Nissan Versa: best & worst years

Based on CarVitals reliability verdicts, the Nissan Versa years to approach with the most caution are 2012 and 2014. Below is every model year we cover (2007–2024), ranked, with the owner-reported problems behind each call.

Every Nissan Versa year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2022 Caution 6 Xtronic CVT judder, slipping, loss of power and limp-mode, with some early transmission failures; subject to an open NHTSA defect investigation (PE24007).; Hood latch failures reported, including cases where the hood released and struck the windshield while driving.; Electrical and infotainment glitches (touchscreen, warning lights, accessory faults). Full report ↗
2021 Caution 6 Xtronic CVT judder, slipping, loss of power and limp-mode, with some early transmission failures; subject to an open NHTSA defect investigation (PE24007).; Hood latch failures reported, including cases where the hood released and struck the windshield while driving.; Electrical and infotainment glitches (touchscreen, warning lights, accessory faults). Full report ↗
2019 Caution 6 Jatco CVT prone to judder, slipping, overheating and premature failure (often 70k-90k miles), the subject of a class-action lawsuit; repairs run several thousand dollars.; Takata front airbag inflator recall affects these years; some owners also report airbag warning-light and module faults.; Engine stalling and hesitation reported, sometimes mistaken for transmission behavior. Full report ↗
2018 Caution 6 Jatco CVT prone to judder, slipping, overheating and premature failure (often 70k-90k miles), the subject of a class-action lawsuit; repairs run several thousand dollars.; Takata front airbag inflator recall affects these years; some owners also report airbag warning-light and module faults.; Engine stalling and hesitation reported, sometimes mistaken for transmission behavior. Full report ↗
2011 Caution 6 Takata front airbag inflator recall plus reports of airbag warning lights and driver-airbag module failures.; Front coil springs can fracture and corrode, especially on cars used in salt-belt states; addressed by a safety recall.; Exhaust and catalytic-converter flange corrosion, sometimes at low mileage. Full report ↗
2010 Caution 6 Takata front airbag inflator recall plus reports of airbag warning lights and driver-airbag module failures.; Front coil springs can fracture and corrode, especially on cars used in salt-belt states; addressed by a safety recall.; Exhaust and catalytic-converter flange corrosion, sometimes at low mileage. Full report ↗
2024 Caution 5 Xtronic CVT judder, slipping, loss of power and limp-mode, with some early transmission failures; subject to an open NHTSA defect investigation (PE24007).; Hood latch failures reported, including cases where the hood released and struck the windshield while driving.; Electrical and infotainment glitches (touchscreen, warning lights, accessory faults). Full report ↗
2023 Caution 5 Xtronic CVT judder, slipping, loss of power and limp-mode, with some early transmission failures; subject to an open NHTSA defect investigation (PE24007).; Hood latch failures reported, including cases where the hood released and struck the windshield while driving.; Electrical and infotainment glitches (touchscreen, warning lights, accessory faults). Full report ↗
2020 Caution 5 Xtronic CVT judder, slipping, loss of power and limp-mode, with some early transmission failures; subject to an open NHTSA defect investigation (PE24007).; Hood latch failures reported, including cases where the hood released and struck the windshield while driving.; Electrical and infotainment glitches (touchscreen, warning lights, accessory faults). Full report ↗
2017 Caution 5 Jatco CVT prone to judder, slipping, overheating and premature failure (often 70k-90k miles), the subject of a class-action lawsuit; repairs run several thousand dollars.; Takata front airbag inflator recall affects these years; some owners also report airbag warning-light and module faults.; Engine stalling and hesitation reported, sometimes mistaken for transmission behavior. Full report ↗
2016 Caution 5 Jatco CVT prone to judder, slipping, overheating and premature failure (often 70k-90k miles), the subject of a class-action lawsuit; repairs run several thousand dollars.; Takata front airbag inflator recall affects these years; some owners also report airbag warning-light and module faults.; Engine stalling and hesitation reported, sometimes mistaken for transmission behavior. Full report ↗
2009 Caution 5 Takata front airbag inflator recall plus reports of airbag warning lights and driver-airbag module failures.; Front coil springs can fracture and corrode, especially on cars used in salt-belt states; addressed by a safety recall.; Exhaust and catalytic-converter flange corrosion, sometimes at low mileage. Full report ↗
2008 Caution 5 Takata front airbag inflator recall plus reports of airbag warning lights and driver-airbag module failures.; Front coil springs can fracture and corrode, especially on cars used in salt-belt states; addressed by a safety recall.; Exhaust and catalytic-converter flange corrosion, sometimes at low mileage. Full report ↗
2007 Caution 5 Takata front airbag inflator recall plus reports of airbag warning lights and driver-airbag module failures.; Front coil springs can fracture and corrode, especially on cars used in salt-belt states; addressed by a safety recall.; Exhaust and catalytic-converter flange corrosion, sometimes at low mileage. Full report ↗
2015 Caution 4 Jatco CVT prone to judder, slipping, overheating and premature failure (often 70k-90k miles), the subject of a class-action lawsuit; repairs run several thousand dollars.; Takata front airbag inflator recall affects these years; some owners also report airbag warning-light and module faults.; Engine stalling and hesitation reported, sometimes mistaken for transmission behavior. Full report ↗
2014 Avoid 4 Jatco CVT prone to judder, slipping, overheating and premature failure (often 70k-90k miles), the subject of a class-action lawsuit; repairs run several thousand dollars.; Takata front airbag inflator recall affects these years; some owners also report airbag warning-light and module faults.; Engine stalling and hesitation reported, sometimes mistaken for transmission behavior. Full report ↗
2013 Caution 4 Jatco CVT prone to judder, slipping, overheating and premature failure (often 70k-90k miles), the subject of a class-action lawsuit; repairs run several thousand dollars.; Takata front airbag inflator recall affects these years; some owners also report airbag warning-light and module faults.; Engine stalling and hesitation reported, sometimes mistaken for transmission behavior. Full report ↗
2012 Avoid 4 Jatco CVT prone to judder, slipping, overheating and premature failure (often 70k-90k miles), the subject of a class-action lawsuit; repairs run several thousand dollars.; Takata front airbag inflator recall affects these years; some owners also report airbag warning-light and module faults.; Engine stalling and hesitation reported, sometimes mistaken for transmission behavior. Full report ↗

