Owners have filed 461 complaints
about the 2008 Nissan Versa with NHTSA between 2007 and 2025.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 19 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 — 97
Against the median year of the Nissan Versa. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 91
17.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 49
28% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Pressure Monitoring AND Regulating Systems
822.9%
Body
514.3%
Engine
514.3%
Coil Springs
411.4%
Fuel Pump
411.4%
Manifold/Header/Muffler/Tail Pipe
38.6%
Ignition
38.6%
Automatic Transmission
38.6%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
196.8%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
227.8%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
217.5%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
6422.8%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
6623.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
3813.5%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
4315.3%
150,000+ miles
82.8%
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 2007peak 22Feb 2025
NHTSA investigations into the 2008 Nissan Versa
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...
PE15019Opened 13 May 2015Closed 2 Oct 2015SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
Front Coil Spring Fracture
In a letter dated September 10,2015, Nissan North America,Inc. (Nissan) notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of a safety defect that may result in coil spring fracture in approximately 218,019 model year (MY) 2007 through 2012 Nissan Versa vehiclesproduced from May 8, 2006 through November12, 2012 and originally sold or ever registered in the following 22 states and the District of Columbia: Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvani...
Recalls on the 2008 Nissan Versa
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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2017356111,411 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the driver frontal airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a result, if the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants, and the airbag assembly could be damaged, preventing proper function. These issues could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the driver frontal airbag inflator. Note: Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. The recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk, and is expected to replace airbag inflators before their function would be affected. Additional Note: This campaign affects 2007-2012 Versa hatchback models and 2007-2011 Versa sedan models. The 2012 model year Nissan Versa sedan is not involved.
Recall 201702351,545 units in Canada
Airbag
On certain vehicles, long-term exposure to high absolute humidity and temperature, combined with high temperature cycling, could eventually degrade the propellant contained in the passenger frontal airbag. This could cause the airbag to deploy with more force than normal. As a result, if the vehicle were involved in a collision that warrants airbag deployment, fragments could be propelled toward vehicle occupants, and the airbag assembly could be damaged, preventing proper function. These issues could increase the risk of injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the passenger frontal airbag inflator. Note: Canadian climate results in the propellant degrading slowly. The recall is being conducted as a precaution to address future risk, and is expected to replace airbag inflators before their function would be affected.
Recall 2015402110,604 units in Canada
Suspension
On certain vehicles, the front suspension coil springs may have been manufactured with an inadequate phosphorous coating, and/or could have low residual stress in the springs. This inadequate coating could lead to cracking due to coil-to-coil contact when the spring is compressed, which would allow the spring to be more susceptible to corrosion. In some instances coil spring breakage could occur. If ignored, broken front coil spring could damage the front tires and cause rapid air loss and/or tire failure, which could affect the driver's ability to bring the vehicle to a controlled stop, increasing the risk of a crash causing injury and/or property damage. Correction: Dealers will replace both front coil springs.
Recall 201043473,697 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
On certain vehicles, the relays in the daytime running light (DRL) circuit could have become contaminated with silicon during the assembly process. This could, in some circumstances, cause one or both of the relays to stop functioning, which would cause one or both of the daytime running lights not to illuminate automatically when the vehicle is driven. Should this condition occur, the lack of DRL function may render the vehicle less visible to other motorists and pedestrians, possibly resulting in a vehicle crash. Correction: Dealers will replace the relays for the daytime running lights circuit.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Girard, OHCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11645311 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norfolk, NECrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
Traffic stopped suddenly when I hit my brakes they failed to work and the airbags didn’t work either so I ended up hitting my head on the roof of the car when I ran into the truck that suddenly stopped in front of me at speed of about 50mph. I don’t feel good but have no way to get medical attention right now. And was just released from having some head trauma the day before the accident. My car was totaled in the accident so I don’t need additional recall information on it, and no insurance to fix it so now I don’t have any way to get a new car.
NHTSA complaint #11546353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norfolk, NECrash1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Traffic stopped suddenly when I hit my brakes they failed to work and the airbags didn’t work either so I ended up hitting my head on the roof of the car when I ran into the truck that suddenly stopped in front of me at speed of about 50mph. I don’t feel good but have no way to get medical attention right now. And was just released from having some head trauma the day before the accident. My car was totaled in the accident so I don’t need additional recall information on it, and no insurance to fix it so now I don’t have any way to get a new car.
