2012 Nissan Versa Owner Complaints

My car keeps having sensors go out. Such as the tire pressure sensor and fuel compression sensor I think is what they called it anyways. They start to go up a hill. And my car loses all speed and slows way down my traction control. Don't turn on when it's supposed to. And needs to my cruise control, quit working when this went out. And my engines started sounding louder, which is weird because it's the one variable transmission. I love this car. I really. I'm tired of replacing sensors, though. Why do they keep going out? I kind of need those sensors to keep the carving good and the tire sensor lets me know if my tires are going flat or not. And I don't know now. I have to constantly be checking my tires with it. Pressure gauge also May I ask how to find out value? I found out the Carla. I'm buying this from has charged me 3 times more than it's claimed value that carmax says it's worth Which honestly I love this car so much? It really doesn't bother me that they did. But at the same time, I'm having to spend all this money getting it fixed. Because things keep going out. Online it says that it's only worth maybe 6000 I'm paying almost 15000 plus I've paid out a pucket Quite a bit and On top of that it has a warranty But I'm still having to replace things that are kind of strange to be going out. You've repeatedly what could be causing this to happen over and over

NHTSA ID

11714475

Incident

Nov 17, 2025

The transmission failed on the highway making the car serging violently from high to low speeds and then to nothing

NHTSA ID

11693228

Incident

Sep 16, 2025

The contact owns 2012 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling or while driving at various speeds, the driver's side floor was significantly hot, and the contact could feel the heat on her feet. The contact stated that the front driver's side floor carpet was burned, and the metal was visible. Additionally, the contact stated that the front brake pads were wearing prematurely and were replaced several times. The contact stated that while an oil change was being performed at Express Oil, the technician informed the contact that he had burned his hand due to the exhaust and manifold being significantly hot. The contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where the contact was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test and the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that she would be contacted later. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11684953

Incident

Mar 4, 2025

I bought a used 2012 Nissan Versa from a third party at a very low mileage (46k miles), and it’s now at 54k, and the CVT is showing issues. Check engine light recently came on and I’ve always went to Nissan technicians and they said they’re surprised at 54k miles I’m even having this kind of an issue. However because of the age of vehicle and warranty expired in 2018 well after I purchased it, Nissan refuses to repair what they’ve seem to have poorly manufactured. I’m a student and cannot afford this kind of repair which was the sole purpose of purchasing a low mileage vehicle to begin with. The car is is in great condition, well taken care of, LOW mileage, but a broken down CVT? This is unacceptable.

NHTSA ID

11670423

Incident

Jun 18, 2025

It won’t let me go over 30 without the rpm’s significantly increasing and transmission light is on

NHTSA ID

11663550

Incident

Feb 12, 2025

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that occasionally while driving at various speeds, the horn failed to function while needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who advised the contact to reach out to the local dealer because the failure might be due to a possible air bag failure. The local dealer advised the contact to reach out to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the manufacturer related the failure to an unknown NHTSA Campaign that was possibly associated with the VIN in the past. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.

NHTSA ID

11638727

Incident

Dec 15, 2024

Mileage

136,000 mi

11587629 does not explain the issue I Reported 2012 Nissan Versa SV made July 2011, purchased Sep. 2011. 2022 45000 miles check engine light. o2, crankshaft position codes. A pig tail connected up stream o2 to crankshaft pos. sensor. Pig tail wires not togather, only taped' These two sensors were not connected to main wire harness.. Nissan new harness and labor $1100.+ , for what they didn't make right when built. How many people have been charged for this repair? That was Nissan's fault.

NHTSA ID

11615078

Incident

Apr 20, 2022

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Versa. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway and restart the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with an unstated wiring harness. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 45,000.

NHTSA ID

11587629

Incident

May 8, 2024

Mileage

45,000 mi

Horn issues horn isn't working Car shuts off constantly Multiple misfire codes reading permanent Codes won't clear on code reader Air bag light keeps blinking

NHTSA ID

11578868

Incident

Jun 15, 2022

Wheel hub came right out of the drum nothing broke my wheel just came off car..

NHTSA ID

11578866

Incident

Feb 12, 2024

Upon purchasing my vehicle the frame bolt had rattled loose and the motor mounts were broke because of how hard the engine rattles.

NHTSA ID

11568467

Incident

Nov 12, 2021

The contact owned a 2012 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while driving at 40 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the contact vehicle; however, the air bags failed to deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was injured but did not receive medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was taken to the contact's residence. The vehicle was deemed totaled by the insurance company. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 165,000.

NHTSA ID

11526977

Incident

May 3, 2023

Mileage

165,000 mi

I carry my family with me and in traffic the traction control light would come on and the car would loose power and not accelerate almost causing accidents I was told it was the speed sensors malfunctioning and the brakes would not work properly when trying to stop

NHTSA ID

11525740

Incident

Apr 28, 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Versa. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was jerking while depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, the RPM was revving. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed, and the mechanic determined that the transmission had failed. An unknown repair was completed; however, the failure recurred while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that she had stopped driving the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 111,000.

