Avoid: 2014, 2010, 2009, 2008, 2007 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2022
16 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 18 model years, the Nissan Versa has 4,892 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 61 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and suspension. 2009 drew the most complaints (1,006), 2022 the fewest of the years on the road 3+ years (20).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Nissan Versa vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $15,467–$20,725.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2025 | 12 |
| 2024 | 95 |
| 2023 | 37 |
| 2022 | 20 |
| 2021 | 31 |
| 2020 | 64 |
| 2019 | 26 |
| 2018 | 58 |
| 2017 | 131 |
| 2016 | 189 |
| 2015 | 422 |
| 2014 | 676 |
| 2013 | 204 |
| 2011 | 269 |
| 2010 | 536 |
| 2009 | 1,006 |
| 2008 | 762 |
| 2007 | 354 |
Highest: 2009 (1,006 complaints). Lowest: 2022 (20).
Sentiment is sharply divided and heavily dependent on transmission choice and model year.
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.
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.
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.
Use of hard plastics throughout the cabin, manual windows on base models, and generally low-rent feel expected for the segment.
Isolated reports of loose interior trim, steering wheel components, window mechanisms coming off track, and exterior trim problems.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Versa. Individual model years are broken down above.
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