2020 Nissan Versa

Routine

Owners filed 64 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the power train. It has been recalled 2 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Power Train13
000
Engine11
000
Electrical System7
000
Unknown or Other6
000
Service Brakes5
000
Air Bags4
303
Fuel/Propulsion System3
000
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking3
102
Wheels2
000
Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings2
100

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal › Bulbs21V471000
Filed Jun 23, 202130,799 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. Inoperable front turn signals cannot alert on-coming drivers and/or pedestrians that the vehicle will be turning, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will inspect and replace the bulbs as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 20, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PM986 and PC811.

Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly20V112000
Filed Feb 26, 202046 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. If a small hole is present, a fuel leak may occur if the operator fills the tank over half full, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy. Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began April 6, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Suspension
Filed Jul 21, 2026PA

Driving home heard loud metallic sounding”pop” sound at entering driveway in reverse. Found broken spring piece in driveway.

Power Train
Filed Jun 24, 2026FL

My 2020 Nissan versa kept hesitating when being put in reverse the engine light kept coming on every few months I kept being told it was other issues until the transmission went out. I got it checked on multiple occasions because of the way it was hesitating and seemed like it was heating up.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 11, 2026SC

I am constantly getting a malfunction for P0101 despite changing my air flow system. It creates acceleration problems everytime.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 14, 2026LA

Since 2021 my 2020 Nissan versa SR had been giving me problems with the sensors. All of the dash lights would come on. Then in 2023 my vehicle started to stall and hesitate. It’s gotten to the point where I’d be taking a left turn and I’d press the gas and my car would move a few inches. It’s become very dangerous. Even after changing the air flow sensor my car continues to have problems with acceleration, stalling and hesitating.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Apr 1, 2026MO

Several recalls but dealer my did not have any

Unknown or Other
Filed Mar 31, 2026LA

On the interstate from [XXX] to [XXX] the Nissan Versa's License Plate reflected light so bright that it blinded my ride and we had to slow down and wait for them to get farther away from us. This is not random, they have a spray fixative on their license plate designed to block cameras from clocking their license plate or their numbers being recorded. This was easy to see whenever a light is shined onto it, you can see the thin film of camera block spray that is extremely reflective. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Power Train
Filed Mar 24, 2026155,146 milesAL

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle unexpectedly jerked and stalled with the transmission warning light and the malfunction indicator warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 155,146.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Feb 26, 2026TX

Unknown: overwhelming smell of fuel (fumes) inside the cabin. Dealer "repaired" the issue when newer. Car has same issue again but the Dealer has NO records of what was done to fix the problem. Exposed to these fumes cannot be good for driver nor passengers.

Power Train
Filed Feb 23, 2026NM

I have a 2020 Nissan versa it only has 100,000 miles on it. That’s not really a lot since it had about 75000 miles on it. I noticed that the car started slightly jerking. I couldn’t figure out what was going wrong and neither could anybody else eventually at around 100,000 miles I took it into another mechanic and he found the problem. The transmission is slipping and it is completely ruined. The whole transaxle assembly needs to be replaced not only is this expensive but it’s also very dangerous sometimes when I try to move the car I put in gear I start to drive and it jerks so bad that it starts to stall when I contacted Nissan about this they refused to help with any Solution. The transmission costs anywhere from $8000-$12,000 for that price. I could buy a new 2020 Nissan versa.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jan 8, 2026UT

Recently out 2020 Nissan Versa started "Shuddering" when accelerating at low speeds. I took it to the Nissan Dealership and they quoted me $7,000 saying the transmission had to be replaced. I conducted online reviews and found Nissan customers experience this same issue in concerning numbers. I found multiple Nissan Technical Bulletins about this very issue, with this vehicle. Not only is it concerning they are allowing the safety of our loved ones to be at risk, but then do not have the loyalty to the customers to fix the problem with a recall.

Engine
Filed Dec 21, 2025PA

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.

Power Train
Filed Nov 3, 2025TX

I am reporting a chronic and dangerous defect in my 2020 Nissan Versa that results in an unpredictable, sudden, and complete loss of acceleration (motive power) while driving. This defect has been present since shortly after purchase and remains unresolved, posing a severe safety risk on public roads. Specific Safety Incident Details: Symptoms: The failure begins with the illumination of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light), simultaneously accompanied by dashboard messages like "Malfunction See Owner’s Manual" and "Key System Error." The Critical Safety Hazard (Loss of Power): Immediately following the dash warning, the vehicle experiences a major, sudden loss of acceleration. This is not a gradual deceleration—the throttle becomes unresponsive, and the vehicle will not accelerate for approximately 4 to 5 seconds. Driving Conditions: This failure occurs randomly, including during critical maneuvers such as accelerating from a stop, merging into traffic, or attempting to accelerate on a highway. Consequence: When the vehicle unexpectedly fails to accelerate (especially in high-speed or high-traffic situations), it creates a high risk of being struck from behind or being unable to clear an intersection or merging lane safely. Initial Report (In-Warranty): The problem was first reported on March 31, 2021 (Mileage 25,404) to Central Houston Nissan (Invoice # NICS309560) and again on July 29, 2021 (Mileage 32,229) to Sterling McCall Nissan (Invoice # 2373806). Engin

Engine
Filed Oct 16, 2025TX

Stalls when accelerating after temporary stopping. Particularly when pulling out onto a main road. Wheels not registering psi properly.

Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Sep 30, 2025OK

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while driving 25-30 MPH, another vehicle ran the stop sign and crashed into the front driver's side of the vehicle, and the entire front end of the vehicle was impacted and was significantly damaged. The contact stated that the front bumper separated and the headlights detached. The contact was occupying the front driver's seat while the contact's husband was occupying the front passenger's side seat. The contact stated that all the air bags deployed except the passenger's side curtain air bags, causing the contact's husband to hit his head against the window. Both the contact and her husband later went to the hospital, where the contact's husband was informed that he had sustained a concussion and a bump. The contact's husband also sustained burns and bruises on the legs from the air bags deployment. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Power Train
Filed Aug 29, 2025AL

I have replaced the mass airflow sensor multiple times also transmission is starting to slipping,not responding correctly, when this starts all the lights on my dash come on and also does not accelerate or respond as it should very dissatisfied when they saw me would never recommend to buy another one

Electrical System
Filed Aug 15, 2025CA

Car runs rough at idle and has difficulty accelerating. Check engine lights comes on intermittently. CODE p0101 points at MAF sensor. Replaced multiple times. Cleaned air system, ie filter, hoses and throttle body. Same issues. Car feels unpredictable and unsafe. Can’t accelerate through intersections and does not respond well went issue is present.

Power Train
Filed Jul 28, 202560,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2020 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 check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the Chevrolet dealer where the vehicle was purchased, and the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Engine
Filed Jul 15, 2025MN

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.

Engine
Filed Jul 3, 2025MS

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.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 2, 2025FL

The transmission slips constantly. Car loses power. When they check the car they say nothing is wrong. CVT transmission

20 of 64 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2009
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
202512000Routine
202495100Routine
202337100Routine
202220000Routine
202131300Routine
2020 — this page64200Routine
201924100Routine
201855200Routine
201762300Routine
201680011Fatalities reported
2015168121Fatalities reported
2014207201Fatalities reported
2013204103Fatalities reported
20124861161Fatalities reported
2011269761Fatalities reported
2010268831Fatalities reported
2009503820Above average
2008381883Fatalities reported
2007354981Fatalities reported

Compare every Versa year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jun 23, 2021. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.