NHTSA complaint #11546353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norfolk, NECrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
Traffic stopped suddenly when I hit my brakes they failed to work and the airbags didn’t work either so I ended up hitting my head on the roof of the car when I ran into the truck that suddenly stopped in front of me at speed of about 50mph. I don’t feel good but have no way to get medical attention right now. And was just released from having some head trauma the day before the accident. My car was totaled in the accident so I don’t need additional recall information on it, and no insurance to fix it so now I don’t have any way to get a new car.
NHTSA complaint #11546353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, ILFire1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I park the Nissa Versa and I smell an over heating odor a lightly dense smoke appears over the hood. A thought comes to mind, “I just went to Jiffy Lube last week.” Suddenly two people are running towards yelling, “Fire, get out of the car.” I couldn’t believe it I was at a loss for words I couldn’t move until they literally opened the door. I started recording it. It’s insane I loved that car, it was payed off and it still looked nice. -it gets worse They tow the car to North Shore Towing. I report it to my insurance and the appraiser that attempted to see the car was not allowed access because I didn’t sign a release form so I go to the towing place and sign the release form. The appraiser goes for the second time and is refused entrance. Weeks went by so I call the insurance which informs me of the previous two failed entries to North Shore Towing. I ask the staff male on the phone why he didn’t allow the insurance agent entry to inspect vehicle I had signed the release form. The staff male literally laughs at me on over the phone. You want to know what component? Inspection? And today my friend mentions his car has been recalled and light bulb went on and here I am asking for your help. I have videos witnesses Also I have proof that of the signed document to release the car to insurance agent
NHTSA complaint #11476042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, ILFire1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I park the Nissa Versa and I smell an over heating odor a lightly dense smoke appears over the hood. A thought comes to mind, “I just went to Jiffy Lube last week.” Suddenly two people are running towards yelling, “Fire, get out of the car.” I couldn’t believe it I was at a loss for words I couldn’t move until they literally opened the door. I started recording it. It’s insane I loved that car, it was payed off and it still looked nice. -it gets worse They tow the car to North Shore Towing. I report it to my insurance and the appraiser that attempted to see the car was not allowed access because I didn’t sign a release form so I go to the towing place and sign the release form. The appraiser goes for the second time and is refused entrance. Weeks went by so I call the insurance which informs me of the previous two failed entries to North Shore Towing. I ask the staff male on the phone why he didn’t allow the insurance agent entry to inspect vehicle I had signed the release form. The staff male literally laughs at me on over the phone. You want to know what component? Inspection? And today my friend mentions his car has been recalled and light bulb went on and here I am asking for your help. I have videos witnesses Also I have proof that of the signed document to release the car to insurance agent
NHTSA complaint #11476042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Girard, OHCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
See attached document for complaint.
NHTSA complaint #11645311 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wilmington, VT
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2008 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that he had been receiving recall notifications of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22E066000 (Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list because he no longer owns the vehicle. The manufacturer was contacted.
NHTSA complaint #11578421 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlotte, NC
AIR BAGS
I had not driven the car prior to noticing the air passenger light blinking and continuing to stay on. This is occurring whether someone is in the seat or not. Regards, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11563765 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norfolk, NECrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
Traffic stopped suddenly when I hit my brakes they failed to work and the airbags didn’t work either so I ended up hitting my head on the roof of the car when I ran into the truck that suddenly stopped in front of me at speed of about 50mph. I don’t feel good but have no way to get medical attention right now. And was just released from having some head trauma the day before the accident. My car was totaled in the accident so I don’t need additional recall information on it, and no insurance to fix it so now I don’t have any way to get a new car.
NHTSA complaint #11546353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norfolk, NECrash1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Traffic stopped suddenly when I hit my brakes they failed to work and the airbags didn’t work either so I ended up hitting my head on the roof of the car when I ran into the truck that suddenly stopped in front of me at speed of about 50mph. I don’t feel good but have no way to get medical attention right now. And was just released from having some head trauma the day before the accident. My car was totaled in the accident so I don’t need additional recall information on it, and no insurance to fix it so now I don’t have any way to get a new car.
NHTSA complaint #11546353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norfolk, NECrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
Traffic stopped suddenly when I hit my brakes they failed to work and the airbags didn’t work either so I ended up hitting my head on the roof of the car when I ran into the truck that suddenly stopped in front of me at speed of about 50mph. I don’t feel good but have no way to get medical attention right now. And was just released from having some head trauma the day before the accident. My car was totaled in the accident so I don’t need additional recall information on it, and no insurance to fix it so now I don’t have any way to get a new car.
