Owners have filed 119 complaints
about the 2020 Nissan Versa with NHTSA between 2020 and 2026.
The largest single group is the driver assist & collision avoidance.
Across this model's run it ranks 14 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 — 25
Against the median year of the Nissan Versa. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 69
13.4% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
69% 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.
Automatic Emergency Braking
1037.0%
Warnings
1037.0%
Warnings
27.4%
Rearview System Braking
13.7%
Camera
13.7%
Adaptive Cruise Control
13.7%
Body
13.7%
Latch
13.7%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
620.7%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
827.6%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
310.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
724.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
413.8%
150,000+ miles
13.4%
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.
Jul 2020peak 7Jul 2026
Recalls on the 2020 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
21V471000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:BULBS
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Titan, Titan XD, and Versa vehicles. The front right and/or left turn signal bulb can crack and fail to illuminate.
Risk: Inoperable front turn signals cannot alert on-coming drivers and/or pedestrians that the vehicle will be turning, increasing the risk of a crash.
20V112000
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Versa vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the fuel tank wall thickness may be insufficient, potentially causing a small hole in the tank seam area.
Risk: If a small hole is present, a fuel leak may occur if the operator fills the tank over half full, increasing the risk of a fire.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2021392393 units in Canada
Lights And Instruments
Issue: On certain vehicles, the front turn signal bulbs could be defective. As a result, the bulbs could crack and the turn signals may not work. Safety Risk: Front turn signals that do not work may cause a person not to recognize that the driver intends to turn or change lanes. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Action: Nissan will notify owners by mail and instruct you to bring your vehicle to a dealer to inspect the lot code of the front turn signal bulbs inspected. All affected bulbs will be replaced.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Bartlesville, OKCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while driving 25-30 MPH, another vehicle ran the stop sign and crashed into the front driver's side of the vehicle, and the entire front end of the vehicle was impacted and was significantly damaged. The contact stated that the front bumper separated and the headlights detached. The contact was occupying the front driver's seat while the contact's husband was occupying the front passenger's side seat. The contact stated that all the air bags deployed except the passenger's side curtain air bags, causing the contact's husband to hit his head against the window. Both the contact and her husband later went to the hospital, where the contact's husband was informed that he had sustained a concussion and a bump. The contact's husband also sustained burns and bruises on the legs from the air bags deployment. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11690494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 66,685 milesLynchburg, VACrash
SEATS
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Versa. The contact stated while her husband was driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle in front abruptly stopped causing the contact to depress the brake pedal in order to avoid rear-ending the vehicle in front. As a result, the contact was rear-ended, and the vehicle behind that vehicle that rear ended the contact crashed into the rear of the vehicle as well. During the impact, it caused the contact vehicle to be pushed forward and then rear-end the vehicle in front that abruptly stopped. The air bags did not deploy. The driver and passenger seats fractured in a backward position. In addition, the front passenger side seat belt failed to retract during the crash. The contact was seated in the front passenger seat and during the impact she hit her head dashboard and sustained a concussion, shoulders, head, back, jaw, and left leg. The contact sustained head, shoulders, back, and leg injuries. Both received medical attention via the hospital. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11621552 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 66,685 milesLynchburg, VACrash
SEAT BELTS
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Versa. The contact stated while her husband was driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle in front abruptly stopped causing the contact to depress the brake pedal in order to avoid rear-ending the vehicle in front. As a result, the contact was rear-ended, and the vehicle behind that vehicle that rear ended the contact crashed into the rear of the vehicle as well. During the impact, it caused the contact vehicle to be pushed forward and then rear-end the vehicle in front that abruptly stopped. The air bags did not deploy. The driver and passenger seats fractured in a backward position. In addition, the front passenger side seat belt failed to retract during the crash. The contact was seated in the front passenger seat and during the impact she hit her head dashboard and sustained a concussion, shoulders, head, back, jaw, and left leg. The contact sustained head, shoulders, back, and leg injuries. Both received medical attention via the hospital. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11621552 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 66,685 milesLynchburg, VACrash
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Versa. The contact stated while her husband was driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle in front abruptly stopped causing the contact to depress the brake pedal in order to avoid rear-ending the vehicle in front. As a result, the contact was rear-ended, and the vehicle behind that vehicle that rear ended the contact crashed into the rear of the vehicle as well. During the impact, it caused the contact vehicle to be pushed forward and then rear-end the vehicle in front that abruptly stopped. The air bags did not deploy. The driver and passenger seats fractured in a backward position. In addition, the front passenger side seat belt failed to retract during the crash. The contact was seated in the front passenger seat and during the impact she hit her head dashboard and sustained a concussion, shoulders, head, back, jaw, and left leg. The contact sustained head, shoulders, back, and leg injuries. Both received medical attention via the hospital. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11621552 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
St Petersburg, FLCrash
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking; went to auto service center to fix rest of accident body damage, unsure if they addressed these specific issues until I pick up the car this weekend --- How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - Myself and one other passenger (child) were safely secured while driving, as was the other driver as reported; Safety did feel even more assuring prior to impact, as we were under the impression that FCW and AEB features were going to activate --- Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - It has been reported to both insurance and auto service center, but not reported as of this writing if issues were addressed --- Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - Yes, it is currently at auto service center, in preparation for pickup this weekend --- Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - No. Prior to this accident, I have seen both the FCW and AEB features deploy without any issues when in situation where they would normally.
