FaultScore

2020 Nissan Versa electrical problems

12 of the 119 complaints about the 2020 Nissan Versa are about the electrical system — 10% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 5,149 miles.

A

12

Complaints

0

Crashes

0

Fires

0

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Electrical System 12 100.0%

Electrical System across every Nissan Versa year

2007 29 12.0%
2008 25 10.4%
2009 17 7.1%
2010 17 7.1%
2011 18 7.5%
2012 35 14.5%
2013 12 5.0%
2014 16 6.6%
2015 17 7.1%
2017 11 4.6%
2018 16 6.6%
2020 12 5.0%
2024 16 6.6%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Kansas City, MO

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

several recalls but dealer my did not have any

NHTSA complaint #11728626 — 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.

Arab, AL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

San Jacinto, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Car runs rough at idle and has difficulty accelerating. Check engine lights comes on intermittently. CODE p0101 points at MAF sensor. Replaced multiple times. Cleaned air system, ie filter, hoses and throttle body. Same issues. Car feels unpredictable and unsafe. Can’t accelerate through intersections and does not respond well went issue is present.

NHTSA complaint #11681003 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lomita, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

All the dash lights come on car acceleration will either speed up or slow down on its own the transmission slips shakes and stalls at red lights

NHTSA complaint #11653022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fresno, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I am writing to report a potential safety and design defect in my vehicle that I have also noticed affecting many other owners of the same make and model. The issue involves the rubber seal at the edge of the windshield, which is supposed to prevent water from entering the engine bay. However, the rubber is not properly secured—it merely sits in place—allowing water to pass underneath it. As a result, water accumulates on the valve cover near the ignition coil, creating a risk of electrical problems, including misfires or potential engine failure. Over time, this could lead to serious mechanical and safety issues. After researching, I have found that many other owners of the same vehicle have experienced this same problem. I believe this issue poses a safety concern and should be investigated further. Please advise on any next steps or potential recalls regarding this matter. Thank you for your time and attention.

NHTSA complaint #11644562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fresno, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I am writing to formally report ongoing and unresolved issues with my vehicle that have significantly impacted its safety and reliability. The persistent problems include: Multiple simultaneous dashboard warning indicator illuminations Recurring "See Owner's Manual" malfunction notifications Intermittent Key System Error messages Continuous presence of diagnostic Code P0101 A representative from the dealership management informed me that Code P0101 is a known and widespread issue affecting multiple Nissan models, including the Versa, Sentra, and Altima. Despite this acknowledgment, I have been repeatedly told that these concerns are "under engineering review," yet no progress has been made, nor have I received any meaningful updates regarding the investigation. This lack of resolution raises serious safety concerns, and I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter further. I appreciate your attention to this issue and any guidance you can provide on the next steps to ensure the safety and functionality of my vehicle. Sincerely,

NHTSA complaint #11644569 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Adelphi, MD

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Safety is at risk for multiple reasons one because a month upon receiving this brand new vehicle with 40 miles on it I’ve been experiencing malfunctioning problems. I am not able to receive a forward collision warning at times. I’m not sure if these electrical problems also caused my battery to die a few weeks later. In these moments is the start of when the malfunction notification would appear daily. Two— The transmission has been having issues for a long time as well. My drives no longer have a smooth transition when I press the gas it stutters and will not accelerate immediately. The problem has been confirmed by an independent service center. I brought my car new once again so am very disappointed at how much needs to be worked on and do not want to purchase from Nissan ever again.

NHTSA complaint #11557235 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

SAN Elizario, TX

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The mass air flow sensor need to be replaced. There is also a camshaft position sensor circuit malfunction.

NHTSA complaint #11521610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Terre Haute, IN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Everytime I turn my car on, there’s a chance that some lights will turn on my dash for absolutely no reason..the car could be parked and getting warmed up and the traction control light,parking collision warning, and front collision light all turn on simultaneously. I have included a photo to get a Better picture! only way for me to get rid of them is by turning my car off for 5 minutes then turning it back on again. It been a real inconvenience. Not to mention when those lights turn on it means I can’t Parallel park anywhere because my rear parking assist prevents me from backing up, because it “thinks” something is in the way…ugh! Not only that but everytime I play music my Nissan Connect shuts of in the middle of my drive then resets and starts playing music again. If you guys have any answers for me please let me know I bought this car in August of 2021

NHTSA complaint #11457534 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 9,998 miles LA Palma, CA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE FUEL DOESN'T PUMP CORRECTLY AS IT SHOULD. THE FUSE BURNT OUT. THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING RANDOMLY ACTIVATES FOR NO APPARENT REASON WHILE DRIVING. IT ALSO DOESN'T ACTIVATE AT ALL. THE FRONT END OF THE CAR LIFTS UPWARD LIKE A WHEELIE FROM A STOP LIGHT. THERE WAS SMOKING AND BURNING SMELL FROM UNDER THE HOOD.

NHTSA complaint #11363848 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 300 miles Tampa, FL

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

THE SCREEN FOR THE RADIO WON'T TURN ON SOMETIMES WHEN THE CAR IS ON. I HAVE TO DRIVE A COUPLE MILES BEFORE IT WORKS LEAVING ME WITHOUT GPS AND RADIO. ITS HAPPENED ABOUT A DOZEN TIMES SINCE OWNERSHIP.

NHTSA complaint #11342177 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2020 Nissan Versa problems

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