Owners have filed 94 complaints
about the 2017 Nissan Versa with NHTSA between 2017 and 2026.
The largest single group is the airbags.
Across this model's run it ranks 11 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 — 20
Against the median year of the Nissan Versa. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
25.5% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
70% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
47.1%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1323.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
916.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
2035.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
610.7%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
23.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
23.6%
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.
Apr 2017peak 6Mar 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2017 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...
Recalls on the 2017 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.
United States — NHTSA
18V551000
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Nissan NV200, Sentra, NV3500 Van, NV3500 Bus, NV200 Taxi, NV1500, NV2500 Van, Chevrolet City Express, 2017-2018 Frontier, Versa Note, and Versa Sedan vehicles that have a mechanical (physical) key ignition system. In these models, over time, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
Risk: If the vehicle stalls, it can increase the risk of a crash.
17V275000
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Versa, and Versa Note vehicles. The ring plate that secures the air bag cushion to the passenger frontal air bag assembly may fail, possibly causing the air bag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.
Risk: In the event of a crash, if the passenger frontal air bag does not deploy as intended, it can increase the risk of injury.
16V724000
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2017 Versa vehicles manufactured August 1, 2016, to August 16, 2016. A seam in the fabric section of the side curtain air bags may tear during side curtain air bag deployment, potentially affecting the performance of the air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, "Ejection Mitigation", and number 214, "Side Impact Protection."
Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating side curtain air bag deployment, if the side curtain air bags do not deploy as intended there would be an increased risk of injury.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 69,443 milesTucson, AZCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The vehicle was involved in a side impact collision at a high rate of speed. The vehicle was deemed a total loss after the accident, as the side impact was the drivers side door and wheel well. The air bags never deployed, despite the high rate of speed and the entire front drivers side of the vehicle being affected.
NHTSA complaint #11727553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Triangle, VACrash
ENGINE
Transmission went out on highway, car went from 70 to zero while on cruise control on 85 n in SC. Car startled again in traffic causing an accident
NHTSA complaint #11435721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 milesRichmond, VACrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 NISSAN VERSA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE SUN'S GLARE BLINDED HER EYES WHICH CAUSED HER TO HIT THE ROAD RAILINGS AND BARRIERS. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED SIDEWAYS AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT'S CHEST HIT THE STEERING WHEEL AND SHE SUFFERED THREE CRACKED RIBS, A BROKEN STERNUM, BRUISING TO THE LUNGS, SEAT BELT BURN TO THE NECK AND GASHES TO THE LEFT HAND. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED AS THE CONTACT WAS TRANSPORTED BY AMBULANCE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DEEMED TOTALED. THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 60,000. *DT
NHTSA complaint #11399182 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,339 milesUnion City, NJCrash
SUSPENSION
TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2017 NISSAN VERSA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER SON WAS DRIVING AT 40-46 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED, SHOOK AND SWERVED. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO A CONE. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE MANUAL SIDE VIEW MIRRORS WERE STUCK AND FAILED TO MOVE. THE ROOF OF VEHICLE HAD AN EXTREME AMOUNT OF DIRT. THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJURIES. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THE RENTAL COMPANY INFORMED HER THE REPAIRS WOULD BE AT HER OWN EXPENSE DUE TO NOT HAVING ADEQUATE INSURANCE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE RENTAL COMPANY (ZEZGO 3960 NORTHWEST 26TH MIAMI FLORIDA 33142) RENTING UNSAFE VEHICLES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35,339.
NHTSA complaint #11351546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 35,339 milesUnion City, NJCrash
STRUCTURE
TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2017 NISSAN VERSA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER SON WAS DRIVING AT 40-46 MPH, THE VEHICLE JERKED, SHOOK AND SWERVED. AS A RESULT, THE DRIVER CRASHED INTO A CONE. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE MANUAL SIDE VIEW MIRRORS WERE STUCK AND FAILED TO MOVE. THE ROOF OF VEHICLE HAD AN EXTREME AMOUNT OF DIRT. THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJURIES. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THE RENTAL COMPANY INFORMED HER THE REPAIRS WOULD BE AT HER OWN EXPENSE DUE TO NOT HAVING ADEQUATE INSURANCE. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE RENTAL COMPANY (ZEZGO 3960 NORTHWEST 26TH MIAMI FLORIDA 33142) RENTING UNSAFE VEHICLES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35,339.
NHTSA complaint #11351546 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 36,000 milesStone Mountain, GACrash1 injured
STEERING
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 NISSAN VERSA. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH, AN ONCOMING VEHICLE CUT ACROSS IN FRONT OF HER VEHICLE. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO OPERATE AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A SIGN POST, RAN OFF OF THE ROADWAY, AND ENDED UP IN A DITCH. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED A BRUISED LOWER BACK, SEVERAL SCRAPES AND CONTUSIONS, AND A SLIGHT BURN TO THE LEFT ARM FROM THE AIR BAG DEPLOYMENT. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS RECEIVED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A TOW LOT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. AUTONATION NISSAN MARIETTA (925 COBB PKWY SE, MARIETTA, GA 30060, (770) 674-6081) WAS CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000. *DT
NHTSA complaint #11182486 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 69,443 milesTucson, AZCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The vehicle was involved in a side impact collision at a high rate of speed. The vehicle was deemed a total loss after the accident, as the side impact was the drivers side door and wheel well. The air bags never deployed, despite the high rate of speed and the entire front drivers side of the vehicle being affected.
