NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Nissan Maxima Safety Ratings
The 2020 Nissan Maxima scores 98 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 21 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Nissan Maxima achieves an Exceptional 98/100 on the NHTSA Safety Index. This high score reflects a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in every crash-test category assessed by NHTSA, alongside a full evaluation for its available accident avoidance technologies. The comprehensive data published for this model year presents a robust safety profile for consumers.
The 2020 Nissan Maxima received a 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 98/100 based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Nissan Maxima ranks 6 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 | 98 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.5% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 21 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 6 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Nissan Maxima?
The 2020 Nissan Maxima achieved a perfect 70 out of 70 for crash protection, contributing to its Exceptional Safety Index score of 98 out of 100. This marks an increase from the 2019 model's 96/100. The Maxima's avoidance technology score is 10 out of 10, with standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. Its defect record sub-score of 17.75 out of 20 reflects a single recall campaign regarding potential rear window glass detachment, a factor that prevented a theoretical perfect overall score. This recall also affects the 2020 Altima and Leaf. Owners have filed 21 complaints, with Forward Collision Avoidance being the most frequently cited concern.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Nissan Maxima perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Nissan Maxima achieved the highest possible crash-test ratings across the board from NHTSA. It earned 5 out of 5 stars in the overall evaluation, as well as for frontal, side, and rollover crash protection. The rollover risk, a key safety metric, was assessed at 10 percent, with a dynamic tip result of No Tip, further solidifying its top-tier performance. No weak points or unrated categories emerged from this test cycle; every evaluated dimension met the maximum safety standard.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14495
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Nissan Maxima have any recalls?
The 2020 Nissan Maxima has one recall campaign on record. It addresses a visibility and glass concern: Nissan North America recalled certain 2020 Altima, Maxima, and Leaf vehicles because the rear window glass may not remain properly secured. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the data, but shoppers should confirm the remedy has been completed via VIN lookup.
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR20V570000
Risk: Rear window glass that separates from the vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the back window glass, free of charge. The recall began November 4, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC752.
Reported 2020-09-22
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Nissan Maxima?
NHTSA has logged 21 unverified owner complaints for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Forward Collision Avoidance and Structure, each cited 4 times, followed by Service Brakes at 3 alleged reports. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects, and include 2 reported crashes and 1 reported injury.
21 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Nissan Maxima?
Before purchasing a used 2020 Maxima, run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database to confirm the rear window glass recall has been remedied. An unresolved recall on a 6-year-old vehicle is a straightforward safety check, not an assumption, and completion status varies by individual vehicle history.
- The 2020 model year posted a 98/100 Safety Index, a two-point improvement over the 2019 model's 96/100, with the gain tied to a single-recall defect record and a perfect avoidance-tech score.
- NHTSA's NCAP testing awarded this specific model year 5 stars in every rated category, including frontal, side, and rollover, with a rollover risk of 10 percent and a No Tip dynamic result.
- The sole recall for this model year targets rear window glass that may not stay properly bonded, a campaign shared with the 2020 Altima and Leaf, and remedy completion should be confirmed by VIN before purchase.
- Forward Collision Avoidance is the most frequently alleged complaint component in NHTSA's unverified owner reports for this model year, appearing in 4 of the 21 total complaints on record.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Nissan Maxima places
The 2020 Nissan Maxima qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Nissan Maxima safety questions
Was the 2020 Nissan Maxima crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Nissan Maxima, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 98 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 2020 Nissan Maxima crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Nissan Maxima earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 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 9.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Nissan Maxima have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2020 Nissan Maxima. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Nissan Maxima?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 21 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Nissan Maxima. 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 Maxima years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Audi A4 Allroad | 97/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14495), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Maxima 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 6 of 105 in the Sedan 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.