NHTSA complaint #11461739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking; went to auto service center to fix rest of accident body damage, unsure if they addressed these specific issues until I pick up the car this weekend --- How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - Myself and one other passenger (child) were safely secured while driving, as was the other driver as reported; Safety did feel even more assuring prior to impact, as we were under the impression that FCW and AEB features were going to activate --- Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - It has been reported to both insurance and auto service center, but not reported as of this writing if issues were addressed --- Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - Yes, it is currently at auto service center, in preparation for pickup this weekend --- Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - No. Prior to this accident, I have seen both the FCW and AEB features deploy without any issues when in situation where they would normally.
NHTSA complaint #11461739 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Mars, PA
SUSPENSION
Driving home heard loud metallic sounding”pop” sound at entering driveway in reverse. Found broken spring piece in driveway.
NHTSA complaint #11751799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Debary, FL
POWER TRAIN
My 2020 Nissan versa kept hesitating when being put in reverse the engine light kept coming on every few months I kept being told it was other issues until the transmission went out. I got it checked on multiple occasions because of the way it was hesitating and seemed like it was heating up.
NHTSA complaint #11746116 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lexington, SC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am constantly getting a malfunction for P0101 despite changing my air flow system. It creates acceleration problems everytime.
NHTSA complaint #11743399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lexington, SC
ENGINE
I am constantly getting a malfunction for P0101 despite changing my air flow system. It creates acceleration problems everytime.
NHTSA complaint #11743399 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Church Point, LA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Since 2021 my 2020 Nissan versa SR had been giving me problems with the sensors. All of the dash lights would come on. Then in 2023 my vehicle started to stall and hesitate. It’s gotten to the point where I’d be taking a left turn and I’d press the gas and my car would move a few inches. It’s become very dangerous. Even after changing the air flow sensor my car continues to have problems with acceleration, stalling and hesitating.
NHTSA complaint #11731133 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, MO
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
several recalls but dealer my did not have any
NHTSA complaint #11728626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, MO
STRUCTURE:BODY
several recalls but dealer my did not have any
NHTSA complaint #11728626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kansas City, MO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
several recalls but dealer my did not have any
NHTSA complaint #11728626 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denham Springs, LA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On the interstate from [XXX] to [XXX] the Nissan Versa's License Plate reflected light so bright that it blinded my ride and we had to slow down and wait for them to get farther away from us. This is not random, they have a spray fixative on their license plate designed to block cameras from clocking their license plate or their numbers being recorded. This was easy to see whenever a light is shined onto it, you can see the thin film of camera block spray that is extremely reflective. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11728370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denham Springs, LA
VISIBILITY/WIPER
On the interstate from [XXX] to [XXX] the Nissan Versa's License Plate reflected light so bright that it blinded my ride and we had to slow down and wait for them to get farther away from us. This is not random, they have a spray fixative on their license plate designed to block cameras from clocking their license plate or their numbers being recorded. This was easy to see whenever a light is shined onto it, you can see the thin film of camera block spray that is extremely reflective. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11728370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 155,146 milesMontgomery, AL
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle unexpectedly jerked and stalled with the transmission warning light and the malfunction indicator warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 155,146.
NHTSA complaint #11726818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
El Paso, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Unknown: overwhelming smell of fuel (fumes) inside the cabin. Dealer "repaired" the issue when newer. Car has same issue again but the Dealer has NO records of what was done to fix the problem. Exposed to these fumes cannot be good for driver nor passengers.
NHTSA complaint #11720783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Albuquerque, NM
POWER TRAIN
I have a 2020 Nissan versa it only has 100,000 miles on it. That’s not really a lot since it had about 75000 miles on it. I noticed that the car started slightly jerking. I couldn’t figure out what was going wrong and neither could anybody else eventually at around 100,000 miles I took it into another mechanic and he found the problem. The transmission is slipping and it is completely ruined. The whole transaxle assembly needs to be replaced not only is this expensive but it’s also very dangerous sometimes when I try to move the car I put in gear I start to drive and it jerks so bad that it starts to stall when I contacted Nissan about this they refused to help with any Solution. The transmission costs anywhere from $8000-$12,000 for that price. I could buy a new 2020 Nissan versa.
