MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2021 Nissan Titan

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2021 Nissan Titan

Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.

5Recalls
52Complaints
0Investigations
ABOUT THE NISSAN TITAN

The Nissan Titan is a full-size, body-on-frame pickup truck competing in one of the most fiercely contested segments in the American market. Aimed at buyers who want a capable, straightforward alternative to the dominant domestic brands, the Titan offers both crew cab and single cab configurations. It targets value-conscious truck shoppers who prioritize a no-nonsense work and family hauler without the complexity of some rivals.

VERDICT

The 2021 Nissan Titan earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 78 out of 100, an average result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 5 recalls on record, reflected in the score.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
  • urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
WHAT REVIEWERS SAY

Reviewers generally regard the Nissan Titan as a capable and straightforward full-size truck that falls somewhat short of the class leaders in refinement, technology, and breadth of powertrain options. Most acknowledge it as a credible choice for buyers who want simplicity and value, while noting it rarely tops comparison tests against the dominant domestic competitors in its segment.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 22.8%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15547

Index breakdown

Crash protection57/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record11.25/20
Forward collision warning: StandardLane departure warning: StandardStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.

NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record

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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

52 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.

3reported crash
2reported fire
1reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsPower Train 24Unknown Or Other 8Electrical System 8Forward Collision Avoidance 5Service Brakes 4Suspension 3

Other Titan years

Rivals in Truck (2021)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 15547), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Nissan Titan 2021. Class rank 3 of 4 in Truck 2021. Methodology · Disclosure