Owners have filed 137 complaints
about the 2015 Nissan Versa Note with NHTSA between 2014 and 2026.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 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 — 70
Against the median year of the Nissan Versa Note. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 90
17.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 84
49% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2015 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
1113.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
910.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
56.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2631.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1416.9%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
1214.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
67.2%
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.
Dec 2014peak 9Jul 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2015 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...
Recalls on the 2015 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.
15V453000
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2015 Nissan Rogue vehicles manufactured June 9, 2015, to June 10, 2015, and 2015 Nissan Sentra and Versa Note vehicles manufactured June 5, 2015, to June 13, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the driver side front and rear doors may not fully latch. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
Risk: A door that does not fully latch may result in the door opening while the car is moving. The distraction may increase the risk of a crash and/or a vehicle occupant may fall out of the vehicle if they are not wearing a seatbelt, increasing their 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 2015334487 units in Canada
Structure
Certain vehicles fail to conform to Canada Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 206 – Door Lock and Door Retention Components. A manufacturing error could cause the left front and/or left rear door latches to fail to fully latch and fail to meet the requirements of the standard. As a result, occupants may be at greater risk of injury in a crash, and unbelted occupants could fall from the vehicle and sustain injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect latches and replace as necessary.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 122,000 milesWinston-Salem, NCFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
The contact owned 2015 Nissan Versa. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked it experienced a fire. The contact encountered the vehicle had blackened windows. The contact opened the car doors and grey smoke came out. The fire department was not called, the fire had burned itself out. The dash and gear shift lever were melted. The contact had the vehicle towed to an impound lot. The vehicle was declared a total loss. The contact was advised that the fire appeared to have started in wires behind the radio in the dash. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.
NHTSA complaint #11456754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Willard, UTFire
POWER TRAIN
I was in my car sleeping with the ignition off when I woke up there was flames on the driver side of the hood. You can see where the fire started on the ground wire by the battery circuit box. My safety was at risk because I could have not been able to make it out of my car if didn't wake up in time and could have been severely injured or even dead.
NHTSA complaint #11429181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Willard, UTFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was in my car sleeping with the ignition off when I woke up there was flames on the driver side of the hood. You can see where the fire started on the ground wire by the battery circuit box. My safety was at risk because I could have not been able to make it out of my car if didn't wake up in time and could have been severely injured or even dead.
NHTSA complaint #11429181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alvin, TXCrash
SEAT BELTS
UNKNOWN
NHTSA complaint #11419140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alvin, TXCrash
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
UNKNOWN
NHTSA complaint #11419140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alvin, TXCrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
UNKNOWN
NHTSA complaint #11419140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Ridgecrest, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The bolts that hold the mount to the trannsmission on keep coming out dropping the tranny breaking my axle 3 times now. It's a 2015 Nissan versa note what suggestions do you have. Because I'm pretty sure the trannsmission shouldn't fall out of any car. No matter the year.
NHTSA complaint #11751831 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11701170 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, IL
POWER TRAIN
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11701170 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glen Spey, NY
POWER TRAIN
The contact's brother rented a 2015 Nissan Versa Note through Turo. The contact stated that while her brother was driving at approximately 15 MPH in a tunnel, the transmission was slipping, the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard, and the vehicle unexpectedly rolled backwards while on an incline. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The renter contacted the company, which stated that it was normal for the engine light to be illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11686823 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glen Spey, NY
ENGINE
The contact's brother rented a 2015 Nissan Versa Note through Turo. The contact stated that while her brother was driving at approximately 15 MPH in a tunnel, the transmission was slipping, the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard, and the vehicle unexpectedly rolled backwards while on an incline. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The renter contacted the company, which stated that it was normal for the engine light to be illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11686823 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glen Spey, NY
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact's brother rented a 2015 Nissan Versa Note through Turo. The contact stated that while her brother was driving at approximately 15 MPH in a tunnel, the transmission was slipping, the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard, and the vehicle unexpectedly rolled backwards while on an incline. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The renter contacted the company, which stated that it was normal for the engine light to be illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11686823 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hampton, VA
POWER TRAIN
Only have 81000 miles on my versa took to shop and did diagnose on it said I need a new transmission I don’t even drive that much and quoted $8000 to replace it I called a transmission shop and they told me those cars are known to have bad transmission Nissan needs to step up and admit the transmission or faulty
NHTSA complaint #11615945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Benicia, CA
STEERING
When driving the electric power steering began to malfunction in short periods of driving, making it very hard to drive safely. Until a few weeks later the whole unit stopped working and the power steering light came on. This made it hard to steer in high and low speeds. This put my car and others at risk in lane changing and during turns because of the seizing steering. Imagine if a person jumps out in front of the car and the brakes weren’t a viable option, I would not be able to swerve out of the way. Or run off the road. Our auto mechanic recommended we report it to NHTSA because the car can lose control due to the steering seizing. The mechanic said the car is not old enough for it to be failing and should be recalled due to safety. Research on the internet shows these cars with low miles are all having the same issue.
NHTSA complaint #11597151 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 76,000 milesVirginia Beach, VA
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Versa Note. The contact stated that upon entering the vehicle after a rainstorm, the contact became aware that the vehicle was flooded on the passenger side from water that had poured in the vehicle upon opening the door. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the cowl panel drain was clogged. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred two more times. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 76,000.
