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Nissan Versa
Sedan · Gas · 12 versions · owner report
Ranked #6 of 7 used subcompact cars on owner data, price and fuel economy
Every generation
Power
Combined, EPA 2025
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on transmission choice and model year.
6 problems reported (2 very frequent, 2 recurrent, 2 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentCVT Transmission Reliability
Reports of failure, judder, slipping, and replacement needs, with concerns about longevity beyond 100,000 miles. Cited as a known weakness, particularly in models from the early-to-mid 2010s.
- Very frequentLack of Power/Performance
The 122 hp engine is described as underpowered, struggling with highway acceleration, merging, and passing. Noted as having to "work pretty hard" to maintain highway speeds.
- RecurrentExcessive Road and Wind Noise
Cabin is described as loud, with poor sound insulation; driving in rain is compared to being inside a "snare drum." Thin roof and window glass cited as contributors.
+ 3 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentCheap Interior Materials
Use of hard plastics throughout the cabin, manual windows on base models, and generally low-rent feel expected for the segment.
- IsolatedVarious Build Quality/Rattle Issues
Isolated reports of loose interior trim, steering wheel components, window mechanisms coming off track, and exterior trim problems.
- IsolatedFuel Economy Discrepancy
One report noted real-world fuel economy of 34 MPG, which was less than expected.
The version owners recommend
Manual Transmission Base Model (S Trim): This configuration is consistently singled out for avoiding the problematic CVT automatic transmission, which is identified as the model's primary reliability weakness. Owners of manual Versas report good basic reliability with only routine maintenance (oil, filters, tires) required. The base trim is viewed as fulfilling the car's core mission of simple, affordable transportation without unnecessary complexity.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Mitsubishi Mirage, Kia Rio, Chevrolet Spark, Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic.
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Overall sentiment
Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on transmission choice and model year. The vehicle is widely acknowledged as a basic, affordable transportation appliance, praised for its low purchase price (new MSRP cited around $17,000-$20,000), good fuel economy (real-world figures of 34-38 MPG mentioned), and simple, functional technology. Satisfaction is reported by owners who prioritize low cost and basic reliability, particularly those who purchase the manual transmission variant. However, a dominant and very frequent criticism centers on the reliability of the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), with reports of failures, judder, and concerns about longevity, especially in pre-2020 models. Additional recurrent complaints include excessive road and wind noise, a lack of power (122 hp engine noted as underpowered for highway merging and passing), and cheap interior materials. The consensus indicates the manual transmission Versa can be a reliable, no-frills commuter, while the CVT-equipped models carry significant reliability risk that undermines their value proposition.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as the most affordable new sedan in the market, undercutting competitors like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic by a significant margin ($10,000+ price difference noted). It is seen as a barebones "point A to point B" vehicle for budget-constrained buyers, contrasting with competitors that offer better refinement, performance, and perceived reliability. Compared to the Mitsubishi Mirage, the Versa is noted as having more power (122 hp vs. 78 hp). Within the Nissan lineup, it is considered a step below the Sentra, which is viewed as offering more size and features for a slightly higher price. The vehicle's primary appeal is its low entry cost, not luxury, technology, or driving engagement.
Recommended configurations
Manual transmission is strongly recommended over the CVT automatic due to pervasive reliability concerns. The base S trim is considered sufficient for the car's intended purpose. For those considering a CVT-equipped model, verifying complete service records and considering an extended warranty are mentioned as potential mitigations. No specific packages or options are highlighted as essential.
General recommendations
Suitable exclusively for buyers with a strict budget who prioritize the lowest possible new car payment and basic transportation over all other factors. Ideal for low-mileage urban commuters who can avoid stressing the CVT. Strongly recommended for DIY owners comfortable with basic maintenance. NOT recommended for driving enthusiasts, those who frequently drive on highways requiring merging/passing power, or buyers seeking a quiet, refined cabin. A pre-purchase inspection is critical for used models, with a focus on transmission health. For buyers able to stretch their budget, a used Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic is frequently suggested as a more reliable alternative. If purchasing a CVT model, negotiating for a comprehensive extended powertrain warranty is advised.
