What are the most common Nissan Versa problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 4,180+ owner reports, the 2018 Nissan Versa has 13 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: CVT Transmission Failure (Jatco CVT7/JF015E), Rear Coil Spring Fracture and Corrosion, Passenger Occupant Classification Sensor (OCS) Mat Failure — Passenger Airbag Stays Disabled. Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Nissan Versa reliable?
The 2018 Nissan Versa has 13 known issues documented across 4,180+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: CVT Transmission Failure (Jatco CVT7/JF015E) and Rear Coil Spring Fracture and Corrosion and Passenger Occupant Classification Sensor (OCS) Mat Failure — Passenger Airbag Stays Disabled. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Nissan Versa problems?
Repair costs for known Nissan Versa issues range from $10 to $4,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, CVT Transmission Failure (Jatco CVT7/JF015E), typically costs $300-$4,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2012-2021 Nissan Versa CVT Transmission Failure (Jatco CVT7/JF015E)?
The 2012-2021 Versa CVT (Jatco JF015E) is one of the most failure-prone transmissions in Nissan's lineup. The combination of a budget vehicle with heavy use leads to premature CVT failure, often before 100,000 miles. Nissan extended the CVT warranty on 2012-2017 models to 10 year… Repairs typically run $300-$4,500. Severity: high.
What is the 2012-2019 Nissan Versa Rear Coil Spring Fracture and Corrosion?
The 2012-2019 Versa rear coil springs are prone to fracture, particularly in cold/salt-belt climates. The springs corrode and break, potentially puncturing tires or causing suspension collapse. Nissan issued Recall R1713 (NHTSA 17V-633) for 2012 Versa Note models and extended cov… Repairs typically run $200-$500. Severity: high.
What is the 2007-2022 Nissan Versa Passenger Occupant Classification Sensor (OCS) Mat Failure — Passenger Airbag Stays Disabled?
The Versa's NISSAN Advanced Air Bag System weighs the front passenger via an occupant classification sensor mat and bladder built into the passenger seat cushion, plus a seat-belt tension sensor. The pressure mat's printed circuit traces crack from repeated seat loading, and the… Repairs typically run $150-$1,200. Severity: high.
What is the 2007-2023 Nissan Versa HR16DE Timing Chain Tensioner Slack — Cold-Start Rattle and Chain Guide Wear?
The 1.6L HR16DE uses a timing chain, not a belt, but Nissan pairs it with a hydraulically pressurized tensioner fed by a variable-displacement oil pump that produces low pressure at idle and low rpm. On a cold start the tensioner has bled down and the pump is not yet making press… Repairs typically run $700-$1,800. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2024 Nissan Versa Rear Wheel Bearing Failure — Press-In Bearing on the Torsion-Beam Axle?
The Versa's rear suspension is a simple torsion beam with non-driven hubs, and on sedan and Versa Note models the rear bearing is a press-in double-row unit rather than a bolt-on hub cartridge. These are a well-documented wear item on the platform, typically surfacing between rou… Repairs typically run $180-$650. Severity: medium.
What is the 2012-2022 Nissan Versa Catalytic Converter Premature Failure and Theft?
The Versa experiences premature catalytic converter failure and is a frequent target for catalytic converter theft due to its low ground clearance providing easy access. The converter substrate degrades over time, triggered by engine running conditions and short trip driving. Eve… Repairs typically run $250-$1,400. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2019 Nissan Versa Ignition Coil Failure?
The Versa HR16DE engine experiences ignition coil failure, typically one coil at a time. Failed coils cause misfires on the affected cylinder, resulting in rough running, loss of power, and increased emissions. The compact engine bay and heat soak contribute to coil degradation. Repairs typically run $80-$400. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2019 Nissan Versa Piston Ring and Valve Guide Oil Consumption — Quart Loss Between Changes With No External Leak?
A recurring Versa complaint across both the 1.6L HR16DE and the 1.8L MR18DE is oil disappearing with no drips on the driveway and no visible smoke. The two mechanisms owners and mechanics land on are oil-control ring coking — the low-tension rings carbon up in their grooves and s… Repairs typically run $200-$4,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2023 Nissan Versa Collapsed Hydraulic Engine Mount and Torque Strut — Idle Shake and Clunk on Acceleration?
The transverse HR16DE/MR18DE drivetrain is carried on a soft mount set tuned to keep a small four-cylinder from buzzing the cabin. The passenger-side upper mount is a fluid-filled hydraulic design, and it is the one that goes first: the rubber splits, the damping fluid leaks out,… Repairs typically run $180-$600. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2024 Nissan Versa Door Lock Actuator Gear Stripping — Buzzing Door and Door Stuck Shut?
Each Versa door contains an integrated lock actuator with a small DC motor driving a nylon gear train. The gears strip or the motor's internal contacts wear, and the result is the classic signature owners describe: a loud buzzing, grinding, or rapid machine-gun clicking from insi… Repairs typically run $120-$450. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2019 Nissan Versa Mass Air Flow Sensor Failure?
The Nissan Versa MAF sensor is prone to contamination and failure, particularly on the HR16DE 1.6L engine. The hot wire element becomes contaminated with oil vapors from the PCV system and dirt that passes through the air filter. This causes incorrect air flow readings, leading t… Repairs typically run $10-$250. Severity: low.
What is the 2012-2022 Nissan Versa Front Strut Mount Bearing Noise?
The second and third generation Versa develops noise from the front strut mount bearings, producing a creaking, popping, or groaning sound when turning the steering wheel, especially at low speeds and in parking lots. The strut mount bearing (also called a strut plate bearing) we… Repairs typically run $100-$600. Severity: low.
What is the 2007-2019 Nissan Versa HVAC Blower Motor Resistor Pack Burnout — Fan Works Only on High?
The Versa's manual-climate HVAC uses a resistor pack (Nissan p/n 27150-EY00A on early cars) mounted in the air ducting next to the blower motor to drop voltage for the low and mid fan speeds; only the top speed bypasses it through a relay. The resistor element runs hot, and it ru… Repairs typically run $60-$350. Severity: low.