NHTSA ID

11518694

Incident

Feb 24, 2023

Mileage

111,000 mi

I carry my family in the vehicle and the lights would come on for the traction control and check engine light and speed sensor light and the car would stop moving and shut off while going down the road and the brakes would barely work and the transmission would stop pulling or slip and the engine would not rev up that is really dangerous when your traveling with traffic something needs to be done about this and I have read alot of other complaints about the same problems that other people are having

NHTSA ID

11516003

Incident

Mar 11, 2023

2012 nissan versa commonly known for defective cvt transmissions I had taken it to costal nissan to get it looked at before for a jerking transmission and the dealership just adjust a brake light switch the problem came back and threw an engine code for input sensor after replacing all my bulbs the problem went away for a couple months but the past 2 months it started slipping jerking stuck in low gears high reving rpms I had the transmission fluid serviced or replaced and it worked good for about a week died in the middle of the road with no throttle response I've only driven this car 5k miles in 8 months of purchase vehicle is available for inspection at any time

NHTSA ID

11510502

Incident

Mar 6, 2023

Unknown

NHTSA ID

11505535

Incident

Feb 4, 2023

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Versa. The contact stated while reversing into a parking spot, the vehicle began to hesitate and jerk before the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine and brake warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that after several attempts the vehicle restarted. The contact stated she had experienced the failure six times. The contact called and notified the Used Car dealer where she purchased the vehicle of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11505130

Incident

Jan 7, 2023

Air bag on driver side red airbag light blinking repaired Coil needs replacing Motor mouth broken Front seat belt not locking Car wasn't starting

NHTSA ID

11490680

Incident

Aug 23, 2022

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Versa. The contact stated while driving on the highway at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle hesitated then lost motive power and stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to maneuver the vehicle off the highway. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to replace. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; however, did not offer any further assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.

NHTSA ID

11481262

Incident

Aug 6, 2022

Mileage

88,000 mi

IN reference to NHTSA Recall 15V-507 on this vehicle which included a CVT transmission reprogramming ,which I handled by taking vehicle to the dealer on 10/20/2015! The letter I received added this issue as if it were a COURTESY action of Nissan and made NO mention of the CVT transmission having MAJOR ISSUES! As MOST Car Owners, I assumed that this 2015 CVT reprogramming would resolve any PAST or FUTURE issues with it.! I was still concerned that my vehicle was only 3 years & already had 2 recall items! Sadly, I trusted the dealer & once these were handled , I felt good about driving the vehicle, thinking it should go to about 150,000 miles! I have NOW learned that so many of the CVT transmissions were totally failing and lawsuits were being filed because of it. Apparently in 2017, NISSAN admitted it and extended the warranty on CVT transmissions. If I ever received notice of this, I have no printed copy or memory of that! I lived 2 minutes from work in 2012 and retired a year after purchase. I primarily drive locally and short distances and have very low miles on this vehicle. NOW..My 6-week dilemma:*Check engine light came on 7/9/22, right after I got gas! Garage kept, only 52,000 miles on it, routinely serviced and in stellar condition, I am NOW being told that the CVT transmission needs TOTAL replacement. MY CAR however, did PASS NC inspection at a Nissan dealership (with Check Engine light STILL ON) 7/21/22, with them giving a 4200.00 estimate When I said I had no money, they sent me out the door and said they hope I don't break down! NISSAN of North America is going totally by VEHICLE'S AGE, even though I have found reference that the CVT warranty should be 10 years or 120,000! Since 7/9/21, I have been given totally conflicting information on current SAFETY of MY CAR and the best offer given by NISSAN is to reduce my repair cost to $2381.09 for a REBUILT transmission with ONE-YEAR warranty! MY main concern: IS MY CAR SAFE TO DRIVE? I am 64!

NHTSA ID

11480331

Incident

Jul 9, 2022

After having my transmission replaced with a used CVT transmission on Dec 2021, I went to leave the transmission shop only to have no power. When I gave my vehicle gas, there was no power it would not go forward or backwards. The code repeatedly coming up was P2101. My car was in the shop for 4 months with Williams Transmission in Park Hills, MO 63601. (573) 431-6570. Every time Willie would call & say it’s fixed & I would go try driving g home, again same issue. Finally on March 23, 2022 I was called once again to come pick up my car after hack v another used CVT Transmission put in still the same code P2101 was coming up with the check engine light. It took me 40 mins to go home occasionally getting evcrlation to make it home, it should’ve took no more than 10 mins from his shop to my house.. I paid $3000 to have transmission replaced and still isn’t running correctly. I lose excelaration on highway, county & city tosds. I never know when!! It’s a big issue & major safety issues & concerns

NHTSA ID

11474220

Incident

Dec 22, 2021

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Versa. The contact received notification of the NHTSA Campaign Number 17V449000 (Air Bags) and would like to be removed from the recall distribution list. The local dealer and manufacturer were not contacted.

NHTSA ID

11463640

Incident

May 6, 2022

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Versa. The contact stated while driving approximately 20-70 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the transmission started slipping. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact released the accelerator pedal and continued to drive; however, the failure reoccurred while driving. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring increasingly while depressing the accelerator pedal and had worsened. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

NHTSA ID

11460892

Incident

Feb 15, 2022

Mileage

110,000 mi

The vehicle is a 2012 Nissan Versa driven only 81,000+ miles. I was driving the vehicle up a modest incline on Saturday, February 12, 2022. The car started to shudder and felt like it was losing power, as if it were running out of fuel. I pulled off when I turned the next corner and stopped. As I started out again, the check engine light came on, so I drove it to my mechanic. He has informed me that the malfunction code is a transmission failure code, and he is performing more diagnostics related to this code. In doing research, I now know that there is a fundamental failure with the CVT automatic transmissions for this model year of Nissan Versa, typically occurring at 75,000-85,000 miles. I am not eligible for Nissan's $278M settlement of a class action suit for this issue, because claims were only eligible for the first 84 months after purchase and the claim window is now closed. Everything I have read suggests that this is a critical and dangerous problem, because this CVT transmission failure can even result in the car losing all power and coming to a complete stop in traffic. This is a fundamental and life-threatening issue for which I believe Nissan should provide a full recall for the affected vehicles.

NHTSA ID

11453192

Incident

Feb 12, 2022