Remarks
The transmission issue is the defining characteristic of the Versa's owner experience. Discussions indicate a stark dichotomy: manual transmission models are viewed as simple and potentially reliable workhorses, while CVT models are burdened with a reputation for premature failure. This reputation is noted as persisting despite claims from some that Nissan has improved the CVT in newer models (post-2020). The vehicle's role in the market is clearly as a budget entry point, and owner satisfaction is closely tied to managing expectations around performance, refinement, and, most critically, transmission longevity. Analysis based on owner discussions spanning model years from approximately 2014 to 2026.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2009. Years to avoid: 2014, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Nissan Versa years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 12 | 0 | power train |
| 2024 | 95 | 1 | engine |
| 2023 | 37 | 1 | engine |
| 2022 | 20 | 0 | power train |
| 2021 | 31 | 3 | power train |
| 2020 | 64 | 2 | power train |
| 2019 | 26 | 1 | power train |
| 2018 | 58 | 3 | electrical system |
| 2017 | 131 | 3 | air bags |
| 2016 | 189 | 0 | power train |
| 2015 | 422 | 2 | power train |
| 2014 | 676 | 4 | power train |
| 2013 | 204 | 1 | power train |
| 2011 | 269 | 7 | air bags |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices61 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2024 · air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator modulecampaign 24V154000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024 Titan, Frontier, Infiniti QX60, Pathfinder, 2023-2024 Sentra, Versa, Kicks, Infiniti QX50, and 2023 Rogue vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the driver's air bag inflator may absorb moisture, and cause the air bag to deploy improperly.
2023 · air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator modulecampaign 24V154000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024 Titan, Frontier, Infiniti QX60, Pathfinder, 2023-2024 Sentra, Versa, Kicks, Infiniti QX50, and 2023 Rogue vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the driver's air bag inflator may absorb moisture, and cause the air bag to deploy improperly.
2021 · exterior lighting:turn signal:bulbscampaign 21V471000
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.
2021 · steering:electric power assist systemcampaign 22V693000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Versa and Kicks vehicles. An intermittent electrical connection in the electric power steering (EPS) torque sensor can disable the power steering assist.
2021 · steering:electric power assist systemcampaign 23V496000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Versa and Kicks vehicles. An intermittent electrical connection in the electric power steering (EPS) torque sensor can disable the power steering assist.
2020 · exterior lighting:turn signal:bulbscampaign 21V471000
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.
2020 · fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assemblycampaign 20V112000
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.
2019 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 19V654000
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."
2018 · electrical system:ignitioncampaign 18V551000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Nissan NV200, Sentra, NV3500 Van, NV3500 Bus, NV200 Taxi, NV1500, NV2500 Van, Chevrolet City Express, 2017-2018 Frontier, Versa Note, and Versa Sedan vehicles that have a mechanical (physical) key ignition system. In these models, over time, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
2018 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 19V654000
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."
2018 · air bags:side/windowcampaign 17V837000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018 Nissan Versa Note vehicles. During deployment of the side curtain air bag, a component of the air bag inflator may detach. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) number 214, "Side Impact Protection," and 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
2017 · electrical system:ignitioncampaign 18V551000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Nissan NV200, Sentra, NV3500 Van, NV3500 Bus, NV200 Taxi, NV1500, NV2500 Van, Chevrolet City Express, 2017-2018 Frontier, Versa Note, and Versa Sedan vehicles that have a mechanical (physical) key ignition system. In these models, over time, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
2017 · air bags:side/windowcampaign 16V724000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2017 Versa vehicles manufactured August 1, 2016, to August 16, 2016. A seam in the fabric section of the side curtain air bags may tear during side curtain air bag deployment, potentially affecting the performance of the air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, "Ejection Mitigation", and number 214, "Side Impact Protection."
2017 · air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator modulecampaign 17V275000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Versa, and Versa Note vehicles. The ring plate that secures the air bag cushion to the passenger frontal air bag assembly may fail, possibly causing the air bag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.
2015 · vehicle speed control:accelerator pedalcampaign 15V507000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Nissan Versa sedan vehicles manufactured June 9, 2011, to March 11, 2015, and 2014-2015 Nissan Versa Note vehicles manufactured April 23, 2013, to March 11, 2015. The affected vehicles have a center console trim panel that may catch the driver's shoe and delay the transition from the accelerator pedal to the brake pedal.
46 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
1.6 Xtronic
1.6L 4-cylinder · 118 hp · FWD · automatic (CVT)
Built 2026