NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Nissan Rogue Sport Safety Ratings
The 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport scores 82 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 35 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport achieves an overall NHTSA Safety Index of 82/100, positioning it firmly within the Strong band for its model year. This rating is significantly bolstered by its performance in crash tests and a perfect score in avoidance technology evaluations. However, a less impressive record regarding defects prevented it from ascending to the highest safety tier. The available data presents a credible safety profile for the Rogue Sport within its class.
The 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport received an overall NHTSA crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars and a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport ranks 71 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 82 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 14.3% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 35 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 71 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport?
The 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport marks a one-point climb in the NHTSA Safety Index, moving from 81 to 82 out of 100 and holding steady in the Strong band. That incremental gain is meaningful in context: the crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70 and a perfect 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology represent genuine structural and electronic safety capability. What distinguishes this model year is the combination of two recalls that are exclusive to 2021 production units, the seat belt retractor campaign and the liftgate hinge separation campaign, both issued mid-year. The liftgate hinge recall in particular is notable because hinge separation during use is a direct physical hazard to occupants and bystanders. The defect record sub-score of 11.25 out of 20 is the weakest component of the Index and reflects the weight those recalls and the complaint volume carry in the scoring. The 35 owner complaints, led by 11 allegations involving the Forward Collision Avoidance system, are worth noting because that system is also rated Standard equipment and contributes to the perfect avoidance-tech score. Alleged malfunctions in a safety-critical system do not cancel the rating, but they are a signal worth tracking for any prospective buyer.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport AWD achieved an overall 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its side-impact protection is particularly noteworthy, earning a perfect 5-star rating. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance both received 4 out of 5 stars. The vehicle demonstrated a 14 percent rollover risk, with a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15552
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport have any recalls?
Three recalls were issued for the 2021 Rogue Sport. Two are specific to this model year: a seat belt front retractor recall in which the automatic locking retractor may deactivate, and a liftgate hinge recall where hinges can separate from the vehicle during use. A third recall covering the electrical system ignition anti-theft immobilizer and key sender spans a broader model range. No do-not-drive or park-outside directive is noted in the available data, but buyers should verify remedy completion by VIN.
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
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR21V555000
Risk: A seat belt retractor that does not function as intended can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front passenger seat belt and as necessary both outer rear seat belts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 14, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is RT049 & RT050.
Reported 2021-07-21
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS21V525000
Risk: Separated hinges compromise the protection offered by the liftgate, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the left and right liftgate hinges, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 7, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R21A7.
Reported 2021-07-09
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport?
Owners have filed 35 unverified complaints with NHTSA for the 2021 Rogue Sport. The most frequently alleged problem area is Forward Collision Avoidance, cited in 11 reports, followed by the Electrical System with 7, and Engine, Service Brakes, and Steering each drawing multiple allegations. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
35 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport?
The most crucial action for any prospective owner of this 5-year-old vehicle is to verify the completion of three specific recall remedies via the NHTSA database. An open recall on a structural or restraint component is not merely a negotiating point, but a critical safety priority. The necessary remedies address the seat belt retractor, the liftgate hinge, and the ignition anti-theft system.
- The 2021 model year carried two recalls exclusive to its production run: a seat belt automatic locking retractor that may deactivate and liftgate hinges that can physically separate from the vehicle, both issued in July 2021.
- The Safety Index rose one point to 82 out of 100 versus the 2020 model year, driven by strong crash-protection and perfect avoidance-technology sub-scores, while the defect record sub-score of 11.25 out of 20 is the primary drag on a higher rating.
- Forward Collision Avoidance is the single most-alleged problem component in owner complaints, appearing in 11 of 35 unverified NHTSA reports, a pattern worth investigating given that the system is standard equipment on this trim.
- The rollover risk for the AWD configuration is measured at 14 percent by NHTSA, with a dynamic tip test result of No Tip, supporting the 4-star rollover rating and providing useful context for buyers prioritizing rollover safety.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport places
The 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Nissan Rogue Sport safety questions
Was the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 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 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 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 14.3%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 35 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Nissan Rogue Sport. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Rogue Sport 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 15552), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Rogue Sport 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 71 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.