NHTSA complaint #11546353 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Las Vegas, NV
AIR BAGS
i have a recall for airbag, i made appointment with dealership. on August 16 2023, went to the appointment and it took 4h to replace and they gave me a report that its been fixed, they replaced both driver and passenger side airbag, and the airbag light is off (attached picture of report) when i took the car i noticed the airbag light is still on. i went back and told them the issue and they retook the car for inspection. i waited another 1h and they brought me an invoice that there is a cable from airbag to the car, this needs to be replaced and it cost 400$ without tax and without labor. my complain is that they pretended to replace and fix the airbag and they made sure there is no light on. upon taking the car i noticed it wasn't true. now they demand money for repair. i believe the dealership is not going to remedy the recall without charging
NHTSA complaint #11539192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Goldthwaite, TX
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2008 Nissan Versa. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 17V449000 (Air bags) and 16V349000 (Air Bags) and requested to be removed from the recall distribution list since he no longer owns the vehicle. The local dealer and the manufacturer were contacted.
NHTSA complaint #11490796 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, ILFire1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I park the Nissa Versa and I smell an over heating odor a lightly dense smoke appears over the hood. A thought comes to mind, “I just went to Jiffy Lube last week.” Suddenly two people are running towards yelling, “Fire, get out of the car.” I couldn’t believe it I was at a loss for words I couldn’t move until they literally opened the door. I started recording it. It’s insane I loved that car, it was payed off and it still looked nice. -it gets worse They tow the car to North Shore Towing. I report it to my insurance and the appraiser that attempted to see the car was not allowed access because I didn’t sign a release form so I go to the towing place and sign the release form. The appraiser goes for the second time and is refused entrance. Weeks went by so I call the insurance which informs me of the previous two failed entries to North Shore Towing. I ask the staff male on the phone why he didn’t allow the insurance agent entry to inspect vehicle I had signed the release form. The staff male literally laughs at me on over the phone. You want to know what component? Inspection? And today my friend mentions his car has been recalled and light bulb went on and here I am asking for your help. I have videos witnesses Also I have proof that of the signed document to release the car to insurance agent
NHTSA complaint #11476042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chicago, ILFire1 injured
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I park the Nissa Versa and I smell an over heating odor a lightly dense smoke appears over the hood. A thought comes to mind, “I just went to Jiffy Lube last week.” Suddenly two people are running towards yelling, “Fire, get out of the car.” I couldn’t believe it I was at a loss for words I couldn’t move until they literally opened the door. I started recording it. It’s insane I loved that car, it was payed off and it still looked nice. -it gets worse They tow the car to North Shore Towing. I report it to my insurance and the appraiser that attempted to see the car was not allowed access because I didn’t sign a release form so I go to the towing place and sign the release form. The appraiser goes for the second time and is refused entrance. Weeks went by so I call the insurance which informs me of the previous two failed entries to North Shore Towing. I ask the staff male on the phone why he didn’t allow the insurance agent entry to inspect vehicle I had signed the release form. The staff male literally laughs at me on over the phone. You want to know what component? Inspection? And today my friend mentions his car has been recalled and light bulb went on and here I am asking for your help. I have videos witnesses Also I have proof that of the signed document to release the car to insurance agent
NHTSA complaint #11476042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orlando, FL
AIR BAGS
About 6 months ago my driver air bag light came on. We toLd shortly after that their is a recall on that exact thing I have been but still get no. I am worried as it now is flashing instead of steady
NHTSA complaint #11438829 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kinnelon, NJ
SUSPENSION
I found a piece of a broken coil spring in my driveway (where multiple cars are parked) in NJ. A quick visual inspection of all the vehicles typically parked near that area did not show any sitting uneven or any obvious evidence of any with problems. A few weeks later, after driving approx 1000 miles on my nissan, I noticed that the front suspension seemed shorter and quicker to bottom-out. This was obvious when rolling over speed humps. Another, more in-depth inspection of the front springs revealed an unseated spring on the left front. The spring appears to have slipped off or through the bottom cup and is not centered on the strut. After looking the vehicle up on NHTSA site this appears to be related to Manufacturer Recall NumberPM565. The NJ vehicle is currently in NC. I plan to take it to a Nissan dealer to have the recall work performed.
NHTSA complaint #11429816 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 158,000 milesWest Cornwall, CT
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN VERSA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH AND ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL SOUND COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRONT COIL SPRING WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT CALLED COUNTY LINE NISSAN NORTH (522 WINSTED RD, TORRINGTON, CT 06790, (860) 482-5555) AND WAS INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT BE REPAIRED WITHOUT CHARGE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 158,000.
