Owners have filed 199 complaints
about the 2014 Nissan Versa Note with NHTSA between 2013 and 2026.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 4 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Nissan Versa Note. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 57
11.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 91
53% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2014 compares with every other Nissan Versa Note
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
3124.0%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1713.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
1410.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1511.6%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
2519.4%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1814.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
86.2%
150,000+ miles
10.8%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Oct 2013peak 9Jun 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2014 Nissan Versa Note
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 2016 Blomquist Report at www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.gov/files/documents/expert_report-hrblomquist.pdf.C...
On August 11, 2015, Nissan North America, Inc., submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) describing a condition that may impede the driver's ability to transition quickly and smoothly from the accelerator pedal to the brake pedal in certain model year (MY) 2012 through 2015 Nissan Versa Sedans and MY 2014 through 2015 Nissan Versa Note vehicles (NHTSA Recall No. 15V-507).According to Nissan's DIR, in certain circumstances related to driver foot position and shoe type, the right edge of the driver?s shoe may catch the edge of the center console lower trim panel.Nissan indicated that this con...
PE14014Opened 20 May 2014Closed 13 May 2015SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER
Excessive Brake Pedal Travel
On May 20, 2014, ODI opened PE14-014 based on eight complaints alleging incidents of excessive brake pedal travel in model year (MY) 2013 through 2014 Nissan Sentra, Versa Sedan and Versa Note passenger cars (Figure 1) and information in Early Warning Reporting field reports indicating issues with master cylinder internal seals.In response to an information request letter sent by ODI, Nissan identified a condition with the master cylinder in early production subject vehicles that could result in a slow internal leak past one of the recuperating seals to the brake reservoir when the brake pedal...
Recalls on the 2014 Nissan Versa Note
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
15V507000
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Nissan Versa sedan vehicles manufactured June 9, 2011, to March 11, 2015, and 2014-2015 Nissan Versa Note vehicles manufactured April 23, 2013, to March 11, 2015. The affected vehicles have a center console trim panel that may catch the driver's shoe and delay the transition from the accelerator pedal to the brake pedal.
Risk: A delay in the application of the brake pedal would lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash.
13V326000
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2014 Versa Note vehicles manufactured April 23, 2013, through July 5, 2013. The rear seat latch bolts may have been manufactured incorrectly, reducing their strength.
Risk: If the rear seat latch bolts break, the rear seats may not perform as designed in a crash, increasing the risk of injury to back seat occupants.
13V324000
STRUCTURE:BODY
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2014 Versa Note vehicles manufactured April 23, 2013, through July 3, 2013. The lower body sill bolts may be missing or incorrectly torqued.
Risk: Missing lower body bolts may affect the vehicle's integrity in the event of a rear impact, increasing the risk of injury.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 201536648,559 units in Canada
Powertrain
On certain vehicles, the driver's foot could contact the edge of the center console lower trim panel, which could impede smooth accelerator pedal operation. The panel edge could also catch the driver's shoe, potentially resulting in a delay in the driver being able to shift their foot from the accelerator to the brake pedal. This could increase stopping distances, potentially resulting in a crash causing injury and/or damage to property. Correction: Dealers will modify the lower trim panel.
Recall 20132553,509 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 207 – Anchorage of Seats. Bolts securing the rear seat back latch may have been manufactured incorrectly. As a result, the seat anchorage could fail to meet the strength requirements of the standard. This could increase the risk of injury to rear seat occupants in a crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the bolts.
Recall 20132543,509 units in Canada
Structure
On certain vehicles, lower sill bolts may have been insufficiently tightened or may be missing. If bolts are missing, vehicle rear impact performance may be affected which could increase the risk of injury in a crash. Correction: Dealers will inspect and tighten or replace bolts as necessary.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Thall, TXCrash
AIR BAGS
I had an accident, and it was pretty bad and my air bags did not deploy. The car might be a total loss and I was very surprised and concerned that the bags did not deploy. Even my phone detected the crash and alerted my family members. That happened immediately after the crash.
NHTSA complaint #11619278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Montgomery, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I was the driver, and was tbone by someone on passenger side. My speed was 33mph, none of my airbag went off. I've became injuried badly since the accident. The vehicle came straight from manufacturer to dealership, then to me. No accidents was reported before mine. No, I didn't see any warning light, everything looked okay, I bought this car from dealership, was told no problem with it, unfortunately it took an accident to find out the hard way.
