NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Nissan Versa Safety Ratings
The 2021 Nissan Versa scores 85 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 31 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Nissan Versa enters the used market with a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100, placing it in the "Strong" safety band. However, this assessment arrives with caveats. The 2021 model year saw a five-point decline in its Safety Index from the preceding 2020 iteration. Furthermore, three distinct recall campaigns have been issued for this model year. While its crash-test performance stands as competitive, these factors temper the overall safety profile of the 2021 Versa.
The 2021 Nissan Versa holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 85/100 and an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars, sourced from federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Nissan Versa ranks 60 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 | 85 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 11.8% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 31 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 60 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Nissan Versa?
A five-point decline in the NHTSA Safety Index defines the 2021 Nissan Versa, bringing its score to 85 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. This decrease from the 2020 model's 90 out of 100 Exceptional rating is directly attributable to the defect record sub-score, which stands at 13.75 out of 20 due to three active recall campaigns. Crash protection for the 2021 Versa scored 61 out of 70, reflecting robust hardware performance. Its avoidance-tech sub-score reached the maximum 10 out of 10, a result of standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control across all trims. The most significant safety concern for this model year involves two recalls related to the electric power assist steering system. Both campaigns detail an intermittent electrical connection, suggesting a persistent engineering issue that Nissan has addressed through multiple recall actions. An additional, comparatively minor recall for a turn signal bulb, shared with certain Titan and Titan XD trucks, further contributes to the defect record. The Safety Index drop for the 2021 Versa is driven entirely by this recall activity, not by any regression in its crash-test outcomes.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Nissan Versa perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Nissan Versa achieved an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA, anchoring its performance with a 5-star result in the side-crash test. Both frontal and rollover protection earned 4 out of 5 stars. The Versa's rollover risk is 12 percent, with the dynamic tip test yielding a "No Tip" outcome.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15523
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Nissan Versa have any recalls?
Yes. Three recall campaigns cover this model year. Two separate campaigns target the electric power assist steering system, citing an intermittent electrical connection that could affect steering control. A third campaign addresses front turn signal bulbs shared with 2020-2021 Titan and Versa vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data provided, but owners should verify remedy completion by VIN.
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM23V496000
Risk: Loss of power steering assist can increase the steering effort required, especially at low speeds, and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering column torque sensor lot code and replace the steering column assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PMA26. This recall involves vehicles that were previously inspected, but did not receive a st
Reported 2023-07-18
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM22V693000
Risk: Loss of power steering assist can increase the steering effort required, especially at low speeds, and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering column torque sensor lot code, and replace the column, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 9, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PMA10 / PMA25.
Reported 2022-09-15
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
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Nissan Versa?
Thirty-one owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Versa. These are unverified consumer allegations. The top reported components are the power train with 9 allegations, the electrical system with 7, and air bags and the engine each with 5. Five complaints allege crash involvement and three allege injuries.
31 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Nissan Versa?
The 2021 Nissan Versa was subject to three recall campaigns, a notable figure for a vehicle in its fifth model year. Two of these recalls addressed steering issues, which are critical safety concerns. Prospective owners should verify that all recall remedies, especially those related to steering, have been completed. Confirmation of these repairs can be obtained directly from a Nissan dealership.
- The 2021 Versa Safety Index dropped five points to 85/100 compared to the 2020 model year's 90/100, with the decline traced entirely to three recall campaigns rather than to crash-test performance.
- Two of the three recalls specifically target the electric power assist steering system, citing an intermittent electrical connection, making steering-recall remedy verification a priority for any used-market buyer.
- NHTSA crash testing produced a 5-star overall rating, with the side-crash test earning the top score and both frontal and rollover protection rated at 4 out of 5 stars, plus a 12 percent rollover risk figure.
- Thirty-one unverified owner complaints on file with NHTSA include five alleged crash involvements and three alleged injuries, with the power train and electrical system drawing the highest complaint volumes.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Nissan Versa places
The 2021 Nissan Versa qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Nissan Versa safety questions
Was the 2021 Nissan Versa crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Nissan Versa, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 85 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Nissan Versa crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Nissan Versa earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 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 2021 Nissan Versa have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Nissan Versa. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Nissan Versa?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 31 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 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 (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15523), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Versa 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 60 of 94 in the Sedan 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.