NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Nissan Titan Safety Ratings
The 2021 Nissan Titan scores 78 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 5 recalls, and 52 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Nissan Titan presents a mixed crash-test picture, warranting close examination. This model year earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 78/100, positioning it in the Average safety band. This represents a two-point decrease from the 2020 model's 80/100 Strong rating, a decline primarily attributable to a weaker defect record score.
The 2021 Nissan Titan received a 4-out-of-5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 78/100, based entirely on NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 4 Trucks from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Nissan Titan ranks 3 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 | 78 / 100 (Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 3 stars |
| Rollover risk | 22.8% |
| Recalls on file | 5 |
| Owner complaints | 52 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 3 of 4 Trucks tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Nissan Titan?
A notable step back in overall safety, the 2021 Nissan Titan earns a Safety Index score of 78/100, down from the 2020 model's 80/100. This decline is largely attributable to a defect record sub-score of 11.25 out of 20, the lowest component within the index. The 2021 Titan faced five recall campaigns covering four distinct safety systems: air bags, transmission, lighting, and tires. Two of these recalls specifically addressed a persistent transmission parking pawl issue, indicating an ongoing engineering challenge. In crash protection, the Titan achieved a respectable 57 out of 70. This reflects a strong 5-star rating for side impact and a solid 4-star rating for frontal impact. However, a 3-star rollover score diminished the overall crash protection rating. The vehicle's avoidance technology sub-score is a perfect 10 out of 10, supported by standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. Owner-reported complaints, numbering 52, frequently cite powertrain issues, accounting for nearly half of all complaints and aligning with the recall activity in that area. The 2021 Nissan Titan exhibits adequate crash protection, but its safety profile is significantly impacted by a pronounced recall history.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Nissan Titan perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Nissan Titan Crew Cab 4WD registered a 23 percent rollover risk in NHTSA's evaluations, contributing to its 3 out of 5-star rollover rating. This particular metric stands as a notable concern, despite the truck achieving a "No Tip" result in dynamic testing. Overall, the vehicle received a 4 out of 5-star safety rating from the agency. Its side-impact protection is strong, earning a perfect 5 stars, while frontal crash performance is rated at 4 stars.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15547
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Nissan Titan have any recalls?
Yes, five recall campaigns cover this model year. The components involved are the air bag control unit, the automatic transmission parking pawl (addressed by two separate campaigns), front turn signal bulbs, and Continental tires. The two transmission parking-pawl recalls are notable because a pawl that fails to engage could allow unintended vehicle movement. Buyers should verify all five remedies are complete by VIN.
AIR BAGS: AIR BAG/RESTRAINT CONTROL MODULE24V580000
Risk: An unsecured ACU can prevent or delay air bags from deploying as intended, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the ACU, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 19, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PD120.
Reported 2024-08-05
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION22V671000
Risk: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Owners are advised to apply the parking brake every time they park their vehicle. Dealers will perform the applicable repairs below, free of charge: Model Year 2020-2022 Frontier vehicles: reprogram Transmission Control Module (TCM) Model Year 2020-2022 Titan vehicles: reprogram TCM and Engine Control Module (ECM) Model Year 2023 Titan vehicles: reprogram TCM Model Year 2023 Z vehicles: re
Reported 2022-09-07
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION22V457000
Risk: A vehicle rollaway increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Owners are advised to apply the parking brake every time they park their vehicle. Dealers will replace the transmission parking pawl pin, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is R22A2 R22A3.
Reported 2022-06-24
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:BULBS21V471000
Risk: Inoperable front turn signals cannot alert on-coming drivers and/or pedestrians that the vehicle will be turning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the bulbs as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 20, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PM986 and PC811.
Reported 2021-06-23
TIRES21V169000
Risk: Over cured tires may develop a break in the sidewall, resulting in sudden air loss or belt edge separation which could lead to tread/belt loss. Either condition can cause a loss of vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the tires, and replace them as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 11, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PC798.
Reported 2021-03-11
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Nissan Titan?
Owners have filed 52 unverified allegations with NHTSA, including reported incidents involving 3 crashes, 2 fires, and 1 injury. The most frequently alleged problem area is the power train, cited in 24 reports, followed by the electrical system and unknown or other issues at 8 each, with 5 allegations targeting the forward collision avoidance system.
52 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Nissan Titan?
Before purchasing a used 2021 Titan, prospective owners should confirm the completion of all five recall remedies via NHTSA's VIN lookup tool. These campaigns address critical components, including the air bag module, two separate transmission issues, turn signals, and tires. An open notice for any of these recalls is insufficient; verified service completion is necessary to ensure the vehicle meets safety specifications.
- The 2021 Titan's Safety Index fell two points to 78/100 Average from the 2020 model's 80/100 Strong, with the defect record sub-score of 11.25/20 as the primary drag.
- Two separate recall campaigns in 2022 both targeted the automatic transmission parking pawl on this model year, indicating the initial remedy did not fully resolve the concern across the affected population.
- The rollover rating of 3 out of 5 stars with a 23 percent rollover risk is the lowest individual crash-test score for this vehicle and is specific to the Crew Cab 4WD configuration tested.
- Owner-reported allegations include 2 fire-related reports and 5 complaints targeting the forward collision avoidance system, the same system that earns a perfect avoidance-tech sub-score for being standard equipment, a distinction between presence and alleged performance.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Nissan Titan places
The 2021 Nissan Titan qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Nissan Titan safety questions
Was the 2021 Nissan Titan crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Nissan Titan, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 78 out of 100, placing it in the Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Nissan Titan crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Nissan Titan earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 3 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 22.8%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Nissan Titan have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 5 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Nissan Titan. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Nissan Titan?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 52 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Nissan Titan. 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 Titan years
Rivals in Truck (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Ford F-250 | 88/100 | 4 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Ford F-250 Tremor | 83/100 | 4 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Frontier | 76/100 | 4 of 5 | 2 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15547), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Titan 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 3 of 4 in the Truck 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.