2020-2025 Nissan Versa Reliability Score: 5.8 out of 10

Reliability Score

5.8 / 10

Reliability score

More owner complaints than similar subcompacts

The class average is 7.0. Based on complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the engine, transmission or drivetrain.

Owners filed 148 powertrain complaints. A typical subcompact fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 93.

Scores this low have often eased: the three years after looked about 1.5 points better in the typical case.

Complaints have risen since 2023.

Breakdown

Complaints overall148 complaints against about 93 for similar vehicles

5.8

Last three years134 complaints against about 71 for similar vehicles

5.3

Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced9 complaints against about 24 for similar vehicles

8.9

Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating

n/aNot enough data

Each line scores one view of the same complaints the same way, so the lines overlap. The mark on each bar is the class average. A line needs 20 expected complaints to show a number.

By model year

20207.1
20218.3
20225.5
20233.5
2024n/a
2025n/a

Similar vehicles are others in the same class, compared at the same age and in the same years. The score counts complaints owners filed with NHTSA, per vehicle built, which is different from the share of vehicles that fail. How the score is worked out

On the record

No serious powertrain recall covering 5% or more of this generation and no escalated investigation in NHTSA's files. Warranty extensions and settlements have not been researched.

Complaints by Engine Code

Nissan Versa Unidentified Engine

260 complaints 43.3 per year

View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine

105

transmission

85

electrical

46

other

36

safety systems

34

Owner Complaints by System

Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Nissan Versa, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.

Engine: 105 owner complaints

Transmission: 85 owner complaints

Electrical System: 46 owner complaints

Safety Systems: 34 owner complaints

Fuel System: 26 owner complaints

What to check on a used 2020-2025 Nissan Versa

On a used 2020-2025 Nissan Versa, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the engine (105), the transmission and drivetrain (85) and the electrical system (46). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 105 owner complaints on the 2020-2025 Nissan Versa about the engine.
Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 85 owner complaints on the 2020-2025 Nissan Versa about the transmission and drivetrain.
Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 46 owner complaints on the 2020-2025 Nissan Versa about the electrical system.
Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 34 owner complaints on the 2020-2025 Nissan Versa about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
Let the engine idle for five minutes, walk around the car and smell for fuel.Safety. NHTSA has 26 owner complaints on the 2020-2025 Nissan Versa about the fuel system.

Open the full inspection checklist for the 2020-2025 Nissan Versa

Recalls (5)

24V154000Feb 27, 2024serious

Air Bags

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024 Titan, Frontier, Infiniti QX60, Pathfinder, 2023-2024 Sentra, Versa, Kicks, Infiniti QX50, and 2023 Rogue vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the driver's air bag inflator may absorb moisture, and cause the air bag to deploy improperly.

23V496000Jul 18, 2023serious

Steering

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Versa and Kicks vehicles. An intermittent electrical connection in the electric power steering (EPS) torque sensor can disable the power steering assist.

22V693000Sep 15, 2022serious

Steering

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Versa and Kicks vehicles. An intermittent electrical connection in the electric power steering (EPS) torque sensor can disable the power steering assist.

21V471000Jun 23, 2021serious

Exterior Lighting

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.

20V112000Feb 26, 2020serious

Fuel System

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.

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall ★★★★★ 5/5

Frontal Crash

4/5

Side Crash

5/5

Rollover

4/5 (11.8% risk)

ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard

Overall ★★★★★ 5/5

Frontal Crash

4/5

Side Crash

5/5

Rollover

4/5 (11.8% risk)

ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard

Overall ★★★★★ 5/5

Frontal Crash

4/5

Side Crash

5/5

Rollover

4/5 (11.8% risk)

ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard

Overall ★★★★★ 5/5

Frontal Crash

4/5

Side Crash

5/5

Rollover

4/5 (11.8% risk)

ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard

Overall ★★★★★ 5/5

Frontal Crash

4/5

Side Crash

5/5

Rollover

4/5 (11.8% risk)

ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard

Overall ★★★★★ 5/5

Frontal Crash

5/5

Side Crash

5/5

Rollover

4/5 (11.8% risk)

ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard

All Generations

20072007 20082008 20092009 20102010 20112011 N172012-2019 N182020-2025

Alternatives in Subcompact

2 engines / 47 complaints

2 engines / 108 complaints

2 engines / 759 complaints

2 engines / 448 complaints

3 engines / 192 complaints

3 engines / 260 complaints

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2020-2025 Nissan Versa complaints?

Owners have filed 260 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020-2025 Nissan Versa. The systems they name most often are the engine, the transmission and the electrical system.

Is the 2020-2025 Nissan Versa a good used car?

That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 260 complaints with NHTSA about the 2020-2025 Nissan Versa. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2020-2025 Nissan Versa have?

NHTSA has 260 owner complaints on file for the 2020-2025 Nissan Versa as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

What recalls affect the 2020-2025 Nissan Versa?

NHTSA lists 5 recalls covering some 2020-2025 Nissan Versa vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.

What should I check before buying a used Nissan Versa?

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the engine, the transmission and the electrical system, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Versa?

The 2025 Nissan Versa received an overall 5-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 4 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (11.8% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 260 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.