Owners have filed 45 complaints
about the 2019 Nissan Versa with NHTSA between 2019 and 2026.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 15 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 — 9
Against the median year of the Nissan Versa. 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 — 100
73% 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.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
418.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
940.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
522.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
14.5%
150,000+ miles
313.6%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Side pole crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2019 Nissan Versa 4 DR FWD
14.3% risk
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.
Sep 2019peak 5Jul 2026
Recalls on the 2019 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
19V654000
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Warner Robins, GACrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
I HAD AN ACCIDENT IN THE CAR. BECAUSE OF TIRES AND AIRBAG NOT DEPLOYING. I WAS NOT INJURED BUT THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. AND THE ACCIDENT IS BEING BLAMED ON ME. COULD SOMEONE CONTACT ME ABOUT THIS MATTER. *DT
NHTSA complaint #11360644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warner Robins, GACrash
TIRES
I HAD AN ACCIDENT IN THE CAR. BECAUSE OF TIRES AND AIRBAG NOT DEPLOYING. I WAS NOT INJURED BUT THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. AND THE ACCIDENT IS BEING BLAMED ON ME. COULD SOMEONE CONTACT ME ABOUT THIS MATTER. *DT
NHTSA complaint #11360644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warner Robins, GACrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
I HAD AN ACCIDENT IN THE CAR. BECAUSE OF TIRES AND AIRBAG NOT DEPLOYING. I WAS NOT INJURED BUT THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. AND THE ACCIDENT IS BEING BLAMED ON ME. COULD SOMEONE CONTACT ME ABOUT THIS MATTER. *DT
NHTSA complaint #11360644 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Litte River, CACrash1 injured
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2019 NISSAN VERSA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, DROVE INTO THE WOODS, AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE DRIVER'S AND FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HIPS AND OTHER AREAS, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. POLICE REPORT NUMBER: 9150 WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #11269045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Chesterfield, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
There is a common leak with this model of car that allows water to enter the cabin after it rains. My cabin was soaked with water creating mold, even after cleaning, the car remained moldy and then it was treated with chlorine dioxide. I was exposes to weeks of mold and had to go to the emergency room for Chemical exposure related to the chlorine dioxide.
NHTSA complaint #11748861 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Chino, CA
POWER TRAIN
Vehicle: 2019 Nissan Versa SV VIN: [XXX] My vehicle experienced intermittent transmission problems including hesitation during acceleration, shuddering, rough deceleration, loss of the Drive ("D") indicator, unexpected rear-view camera activation, and entry into fail-safe (limp) mode. Diagnostic code P0705 (Transmission Range Sensor / PRNDL Input) was stored. A Nissan dealership determined that the cause was a faulty left rear tail lamp assembly. After repairing the tail lamp, all transmission-related symptoms disappeared. My concern is that a failure, corrosion, or poor connection in a rear tail lamp should not be capable of affecting transmission operation, gear recognition, or vehicle propulsion. In this case, a tail lamp electrical fault caused transmission fault codes, loss of proper gear indication, and reduced vehicle performance. This design appears to allow a rear lighting circuit to interfere with transmission control functions. Such a condition may result in hesitation, reduced power, fail-safe mode activation, or loss of propulsion while driving, creating a potential safety hazard when entering traffic, merging, crossing intersections, or responding to emergency situations. I have also located multiple reports from other Nissan Versa owners and Nissan technicians describing similar incidents involving tail lamp corrosion or electrical backfeeding that resulted in P0705 fault codes, transmission-related symptoms, incorrect gear indication, and drivability problems. [XXX] I believe NHTSA should investigate whether this electrical system design defect affects other Nissan Versa vehicles and poses a broader vehicle safety risk. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11741945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 172,480 milesWinter Park, FL
ENGINE
Odometer Fraud: The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that the vehicle jolted while driving. The contact stated that the check engine warning light had been tampered with. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 172,480. It was later discovered that the mileage was 143,521 after taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic using a scan tool. The Carfax Report indicated a mileage of 174,000. The Attorney General was contacted.
