NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Nissan Sentra Safety Ratings
The 2023 Nissan Sentra scores 93 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 18 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Nissan Sentra achieves an Exceptional NHTSA Safety Index of 93 out of 100. This strong performance is underpinned by robust NHTSA crash-test results and the inclusion of a comprehensive suite of standard crash-avoidance technologies, positioning the Sentra as a thoroughly supported option based on federal safety data.
The 2023 Nissan Sentra received an overall 5-star NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 93 out of 100, sourced from federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 92 Sedans from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Nissan Sentra ranks 31 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 | 93 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 5 stars |
| Rollover risk | 9.9% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 18 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 31 of 92 Sedans tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Nissan Sentra?
The 2023 model year represents a two-point gain in the NHTSA Safety Index over the 2022 Sentra, moving from 91 to 93 out of 100 while remaining in the Exceptional band. That incremental improvement is anchored in a near-perfect defect record score of 18 out of 20, reflecting a single recall campaign rather than a pattern of repeated or broad safety actions. The crash protection subscore of 65 out of 70 aligns with the NHTSA star picture: five stars overall, with perfect marks in side and rollover categories and a solid four-star frontal result. The avoidance technology subscore reaches the maximum 10 out of 10, driven by forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all being standard equipment on this trim configuration. The one recall - centered on the frontal driver-side air bag inflator module - is a meaningful safety item that affects this model year directly and warrants prompt attention. The 18 unverified complaints, while relatively modest in volume, show a concentration in the Electrical System and Forward Collision Avoidance categories that safety-conscious shoppers should monitor as the NHTSA complaint record continues to develop.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Nissan Sentra perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Sentra achieved an overall 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's safety ratings. This strong performance was bolstered by perfect 5-star scores in both side impact and rollover protection. Rollover risk was measured at 10 percent, with no tip recorded during dynamic testing. Frontal protection received 4 out of 5 stars, the sole category not to reach the maximum rating.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18388
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Nissan Sentra have any recalls?
The 2023 Sentra carries one recall: a frontal driver-side air bag inflator module campaign issued by Nissan North America. The recall covers 2023-2024 Sentra units alongside several other Nissan and Infiniti models. No do-not-drive or park-outside directive is indicated in the available campaign data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN immediately.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE24V154000
Risk: An air bag that deploys improperly may not protect the driver as intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front driver's air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PD103, PD104, and PMA34.
Reported 2024-02-27
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Nissan Sentra?
Eighteen unverified owner allegations have been reported to NHTSA for the 2023 Sentra, including one alleged crash and two alleged injuries. The most frequently cited components in these unverified reports are the Electrical System with 8 reports and Forward Collision Avoidance with 5 reports.
18 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Nissan Sentra?
The 2023 Sentra's most significant safety note is a recall regarding the air bag inflator module. An unresolved recall on a safety-critical component such as this presents a direct and concrete safety concern. Prospective owners should use the VIN to confirm with NHTSA whether this recall has been remedied.
- The 2023 Sentra's Safety Index of 93/100 is two points higher than the 2022 model's 91/100, a year-over-year improvement within the same Exceptional band.
- A single recall is on record for this model year targeting the frontal driver-side air bag inflator module, a safety-critical component shared across multiple 2023-2024 Nissan and Infiniti vehicles.
- NHTSA unverified complaints for this year show 8 alleged Electrical System issues and 5 alleged Forward Collision Avoidance issues out of 18 total reports, making those the two most frequently cited areas.
- The frontal crash-test result of 4 out of 5 stars is the only NHTSA star rating below the maximum for this model year; side and rollover protection both achieved the full 5 stars.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Nissan Sentra places
The 2023 Nissan Sentra qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Nissan Sentra safety questions
Was the 2023 Nissan Sentra crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Nissan Sentra, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 93 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 2023 Nissan Sentra crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 Nissan Sentra earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 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 9.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2023 Nissan Sentra have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2023 Nissan Sentra. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Nissan Sentra?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 18 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Nissan Sentra. 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 Sentra years
Rivals in Sedan (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model S Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18388), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Sentra 2023.
- 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 31 of 92 in the Sedan class for 2023.
- 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.