NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Nissan Versa Safety Ratings
The 2020 Nissan Versa scores 90 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 63 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
For 2020, the Nissan Versa presents as an exceptionally safe vehicle, earning a NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100. This assessment is supported by strong crash-test performance from NHTSA and the inclusion of a full suite of standard crash-avoidance technology. Its safety profile is further underscored by a modest two-recall record.
The 2020 Nissan Versa received a 5-star overall crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100 (Exceptional) based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 105 Sedans from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Nissan Versa ranks 42 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 | 90 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 5 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 11.8% |
| Recalls on file | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 63 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 42 of 105 Sedans tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Nissan Versa?
A dramatic upward shift in its safety profile defines the 2020 Nissan Versa. The model achieves an Exceptional 90 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index, a 14-point gain over the 2019 model's Average 76. This improvement is anchored by a crash-protection sub-score of 66 out of 70, reflecting NHTSA's 5-star overall rating. The 2020 Versa also earned a maximum 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology. Forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are standard features on this generation. The defect-record sub-score of 14.25 out of 20 prevents a perfect index score. This is due to two recalls and 63 reported complaints. These complaints concentrate on the powertrain and the forward collision avoidance system. The fuel-tank recall represents the more serious of the two campaigns, and prospective buyers should investigate it first. Nevertheless, the 2020 Versa marks a genuine step-change in federal safety performance compared to its predecessor.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Nissan Versa perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Nissan Versa demonstrates robust occupant protection in federal crash testing, achieving 5 out of 5 stars overall from NHTSA. This includes perfect 5-star scores for both frontal and side impact scenarios. The vehicle's rollover performance, however, lags slightly, earning 4 out of 5 stars. Its measured rollover risk stands at 12 percent, though it exhibited no tip in dynamic testing.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14492
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Nissan Versa have any recalls?
Two recall campaigns cover this model year. The first, initiated in February 2020, targets the fuel tank assembly, where a manufacturing issue may have produced insufficient wall thickness, a structural concern worth verifying. The second, from June 2021, addresses front turn-signal bulbs on certain 2020-2021 Nissan vehicles. Neither campaign carries a do-not-drive designation in the available data, but remedy completion should be confirmed by VIN.
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
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY20V112000
Risk: If a small hole is present, a fuel leak may occur if the operator fills the tank over half full, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began April 6, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
Reported 2020-02-26
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Nissan Versa?
NHTSA has logged 63 unverified owner complaints for the 2020 Versa. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Power Train and Forward Collision Avoidance, each cited in 16 reports, followed by Unknown or Other and Engine at 14 each, and Electrical System at 12. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
63 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Nissan Versa?
Potential purchasers of a used 2020 Nissan Versa should verify recall remedy completion. Two specific recalls have been issued for this model year: one for the fuel-tank assembly and another for the turn-signal bulb. These unresolved safety issues are typically repairable at no cost at an authorized dealer.
- The 2020 Versa's Safety Index jumped 14 points over the 2019 model, from 76/100 (Average) to 90/100 (Exceptional), driven by a complete redesign that added standard crash-avoidance technology and improved crash-test results.
- A February 2020 recall specifically targets 2020 Versa fuel tanks for potentially insufficient wall thickness due to a manufacturing issue, making VIN-level remedy verification a priority for used-market buyers.
- Forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are all standard equipment on this model year, earning the maximum avoidance-technology sub-score of 10 out of 10 in the Safety Index.
- NHTSA's complaint database shows 16 unverified allegations each against the powertrain and the forward collision avoidance system, the two highest complaint concentrations for this model year, and worth factoring into any pre-purchase inspection.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Nissan Versa places
The 2020 Nissan Versa qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Nissan Versa safety questions
Was the 2020 Nissan Versa crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Nissan Versa, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 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 2020 Nissan Versa crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Nissan Versa earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 5 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 11.8%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Nissan Versa have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Nissan Versa. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Nissan Versa?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 63 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Nissan Versa. 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 Versa years
Rivals in Sedan (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Acura RLX | 99/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Acura RLX Sport | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2020 Audi S5 Sportback | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Infiniti Q50 | 99/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2020 Mazda Mazda3 | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Nissan Maxima | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14492), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Versa 2020.
- 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 42 of 105 in the Sedan class for 2020.
- 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.