Nissan Versa Reliability by YearBest & worst years, problems & recalls — NHTSA data
Comparing used Nissan Versa options? We analyzed 10 model years (2016–2025) using real NHTSA complaint and recall data so you can spot stronger years, avoid riskier ones, and know what to inspect before buying.
Free VIN check
Found a Nissan Versa? Check that exact car.
Model-year trends show patterns — they can't tell you whether this car was crashed, flooded, or rolled back. A VIN check can.
- Accident & damage history
- Odometer rollback records
- Open recalls & title brands
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the Nissan Versa has 479 owner complaints and 13 safety recalls across model years 2016–2025. The most reported issue area is ENGINE. 2024 drew the most complaints; 2025 drew the fewest.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Versa
- Model years analyzed
- 2016–2025 (10 years)
- Total NHTSA complaints
- 479
- Safety recall campaigns
- 13
- Crash-related complaints
- 48
- Fire-related complaints
- 1
- Worst model year (by complaints)
- 2024 (95 complaints)
- Best model year (fewest complaints)
- 2025 (11 complaints)
- Top reported issue area
- ENGINE
- Reliability signal
- Poor
By model year
Nissan Versa: which years to avoid & which to buy
Based on total NHTSA owner complaints per model year. Higher complaint counts indicate a riskier year to buy used — lower counts suggest a cleaner reliability record.
These years have the most owner complaints. Inspect carefully and always run a VIN check.
These years have the fewest owner complaints on record — lower risk starting points.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA NCAP crash test ratings
New Car Assessment ProgramNCAP crash tests measure how well a vehicle protects occupants in controlled frontal crash, side crash, and rollover scenarios. Stars are awarded per category (5 = safest). These laboratory results are independent of owner complaints and are performed by NHTSA engineers on new production vehicles.
Source: nhtsa.gov/ratings
What the complaint data suggests
PoorThe NISSAN VERSA has 479 NHTSA complaints and 13 recalls on record. 48 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
- 479 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 13 federal recall campaigns
- 48 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with elevated complaint rates.
Consult the by-year breakdown to identify model years with fewer reported issues.
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Problems by model year (best vs. worst)
Source: NHTSA public complaints database. Updated: Sep 2026
Safety recalls
NHTSA safety recalls
13 recalls foundSafety recalls are mandatory repair campaigns ordered by NHTSA when a vehicle defect poses an unreasonable risk to safety. Manufacturers are required to fix recalled vehicles free of charge. Always verify open recalls before buying a used car.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:BULBS
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:BULBS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Source: NHTSA Recalls Database. Data covers model years 2016–2025. Always run a VIN-specific check below for the most up-to-date open recall status.
Common problems
What goes wrong most often
The vehicle systems owners complain about most, ranked from all 479 NHTSA complaints — these are the areas to inspect first on a used car.
Owner complaints
NHTSA complaint reports
479 totalThese are consumer-submitted safety complaints filed directly with NHTSA. Each complaint describes a real owner's experience. Complaints flagged as crash-related or fire-related are highlighted.
When the vehicle was first purchased , the unit was test driven and liked it. vehicle was purchased new around end of XXXearly XXX, when they told us the vehicle was ready for pick up we went to pick it up and as soon as we drove it out of the lot the unit broke down the transmission would not go into gear the shop is calling it limb mode. so we called our sales rep [XXX] at the time and got us a rental while they looked for the problem. the sales man said it was a sensor, on the XXX it did the same thing ( went into limb mode) we where stranded we called nissan we took the car over the same day. on XXX they told us the could not replicate the issue, they also told us that the first time it was taken they did not do nothing to it as they could not replicate the problem as well. I expressed my concerns to the that out sales rep told us it was a sensor and was taken care of. The check engine does not come on the car will go into gear but will not advance will only go 5-10 miles. the rpms rev up but the car does not shift, no power, no acceleration. nissan said they are getting a specialist to look at it. but it is upsetting that it was not even fixed the first time . at this moment the loaned us a car untill they can figure whats wrong with it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Sudden total loss of power while driving. Multiple lights on dash immediately, at least 5 different lights on dash with message that says check manual. Daughter stranded in the road at 10:30pm. Good Samaritan helped to push vehicle while directing traffic to not get hit. Towing to dealer asap since it will not move. It will start, but won't pull itself & checking manual as instructed wasn't helpful.