NHTSA complaint #11589328 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Murfreesboro, TN
STEERING
While I’m driving the car it starts swaying or jerking to the right sometimes to the left. Mostly when I press the gas to go faster. It’s very scary and I’m afraid it will run me in a ditch or into another vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11584621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Murfreesboro, TN
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
While I’m driving the car it starts swaying or jerking to the right sometimes to the left. Mostly when I press the gas to go faster. It’s very scary and I’m afraid it will run me in a ditch or into another vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11584621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mohave Valley, AZ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Transmission locked up and almost got me hit my 2015 Versa note only has 67000 miles on it I’ve only had it 4 months and it’s not covered by warranty and even though I’m glad my kids were not in the car I’m not happy with the fact that the transmission issue is known but still being sold if I knew this was a possibility I would not have bought it
NHTSA complaint #11531188 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Asheville, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
These cars have known issues with the CVT transmissions. Our car has 42k miles and is in need of a complete transmission replacement that Nissan refuses to cover. Our son was put in a dangerous situation driving in the way when the car began sputtering and losing power.
NHTSA complaint #11488142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aguadilla, PR
POWER TRAIN
Las revoluciones no se quedan estable cuando estoy manejando, el vehículo empieza a dar jalones y podría ser la transmisión.
NHTSA complaint #11465367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aguadilla, PR
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Las revoluciones no se quedan estable cuando estoy manejando, el vehículo empieza a dar jalones y podría ser la transmisión.
NHTSA complaint #11465367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aguadilla, PR
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Las revoluciones no se quedan estable cuando estoy manejando, el vehículo empieza a dar jalones y podría ser la transmisión.
NHTSA complaint #11465367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hooksett, NH
STEERING
Steering wheel assembly cracked and also the left side of the steering wheel piece broke. Very expensive to fix and wasn’t offered a car to use. Order for this assembly is on back order!!!! Nissan said the crack could only be if it was blunt force to it which would consist of 300 lbs. So it’s a Nissan failure but no recalls on it which is sad.
NHTSA complaint #11464333 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 122,000 milesWinston-Salem, NCFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
The contact owned 2015 Nissan Versa. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked it experienced a fire. The contact encountered the vehicle had blackened windows. The contact opened the car doors and grey smoke came out. The fire department was not called, the fire had burned itself out. The dash and gear shift lever were melted. The contact had the vehicle towed to an impound lot. The vehicle was declared a total loss. The contact was advised that the fire appeared to have started in wires behind the radio in the dash. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 122,000.
NHTSA complaint #11456754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rancho Cordova, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Fuel gage is inaccurate and fuel keeps dropping fast. After a week of this check engine came on after checking fuel pump, it was determined the pump was brand new and had no issues. A recall was done on the fuel line last year had it check at Nissan dealership and service rep stated the line was fine and advised the rep that didn't explain when the fuel gage is inaccurate or the fuel dropping fast if the fuel line and my fuel pump are fine. They never rechecked it...now engine light is on and code is reading P0193 which that indicates a fuel sensory circuit which the dealership should have realized if they actually checked everything regarding the fuel issue last year. This should be addressed and nissan should render the repair of this fuel issue I have been having from the start and I believe last year Nissan just checked the fuel line and called it a day and didn't fully address the fuel issue I'm having with this vehicle overall.
NHTSA complaint #11454784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,102 milesCallahan, FL
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Versa Note. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated and was jerking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the dealer could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with transmission failure. The mechanic replaced the transmission; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,102. The VIN was unavailable.
NHTSA complaint #11454067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, CA
POWER TRAIN
My VERSA has been shutting off, shuddering and leaping while driving for over a year. It would always start after stopping and I could go on my way. Today the engine stopped and I was able to restart, but when I put it in gear the engine stopped. I did this several time and every time the engine would stop. I had it towed to my mechanic and he told me my transmission is going out. I looked for a recall notice and did not find one. I did find several class action law suites for this same issue and Nissan has settled all of them. There is another company in town that has 21 Versa's and all of his are having this same issue and must be replaced. It costs over $5,000 to fix and is very unsafe. The issue I had today was stop and go traffic on the freeway.
NHTSA complaint #11450436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
new Iberia, LA
POWER TRAIN
Transmission failure at 88,000. No prior issue. Rpm went from 2 to 3, a jerk then Just stopped moving. Brought to shop. Needs a new cvt transmission. Can't be looked at because I am buying a new car tomorrow and trading this one. I was on the interstate when this suddenly happened
NHTSA complaint #11447803 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Downey, CA
POWER TRAIN
Transmission out 88000 miles
NHTSA complaint #11445084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, MD
STRUCTURE:BODY
I was driving in stop abs ho traffic and the car cut off out if no where. The car jerks when you drive it and stalls. It seems like it requires a lot of work to accelerate and the rpm fluctuates between 2&3 when keeping a steady pace. The care bucks while you are driving. I just bought this car so these issues are alarming to me. It also looks as if the airbag on the top left might be exposed.
NHTSA complaint #11438809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbia, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was driving in stop abs ho traffic and the car cut off out if no where. The car jerks when you drive it and stalls. It seems like it requires a lot of work to accelerate and the rpm fluctuates between 2&3 when keeping a steady pace. The care bucks while you are driving. I just bought this car so these issues are alarming to me. It also looks as if the airbag on the top left might be exposed.
NHTSA complaint #11438809 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.