Nissan Versa problems by year

2024 Nissan Versa Caution

Affordable, safe subcompact, but an uptick in CVT failure/limp-mode complaints (open NHTSA investigation PE24007); cheap to run, watch the transmission.

  • Xtronic CVT judder, slipping, loss of power and limp-mode, with some early transmission failures; subject to an open NHTSA defect investigation (PE24007).
  • Hood latch failures reported, including cases where the hood released and struck the windshield while driving.
  • Electrical and infotainment glitches (touchscreen, warning lights, accessory faults).

2023 Nissan Versa Caution

Third-gen Versa with strong safety and value; CVT-related powertrain complaints tick up slightly, so verify transmission service.

  • Xtronic CVT judder, slipping, loss of power and limp-mode, with some early transmission failures; subject to an open NHTSA defect investigation (PE24007).
  • Hood latch failures reported, including cases where the hood released and struck the windshield while driving.
  • Electrical and infotainment glitches (touchscreen, warning lights, accessory faults).

2022 Nissan Versa Caution

Lowest-complaint Versa ever; modern safety (Safety Shield 360, 5-star) and cheap to buy and run, with CVT durability the only real caution.

  • Xtronic CVT judder, slipping, loss of power and limp-mode, with some early transmission failures; subject to an open NHTSA defect investigation (PE24007).
  • Hood latch failures reported, including cases where the hood released and struck the windshield while driving.
  • Electrical and infotainment glitches (touchscreen, warning lights, accessory faults).

2021 Nissan Versa Caution

Third-gen Versa with standard advanced safety and very low complaint volume; CVT longevity is the long-term asterisk but it is among the better used picks.

  • Xtronic CVT judder, slipping, loss of power and limp-mode, with some early transmission failures; subject to an open NHTSA defect investigation (PE24007).
  • Hood latch failures reported, including cases where the hood released and struck the windshield while driving.
  • Electrical and infotainment glitches (touchscreen, warning lights, accessory faults).

2020 Nissan Versa Caution

All-new third-gen Versa adds a 5-star safety rating and standard automatic emergency braking; the launch year shows early CVT limp-mode complaints, otherwise a strong value.

  • Xtronic CVT judder, slipping, loss of power and limp-mode, with some early transmission failures; subject to an open NHTSA defect investigation (PE24007).
  • Hood latch failures reported, including cases where the hood released and struck the windshield while driving.
  • Electrical and infotainment glitches (touchscreen, warning lights, accessory faults).

2019 Nissan Versa Caution

Cleanest second-gen year (lowest complaint volume); an aging design but proven, cheap to run, with the CVT the only lingering concern.

  • Jatco CVT prone to judder, slipping, overheating and premature failure (often 70k-90k miles), the subject of a class-action lawsuit; repairs run several thousand dollars.
  • Takata front airbag inflator recall affects these years; some owners also report airbag warning-light and module faults.
  • Engine stalling and hesitation reported, sometimes mistaken for transmission behavior.

2018 Nissan Versa Caution

Turning-point year with notably fewer transmission complaints; still a basic, slow economy car but a more dependable used pick within the generation.

  • Jatco CVT prone to judder, slipping, overheating and premature failure (often 70k-90k miles), the subject of a class-action lawsuit; repairs run several thousand dollars.
  • Takata front airbag inflator recall affects these years; some owners also report airbag warning-light and module faults.
  • Engine stalling and hesitation reported, sometimes mistaken for transmission behavior.

2017 Nissan Versa Caution

Later second-gen Versa with fewer CVT complaints than 2012-15, though the risk lingers; cheap to own, verify transmission fluid service.

  • Jatco CVT prone to judder, slipping, overheating and premature failure (often 70k-90k miles), the subject of a class-action lawsuit; repairs run several thousand dollars.
  • Takata front airbag inflator recall affects these years; some owners also report airbag warning-light and module faults.
  • Engine stalling and hesitation reported, sometimes mistaken for transmission behavior.

