MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2019 Nissan Versa

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2019 Nissan Versa Safety Ratings

The 2019 Nissan Versa scores 76 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Average), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 23 owner complaints on file.

Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar

1Recalls
23Complaints
0Investigations
VERDICT

The 2019 Nissan Versa achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 76 out of 100, positioning it within the Average safety band. This assessment is largely underpinned by its consistent four-star crash test ratings across all evaluated categories. However, a near-zero score in active avoidance technology indicates a significant deficiency in advanced safety features for this model year.

The 2019 Nissan Versa received a four-out-of-five-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 76/100, based on NHTSA data.

MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026

Among the 119 Sedans from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Nissan Versa ranks 97 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.

WHO IT IS FOR
  • shoppers who want the full federal safety picture in one place
2019 Nissan Versa safety at a glance (source: NHTSA)
NHTSA Safety Index76 / 100 (Average)
Overall crash rating4 of 5 stars
Frontal / Side / Rollover4 / 4 / 4 stars
Rollover risk14.3%
Recalls on file1
Owner complaints23 (unverified allegations)
Class rank97 of 119 Sedans tested for 2019
Data verifiedOct 1, 2026

ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Nissan Versa?

What defines the 2019 Nissan Versa from a safety standpoint is the tension between a respectable crash-test performance and a strikingly thin active-safety profile. The four-star sweep across overall, frontal, side, and rollover categories feeds a crash-protection sub-score of 56 out of 70, which is the backbone of the 76/100 Safety Index. However, the avoidance-tech sub-score of just 2 out of 10 reflects the absence of forward collision warning and lane departure warning on this model year. Electronic stability control is standard, which accounts for those two points, but the lack of any warning systems was already becoming a competitive disadvantage in the 2019 segment. The defect record sub-score of 17.75 out of 20 is a relative strength, supported by only one recall campaign centered on the rearview camera sensing system. No prior-year Safety Index is on file, so a year-over-year comparison cannot be made. The 23 reported complaints, led by powertrain and electrical allegations, are unverified but worth noting as a pattern for prospective used-market buyers.

NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Nissan Versa perform in crash tests?

The 2019 Nissan Versa received a four out of five star rating across all evaluated categories by NHTSA, including overall, frontal impact, side impact, and rollover. This consistent performance indicates a uniform level of protection, though no single aspect achieved the highest possible score. The rollover risk was assessed at 14 percent, with the dynamic tip-test concluding with a "No Tip" result.

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 14.3%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13151

Index breakdown

Crash protection56/70
Avoidance tech2/10
Defect record17.75/20
Forward collision warning: NoLane departure warning: NoStability control: Standard

NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images

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

NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Nissan Versa have any recalls?

One recall campaign covers the 2019 Nissan Versa. It targets the back-over prevention camera system, issued by Nissan North America and grouped with a broad range of 2018-2019 Nissan models. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is indicated in the available data, but shoppers should verify remedy status by VIN before purchase.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA19V654000

Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.

Reported 2019-09-12

NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Nissan Versa?

Twenty-three owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2019 Nissan Versa. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the powertrain (11 reports), electrical system (7), and service brakes (4). All are unverified consumer allegations and have not been independently confirmed.

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

2reported crash
0reported fire
1reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsPower Train 11Electrical System 7Service Brakes 4Engine 3Unknown Or Other 2Vehicle Speed Control 2

USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Nissan Versa?

Any shopper considering this 7-year-old vehicle should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm whether the rearview camera recall remedy has been completed. An unresolved recall on a used vehicle transfers with ownership, making verification before purchase a practical safety step.

  • The 2019 Nissan Versa carries one active NHTSA recall covering the back-over prevention camera sensing system, a campaign that also spans several other 2018-2019 Nissan models.
  • NHTSA awarded four out of five stars in all four tested categories for this model year, with a measured rollover risk of 14 percent and a No Tip result in the dynamic test.
  • The avoidance-tech sub-score of 2 out of 10 reflects the absence of forward collision warning and lane departure warning on this specific model year, a gap that directly limits the overall Safety Index.
  • Twenty-three unverified complaints have been reported to NHTSA, with powertrain issues accounting for nearly half of all allegations and the most recent report filed as recently as mid-2026.

RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Nissan Versa places

The 2019 Nissan Versa qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:

FAQ2019 Nissan Versa safety questions

Was the 2019 Nissan Versa crash-tested by NHTSA?

Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Nissan Versa, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 76 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 2019 Nissan Versa crash-test star ratings?

In NHTSA testing the 2019 Nissan Versa earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 4 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 2019 Nissan Versa have?

According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2019 Nissan Versa. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.

How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Nissan Versa?

According to NHTSA's complaint database, 23 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Nissan Versa. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.

READ MORE

Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.

Other Versa years

Rivals in Sedan (2019)

Safest Sedan rivals, 2019 (NHTSA Safety Index)
VehicleNHTSA Safety IndexOverall starsRecalls
2019 Acura RLX Sport100/100not rated0
2019 Audi A4 Allroad99/100not rated0
2019 Audi Rs5 Sportback99/100not rated0
2019 Audi S5 Sportback99/100not rated0
2019 Audi S498/100not rated1
2019 Tesla Model S 60d98/100not rated0
HOW THIS PAGE WAS MADE
  • DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13151), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Versa 2019.
  • 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 97 of 119 in the Sedan class for 2019.
  • 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.