Collision Avoidance, Engine, and Fuel and Propulsion System. One alleged crash and one alleged injury appear in the data. All are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
12 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Nissan Armada?
The 2021 Nissan Armada merits careful scrutiny, particularly regarding a significant recall campaign. Buyers of this model year should verify that the fuel pump control module recall has been addressed. An unperformed recall on a vehicle of this age presents a tangible safety concern; any seller or dealership should provide documentation confirming the repair before a transaction.
- The 2021 Armada's Safety Index dropped nine points versus the 2020 model year, from 79/100 to 70/100, making this specific model year measurably weaker on the index than its direct predecessor.
- NHTSA assigned no overall, frontal, or side crash-test star ratings to the 2021 Armada AWD SUV; the only available crash-test figure is a 3-out-of-5 rollover star rating with a 22 percent rollover risk.
- A recall covering the fuel pump control and drive module on V8-equipped 2021 Armada vehicles was issued and should be verified as completed via VIN lookup before purchase.
- Forward collision avoidance is among the top complaint categories reported to NHTSA for this year, with three unverified allegations, notable given that forward collision warning is listed as standard equipment on the 2021 model.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Nissan Armada places
The 2021 Nissan Armada qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Nissan Armada safety questions
Was the 2021 Nissan Armada crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Nissan Armada, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 69 out of 100, placing it in the Below Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Nissan Armada crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Nissan Armada earned 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 2021 Nissan Armada have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Nissan Armada. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Nissan Armada?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 12 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 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 (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15550), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Armada 2021.
- 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 109 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- 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.