NHTSA complaint #11720001 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tooele, UT
POWER TRAIN
Recently out 2020 Nissan Versa started "Shuddering" when accelerating at low speeds. I took it to the Nissan Dealership and they quoted me $7,000 saying the transmission had to be replaced. I conducted online reviews and found Nissan customers experience this same issue in concerning numbers. I found multiple Nissan Technical Bulletins about this very issue, with this vehicle. Not only is it concerning they are allowing the safety of our loved ones to be at risk, but then do not have the loyalty to the customers to fix the problem with a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11709576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tooele, UT
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Recently out 2020 Nissan Versa started "Shuddering" when accelerating at low speeds. I took it to the Nissan Dealership and they quoted me $7,000 saying the transmission had to be replaced. I conducted online reviews and found Nissan customers experience this same issue in concerning numbers. I found multiple Nissan Technical Bulletins about this very issue, with this vehicle. Not only is it concerning they are allowing the safety of our loved ones to be at risk, but then do not have the loyalty to the customers to fix the problem with a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11709576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Allentown, PA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have had this happen numerous times in my car for absolutely no reason. I also just got my cars state inspection and nothing was noted, while other things unrelated to this issue were recommended by the mechanic. The car will start to stall in reverse AND in regular driving mode. Most recently it will come up with see manufacturers manual, and my engine light, traction control and crash sensors will appear on my dash board. Shutting the car on and off doesn't change the issue. Also this will happen sporadically sometime with check lights on and sometimes it's random and resolves itself. This is extremely dangerous when you're trying to drive and your car won't get "unstuck" and then randomly goes full speed. I drive 5,000 miles a year so I'm not using the car that hard.
NHTSA complaint #11706393 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Allentown, PA
ENGINE
I have had this happen numerous times in my car for absolutely no reason. I also just got my cars state inspection and nothing was noted, while other things unrelated to this issue were recommended by the mechanic. The car will start to stall in reverse AND in regular driving mode. Most recently it will come up with see manufacturers manual, and my engine light, traction control and crash sensors will appear on my dash board. Shutting the car on and off doesn't change the issue. Also this will happen sporadically sometime with check lights on and sometimes it's random and resolves itself. This is extremely dangerous when you're trying to drive and your car won't get "unstuck" and then randomly goes full speed. I drive 5,000 miles a year so I'm not using the car that hard.
NHTSA complaint #11706393 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, TX
POWER TRAIN
I am reporting a chronic and dangerous defect in my 2020 Nissan Versa that results in an unpredictable, sudden, and complete loss of acceleration (motive power) while driving. This defect has been present since shortly after purchase and remains unresolved, posing a severe safety risk on public roads. Specific Safety Incident Details: Symptoms: The failure begins with the illumination of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light), simultaneously accompanied by dashboard messages like "Malfunction See Owner’s Manual" and "Key System Error." The Critical Safety Hazard (Loss of Power): Immediately following the dash warning, the vehicle experiences a major, sudden loss of acceleration. This is not a gradual deceleration—the throttle becomes unresponsive, and the vehicle will not accelerate for approximately 4 to 5 seconds. Driving Conditions: This failure occurs randomly, including during critical maneuvers such as accelerating from a stop, merging into traffic, or attempting to accelerate on a highway. Consequence: When the vehicle unexpectedly fails to accelerate (especially in high-speed or high-traffic situations), it creates a high risk of being struck from behind or being unable to clear an intersection or merging lane safely. Initial Report (In-Warranty): The problem was first reported on March 31, 2021 (Mileage 25,404) to Central Houston Nissan (Invoice # NICS309560) and again on July 29, 2021 (Mileage 32,229) to Sterling McCall Nissan (Invoice # 2373806). Engineering Investigation: On both occasions, the dealerships specifically noted that the issue (DTC P0101 and associated warnings/power loss) was "under investigation under Nissan Engineers." Technical Service Bulletin (TSB): Nissan has acknowledged this widespread issue by releasing TSB NTB21-049 (June 8, 2021), which addresses the "MIL ON WITH DTC P0101" for the 2020-2021 Versa model.