NHTSA complaint #11399743 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 227,000 milesHolland, MICrash
AIR BAGS
TODAY WAS IN AN ACCIDENT, CAR SLID AND ROLLED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE CAR IS COMPLETELY TOTALED AND I WAS INFORMED THAT 100% AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED BUT THEY DID NOT. CHECKED FOR RECALLS AND THERE IS RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE FOR AIRBAGS BUT MY VIN DOES NOT MATCH THE DATABASE.
NHTSA complaint #11350106 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesNorth Hollywood, CA
AIR BAGS
AIR BAG LIGHT FLASHING / AIR BAGS RECALL HAS BEEN FIXED
NHTSA complaint #11309734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Anaheim, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
OUTER DOOR HANDLE ON PASSENGER SIDE CAME OFF.DEALER FIXED IT AND I PAID FOR REPAIR. HANDLE CAME ODD 4 DAYS LATER.I RETURNED TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD A PART NEEDED TO BE REPLACED THAT IS BROKEN AND THE ADDITIONAL CHARGE WOULD BE 350.00. I FEEL THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN TAKEN CARE OF WHEN I FIRST WENT TO DEALER. I AM REQUESTING THE HANDLE BE REPLACED BY DEALER NO CHARGE SINCE IT WAS NOT PROPERLY REPAIRED WHEN I FIRST TOOK IT IN.THAT PART SHOULD HAVE BEEN REPLACED WHEN THEY INITIALLY SO FIXED IT.
NHTSA complaint #11302593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 17,000 milesHouston, TX
AIR BAGS
MY AIRBAG LIGHT HAS BEEN ON FOR A FEW DAYS NOW AND I'M SCARED TO DRIVE THE CAR
NHTSA complaint #11300062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesJacksonville, FL
STEERING
NO SENSE QUE PASO PERO UN DIA NO ME ENCENDIO Y LET ENCONTRARON AGUA AL MOTOR
NHTSA complaint #11270560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesJacksonville, FL
ENGINE
NO SENSE QUE PASO PERO UN DIA NO ME ENCENDIO Y LET ENCONTRARON AGUA AL MOTOR
NHTSA complaint #11270560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesJacksonville, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
NO SENSE QUE PASO PERO UN DIA NO ME ENCENDIO Y LET ENCONTRARON AGUA AL MOTOR
NHTSA complaint #11270560 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 160,476 milesAmerican Fork, UT
SUSPENSION
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN VERSA. DRIVER SIDE CONTROL ARM FELL OUT VEHICLE TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR REPAIRS PRESUMABLY RUST/CORROSION WHILE PULLING OUT THE DRIVEWAY, THE DRIVER SIDE CONTROL ARM FRACTURED AND FELL OUT. VEHICLE REPAIRED BY AN UNKNOWN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. MANUFACTURER NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. VEHICLE NOT DIAGNOSED BY THE DEALER. APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE 160,476.
NHTSA complaint #11255966 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Canton, OH
AIR BAGS
I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR THE RECALLED SPRINGS, THEY WERE FIXED. I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR THE REPLACEMENT AIR BAG, IT WAS FIXED. THEN THE LIGHT CAME ON ON THE AIRBAG AGAIN AND THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS A PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SENSOR AND IT WOULD COST THOUSANDS TO FIX IT. HE SAID THE CAR WAS WORTH LESS THAN THE FIX WOULD COST.
NHTSA complaint #11234822 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
North Canton, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR THE RECALLED SPRINGS, THEY WERE FIXED. I TOOK THE CAR IN FOR THE REPLACEMENT AIR BAG, IT WAS FIXED. THEN THE LIGHT CAME ON ON THE AIRBAG AGAIN AND THE DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS A PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAG SENSOR AND IT WOULD COST THOUSANDS TO FIX IT. HE SAID THE CAR WAS WORTH LESS THAN THE FIX WOULD COST.
NHTSA complaint #11234822 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Marcos, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE GAS GAUGE DOES NOT SHOW THE CORRECT GAS LEVEL AFTER FILLING UP GAS TANK. EVERY DAY I START THE CAR THE GAS GAUGE WILL NOT MOVE, SO I RESTART THE CAR AND THEN THE GAS GAUGE WILL MOVE BUT I'M NOT SURE IF IT IS CORRECTLY SHOWING THE CORRECT GAS LEVEL.
NHTSA complaint #11234262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
VEHICLE IS UNDER 100,000 MILES AND THE CVT TRANSMISSION IS OUT! I WAS AT THE GROCERY STORE AND WHEN I GOT BACK TO MY CAR IT FLAT OUT DID NOT START NO ISSUES OR WARNING PRIOR TO IT NOT STARTING. I WAS STRANDED AT NIGHT WITH NO TRANSPORTATION.
NHTSA complaint #11222734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.