2021 Nissan Versa: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
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. 3 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2021 Nissan Versa ranged from $14,980 to $18,390 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
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.
Sources (3)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=nissan&model=versa&…
- rerev.comhttps://rerev.com/articles/nissan-versa-years-to-avoid/
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/nissan/versa
Known issues
-
Xtronic CVT judder, slipping, loss of power and limp-mode, with some early transmission failures; subject to an open NHTSA defect investigation (PE24007).
commonly reported · 34 NHTSA complaints · typically 20k–90k miles · transmission
-
Hood latch failures reported, including cases where the hood released and struck the windshield while driving.
isolated · 2 NHTSA complaints · body
-
Electrical and infotainment glitches (touchscreen, warning lights, accessory faults).
occasional · 11 NHTSA complaints · electrical
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (2)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=nissan&model=versa&…
- carparts.comhttps://www.carparts.com/blog/nissan-versa-reliability-and-common-problems/
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Low repair and insurance costs.
- Frugal fuel economy (around 32-35 mpg combined with the CVT).
- Standard Safety Shield 360 with automatic emergency braking and a 5-star NHTSA overall rating.
- Roomy, adult-friendly interior with the most head and legroom in its class.
- One of the lowest-priced new cars in America; exceptional value as basic transportation.
Cons
- Stiff ride and unrefined handling.
- Slow, underpowered acceleration.
- CVT reliability and longevity remain a concern (limp-mode complaints and an open NHTSA investigation).
- Base S trim lacks Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | $14,980 | $17,390 | — | — |
| SV | $17,790 | $20,690 | — | — |
| SR | $18,390 | $21,390 | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2021-nissan-versa-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/nissan-versa-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($14,980). Higher trims started higher (up to $18,390), and options added more.
Curve outlook: a typical 2021 loses roughly another 27% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/nissan-versa/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $450–500/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $1,600–1,700/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~200k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/nissan/versa
- moneygeek.comhttps://www.moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/nissan-versa-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2021 Nissan Versa have?
Documented issue patterns include: 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). Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2021 Nissan Versa reliable?
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.
How much did the 2021 Nissan Versa cost new?
Between $14,980 and $18,390 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid. 2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Is the Nissan Versa expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $450–500/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.