273 of the
4,513 complaints filed about the Nissan Versa
are about the electrical system —
6% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2012.
In July 2024 my airbag light came for no apparent reason. I took it to Nissan Service-they got it off with no guarantee it would stay off and said the airbag would have to be replaced if it came on again. In came on again in June 2026. I got my oil changed at a local shop and they got the light off verifying it was the L side airbag causing it to flash. That lasted about 2 months and it is flashing again. I got it off turning the key on and off 3 times. I am not 100% sure the airbag would work if needed. Nissan wants thousands of dollars to fix it. I wonder why this hasn't been a recall.Many Nissan owners have had the same issue.
NHTSA complaint #11756807 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I’m [XXX] with health issues and my mother is [XXX] we bought a car at ( Drive Time ) hoping we would get a good car to go to the dr , I have a [XXX] I can’t afford it though,in my opinion I felt drive time took advantage of us because I look Mexican and indigenous, they sold us a bad car where the engine was bad , as soon as I drove it there’s was a smell I didn’t think k anything about it but the manager at pep boys in pearland tx told me the reason I smelt something is because some liquids were mixing in the engine that are highly toxic when the engine is about to fail , drivetime would not take the car back and get us a good car, I found Nissan Clearlake and they put a new engine in the care I’m thankful but now it has something worse , I was in the freeway and the engine light came on malfunction the car would not move but the engine was still on , it was s wry I had to coast to the side to turn the engine off than turn on and it started , it’s doing this once a day , now Nissan wants to keep it a few days to see what’s wrong because they don’t see isn’t trouble I don’t have money for a rental we need to go to the dr INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11752573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Electrical issues the entirety of owning this car. Now the car has a dead transmission at 88k miles. The car has caused me to almost be t-boned in a intersection twice due to unexpected loss of acceleration and power. Before trans went down it would stall, hesitate, and now it is completely dead and wont move and i have to put a new transmission in my car. Completely unsafe, i could have lost my life or at very least been severely injured.
NHTSA complaint #11748589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Electrical/ECU failure while shifting gears (manual transmission), can be inspected by dealership. Vehicle stalled while going into 2nd gear and could not crank/start, happened in busy intersection, emergency tow had to be called, could have easily gotten hit/injured. Problem has not yet been reproduced or confirmed by dealer/service center. Has been inspected, but only to replace the blown fuse, not to solve the underlying issue. No warning lights prior to failure, only a fuse that keeps blowing (15 amp, slot 55), alarm/beeping does sound when key is turned (possible anti-theft).
NHTSA complaint #11748266 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Automatic CVT failure confirmed by Future Nissan of Roseville CA. No warning prior to failure. Replaced by Kirkwood Autoworx Mechanical since Nissan Corporate denied a good-will replacement. Reason: 15k miles over warranty - 75081odometer reading at replacement on 5/27/26. CVT failed while on a busy street [XXX] ). I had only reverse and had to back my way out of traffic. Extremely dangerous situation. New Issue: Left Front Door (Driver) Locking actuator failure on XXX Not a safety issue yet. Will not lock or unlock with key fob. Manual entry only. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11741559 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle engine and all electrical shut-off, at intersection of XXX. in [XXX] on February 4th (on or before 6:57 AM MST) where the hazard lights failed to come on. My further answers to the questions above as [jhh]answer[/jhh]: What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? [jhh]The engine, and all electrical, lost power, including the hazard lights. The rental car company has possession, I do not know if they will allow a safety inspection, or not.[/jhh] How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? [jhh]The vehicle was disabled in the middle of the intersection, blocking traffic, I had to open the door, get out of the vehicle, and manually push it out of the way so that a cement truck, and other traffic could get through. My safety was put at risk, as the hazard lights failed to operate, so that fast moving, un-coming traffic, can be warned, to prevent a lethal collision.[/jhh] Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? [jhh]Not that I know of.[/jhh] Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? [jhh]The vehicle has been inspected by the rental car company when it was returned on February 12th.[/jhh] Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? [jhh]The hazard lights failed to turn on. I suspect, if there is an "advanced safety feature" installed, it may have created an unsafe, "failsafe" condition, where it not only disables the vehicle, but also, disables the hazard lights. There was some road space between me and the traffic light, so I slowly drove forward while looking down at the dash board. This is about the time the vehicle shutoff completely, when the light turned green, and I could not move out of the way, of traffic, and could not turn on the hazards.[/jhh] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(
NHTSA complaint #11728055 — 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.