Vehicle engine and all electrical shut-off, at intersection of XXX. in [XXX] on February 4th (on or before 6:57 AM MST) where the hazard lights failed to come on. My further answers to the questions above as [jhh]answer[/jhh]: What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? [jhh]The engine, and all electrical, lost power, including the hazard lights. The rental car company has possession, I do not know if they will allow a safety inspection, or not.[/jhh] How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? [jhh]The vehicle was disabled in the middle of the intersection, blocking traffic, I had to open the door, get out of the vehicle, and manually push it out of the way so that a cement truck, and other traffic could get through. My safety was put at risk, as the hazard lights failed to operate, so that fast moving, un-coming traffic, can be warned, to prevent a lethal collision.[/jhh] Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? [jhh]Not that I know of.[/jhh] Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? [jhh]The vehicle has been inspected by the rental car company when it was returned on February 12th.[/jhh] Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? [jhh]The hazard lights failed to turn on. I suspect, if there is an "advanced safety feature" installed, it may have created an unsafe, "failsafe" condition, where it not only disables the vehicle, but also, disables the hazard lights. There was some road space between me and the traffic light, so I slowly drove forward while looking down at the dash board. This is about the time the vehicle shutoff completely, when the light turned green, and I could not move out of the way, of traffic, and could not turn on the hazards.[/jhh] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2025 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond as intended and made an abnormal sound. The vehicle was driven to the nearest family member's residence due to safety concerns. The contact stated that while attempting to drive from a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle was driving significantly sluggish and was jerking abnormally. The contact was able to pull into a parking lot. The contact turned off the vehicle. Upon restarting the vehicle, the vehicle was driven but failed to drive at the intended speed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that fuel was not reaching the engine and two other unknown failures were found. The dealer added fuel to the vehicle, and unknown clamps were installed on the vehicle; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to Nissan of Downtown LA (635 W Washington Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90015); where it was determined that the failure could be related to the fuel quality. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the dealer that an unknown computer part for the engine needed to be installed, and the vehicle needed to be reset. The vehicle was not repaired because the first dealer who sold the vehicle declined to cover the repair. An unknown yellow warning light was intermittently illuminated. The failure mileage was approximately 13.
When making a left hand turn the was a vehicle way behind the line. My car stopped suddenly and I couldn’t move I was stuck next thing I know the other vehicle collided with me. This vehicles auto braking is very dangerous leading to crash! I could not avoid the speeding car coming towards me I was paralyzed from this matter and then the vehicle had a crash. My concern is there. There was time for me to move through the intersection, but my vehicle locked up which made the other vehicle collide into the front of my car or the rental car so my concern is that automatic breaking is very dangerous.
The contact owns a 2025 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that during cold starts, the vehicle was jerking and vibrating abnormally. After the engine had warmed up, the jerking and vibration were self-corrected, but the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer on several occasions, but the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 13.
Read 14 more owner reports
Vehicle: 2025 Nissan Versa Mileage: 276 Date: 01/17/26 Location: my home in Winston salem nc Warning lights: None observed / Unknown While reversing to park, the vehicle suddenly lost power steering and braking assistance at the same time. The steering became extremely hard to turn, and the brakes did not stop the vehicle. I lost control, and the car continued rolling backward, resulting in a collision with another parked vehicle. After the vehicle stopped, I shifted into Park and the engine shut off. When I attempted to restart, the vehicle would not start. After approximately one minute, it restarted normally and I was able to move the vehicle. This failure occurred without warning and created a serious safety hazard due to loss of steering and braking control.
The contact owns a 2025 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated the vehicle failed to exceed 45 MPH. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle lost motive power and the vehicle entered LIMP Mode. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle independently reset. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,800.
My windshield started to crack from the very bottom middle (just above the hood) and made its way up and splintered in multiple directions rapidly. I believe it's maybe heat related (probably defective) because I can't find an impact spot if it was a rock or something similar. I can feel the crack on the outside of the windshield at the very bottom (just above the hood) where the glass starts for about 3 maybe 4 inches, a nice little groove then after splintering in multiple directions I can no longer feel the cracks. Can you please look into this issue.
The contact rented a 2025 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the Forward Collision Avoidance sensor illuminated when it started to rain. The Forward Collision Avoidance sensor warning light illuminated, and a message to “Please go to Safety Map Information” was displayed. The contact stated that as soon as it stopped raining, the warning light turned off. The contact attempted to inform the vehicle inspector of the failure; however, the inspector did not understand the failure that was experienced. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50.
I had experienced a power loss. I could not go over 50 mph on the highway. I'm a new driver so I believe this was because I've been stalling it quite a bit and restarting the car.