NHTSA complaint #11526349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 101,394 milesMartin, GAFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TAKATA INFLATORS. NOT REALLY SURE IF IT'S CORRECTLY DONE. WHILE DRIVING THE CAR I STARTED SMELLING BURNING WIRES. AFTER SMELLING THAT, THE AIR-CONDITIONING/FAN STOPPED BLOWING. NO HEAT, NO AIR-CONDITIONING, NO FAN, NO DEFROST. I PULLED INTO A HAD STATION AND CUT EVERYTHING OFF AND SEEN SMOKE COMING OUT FROM UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. I POPPED THE HOOD AND SEEN ABOUT WHERE THE SMOKE WAS COMING FROM AND SEEN THAT THERE WERE WIRES INFACT THAT WERE BURNT.
NHTSA complaint #11231158 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesST. Augustine, FLCrash
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE DESIGN OF THE WINDSHIELD TO THE DOORS IS HAZARDOUS AS IT LIMITS VISIBILITY. ALSO THE BACK IS LIMITED AS WELL. I WAS BROADSIDED OR SIDESWIPED AND IT WAS NOT MY FAULT YET THE WAY THEY WROTE THE REPORT PUT ME AT FAULT.
NHTSA complaint #11172264 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 81,267 milesSnellville, GACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
MAY 11,2017 I WAS HIT FROM BEHIND. WHILE SITTING BEHIND A VAN AT A LIGHT. WAITING FOR THE LIGHT TO TURN GREEN, A CAR HIT ME HARD FROM BEHIND. I HIT THE FAN IN FRONT OF ME BUCKLING HOOD & THE FRONT GRILL WERE TORN TO PIECES. MY AIRBAG DID NOT GO OFF AT ALL.I WAS RUSH TO THE HOSPITAL WITH TAILBONE, BACK PROBLEMS. RIGHT TODAY I'M STILL HAVING BACK PROBLEMS. GOING BACK & FORWARD TO DOCTORS RIGHT TODAY. YES PLEASE, I WONDER WHY MY AIR BAG DID NOT GO OFF.
NHTSA complaint #11043899 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,750 milesLAS Vegas, NVCrash
POWER TRAIN
SEE FIRST ATTACHED PDF DIAGRAM FOR DESCRIPTION. THE SECOND ATTACHMENT SHOWS REPORT OF THE SUBSEQUENT INSPECTION BY A CARMAX MECHANIC. THE PROBLEM APPEARED TO BE INTERMITTENT AND NOT REPRODUCIBLE AT WILL. I SOLD THIS CAR BACK TO CARMAX 42 DAYS AFTER ITS PURCHASE, SUSTAINING A $2260 LOSS. MOST OF THE LOSS WAS DUE TO A SECOND ACCIDENT THAT OCCURRED ON 6/10/2016 THAT MAY ALSO HAVE BEEN BRAKE/TRANSMISSION PROBLEM (SEE THIRD AND FOURTH ATTACHMENTS).
NHTSA complaint #10981370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 214,249 milesCincinnati, OH
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Versa Note. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle stopped after depressing the brake pedal to the floor. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the service brakes needed to be bled. The service was performed; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly stalled in the middle of a busy road and failed to drive forward or reverse as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the failure descriptions were consistent with a potential transmission failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 214,249.
NHTSA complaint #11743528 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Salem, OR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My vehicle has approximately 62,000 miles and is within the extended warranty range. • My wife's vehicle has exceeded 100,000 miles but experienced failure well within the original ownership period. Given the early failure, recurring defects, and known issues associated with CVT transmissions in these vehicles, we respectfully request a full resolution from Nissan North America. I wrote an email and sent it to a Nissan representative. I later called twice confirm that representative received it and left messages. Know when, I call no one answers the phone. You can only leave a message if you choose to do so.
NHTSA complaint #11734848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norcross, GA
POWER TRAIN
My car has 2 codes, P285 and P0420. When i drive the car and accelerate the car starts to skip. At 1 point in time i was at a stop with my feet on the breaks and i tried to go once the light was green the car was not accelerating.!
NHTSA complaint #11718988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norcross, GA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
My car has 2 codes, P285 and P0420. When i drive the car and accelerate the car starts to skip. At 1 point in time i was at a stop with my feet on the breaks and i tried to go once the light was green the car was not accelerating.!
NHTSA complaint #11718988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norcross, GA
ENGINE
My car has 2 codes, P285 and P0420. When i drive the car and accelerate the car starts to skip. At 1 point in time i was at a stop with my feet on the breaks and i tried to go once the light was green the car was not accelerating.!