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while driving approximately 4 MPH, the vehicle was shaking violently. There were no warning lights illuminated. When the heater was activated, there was a loud clanking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the technician was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure reoccurred. While stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle stalled and was towed to the same independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with a faulty computer, coils, and a defective crankshaft sensor. There was also paper found inside the heater system. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
NHTSA complaint #11723880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Transmission failure 2 Times. First time experienced jerking and some smoke coming out and second time same jerking and smoke along with electrical system failure. Nissan paid 40% the first time to help and I paid 60% even though I did not agree with that I did it. 2nd time they refuse to pay anything because of warranty even though it only took 40, 000 miles and transmission went out gain. Obvious that the transmissions are trash. The constant jerking and smoking in engine and electrical failure not to mention I was in a hit and run and ran into a tree and brake system did not work and the air bag did not come out after running into a tree. Please people run from Nissan fast. I'm thankful for my life.
NHTSA complaint #11718275 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mileage: Approximately 45,000 Current Status: Inoperable; held at Joe Machens Nissan pending evaluation by Nissan Consumer Affairs. Description of the Problem The vehicle has become completely inoperable, making it unsafe to operate. In the months prior to the failure, traction control warning indicators intermittently appeared on the dashboard. I did not recognize their significance at the time and did not document them, but they may have been early warning signs of the current operational failure. Approximately 22 days prior to the vehicle becoming completely inoperable, it underwent a recall update, oil change, and tire rotation at Joe Machens Nissan. Staff reported no concerns at the time. Shortly afterward, the vehicle began exhibiting reduced driving function and erratic power, which eventually led to complete inoperability. On [XXX], while commuting approximately 40 miles at highway speeds (up to 70 mph), the vehicle exhibited unpredictable engine response. The RPMs fluctuated erratically, and the vehicle would not accelerate beyond 70 mph. There were no dashboard warning indicators at the time. The vehicle is currently in the care of Joe Machens Nissan pending evaluation by Nissan Consumer Affairs. I am submitting this complaint to document potential safety concerns and to contribute to investigations regarding this vehicle model, including similar complaints reported by other 2021 Nissan Versa owners. Safety Impact Statement The operational failure poses a risk of reduced vehicle control and potential accident while driving at highway speeds, even in the absence of dashboard warnings. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11708227 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My skid mark symbol comes on, does not go off until 2or 3 days later. My Nissan will not accelerate over 20 miles per hour. I have had mu vehicle checked several times at the Grainger Nissan dealership several times within the past 4 years after they installed a new transmission. They found and corrected other issues, but not what causes the traction lights to come on and decrease speed causing me to have to use flashers and bike lanes where ever available until I get home. Independent mechanics have checked, knocked off traction light. It only comes on again. I have another mechanic at Precision Tune to check it out tomorrow. The last date of this occurrence was 12/ 08/2025
NHTSA complaint #11704982 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
First this is an AUTOMATIC. NOT A MANUAL. Nissan Versa S. 14000 miles. Bought used. The vehicle will drive then all the lights on the dash will turn on. The tachometer will then go to zero and will no longer move. The vehicle will then only go 20 mph (limp mode). I can move to a parking lot. I will then attempt to start it and it will not even turn over. After about 10 to 15 attempts, it will start. The engine light will remain on. The dealership (of course) cannot duplicate the problem but we do have it on video happening. They also said it needs to happen when they drive it. Last time I only get a few miles down the road from the service center when it happened. Had to be towed back. This problem has occurred at least 5 times. Sometimes its just the engine light that turns on. Other times its all lights. It has gone into limp mode at least 3 times during operation.
NHTSA complaint #11702910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owned a 2015 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that her vehicle had caught fire while parked in her driveway. The contact stated that the fire department was called and extinguished the fire. The contact was unsure if the fire department used water or chemicals to extinguish the fire. The contact was not advised as to the cause of the fire. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot. The contact had informed her insurance provider, who declared the vehicle a total loss. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 140,000.
NHTSA complaint #11700118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
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.
loss of power when using turn signal on highway changing lanes and making left or right turn on city streets. Once the signal is off I can accelerate. Left turn signal becomes more rapid as well. The Versa has a manual transmission. recurring issue for a month.
NHTSA complaint #11678813 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.