NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Nissan Rogue Sport Safety Ratings
The 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport scores 81 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), 1 recall, and 51 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport enters the market with a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band for this model year. This score represents a four-point decrease from the 2019 iteration, a decline primarily attributable to a less favorable defect record. While it remains a reasonable safety choice, potential buyers should consider both the overall rating and the specific reduction in its defect component when making their decision.
The 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport AWD received a 4-out-of-5-star rollover rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 81/100 based on NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport ranks 67 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
| NHTSA Safety Index | 81 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.9% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 51 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 67 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport?
The 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport registers a Safety Index of 81/100. This score represents a four-point retreat from the 2019 model year's 85/100, though both remain in the Strong band. This movement is meaningful, primarily driven by a defect record sub-score of 15.25 out of a possible 20. This pulled the composite down, even as the avoidance technology sub-score held a perfect 10/10, reflecting standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across the lineup. Crash protection contributed 56 out of 70 points, a solid but not exceptional base. However, the absence of NHTSA frontal and side star ratings means a portion of that sub-score relies on limited tested data rather than a full NCAP sweep. The single recall tied to the jackknife-style key fob immobilizer system defines the defect record for this model year. Its broad multi-year scope suggests a systemic component concern rather than an isolated 2020 production issue. The 2020 Rogue Sport presents a measurably less clean safety record than its immediate predecessor, largely due to that recall and the associated complaint volume now on file.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport AWD received a 4 out of 5 star rating for rollover protection from NHTSA, with a 16 percent rollover risk and a "No Tip" dynamic test result. However, consumers should note that this model lacks overall, frontal, and side crash-test star ratings. These protection dimensions remain untested, with no published scores available from NHTSA.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14530
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport have any recalls?
The 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport carries one federal recall campaign. It targets the electrical system, specifically the ignition anti-theft immobilizer and proximity key sender on vehicles equipped with a jackknife-style key fob. The campaign spans a wide range of model years including 2017 through 2022 Rogue Sport units. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available data.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:KEY/SENDER23V093000
Risk: Driver contact with a key in the collapsed position could inadvertently shut off the vehicle while driving, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, if the vehicle shuts off while driving, the air bags may not deploy in a crash as intended, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will insert a spacer into the key slot of the jackknife key, free of charge. Interim notification letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed March 29, 2023. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed August 30, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R22C5.
Reported 2023-02-16
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport?
NHTSA has received 51 unverified owner complaints against the 2020 Rogue Sport. Alleged problem areas are led by the Engine at 17 reports, followed by Forward Collision Avoidance at 13, and the Electrical System at 11. Consumers also alleged issues with Power Train and Service Brakes. These are unverified allegations, not established defects.
51 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport?
The 2020 Rogue Sport's ignition anti-theft immobilizer system was the subject of a recall, a critical item for any prospective buyer. Before purchase, consumers should verify that the specific vehicle's VIN shows this recall as remedied, not merely issued. Confirmation from the seller or a dealer is advisable to ensure the fix has been completed.
- The 2020 model year Safety Index of 81/100 represents a four-point decline from the 2019 Rogue Sport's 85/100, the lowest the nameplate recorded in those two consecutive years.
- NHTSA assigned no overall, frontal, or side crash-test star ratings to the 2020 Rogue Sport AWD, leaving rollover as the only NCAP-tested dimension, where it scored 4 out of 5 stars.
- The sole recall for this model year targets the ignition anti-theft immobilizer and proximity key sender, a campaign that spans the 2017 through 2022 Rogue Sport, signaling a multi-generation component concern.
- Forward Collision Avoidance ranks second among reported complaint categories with 13 unverified allegations, a notable figure given that the system is listed as standard safety equipment on this vehicle.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport places
The 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Nissan Rogue Sport safety questions
Was the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport earned 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 15.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 51 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport. 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 Rogue Sport 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 14530), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Rogue Sport 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 67 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.