MotorCaliberNHTSA Safety Index
NHTSA crash test of the 2023 Nissan Versa

NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED

2023 Nissan Versa

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

1Recalls
37Complaints
1Investigations
ABOUT THE NISSAN VERSA

The Nissan Versa is a subcompact sedan aimed squarely at budget-conscious commuters and first-time car buyers who need affordable, no-frills urban transportation. Now in its third generation, the Versa competes in one of the most price-sensitive segments in the American market, where buyers are weighing every dollar. MotorCaliber covers the 2019 through 2025 model years and puts its safety record under the microscope.

VERDICT

The 2023 Nissan Versa earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100, an exceptional result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 1 recall 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 position the Versa as one of the most accessible entries in the subcompact sedan class, praising its surprisingly spacious cabin for the segment and straightforward, easy-to-use controls. Most note that interior materials and overall refinement reflect the car's budget positioning, and driving dynamics are described as adequate for city use rather than engaging. Value for the money is consistently highlighted as its strongest selling point.

NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown

Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk 11.8%

Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18387

Index breakdown

Crash protection61/70
Avoidance tech10/10
Defect record19/20
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: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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints

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

0reported crash
0reported fire
0reported injuries
0reported deaths
Most-reported systemsEngine 23Power Train 15Vehicle Speed Control 13Unknown Or Other 9Electrical System 7Fuel/Propulsion System 4

Other Versa years

Rivals in Sedan (2023)

Last verified 2026-07-02. Sources: NHTSA SafetyRatings (VehicleId 18387), recallsByVehicle, complaintsByVehicle for Nissan Versa 2023. Class rank 50 of 92 in Sedan 2023. Methodology · Disclosure