NHTSA complaint #11718988 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Worcester, MA
POWER TRAIN
Good evening. I notice this car went driving if I want speed more 40Miles make a stop shake and slowdown the speed by it self. Also The Dashboard display on and off a gas cap loose but is tide. also went the gas cap ligth is on the engine ligth goes off and viceversa.
NHTSA complaint #11698385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Worcester, MA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Good evening. I notice this car went driving if I want speed more 40Miles make a stop shake and slowdown the speed by it self. Also The Dashboard display on and off a gas cap loose but is tide. also went the gas cap ligth is on the engine ligth goes off and viceversa.
NHTSA complaint #11698385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Worcester, MA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Good evening. I notice this car went driving if I want speed more 40Miles make a stop shake and slowdown the speed by it self. Also The Dashboard display on and off a gas cap loose but is tide. also went the gas cap ligth is on the engine ligth goes off and viceversa.
NHTSA complaint #11698385 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Everett, WA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
CVT Transmission slip and judder. Upon full stop, only drives after turning ignition off and on again. Getting stuck at traffic light stop and holding up the traffic for 30 seconds every stop is a safety concern for myself and others. P0868 - FLUID PRESS LOW P0965 - PC SOLENOID B P17F0 - CVT JUDDER (T/M INSPECTION) Vehicle has been inspected and diagnosed by Nissan dealership. There has been no warning lamps to warn of the issue, other than check engine light.
NHTSA complaint #11643169 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,300 milesNew Smyrna Beach, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Versa Note. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine unexpectedly shut off with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact was able to coast to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle was able to restart, but the contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic; however, the cause of the failure could not be determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V418000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,300.
NHTSA complaint #11642704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
St Louis, MO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Its the transmission for nissian CVT i was unable to change my gear in time when i hit the highway
NHTSA complaint #11639578 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Thall, TXCrash
AIR BAGS
I had an accident, and it was pretty bad and my air bags did not deploy. The car might be a total loss and I was very surprised and concerned that the bags did not deploy. Even my phone detected the crash and alerted my family members. That happened immediately after the crash.
NHTSA complaint #11619278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mulberry, KS
POWER TRAIN
Over the past 4 years I have delt with my 2014 Nissan Versa Note SV constantly stalling in the middle of the road. I have replaced the transmission, TCM, and brake light wiring harness. I have had the Nissan dealership assess my vehicle three different times for 3+ days. They have completed wiring diagnostics and determined that the brake light wiring harness is getting water into the wiring causing a short and blowing the #49 fuse under the hood that also operates the transmission CVT/TCM. Their solution was to replace the wiring harness. This was completed last week. It rained again the last couple days off and on. The fuse has blown again. This causes the vehicle to stall in the middle of the road. There is no advanced warning or messages that appear. The check engine light does not come on either. It is way too hot out for my new baby for the vehicle to stall and not be able to run. Cars begin honking and swerving around my vehicle. The vehicle has to be pushed out of the road. Fuse after fuse has been replaced. New light bulbs. New wiring harness and still the same outcome. Please help.
NHTSA complaint #11598579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mulberry, KS
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Over the past 4 years I have delt with my 2014 Nissan Versa Note SV constantly stalling in the middle of the road. I have replaced the transmission, TCM, and brake light wiring harness. I have had the Nissan dealership assess my vehicle three different times for 3+ days. They have completed wiring diagnostics and determined that the brake light wiring harness is getting water into the wiring causing a short and blowing the #49 fuse under the hood that also operates the transmission CVT/TCM. Their solution was to replace the wiring harness. This was completed last week. It rained again the last couple days off and on. The fuse has blown again. This causes the vehicle to stall in the middle of the road. There is no advanced warning or messages that appear. The check engine light does not come on either. It is way too hot out for my new baby for the vehicle to stall and not be able to run. Cars begin honking and swerving around my vehicle. The vehicle has to be pushed out of the road. Fuse after fuse has been replaced. New light bulbs. New wiring harness and still the same outcome. Please help.
