2020 Nissan Versa Problems
Shopping for a used 2020 Nissan Versa? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 61 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2020 Nissan Versa has 61 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2020 Nissan Versa Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2020 Nissan Versa trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2020 Nissan Versa Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
11.8% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
11.8% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2020 Nissan Versa has 61 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Versa
- Model year
- 2020
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 61
- Crash-related complaints
- 5
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 35
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 32 / 40
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2020 Nissan Versa problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB
Transmission / Drivetrain
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB, Transmission / Drivetrain, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2020 Nissan Versa?
The 2020 Nissan Versa shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2020 Nissan Versa
Inspection Focus
- Test the Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB system thoroughly during a test drive.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Test the Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB system thoroughly during a test drive.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2020 Nissan Versa, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 61 consumer complaints for the 2020 Nissan Versa, issues are concentrated in the Forward Collision Avoidance system (AEB) and transmission/drivetrain. There are 2 recalls and 5 crash-related complaints, but the data is limited by low confidence and voluntary reporting.
- Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB accounts for the most complaints (16).
- Transmission/Drivetrain issues are the second most reported component (15 complaints).
- Engine problems and electrical faults each have 13 and 12 complaints respectively.
- Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Engine Problems
Full breakdown
All 2020 Nissan Versa complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Nissan Versa. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 16 | 3 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 13 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 5 | 3 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2020 Nissan Versa. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Since 2021 my 2020 Nissan versa SR had been giving me problems with the sensors. All of the dash lights would come on. Then in 2023 my vehicle started to stall and hesitate. It’s gotten to the point where I’d be taking a left turn and I’d press the gas and my car would move a few…
several recalls but dealer my did not have any
On the interstate from [XXX] to [XXX] the Nissan Versa's License Plate reflected light so bright that it blinded my ride and we had to slow down and wait for them to get farther away from us. This is not random, they have a spray fixative on their license plate designed to bloc…
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle unexpectedly jerked and stalled with the transmission warning light and the malfunction indicator warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle…
Unknown: overwhelming smell of fuel (fumes) inside the cabin. Dealer "repaired" the issue when newer. Car has same issue again but the Dealer has NO records of what was done to fix the problem. Exposed to these fumes cannot be good for driver nor passengers.
I have a 2020 Nissan versa it only has 100,000 miles on it. That’s not really a lot since it had about 75000 miles on it. I noticed that the car started slightly jerking. I couldn’t figure out what was going wrong and neither could anybody else eventually at around 100,000 miles …
Recently out 2020 Nissan Versa started "Shuddering" when accelerating at low speeds. I took it to the Nissan Dealership and they quoted me $7,000 saying the transmission had to be replaced. I conducted online reviews and found Nissan customers experience this same issue in concer…
I have had this happen numerous times in my car for absolutely no reason. I also just got my cars state inspection and nothing was noted, while other things unrelated to this issue were recommended by the mechanic. The car will start to stall in reverse AND in regular driving mod…
I am reporting a chronic and dangerous defect in my 2020 Nissan Versa that results in an unpredictable, sudden, and complete loss of acceleration (motive power) while driving. This defect has been present since shortly after purchase and remains unresolved, posing a severe safety…
Stalls when accelerating after temporary stopping. Particularly when pulling out onto a main road. Wheels not registering psi properly.
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while driving 25-30 MPH, another vehicle ran the stop sign and crashed into the front driver's side of the vehicle, and the entire front end of the vehicle was impacted and was significantly damaged. The contact stated…
I have replaced the mass airflow sensor multiple times also transmission is starting to slipping,not responding correctly, when this starts all the lights on my dash come on and also does not accelerate or respond as it should very dissatisfied when they saw me would never recomm…
Car runs rough at idle and has difficulty accelerating. Check engine lights comes on intermittently. CODE p0101 points at MAF sensor. Replaced multiple times. Cleaned air system, ie filter, hoses and throttle body. Same issues. Car feels unpredictable and unsafe. Can’t accelerate…
The contact owns a 2020 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 check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the Chevrolet …
I have serval codes from varies companies, O'Reilly's, Luther Nissan Dearlership from April to June 2025, the code is P0012, camshaft. The vehicle intermittently does not have power and I could easily be rear ended. Even thought Luther Nissan has had code P0012, camshaft they hav…
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that while driving 40 MPH or exceeding 40 MPH, the vehicle started jerking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to…
The transmission slips constantly. Car loses power. When they check the car they say nothing is wrong. CVT transmission
Good afternoon This is [XXX] The car wholesale auto Naugatuck CT number We got a Nissan versa 2020 picked it up on [XXX] the car is having same issues twice it is drifting to one side mostly when braking I first got it fixed myself with new control arm in the front because th…
Engine slowing down during acceleration, transmission not changing gears, and jittery driving during 40-55 MPH
All the dash lights come on car acceleration will either speed up or slow down on its own the transmission slips shakes and stalls at red lights
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2020 Nissan Versa.
Safety recalls
2020 Nissan Versa recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2020 Nissan Versa. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:BULBS
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2020 Nissan Versa buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2020 Nissan Versa reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 61 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2020 Nissan Versa shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Nissan Versa?▾
#1: Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB (16 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (15 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (13 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2020 Nissan Versa?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2020 Nissan Versa?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2020 Nissan Versa, NHTSA complaints include 5 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 61 total complaints. 5 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2020 Nissan Versa have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2020 Nissan Versa. A major recall area is EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:BULBS. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2020 Nissan Versa?▾
The 2020 Nissan Versa shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Nissan Versa reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2020 Nissan Versa based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.