NHTSA complaint #11725592 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2019 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that after driving and parking the vehicle at the residence, an independent mechanic discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 174,485, with the instrument panel showing a mileage of 143,521. The scan tool used by the independent mechanic indicated a mileage of 89,180.
NHTSA complaint #11725572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Odometer Fraud: The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that the vehicle jolted while driving. The contact stated that the check engine warning light had been tampered with. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 172,480. It was later discovered that the mileage was 143,521 after taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic using a scan tool. The Carfax Report indicated a mileage of 174,000. The Attorney General was contacted.
NHTSA complaint #11725592 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pearl River, LA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Transmission car doesn't move had issues since purchased brought to dealership over years car wouldn't bring the right code up mechanic knew it's transmission from driving it but because the car was showing false codes nothing gets done except we pay to replace parts that false codes showing still had issues with transmission millions of cars recalled for that type of transmission I want to know why my car wasn't recalled so it could get the transmission fixed like everyone else now I'm paying on a car that won't move because of a transmission that is bad to begin with and should not be on these vehicles I want my car recalled like it should have been and I want this issue resolved I have filed complaints with you in the past years about this issue never heard anything from you never so I will be contacting a lawyer over this if I don't get response
NHTSA complaint #11719839 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
West Park, FL
POWER TRAIN
When accelerating from a stop vehicle shutters/perks hard
NHTSA complaint #11704906 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Gouverneur, NY
POWER TRAIN
I had a issue with transmission and went to a mechanic that stated it’s a problem with transmission informed that there was a recall for all Nissans
NHTSA complaint #11696061 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOS Angeles, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
CAR IS HACKED THROUGH THE EMERGENCY S.O.S SYSTM. CAN HEAR PEOPLE EVERYDAY TALKING AND MAKING TELEPHONE CALLS. I CAN HEAR A DISPACTH WITH RAIDOS LIKE SECURITY OF SOME SORT. EVEN WHEN CAR BATTERY NOT IN CAR, HACKERS STILL ARE ABLE TO SPEAK THROUGH THE S.O.S WITHOUTH ME PUSHING ANYTHING. HACKERS WERE ABLE TO CHANGE CONTROL CRUISE CONTROL, SLOW MY SPEED DOWN, TURN ENGINE LIGHT ON/OFF, LOCATE MY EVERY MOVE.
NHTSA complaint #11630633 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOS Angeles, CA
ENGINE
CAR IS HACKED THROUGH THE EMERGENCY S.O.S SYSTM. CAN HEAR PEOPLE EVERYDAY TALKING AND MAKING TELEPHONE CALLS. I CAN HEAR A DISPACTH WITH RAIDOS LIKE SECURITY OF SOME SORT. EVEN WHEN CAR BATTERY NOT IN CAR, HACKERS STILL ARE ABLE TO SPEAK THROUGH THE S.O.S WITHOUTH ME PUSHING ANYTHING. HACKERS WERE ABLE TO CHANGE CONTROL CRUISE CONTROL, SLOW MY SPEED DOWN, TURN ENGINE LIGHT ON/OFF, LOCATE MY EVERY MOVE.
NHTSA complaint #11630633 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOS Angeles, CA
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL
CAR IS HACKED THROUGH THE EMERGENCY S.O.S SYSTM. CAN HEAR PEOPLE EVERYDAY TALKING AND MAKING TELEPHONE CALLS. I CAN HEAR A DISPACTH WITH RAIDOS LIKE SECURITY OF SOME SORT. EVEN WHEN CAR BATTERY NOT IN CAR, HACKERS STILL ARE ABLE TO SPEAK THROUGH THE S.O.S WITHOUTH ME PUSHING ANYTHING. HACKERS WERE ABLE TO CHANGE CONTROL CRUISE CONTROL, SLOW MY SPEED DOWN, TURN ENGINE LIGHT ON/OFF, LOCATE MY EVERY MOVE.
