2020 Nissan Versa Complaints

SUSPENSION — Filed 07/21/2026

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

POWER TRAIN — Filed 06/22/2026

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,ENGINE — Filed 04/01/2026

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

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 05/20/2023

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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE — Filed 03/15/2025

several recalls but dealer my did not have any

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY/WIPER — Filed 03/31/2026

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 03/24/2026

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 01/01/2026

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 07/05/2025

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.

POWER TRAIN,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 01/05/2026

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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 12/20/2025

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,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 10/01/2020

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). Engineering Investigation: On both occasions, the dealerships specifically noted that the issue (DTC P0101 and associated warnings/power loss) was "under investigation under Nissan Engineers." Technical Service Bulletin (TSB): Nissan has acknowledged this widespread issue by releasing TSB NTB21-049 (June 8, 2021), which addresses the "MIL ON WITH DTC P0101" for the 2020-2021 Versa model.

WHEELS,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 10/15/2025

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

AIR BAGS — Filed 09/29/2025

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,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS — Filed 02/01/2025

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 08/15/2025

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 10/21/2024

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.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE — Filed 04/22/2025

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 05/01/2024

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 07/02/2025

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

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SEATS — Filed 10/17/2024

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Versa. The contact stated while her husband was driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle in front abruptly stopped causing the contact to depress the brake pedal in order to avoid rear-ending the vehicle in front. As a result, the contact was rear-ended, and the vehicle behind that vehicle that rear ended the contact crashed into the rear of the vehicle as well. During the impact, it caused the contact vehicle to be pushed forward and then rear-end the vehicle in front that abruptly stopped. The air bags did not deploy. The driver and passenger seats fractured in a backward position. In addition, the front passenger side seat belt failed to retract during the crash. The contact was seated in the front passenger seat and during the impact she hit her head dashboard and sustained a concussion, shoulders, head, back, jaw, and left leg. The contact sustained head, shoulders, back, and leg injuries. Both received medical attention via the hospital. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was unknown.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 04/08/2022

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking; went to auto service center to fix rest of accident body damage, unsure if they addressed these specific issues until I pick up the car this weekend --- How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - Myself and one other passenger (child) were safely secured while driving, as was the other driver as reported; Safety did feel even more assuring prior to impact, as we were under the impression that FCW and AEB features were going to activate --- Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - It has been reported to both insurance and auto service center, but not reported as of this writing if issues were addressed --- Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - Yes, it is currently at auto service center, in preparation for pickup this weekend --- Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - No. Prior to this accident, I have seen both the FCW and AEB features deploy without any issues when in situation where they would normally.

AIR BAGS — Filed 02/14/2022

MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HER 2020 NISSAN VERSA SR BACK FROM A DOCTORS APPOINTMENT AT 3:30 PM ON 14 FEB 2022 TRAVELING ABOUT 25 MPH THRU RESIDENTIAL AREA WHEN BOTH SIDE AIR BAGS EXPLODED AND TOTALLY ENCAPSULATING HER SO SHE COULD NOT BREATH NOR MOVE TO STEER THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS ALL SHE COULD DO TO APPLY THE BRAKES. A FIRE TRUCK WS RIGHT BEHIND SO SO WERE ABLE TO RENDER ASSISTANCE AND CUT HER OUT OF THE AIR BAGS SO SHE COULD BREATH. THE AIR BAG IMPACT SEVERELY HURT AND CAUSED BRUSES AND HEARING LOSS AND SHOCK. THERE WAS NO IMPACT NOR DOOR CLOSURES NOR ANYTHING ELSE OTHER THAN A MALFUNCTION WHICH CAUSED THIS. THIS CAR HAS LESS THAN 15,000 MILES. THE. CARS TROUBLE CODE SHOWED A ROLL-OVER CAUSE THE AIR BAGS TO DEPLOY; HOWEVER, AGAIN THERE WAS NO IMPACT NOR ROLL-OVER NOR ANY DAMAGE TO THIS VEHICLE WHICH COULD CAUSE AIR BAGS TO ACTIVATE. PLEASE UNDERSTAND THE AIR BAGS WERE ACTIVATED BY WHAT APPEARS TO BE A COMPLETELY RANDOM ELECTRICAL MALFUNCTION. i SUSPECT THE CAUE MIGHT BE SOMESORT OF SENSITIVITY TO ELECTROMAGNECTIC RADIATION SUCH AS THE NEW 5G CELL PHONES OR HIGH POWERED RADIOS SO.... IN THE PAST... Nissan determined the wrong combination of metals was used in the side airbag sensor connector harness, causing oxidation on the pins of the airbag control unit harness connection. The oxidation on the connector pins can cause a short loss of communication from the satellite sensor to the airbag control unit.The Nissan Versa curtain and seat-mounted side airbag system will enter a backup mode when signal loss occurs and this backup mode allows the curtain and seat-mountain side airbags to deploy as intended in a crash. However, the backup mode that kicks in from signal loss changes the requirements that must be met for the airbags to deploy, so simply slamming the doors can activate the airbags. Typically the force needed to activate the airbags can only come from someone slamming a door from the outside, but real hazards exist if occupant is inside the car when airbags deploy.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 12/14/2021

After I crossed a bridge between 55 and 60 mph the aeb gave a collision warning and almost immediately applied full braking power. This caused a 3 car collision that resulted in moderate injuries. Before the incident there were no recalls or other repairs needed on the car. After the incident the car was inspected for potential issues by a team of lawyers the insurance company and the repair shop and no non crash damage related issues were found. Since the vehicle was repaired the problem has occurred on 3 separate occasions during normal daily use.

AIR BAGS,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 11/13/2020

I HAD AN ACCIDENT WHERE I STRUCK A DEER. THE FLOOR AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND INJURED ME. MY LEG HAS A BAD HEMOTOMA FROM IT.