2016 Nissan Versa Caution

CVT complaints easing but still present; Takata recall applies; an inexpensive subcompact best bought with documented transmission service.

  • Jatco CVT prone to judder, slipping, overheating and premature failure (often 70k-90k miles), the subject of a class-action lawsuit; repairs run several thousand dollars.
  • Takata front airbag inflator recall affects these years; some owners also report airbag warning-light and module faults.
  • Engine stalling and hesitation reported, sometimes mistaken for transmission behavior.

2015 Nissan Versa Caution

CVT reliability remains the defining risk (premature failure ~70-90k miles); Takata recall applies; budget transport with a transmission asterisk.

  • Jatco CVT prone to judder, slipping, overheating and premature failure (often 70k-90k miles), the subject of a class-action lawsuit; repairs run several thousand dollars.
  • Takata front airbag inflator recall affects these years; some owners also report airbag warning-light and module faults.
  • Engine stalling and hesitation reported, sometimes mistaken for transmission behavior.

2014 Nissan Versa Avoid

Heavy CVT-failure year (judder/slip/limp-mode, class action) plus the Takata recall; very cheap to buy and run, but a serious powertrain liability.

  • Jatco CVT prone to judder, slipping, overheating and premature failure (often 70k-90k miles), the subject of a class-action lawsuit; repairs run several thousand dollars.
  • Takata front airbag inflator recall affects these years; some owners also report airbag warning-light and module faults.
  • Engine stalling and hesitation reported, sometimes mistaken for transmission behavior.

2013 Nissan Versa Caution

Second-gen Versa with the problematic Jatco CVT (judder, slipping, premature failure) plus the Takata airbag recall; cheap but a real transmission risk.

  • Jatco CVT prone to judder, slipping, overheating and premature failure (often 70k-90k miles), the subject of a class-action lawsuit; repairs run several thousand dollars.
  • Takata front airbag inflator recall affects these years; some owners also report airbag warning-light and module faults.
  • Engine stalling and hesitation reported, sometimes mistaken for transmission behavior.

2012 Nissan Versa Avoid

Worst-rated Versa year: the redesigned sedan introduced the Jatco CVT, prone to early failure (~70k mi, class action), alongside the Takata recall and a long recall list. Avoid the CVT cars.

  • Jatco CVT prone to judder, slipping, overheating and premature failure (often 70k-90k miles), the subject of a class-action lawsuit; repairs run several thousand dollars.
  • Takata front airbag inflator recall affects these years; some owners also report airbag warning-light and module faults.
  • Engine stalling and hesitation reported, sometimes mistaken for transmission behavior.

2011 Nissan Versa Caution

Late first-gen Versa with lower complaint volume; the Takata airbag recall applies, otherwise a basic, durable, low-cost economy car.

  • Takata front airbag inflator recall plus reports of airbag warning lights and driver-airbag module failures.
  • Front coil springs can fracture and corrode, especially on cars used in salt-belt states; addressed by a safety recall.
  • Exhaust and catalytic-converter flange corrosion, sometimes at low mileage.

2010 Nissan Versa Caution

Complaints ease versus 2009; still under the Takata airbag recall, but a simpler, cheaper-to-own first-gen Versa with an available manual.

  • Takata front airbag inflator recall plus reports of airbag warning lights and driver-airbag module failures.
  • Front coil springs can fracture and corrode, especially on cars used in salt-belt states; addressed by a safety recall.
  • Exhaust and catalytic-converter flange corrosion, sometimes at low mileage.

2009 Nissan Versa Caution

Highest-complaint first-gen year, driven mostly by the Takata airbag recall and salt-state front-coil-spring fractures; the underlying car is simple and inexpensive.

  • Takata front airbag inflator recall plus reports of airbag warning lights and driver-airbag module failures.
  • Front coil springs can fracture and corrode, especially on cars used in salt-belt states; addressed by a safety recall.
  • Exhaust and catalytic-converter flange corrosion, sometimes at low mileage.

2008 Nissan Versa Caution

Affordable, roomy subcompact with low running costs; main flags are the Takata airbag recall and suspension/coil-spring corrosion complaints.

  • Takata front airbag inflator recall plus reports of airbag warning lights and driver-airbag module failures.
  • Front coil springs can fracture and corrode, especially on cars used in salt-belt states; addressed by a safety recall.
  • Exhaust and catalytic-converter flange corrosion, sometimes at low mileage.

2007 Nissan Versa Caution

Launch-year Versa: a simple, cheap-to-run 1.8L economy car, but it carries the Takata airbag recall and front-coil-spring/suspension complaints; verify recall completion.

  • Takata front airbag inflator recall plus reports of airbag warning lights and driver-airbag module failures.
  • Front coil springs can fracture and corrode, especially on cars used in salt-belt states; addressed by a safety recall.
  • Exhaust and catalytic-converter flange corrosion, sometimes at low mileage.

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Nissan models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.