NHTSA complaint #11697255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I am reporting a chronic and dangerous defect in my 2020 Nissan Versa that results in an unpredictable, sudden, and complete loss of acceleration (motive power) while driving. This defect has been present since shortly after purchase and remains unresolved, posing a severe safety risk on public roads. Specific Safety Incident Details: Symptoms: The failure begins with the illumination of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light), simultaneously accompanied by dashboard messages like "Malfunction See Owner’s Manual" and "Key System Error." The Critical Safety Hazard (Loss of Power): Immediately following the dash warning, the vehicle experiences a major, sudden loss of acceleration. This is not a gradual deceleration—the throttle becomes unresponsive, and the vehicle will not accelerate for approximately 4 to 5 seconds. Driving Conditions: This failure occurs randomly, including during critical maneuvers such as accelerating from a stop, merging into traffic, or attempting to accelerate on a highway. Consequence: When the vehicle unexpectedly fails to accelerate (especially in high-speed or high-traffic situations), it creates a high risk of being struck from behind or being unable to clear an intersection or merging lane safely. Initial Report (In-Warranty): The problem was first reported on March 31, 2021 (Mileage 25,404) to Central Houston Nissan (Invoice # NICS309560) and again on July 29, 2021 (Mileage 32,229) to Sterling McCall Nissan (Invoice # 2373806). Engineering Investigation: On both occasions, the dealerships specifically noted that the issue (DTC P0101 and associated warnings/power loss) was "under investigation under Nissan Engineers." Technical Service Bulletin (TSB): Nissan has acknowledged this widespread issue by releasing TSB NTB21-049 (June 8, 2021), which addresses the "MIL ON WITH DTC P0101" for the 2020-2021 Versa model.
NHTSA complaint #11697255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fresno, TX
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I am reporting a chronic and dangerous defect in my 2020 Nissan Versa that results in an unpredictable, sudden, and complete loss of acceleration (motive power) while driving. This defect has been present since shortly after purchase and remains unresolved, posing a severe safety risk on public roads. Specific Safety Incident Details: Symptoms: The failure begins with the illumination of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light), simultaneously accompanied by dashboard messages like "Malfunction See Owner’s Manual" and "Key System Error." The Critical Safety Hazard (Loss of Power): Immediately following the dash warning, the vehicle experiences a major, sudden loss of acceleration. This is not a gradual deceleration—the throttle becomes unresponsive, and the vehicle will not accelerate for approximately 4 to 5 seconds. Driving Conditions: This failure occurs randomly, including during critical maneuvers such as accelerating from a stop, merging into traffic, or attempting to accelerate on a highway. Consequence: When the vehicle unexpectedly fails to accelerate (especially in high-speed or high-traffic situations), it creates a high risk of being struck from behind or being unable to clear an intersection or merging lane safely. Initial Report (In-Warranty): The problem was first reported on March 31, 2021 (Mileage 25,404) to Central Houston Nissan (Invoice # NICS309560) and again on July 29, 2021 (Mileage 32,229) to Sterling McCall Nissan (Invoice # 2373806). Engineering Investigation: On both occasions, the dealerships specifically noted that the issue (DTC P0101 and associated warnings/power loss) was "under investigation under Nissan Engineers." Technical Service Bulletin (TSB): Nissan has acknowledged this widespread issue by releasing TSB NTB21-049 (June 8, 2021), which addresses the "MIL ON WITH DTC P0101" for the 2020-2021 Versa model.
NHTSA complaint #11697255 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waller, TX
WHEELS
Stalls when accelerating after temporary stopping. Particularly when pulling out onto a main road. Wheels not registering psi properly.
NHTSA complaint #11693826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waller, TX
ENGINE
Stalls when accelerating after temporary stopping. Particularly when pulling out onto a main road. Wheels not registering psi properly.
NHTSA complaint #11693826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waller, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Stalls when accelerating after temporary stopping. Particularly when pulling out onto a main road. Wheels not registering psi properly.
NHTSA complaint #11693826 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bartlesville, OKCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while driving 25-30 MPH, another vehicle ran the stop sign and crashed into the front driver's side of the vehicle, and the entire front end of the vehicle was impacted and was significantly damaged. The contact stated that the front bumper separated and the headlights detached. The contact was occupying the front driver's seat while the contact's husband was occupying the front passenger's side seat. The contact stated that all the air bags deployed except the passenger's side curtain air bags, causing the contact's husband to hit his head against the window. Both the contact and her husband later went to the hospital, where the contact's husband was informed that he had sustained a concussion and a bump. The contact's husband also sustained burns and bruises on the legs from the air bags deployment. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11690494 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arab, AL
POWER TRAIN
I have replaced the mass airflow sensor multiple times also transmission is starting to slipping,not responding correctly, when this starts all the lights on my dash come on and also does not accelerate or respond as it should very dissatisfied when they saw me would never recommend to buy another one
NHTSA complaint #11683812 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.