NHTSA complaint #11630633 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 50,000 milesSaratoga Springs, UT
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Versa. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and making a turn with the turn signal activated, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power. Upon deactivating the turn signal indicator, the contact stated that the vehicle returned to normal functionality. The check warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that there was a short in the rear exterior lamps. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the exterior lamp electrical wiring. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, who then diagnosed a failure with the wiring harness. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 50,000.
NHTSA complaint #11571667 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alplaus, NY
STRUCTURE:BODY
While my car is in Drive, every so often the car will die and cut out power steering and the brake light will go on. The check engine light is on but the code is not reading properly.
NHTSA complaint #11546192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alplaus, NY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While my car is in Drive, every so often the car will die and cut out power steering and the brake light will go on. The check engine light is on but the code is not reading properly.
NHTSA complaint #11546192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Alplaus, NY
ENGINE
While my car is in Drive, every so often the car will die and cut out power steering and the brake light will go on. The check engine light is on but the code is not reading properly.
NHTSA complaint #11546192 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bethlehem, PA
POWER TRAIN
CVT Transmissions on these versa’s are extremely wonky and very jerky. The transmission causes extremely slow acceleration, Nissan has had a really bad track record with their CVT transmissions and it appears to be the same issue with this vehicle as well.
NHTSA complaint #11539065 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,500 milesColumbia, SC
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that when the brake pedal was depressed and the turning signals were activated, the vehicle felt as if the transmission had improperly shifted. While driving 40 MPH, the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the brake pedal, motherboard, and taillight assembly had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 30,500.
NHTSA complaint #11535985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,500 milesColumbia, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that when the brake pedal was depressed and the turning signals were activated, the vehicle felt as if the transmission had improperly shifted. While driving 40 MPH, the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the brake pedal, motherboard, and taillight assembly had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 30,500.
NHTSA complaint #11535985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,500 milesColumbia, SC
SERVICE BRAKES
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that when the brake pedal was depressed and the turning signals were activated, the vehicle felt as if the transmission had improperly shifted. While driving 40 MPH, the vehicle failed to exceed 40 MPH. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed that the brake pedal, motherboard, and taillight assembly had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 30,500.
NHTSA complaint #11535985 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Branford, CT
POWER TRAIN
2019 Nissan Versa sedan has a transmission issue where you stop and immediately or within up to 3 seconds, there is a clunk. The engine is jumps forward, causing the engine to rock. In a range of years, up to 2017, there is a recall on the transmission. For 2018, which is just for that year, is a recall for that transmission. How can I find out if 2019 recall is in a preliminary stage at nissan and will be released later this year? I feel it's a safety issue because the transmission can stop working while I'm on the highway which could cause an accident at high speeds. The mechanic at dealership said that they do not get any codes when there is an issue within CVT Type transmission. He stated basically there are no way to open transmission, to exchange parts, due to, no codes for inside of transmission. He stated Nissan Altima transmission was fixed for the year 2019. Then the made the fixes for 2019 versa. Seeing the pattern with 201? To 2017, & 2018 recall on transmission
NHTSA complaint #11502535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Branford, CT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
2019 Nissan Versa sedan has a transmission issue where you stop and immediately or within up to 3 seconds, there is a clunk. The engine is jumps forward, causing the engine to rock. In a range of years, up to 2017, there is a recall on the transmission. For 2018, which is just for that year, is a recall for that transmission. How can I find out if 2019 recall is in a preliminary stage at nissan and will be released later this year? I feel it's a safety issue because the transmission can stop working while I'm on the highway which could cause an accident at high speeds. The mechanic at dealership said that they do not get any codes when there is an issue within CVT Type transmission. He stated basically there are no way to open transmission, to exchange parts, due to, no codes for inside of transmission. He stated Nissan Altima transmission was fixed for the year 2019. Then the made the fixes for 2019 versa. Seeing the pattern with 201? To 2017, & 2018 recall on transmission
NHTSA complaint #11502535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Branford, CT
SERVICE BRAKES
2019 Nissan Versa sedan has a transmission issue where you stop and immediately or within up to 3 seconds, there is a clunk. The engine is jumps forward, causing the engine to rock. In a range of years, up to 2017, there is a recall on the transmission. For 2018, which is just for that year, is a recall for that transmission. How can I find out if 2019 recall is in a preliminary stage at nissan and will be released later this year? I feel it's a safety issue because the transmission can stop working while I'm on the highway which could cause an accident at high speeds. The mechanic at dealership said that they do not get any codes when there is an issue within CVT Type transmission. He stated basically there are no way to open transmission, to exchange parts, due to, no codes for inside of transmission. He stated Nissan Altima transmission was fixed for the year 2019. Then the made the fixes for 2019 versa. Seeing the pattern with 201? To 2017, & 2018 recall on transmission
NHTSA complaint #11502535 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oxford, MS
POWER TRAIN
Transmission failure
NHTSA complaint #11493360 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 11,000 milesCortaro, AZ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Versa. The contact stated while his wife was making a stop at the stop light, the brake pedal was depressed and went all the way to the floorboard. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring at the stop light whenever the vehicle was overheating. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that no issues were found. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring and the vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 11,000.
