NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Nissan Versa Safety Ratings
The 2023 Nissan Versa scores 90 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 37 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Nissan Versa achieves an Exceptional Safety Index score of 90 out of 100, reflecting a strong safety profile. This places it in the top tier of vehicles assessed for the model year. Its position is supported by a full suite of standard crash-avoidance technology and a record of only one recall. This score represents a minor one-point decrease from the 2022 model's 91.
The 2023 Nissan Versa received a 5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 90/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 92 Sedans from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Nissan Versa ranks 50 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 | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 11.8% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 37 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 50 of 92 Sedans tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Nissan Versa?
The 2023 Nissan Versa distinguishes itself from its immediate predecessor primarily through a one-point Index decline, landing at 90/100 versus the 2022 model's 91/100, while both years hold Exceptional status. That single-point movement traces to the defect record sub-score of 19/20, reflecting the one active recall for a frontal driver-side air bag inflator module, a campaign that sweeps across several Nissan and Infiniti platforms. Crash protection contributes 61 of a possible 70 points, consistent with NHTSA's 5-star overall rating and the perfect 5-star side result. The 4-star frontal and 4-star rollover scores, paired with a 12-percent rollover risk and a No Tip dynamic result, represent the modest ceiling on crash protection scoring this year. The avoidance tech sub-score of 10/10 reflects forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all arriving as standard equipment, not optional add-ons. Thirty-seven reported complaints are concentrated in Engine and Power Train categories, but zero allege a crash, fire, injury, or death, and all remain unverified allegations under NHTSA's complaint framework. Taken together, this model year presents a tightly clustered safety profile with one targeted recall as its primary open item.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Nissan Versa perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Versa achieved an overall 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its side protection registered a top mark of 5 stars. Frontal impact and rollover protection each received 4 stars, with the latter assessed at a 12-percent risk of rollover, registering "No Tip" in the dynamic test. All categories were rated.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18387
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Nissan Versa have any recalls?
One recall covers the 2023 Versa: a frontal driver-side air bag inflator module campaign issued by Nissan North America. The campaign spans multiple Nissan and Infiniti nameplates including the 2023-2024 Versa. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the available data, but owners should verify remedy completion by VIN before purchase or continued use.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE24V154000
Risk: An air bag that deploys improperly may not protect the driver as intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front driver's air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PD103, PD104, and PMA34.
Reported 2024-02-27
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Nissan Versa?
Thirty-seven unverified consumer allegations have been reported to NHTSA for this model year. The most frequently cited components are Engine, Power Train, and Vehicle Speed Control. Zero of the 37 reports allege a crash, fire, injury, or death. All figures represent unverified allegations, not established facts.
37 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Nissan Versa?
Shoppers considering a used 2023 Versa should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool to confirm whether the frontal air bag inflator module recall has been remedied. An unresolved recall on a used vehicle transfers to the new owner, and remedy verification is the single most actionable safety step before purchase.
- The 2023 Versa's Safety Index of 90/100 represents a one-point dip from the 2022 model's 91/100, both within the Exceptional band, with the defect record sub-score of 19/20 reflecting the single active recall this year.
- One recall is open for the 2023 Versa specifically targeting the frontal driver-side air bag inflator module, a campaign shared with several other 2023-2024 Nissan and Infiniti models.
- NHTSA's NCAP awarded this model year a 5-star overall score, with side protection at 5 stars and both frontal and rollover at 4 stars, the rollover result accompanied by a 12-percent risk figure and a No Tip dynamic test outcome.
- All three primary crash-avoidance technologies, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard equipment on the 2023 Versa, contributing a perfect 10/10 avoidance tech sub-score to the Safety Index.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Nissan Versa places
The 2023 Nissan Versa qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Nissan Versa safety questions
Was the 2023 Nissan Versa crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 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 2023 Nissan Versa crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 2023 Nissan Versa have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2023 Nissan Versa. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Nissan Versa?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 37 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 Nissan Versa. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Versa years
Rivals in Sedan (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Audi S4 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Polestar 2 | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model S Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18387), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Versa 2023.
- 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 50 of 92 in the Sedan class for 2023.
- 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.