Automatic CVT failure confirmed by Future Nissan of Roseville CA. No warning prior to failure. Replaced by Kirkwood Autoworx Mechanical since Nissan Corporate denied a good-will replacement. Reason: 15k miles over warranty - 75081odometer reading at replacement on 5/27/26. CVT failed while on a busy street [XXX] ). I had only reverse and had to back my way out of traffic. Extremely dangerous situation. New Issue: Left Front Door (Driver) Locking actuator failure on XXX Not a safety issue yet. Will not lock or unlock with key fob. Manual entry only. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Hi, My name is [XXX] and I live in [XXX] . In October 2023 I purchased a used Nissan Versa 2021 from a dealership. It only had 30k miles on it when I bought it. On May 9, 2026 I was driving to work when my car experienced acceleration failure. It had 80,600 miles on it. When the acceleration failed, I was in the process of making a left turn and came very close to being hit by oncoming traffic. After Nissan claimed to fix the issue and I paid a substantial amount of money and drove about 40 miles, the same thing happened. And again it was during a left turn into oncoming traffic. Twice I've come very close to an accident. Something needs to be fixed with these cvt transmissions. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I got into the car and started it up. Put in reverse car shuts off. Re started and put in reverse. Was able to drive out of apartment parking lot then no power to speed and car was a little jerky and on dashboard it said warning malfunction see owners manual with a few pictures on dashboard
Cvt Transmission failed While driving transmission popped and no forward drive leaving us in traffic unable to move in forward. Had to get out and push the car to the side of the road. No warning lights no warning signs. Just immediate loss of forward drive. Engine revs up but no movement. Dangerously leaving us in harms way. Haven't had the vehicle inspected by nissan yet but will be doing so in the next day or so. Vehicle is and will be Available for inspection or assessment at any time.
Transmission failure 2 Times. First time experienced jerking and some smoke coming out and second time same jerking and smoke along with electrical system failure. Nissan paid 40% the first time to help and I paid 60% even though I did not agree with that I did it. 2nd time they refuse to pay anything because of warranty even though it only took 40, 000 miles and transmission went out gain. Obvious that the transmissions are trash. The constant jerking and smoking in engine and electrical failure not to mention I was in a hit and run and ran into a tree and brake system did not work and the air bag did not come out after running into a tree. Please people run from Nissan fast. I'm thankful for my life.
My 2021 Nissan Versa was struck at high speed while parked and required extensive repairs that exceeded the vehicle’s value. After the repairs, the transmission began acting erratically. The car shudders, hesitates, and feels unstable while driving. Acceleration is unpredictable and the vehicle does not feel safe or reliable. These issues were not present before the collision and have continued to worsen. I have children and do not feel it is safe to operate this vehicle, so it is currently parked.
Mileage: Approximately 45,000 Current Status: Inoperable; held at Joe Machens Nissan pending evaluation by Nissan Consumer Affairs. Description of the Problem The vehicle has become completely inoperable, making it unsafe to operate. In the months prior to the failure, traction control warning indicators intermittently appeared on the dashboard. I did not recognize their significance at the time and did not document them, but they may have been early warning signs of the current operational failure. Approximately 22 days prior to the vehicle becoming completely inoperable, it underwent a recall update, oil change, and tire rotation at Joe Machens Nissan. Staff reported no concerns at the time. Shortly afterward, the vehicle began exhibiting reduced driving function and erratic power, which eventually led to complete inoperability. On [XXX], while commuting approximately 40 miles at highway speeds (up to 70 mph), the vehicle exhibited unpredictable engine response. The RPMs fluctuated erratically, and the vehicle would not accelerate beyond 70 mph. There were no dashboard warning indicators at the time. The vehicle is currently in the care of Joe Machens Nissan pending evaluation by Nissan Consumer Affairs. I am submitting this complaint to document potential safety concerns and to contribute to investigations regarding this vehicle model, including similar complaints reported by other 2021 Nissan Versa owners. Safety Impact Statement The operational failure poses a risk of reduced vehicle control and potential accident while driving at highway speeds, even in the absence of dashboard warnings. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Need to put in complaint the CVT transmissions has been doing a lot of whining and jerky. Spoke to the dealership they stated had no idea what it was. Started to investigate and found out there were recalls in the 2012 to 2015 CVT transmissions on Nissans and there is pending investigation in the years 2020 to 2023 for the same thing. Was told by a car repair to put in complaint. Due to the fact my Nissan stopped and would not move in the middle of an intersection which almost caused a wreck. There were no warning lights it just wouldn't go into gear. This is a big safety issue. It was due to the CVT transmission issues same as the ones in the 2012 to 2015 investigations. It was inspected by a independent service center.