NHTSA complaint #11435386 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 10,000 milesMiddle River, MD
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I PURCHASED A 2019 NISSAN VERSA JUNE OF 2020 WITH ONLY 9,000 MILES ON IT FROM A LICENSED DEALER. AUGUST OF 2020, WHILE DRIVING AT A SPEED BETWEEN GEAR 4/5, ALL OF MY ELECTRIC WAS LOST(TOUCH SCREEN DISPLAY, INTERIOR/DASH LIGHTS) ABOUT 2 SECONDS LATER ALL LIGHTS RETURNED. THIS OCCURRED AGAIN IN OCTOBER OF 2020. SAME CONDITIONS. THERE WERE NO OTHER ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE, NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHTS, NOTHING. THEN AGAIN IN DECEMBER OF 2020, SAME ISSUE. SINCE DECEMBER, I NOTICED MY VEHICLE HESITATING MORE AND MORE TO TURN THE ENGINE ON WHEN STARTING. FIRST WEEK OF JANUARY 2021, MY VEHICLE DID NOT START. I WAITED A MOMENT AND TRIED AGAIN, IT STARTED. I TOOK THE VEHICLE INTO A NISSAN DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE. THEY SCANNED MY OBD FOR CODES - NONE TO BE FOUND. SAID THE ODB SYSTEM WAS "MONITORING" ONE OF THE SYSTEMS' (BCM) BUT DIDN'T HAVE ANY CODES STORED. AFTER REQUESTING THEM TO RE-FLASH MY BCM, THEY THEN RESPONDED THAT IT WAS MY TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR THAT WAS BEING MONITORED. I HAVE HAD A FAILED BCM BEFORE SO THE SYMPTOMS WITH THE CAR ARE VERY CONSISTENT WITH A FAILING BCM. I PAID $160 TOTAL FOR THEM TO TELL ME THE CAR IS PERFECT. OBVIOUSLY NOT BECAUSE VEHICLES JUST DON'T LOOSE POWER WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. I HAVE A 5 YEAR OLD CHILD WHO GOES EVERYWHERE WITH ME. IF IT IS IN FACT THE BCM AND I GET INTO AN ACCIDENT BECAUSE IT FAILED WHILE DRIVING HIGH SPEEDS - NEITHER OF US ARE LIKELY TO WALK AWAY UNINJURED. THERE ARE NO AFTER-MARKET PARTS ON THE VEHICLE. NO MODIFICATIONS. THE VEHICLE GETS DETAILED/CLEANED/MAINTAINED REGULARLY AS NEEDED TO KEEP EXTENDED WARRANTY VALID. DOESN'T MAKE SENSE. I HAVE A 360 DASH CAM ARRIVING THIS WEEKEND SO THE NEXT TIME IT "SURGES" POWER - I HAVE PROOF.
NHTSA complaint #11390620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