NHTSA complaint #11727553 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Port Saint John, FL
VISIBILITY/WIPER
To whom it may concern the tint on all four of my doors is obstructing my site with Windows up my back window has bubbles all through it. Mike Erdman Nissan has replaced that one one time and it’s bubbled again. They refuse to replace the door window tint and said it was self inflicted. I have also tried to contact the tint department at the dealership numerous times and the dealership said they would have them call me back several times throughout the last four years and they have yet to do it. if you cannot help me, can you direct me to where I can get the help I need for my windows also the three pictures that I have sent in is from one of the windows with the window up the one with it down and the back window.
NHTSA complaint #11701055 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Middletown, DE
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On 3/21/25 I was informed by Malik's Auto Repair that I need my transmission replaced after a diagnostic of my car making a vacuum noise. After researching, I found that many Nissan vehicles have been experiencing this problem. I contacted Nissan and they informed me that no recall has been made for my make and model. It is a safety issue because at any time the car could stop causing an accident or fatality. Also, I had to have my starter replaced on this car. My car would not start. I was out with my daughter and if it was not for me having AAA we would have been stranded. Nissan stated that this issue was fixed on my car prior to me purchasing it. There is no record of this issue being fixed on Carfax and I paid almost $600 to replace it. Nissan have not assisted me with anything. Now I have to try to come up with the funds for a transmission.
NHTSA complaint #11663471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Middletown, DE
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On 3/21/25 I was informed by Malik's Auto Repair that I need my transmission replaced after a diagnostic of my car making a vacuum noise. After researching, I found that many Nissan vehicles have been experiencing this problem. I contacted Nissan and they informed me that no recall has been made for my make and model. It is a safety issue because at any time the car could stop causing an accident or fatality. Also, I had to have my starter replaced on this car. My car would not start. I was out with my daughter and if it was not for me having AAA we would have been stranded. Nissan stated that this issue was fixed on my car prior to me purchasing it. There is no record of this issue being fixed on Carfax and I paid almost $600 to replace it. Nissan have not assisted me with anything. Now I have to try to come up with the funds for a transmission.
NHTSA complaint #11663471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Browns Mills, NJ
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car was purchased September 2024 for my grandson. This car was garaged until mid-March when my grandson received his driver's license. End of March 2025, car was in the dealership for service and a complimentary multipoint inspection was done. On May 14, 2025, my grandson was driving to school in the rain. All of a sudden, water starts gushing out of the glove compartment. The whole interior was flooded including the backseat. My grandson received his driver license in March, 2025 (a new driver). There were no warning signs before the water started gushing. Dealership said it was a clogged cowl. Nothing was said about maintenance on this cowl when the car was purchased. There is nothing in the manual about this cowl. Looking on the internet, this is a known defect of the Nissan Versa and nothing is being done about it. Thank God he did not get into an accident. After only putting 4000 miles on the car since purchased, the insurance company has totaled the car.
NHTSA complaint #11663122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Luzerne, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY
Hood latch allowed hood to fly open at 30 mph, causing $3100 worth of damage to car, Potentially causing serious other vehicular/occupant injuries. Apparently the latch was inadvertently engaged, but the secondary latch did not hold and let the hood fly open. This incident happened 8/2023 but was not reported to Nissan and while estimate was obtained, repairs were not made.
NHTSA complaint #11626700 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chattanooga, TN
STEERING
Power steering goes out while driving often.
NHTSA complaint #11610007 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Richmond, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
These vehicles have a cowl drain located on the passenger side under the wiper blades. The drain is really small so it clogs easily. When there are heavy rains, my car floods. It has happened on several occasions, including Monday 7/8/2024. It happened while driving in June 2023. I am not sure why Nissan hasn’t done anything to mitigate this problem. I am not even sure of this is the appropriate place to contract but I figured I would try. Thanks.
NHTSA complaint #11600998 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charleston, SC
AIR BAGS
Driver side airbag system completely broken. No crashes or accidents caused this. It happened out of nowhere one day.
NHTSA complaint #11599820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 77,645 milesGrand Junction, CO
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Versa. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the transmission downshifted, and the vehicle decelerated to 5 MPH. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, where the transmission was flushed; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was then towed to a transmission specialist, where it was diagnosed that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that upon starting the vehicle after the vehicle had been serviced at an independent mechanic, ten months later, the vehicle made an abnormally loud clunking sound. The mechanic informed the contact that the failure might be related to the transmission. The vehicle was towed to a certified transmission specialist, where it was diagnosed that there were metal shards inside the transmission. The mechanic determined that the CVT transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,645.
