NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Nissan Murano Safety Ratings
The 2020 Nissan Murano scores 92 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 44 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
With a computed Safety Index of 92 out of 100, the 2020 Nissan Murano is rated Exceptional. This score is supported by strong crash-test performance and standard forward collision warning. While its safety ratings are high, two recalls have been issued for the 2020 Murano, and prospective owners should confirm resolution with a Nissan dealer.
The 2020 Nissan Murano received a NHTSA Safety Index of 92 out of 100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, sourced from federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Nissan Murano ranks 8 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 92 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.1% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 44 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 8 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Nissan Murano?
An overall Safety Index of 92 out of 100 places the 2020 Nissan Murano in the top tier for crashworthiness, though this marks a slight decrease from the 2019 model's 93. This shift is attributable to a minor reduction in the defect record component score, which registers 17 out of 20 points. Two recall campaigns issued in 2021 impact the 2020 Murano's defect record. Both concern structural integrity: one addresses the rear suspension axle spindle, and the other, more critically, involves the steering transverse link. An improperly secured steering linkage presents a clear risk to vehicle control and driver input, making this a significant safety concern. The Murano’s crash protection component scores 66 out of a possible 70. Its avoidance technology contributes 8.5 out of 10, supported by standard forward collision warning. However, the optional rather than standard status of lane departure warning limits this sub-score. Owner complaints for the 2020 Murano remain relatively modest at 44. Of these, 14 unverified allegations specifically concern the Forward Collision Avoidance system, a standard safety feature. This concentration of complaints, alongside a single alleged crash involvement, warrants continued observation.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Nissan Murano perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Nissan Murano AWD achieved an overall 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. This excellent rating is supported by perfect 5-star scores in both frontal and side crash protection. Its rollover resistance, however, proved a relative weak point, earning 4 out of 5 stars with a measured rollover risk of 15 percent, although the dynamic tip-test resulted in "No Tip."
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14526
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Nissan Murano have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover the 2020 Murano. The first, issued March 2021, targets the steering linkage, specifically the left and/or right-hand transverse link, which may not have been properly secured. The second, issued May 2021, addresses the rear suspension axle spindle and also affects certain INFINITI QX60 vehicles built in the same period. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive designation in the available data.
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:SPINDLE21V402000
Risk: The steering knuckle or rear axle could deform upon impact, such as from hitting a curb, resulting in a loss of steering control, or possible wheel separation. Both of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the front steering knuckle and rear axle housing, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 26, 2021. Nissan owners may contact customer service at 1-800-867-7669. INFINITI owners may contact customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
Reported 2021-05-27
STEERING:LINKAGES21V170000
Risk: Ball joint separation can cause a loss of vehicle control, and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the transverse link's lot codes, and if necessary, replace them and perform a vehicle alignment, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 6, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC797.
Reported 2021-03-11
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Nissan Murano?
Forty-four owner complaints have been submitted to NHTSA for the 2020 Murano, including alleged reports of 1 crash and 2 injuries. These are unverified consumer allegations. The most frequently cited components in those allegations are Forward Collision Avoidance with 14 reports, Unknown Or Other with 10, and Suspension with 7.
44 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Nissan Murano?
Before purchasing a used 2020 Murano, run the VIN through the NHTSA recall database to confirm both the steering linkage and rear suspension spindle recalls have been remedied. Unresolved structural recalls on a 6-year-old vehicle represent a safety consideration that a VIN check can quickly clarify.
- The 2020 Murano's Safety Index of 92 represents a one-point decline from the 2019 model year's 93, with the defect record sub-score of 17 out of 20 reflecting two active recall campaigns issued in 2021.
- A steering linkage recall issued March 2021 covers the 2020 Murano specifically, citing a transverse link that may not have been properly secured, a structural concern that directly affects vehicle handling.
- Fourteen of the 44 unverified NHTSA complaints for this model year target the Forward Collision Avoidance system, which is standard equipment on this vehicle, making that complaint cluster worth reviewing before purchase.
- NHTSA's rollover assessment for the 2020 Murano AWD shows a 4-star rating with a 15 percent rollover risk and a No Tip result on the dynamic test, the only crash-test category that did not achieve the top 5-star score.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Nissan Murano places
The 2020 Nissan Murano qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Nissan Murano safety questions
Was the 2020 Nissan Murano crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Nissan Murano, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 92 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 Murano crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Nissan Murano earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 15.1%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Nissan Murano have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Nissan Murano. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Nissan Murano?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 44 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Nissan Murano. 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 Murano 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 14526), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Murano 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 8 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.