ENGINE
Car lost power and wouldn’t go over 55mph
NHTSA complaint #11757864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
431 of the 4,513 complaints filed about the Nissan Versa are about the engine — 10% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 2012.
431
Complaints
10%
Share of all complaints
10
Crashes
11
Fires
ENGINE
Car lost power and wouldn’t go over 55mph
NHTSA complaint #11757864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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.
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.
ENGINE
When continuing forward from a stop sign, the car has a slight shutter when accelerating. This was confirmed by an independent service center. Has not been inspected by the manufacturer. No visual warnings or prior symptoms. There was a recall for this particular issue for a 2014 Nissan Versa, but my VIN number was not included for which I believe should have been. My current mileage to date is 35,600.
NHTSA complaint #11742063 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Driving the vehicle, and it went into limp mode. Loss power and would not accelerate. Had to drive very low speeds to get home.
NHTSA complaint #11731167 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
ENGINE
I purchased this car from Carvana on 02/25/26, 2022 Nissan Versa S Manual Transmission. On four occasions over the course of two separate days, while under way, I lost power and the car went into a limp mode. Twice I was able to pull off the road, twice I had to stop on the road. After coming to a complete stop I was able to place the car in first gear and continue on driving. This power loss puts me at risk to be rear ended by the following car. I took it to the Nissan Dealer on 03/17/26 expressing my concern. I was told that they could not find any code in the car that indicated the trouble I experienced, nor was there any illumination of the check engine light. Because of that I was told that my car could not be serviced.
NHTSA complaint #11724965 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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.
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2025 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that during cold starts, the vehicle was jerking and vibrating abnormally. After the engine had warmed up, the jerking and vibration were self-corrected, but the vehicle failed to properly accelerate. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer on several occasions, but the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 13.
NHTSA complaint #11719966 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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.
ENGINE
My car keeps having sensors go out. Such as the tire pressure sensor and fuel compression sensor I think is what they called it anyways. They start to go up a hill. And my car loses all speed and slows way down my traction control. Don't turn on when it's supposed to. And needs to my cruise control, quit working when this went out. And my engines started sounding louder, which is weird because it's the one variable transmission. I love this car. I really. I'm tired of replacing sensors, though. Why do they keep going out? I kind of need those sensors to keep the carving good and the tire sensor lets me know if my tires are going flat or not. And I don't know now. I have to constantly be checking my tires with it. Pressure gauge also May I ask how to find out value? I found out the Carla. I'm buying this from has charged me 3 times more than it's claimed value that carmax says it's worth Which honestly I love this car so much? It really doesn't bother me that they did. But at the same time, I'm having to spend all this money getting it fixed. Because things keep going out. Online it says that it's only worth maybe 6000 I'm paying almost 15000 plus I've paid out a pucket Quite a bit and On top of that it has a warranty But I'm still having to replace things that are kind of strange to be going out. You've repeatedly what could be causing this to happen over and over
NHTSA complaint #11714475 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
The contact owns 2012 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling or while driving at various speeds, the driver's side floor was significantly hot, and the contact could feel the heat on her feet. The contact stated that the front driver's side floor carpet was burned, and the metal was visible. Additionally, the contact stated that the front brake pads were wearing prematurely and were replaced several times. The contact stated that while an oil change was being performed at Express Oil, the technician informed the contact that he had burned his hand due to the exhaust and manifold being significantly hot. The contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where the contact was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test and the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that she would be contacted later. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11684953 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2025 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated the vehicle failed to exceed 45 MPH. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle lost motive power and the vehicle entered LIMP Mode. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the roadway. The vehicle independently reset. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,800.
NHTSA complaint #11679783 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Purchased brand new 2024 Nissan Versa January 2025. In April 2025 with only 1100 miles on the engine the CVT failed. Nissan replaced it with a rebuilt CVT. On [XXX] the second CVT failed and the car had to be towed in. This is a dangerous situation and I have told Nissan they need to buy back the car from me. I live in Phoenix which has many dangerous highways and if the engine failed on one of those highways it could cost me my life because when it fails it goes into what the tow truck drivers call limp mode and I can't go more than 5 to 10 miles an hour on a highway where people routinely Drive 80 miles an hour INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11679370 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
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.
ENGINE
I have serval codes from varies companies, O'Reilly's, Luther Nissan Dearlership from April to June 2025, the code is P0012, camshaft. The vehicle intermittently does not have power and I could easily be rear ended. Even thought Luther Nissan has had code P0012, camshaft they have not fixed it. I brought it to Luther Nissan 3 times since 4/22/25 to 6/2/25. Luther said,"Valvoline put transmission fluid in oil, said they drove it for 100 miles and found nothing, said old and current code on the same day and finally said you need a new battery. I bought a new battery. It happened again and I brought to a different certified shop on 7/11/25. Waiting to hear back. I have VERY detailed paperwork and many family/neighbors know. If I have an accident they know to sue Luther and Nissan.
NHTSA complaint #11673606 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that while driving 40 MPH or exceeding 40 MPH, the vehicle started jerking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
NHTSA complaint #11671049 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
ENGINE
Recently began driver training on this vehicle with my son (at approximate vehicle mileage of 12,500). Vehicle is manual transmission and had never previously been stalled. Once vehicle had been stalled during driver training, reduced vehicle power was available, creating an unsafe condition when attempting to merge into traffic or driving on an uphill grade. The issue produced no warning message or CEL but did produce a pending OBDII error code of P2615 (camshaft signal output circuit low). The error appears to resolve after a full restart (shut down, unlock and open door, close door, restart). The error is reproducible and has occurred on multiple occasions. The error does not reset if simply restarting vehicle without opening door between restart. I have scheduled an appointment for evaluation by dealer, but it has not yet been confirmed by dealer. I believe this is a manufacturing defect, as the same issue occurs on another identical car owned by me.
NHTSA complaint #11665607 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.