NHTSA complaint #11598579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mulberry, KS
SERVICE BRAKES
Over the past 4 years I have delt with my 2014 Nissan Versa Note SV constantly stalling in the middle of the road. I have replaced the transmission, TCM, and brake light wiring harness. I have had the Nissan dealership assess my vehicle three different times for 3+ days. They have completed wiring diagnostics and determined that the brake light wiring harness is getting water into the wiring causing a short and blowing the #49 fuse under the hood that also operates the transmission CVT/TCM. Their solution was to replace the wiring harness. This was completed last week. It rained again the last couple days off and on. The fuse has blown again. This causes the vehicle to stall in the middle of the road. There is no advanced warning or messages that appear. The check engine light does not come on either. It is way too hot out for my new baby for the vehicle to stall and not be able to run. Cars begin honking and swerving around my vehicle. The vehicle has to be pushed out of the road. Fuse after fuse has been replaced. New light bulbs. New wiring harness and still the same outcome. Please help.
NHTSA complaint #11598579 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
San Diego, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Hi, I am writing to express my concern regarding a recurring issue with my 2014 Nissan Versa Note. Recently, I noticed that the vehicle emits a noticeable noise when the engine reaches 1500 to 2000 RPM. Upon consulting a mechanic, I was informed that this problem is common with the CVT transmission in Nissan Versa Note models. The mechanic advised that the transmission needs to be replaced, as this defect poses a significant hazard. There is a risk that the transmission could fail without warning, compromising the safety of the vehicle and its occupants. Given the severity of this issue, I request that Nissan initiate a recall to address and rectify this problem promptly. Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.
NHTSA complaint #11593050 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sparta, IL
POWER TRAIN
We bought a Nissan Versa Note 2014 in March of 2023. It currently has 74K miles. The transmission is shot. It doesn't want to shift, and revs up to high rpm's. We have had two mechanics check on it. Up to $7,000 to get fixed. The second issue is the steering. The steering gear has gone out. It makes a clicking noise when turning. This is so bad the mechanic said not to drive the car anymore. $1100 to fix. We now need to pay as much to fix the car as we owe on it.
NHTSA complaint #11559667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Sparta, IL
STEERING
We bought a Nissan Versa Note 2014 in March of 2023. It currently has 74K miles. The transmission is shot. It doesn't want to shift, and revs up to high rpm's. We have had two mechanics check on it. Up to $7,000 to get fixed. The second issue is the steering. The steering gear has gone out. It makes a clicking noise when turning. This is so bad the mechanic said not to drive the car anymore. $1100 to fix. We now need to pay as much to fix the car as we owe on it.
NHTSA complaint #11559667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Louisville, KY
POWER TRAIN
My transmission went out pre-maturely on the high way and I almost got rear-ended. It’s a CVT transmission which has had a class action lawsuit which I wasn’t aware of when I bought car in 2020. Nissan should hold more responsibility but they refuse to help my basically totaled car.
NHTSA complaint #11550825 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denham Springs, LA
POWER TRAIN
Transmission went out.
NHTSA complaint #11550405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Worth, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Heat shields for exhaust system particularly protecting the gas tank from high heat tear easily at bolts making a rattling sound as a first symptom. This causes cracks in the heat shield which is flimsy, thin material. It poses a risk to drivers in that the gas tank could explode due to lack of protection or from poor protection from heat of exhaust. The sheer number of Nissan Versa and Versa Plus heat shields failing is alarming.
NHTSA complaint #11535278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Billerica, MA
STRUCTURE:BODY
2014 hatchback nissan versa note Water leak to passenger side front and back cowl plug clog cannot get at to clean. window not work& other electric issues could follow. from several days of severe rain.
NHTSA complaint #11529778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Billerica, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2014 hatchback nissan versa note Water leak to passenger side front and back cowl plug clog cannot get at to clean. window not work& other electric issues could follow. from several days of severe rain.
NHTSA complaint #11529778 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Montgomery, TXCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
I was the driver, and was tbone by someone on passenger side. My speed was 33mph, none of my airbag went off. I've became injuried badly since the accident. The vehicle came straight from manufacturer to dealership, then to me. No accidents was reported before mine. No, I didn't see any warning light, everything looked okay, I bought this car from dealership, was told no problem with it, unfortunately it took an accident to find out the hard way.
NHTSA complaint #11526349 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Naples, FL
POWER TRAIN
When reaching speeds around 20 mph, usually on turning corners, car feels like its 'skipping' not catching (so this could be like when picking up speed after reducing speed). I'm currently having wheel bearings replaced and the certified mechanic working on it says it appears to be transmission related and recommended me to take it to Nissan as he assumed (wrongly!) that it should still be covered under warranty. The vehicle has 71,000 miles. This issue doesn't always appear and is random as to showing up, but it is frequent.
NHTSA complaint #11526164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.