On three separate occasions while driving, my driver seatbelt has come unbuckled on it's own. Most recently today. It also sometimes sticks and is difficult to unbuckle.
Showing 20 of 479 total NHTSA complaints. Source: NHTSA Complaints Database
Check the exact car
Before you buy, check the exact Nissan Versa
These pages show model-year patterns across 10 years. Enter a VIN to verify the exact vehicle's accident history, title brands, odometer records, and open recall status before purchase.
The basics
How to read this data
Complaints, recalls, investigations — here’s what each number actually tells you about a used Nissan Versa, in plain English.
What is an NHTSA Complaint?
An NHTSA safety complaint is a report filed directly by a vehicle owner or driver describing a safety-related issue. Anyone can submit a complaint at NHTSA.gov. The number of complaints is a signal of how common a problem is — but complaints per model-year matter more than raw totals, since popular vehicles naturally receive more reports. The Nissan Versa has 479 complaints on record across 10 model years.
What is a Safety Recall?
A safety recall is a mandatory campaign issued by NHTSA when a vehicle component poses an unreasonable risk to safety or does not comply with federal motor vehicle safety standards. Unlike complaints (which are owner-reported), recalls are formally investigated and confirmed by regulators. Manufacturers must fix recalled vehicles free of charge. The Nissan Versa has 13 recall campaigns in the NHTSA database.
What Are Crash Complaints?
Crash complaints are NHTSA filings where the owner indicates a crash occurred as part of the incident. 48 of the Nissan Versa's 479 complaints involved a crash. This metric is particularly important because it indicates how often defects resulted in actual collisions — a key safety signal beyond general reliability.
How Is the Reliability Verdict Calculated?
The reliability verdict (Poor) is generated by analyzing the vehicle's total complaints, recall history, crash complaint ratio, fire complaint ratio, and top component failures relative to class averages. This verdict gives buyers a quick interpretation before they review year-level details and VIN-level history. It should be treated as one decision input, not a substitute for a VIN-specific report.
Why Do Newer Years Have Fewer Complaints?
Newer model years appear to have fewer complaints because there has been less time for owners to file them. Complaints accumulate over years of ownership. A 2020 model year vehicle will typically show fewer complaints than a 2015 model year even if it is less reliable — simply because fewer owners have had time to report issues. Focus on complaints per year of market presence when comparing across model years.
Fleet Data vs. Individual VIN
Everything on this page reflects aggregated data across all Nissan Versa vehicles on the road — not any specific car. Two Nissan Versa vehicles of the same year can have very different histories: one may have been in three accidents and have an open recall; another may be clean. A VIN check gives you the individual car's history: accidents, title brands, odometer records, service history, and real-time recall status.
What Are NHTSA Investigations?
When NHTSA receives a pattern of related safety complaints, it opens a formal investigation. A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first stage — NHTSA determines if a safety defect may exist. If evidence is strong, it escalates to an Engineering Analysis (EA), which can result in a mandatory recall. The Nissan Versa has 0 investigations on record (0 active). Investigations listed above may have already led to the recalls shown on this page.
Compare
Buyers also compare
How does the Nissan Versa stack up? Compare complaint history with similar vehicles.
Explore
Other Nissan models
By state
Check a Nissan Versa by state
Title-branding rules, flood-damage exposure, and salvage laws vary by state. Run a free VIN check or explore state-specific vehicle history guidance before buying a used Nissan Versa.
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Nissan Versa reliability — frequently asked questions
Is the Nissan Versa reliable?
Poor. The Nissan Versa has 479 NHTSA owner complaints and 13 recall campaigns across model years. A commonly reported issue area is ENGINE. Use year-level data as a pattern guide, then verify the exact car with a VIN check before purchase.
Which Nissan Versa years to avoid?
Years with the most NHTSA complaints: 2024 (95 complaints), 2020 (64 complaints), 2017 (62 complaints). Use these years as a shortlist for deeper inspection, and always run a VIN check on the exact vehicle before purchase.
What are the most common Nissan Versa problems?
Top reported issues: ENGINE (139 complaints); POWER TRAIN (134 complaints); UNKNOWN OR OTHER (92 complaints).
Does the Nissan Versa have recalls?
Yes — 13 NHTSA recall campaigns have been issued for the Nissan Versa. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.