NHTSA complaint #11557873 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
St. Louis, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Passenger door lock/unlocked, not working. Buzz noise when operating key fob; actuator malfunction. Can't open door manually.
NHTSA complaint #11554701 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
When door assembly went out the door was stuck in the locked position the drivers door couldn’t be opened from inside or outside with or without the key. even if you manually opened the lock from the inside you couldn’t get out
NHTSA complaint #11533514 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Riverside, CA
ENGINE
ENGINE BROKE DOWN AT 25000 MILES ONLY WITH ALL MAINTENANCE DONE ,
NHTSA complaint #11525753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Washington, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Car will only start sporadically. Had both camshaft sensors replaced, check engine light still on. Unable to predict when vehicle will start. Sometimes it will rev up but wont actually start. Dealership says it needs ECM and engine harness replaced. I have had to get it towed several times from several random parking lots or streets because it wouldn't start. Wont pass an emissions test even though sensors were replaced, check engine lights wont go off.
NHTSA complaint #11524601 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Washington, MD
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Car will only start sporadically. Had both camshaft sensors replaced, check engine light still on. Unable to predict when vehicle will start. Sometimes it will rev up but wont actually start. Dealership says it needs ECM and engine harness replaced. I have had to get it towed several times from several random parking lots or streets because it wouldn't start. Wont pass an emissions test even though sensors were replaced, check engine lights wont go off.
NHTSA complaint #11524601 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Washington, MD
ENGINE
Car will only start sporadically. Had both camshaft sensors replaced, check engine light still on. Unable to predict when vehicle will start. Sometimes it will rev up but wont actually start. Dealership says it needs ECM and engine harness replaced. I have had to get it towed several times from several random parking lots or streets because it wouldn't start. Wont pass an emissions test even though sensors were replaced, check engine lights wont go off.
NHTSA complaint #11524601 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ada, OH
POWER TRAIN
Transmission failed 2x within 6 months extended warranty was 5k miles past 130k max mileage coverage 2nd transmission went out going 20 mph and revved up to 25mph and transmission failed. 1st time it went out I was in Cleveland on a busy road making a turn and transmission went out. Cars were beeping behind me. Issue is unknown as to why transmission keeps going out but is a safety issue. 2nd transmission was used with only 30-40k miles on it.
NHTSA complaint #11497292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 107,799 milesAtlanta, GA
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the mechanic retrieved fault code: P0705 indicating the Engine Control Module (ECM) or Transmission Control Module (TCM) failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 107,799.
NHTSA complaint #11487823 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 107,799 milesAtlanta, GA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the mechanic retrieved fault code: P0705 indicating the Engine Control Module (ECM) or Transmission Control Module (TCM) failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 107,799.
NHTSA complaint #11487823 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Downey, CA
POWER TRAIN
The contact's daughter owns a 2017 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at various speeds, the vehicle would hesitate and vibrate upon depression of the accelerator pedal with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was initially taken to a relative who was an independent mechanic; he informed her daughter that the issue was related to the transmission and to take the vehicle to a dealer. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle; she was also provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11483277 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long Beach, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My car stalled while at an intersection, i was driving and came to a red light where i stopped upon the light changing green i stepped on the gas pedal and my car would not move. I shifted into reverse and still no movement. I turned my car off and restarted it and no movement, the engine turned on etc i had to move it over to a side residential street to get it out of on coming traffic.
NHTSA complaint #11447714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Long Beach, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
My car stalled while at an intersection, i was driving and came to a red light where i stopped upon the light changing green i stepped on the gas pedal and my car would not move. I shifted into reverse and still no movement. I turned my car off and restarted it and no movement, the engine turned on etc i had to move it over to a side residential street to get it out of on coming traffic.
NHTSA complaint #11447714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lancaster, PA
POWER TRAIN
On Oct 29, 2021 at 4:30pm I got into my car and had no gears. The car went into drive but the car would not shift into gear. The drivetran would not engage for any gear even if shifted to the gear. The car shifted gears and drove without issue this morning.
NHTSA complaint #11438681 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Triangle, VACrash
ENGINE
Transmission went out on highway, car went from 70 to zero while on cruise control on 85 n in SC. Car startled again in traffic causing an accident
NHTSA complaint #11435721 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Columbus, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When it rains, water flows through the filter cabin water to collect below the windshield and, when the collected water doesn't drain, it flows into the car on the front passenger side floor. The water trough runs under the windshield wipers runs from one side of the car to the other. the trough collects water and has the drains on each side get plugged, water collects in the trough and will slosh back and forth especially when you are driving and making turns. There is an entry hole (filter cabin, i believe) that then lets the built up water flow right into the passenger side floor. My carpet becomes wet from the front passenger side to the back passenger side. I have called my dealership and they have no clue. the Nissan dealership wanted me to leave my car for two days for a diagnosis and they do not give loaners during this time of diagnosis and repair.
NHTSA complaint #11435550 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.