2013 Nissan Versa Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2013 Nissan Versa, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Powertrain (other)7227.9%
- Brakes3413.2%
- Engine2810.9%
- Driver assistance2710.5%
- Airbags228.5%
- Body & structure187.0%
- Electrical124.7%
- Fuel system93.5%
- Steering83.1%
- Visibility62.3%
- Suspension62.3%
- Other / unspecified41.6%
- Seat belts31.2%
- Exterior lighting31.2%
- Interior & seats31.2%
- Tires & wheels20.8%
- Transmission10.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Speed Control, Engine and Transmission issues: After the recall from the manufacture was issued for the the acceleration problems this car still takes long to accelerate and get the car going. It feels like the transmission/ and or engine is ready to go out also and this car is only roughly at 80,000 miles. This car is well maintained.
Car unstable while driving all of a sudden will not shift into 2cd gear will not go over 20mph car is 2013 but only has 32,000 miles. Dealer said no recalls warranty only 5 years or 100,000 miles, it is past that period. Online suggest multiple complaints from consumers with cvt transmission, clasa acyion suits etc.thwy want 5550.00 to replace transmission.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
See attached document for complaint.
For ten days my car suddenly loses 90% or more braking power—after moving at above 40 miles per hour for five minutes or more. Incredibly dangerous and no war I g lights and hard to diagnose. We are replacing master cylinder as they were investigated on this year and model. I want them to reopen that investigation and I want compensation.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Speed Control, Engine and Transmission issues: After the recall from the manufacture was issued for the the acceleration problems this car still takes long to accelerate and get the car going. It feels like the transmission/ and or engine is ready to go out also and this car is only roughly at 80,000 miles. This car is well maintained.
Bottom line, Transmission needed. Had shifter put in stuck in park, paid for, right engine mount, paid, G censor said showed up . Trans is shot....this is what a Transmission person said.... couldn't get a person from Hesser Nissan only leave message, a week long nothing.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Speed Control, Engine and Transmission issues: After the recall from the manufacture was issued for the the acceleration problems this car still takes long to accelerate and get the car going. It feels like the transmission/ and or engine is ready to go out also and this car is only roughly at 80,000 miles. This car is well maintained.
My car had a problem from day one I bought.The tires always showing not working and car has absolutely no power if you going on hill.From last year car having really serious problems with transmission and shuffling.I took car to Nissan Car dealership and the are reprogrammed transmission.Unfortunately after a few weeks the same problem and even worst.Car making absolutely horrible noises and speed not going more then 15-20
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE AIR BAG LIGHT STARTED BLINKING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND AFTER CHARGING ME $119.84 I WAS TOLD THAT IT COULD BE REPAIRED FOR A COST OF $1136.00. I WAS TOLD THAT THE AIRBAGS MAY OR MAY NOT GO OFF IF I WERE TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. SOUNDS LIKE A DEFECT TO ME. I'VE OWNED A LOT OF CARS AND I'VE NEVER HAD AN AIRBAG GET WORN OUT AND BREAK. *TR
ABOUT 2 WEEKS AGO DRIVING HOME FROM WORK MY AIRBAG LIGHT STARTED BLINKING IT HAS NOT STOPPED.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while reversing at 2 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the engine. The contact also stated that the vehicle was hesitant to accelerate when driving at various speeds which caused the vehicle to jerk. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a passenger-side lower control arm bushing being separated from the control arm. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
DODGE RAM. EARLY 2000S GREY WITH A LOT OF PAINT PEELING AND A GATE TYPE ACCESSORY ACROSS THE BACK WINDOW OF THE TRUCK. LIFTED. THEY'RE VEHICLE IS BLOWING SO MUCH BLACK SMOKE I COULDN'T SEE WHILE DRIVING AND PUKE TO BREATH BECAUSE I HAD A WINDOW OPEN. THERE UNSAFELY WEAVING IN AND OUT OF TRAFFIC WITHOUT SIGNALING AND WHILE BLOWING TONS OF SMOKE. COULD EASILY HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. WASHINGTON LICENSE PLATE NUMBER [XXX]. 5PM IN EAST BREMERTON WA. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Versa. The contact stated upon inspecting the vehicle, she noticed water intrusion in the tail lights and headlights. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the electrical system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 71,000.
The Gear Shift Selector is stuck in Park. Being forced to use the manual override in order to drive, reverse or place car in neutral every time the car is being used. This is ridiculous!
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The car surges, jerks, increases in RPM's, stalls. This has been happening on & off for quite sometime, but recently has become more frequent.
THERE IS A LOT OF HESITATION WHEN I PRESS THE GAS PEDAL, OFTEN SHAKING AND SHUDDERING. IT'S VERY SLOW TO ACCELERATE, AND GETTING TO HIGHWAY SPEEDS USUALLY TAKES QUITE A WHILE. ANYTHING OVER 65MPH CAUSES THE CAR TO PUSH INTO ABOUT 3500 RPM. WHILE IDLING AT A RED LIGHT, IT SHAKES AND SHUDDERS.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Breaks was unsafe, some piece was broken close by my tires
WHILE DRIVING AND WHEN ACCELERATING THE VEHICLE WAIVES TO THE RIGHT AND SINCE THE STEERING WHEEL IS HELD STRAIGHT THE CAR COMES BACK INTO THE LANE. THIS HAPPENS AT SPEEDS 30+ AND SPECIALLY 60+. I CHANGED 4 MICHELIN NEW TIRES, DID ALIGNMENT AND THE PROBLEM WAS NOT SOLVED. TOOK THE CAR TO A LOCAL MECHANIC AND HE SAID THAT SUSPENSION IS GOOD "TIGHT" AND NO LEAKING IS VISIBLE FROM THE JOINTS. PROBLEMS IS A SAFETY ISSUE SINCE I AM PLANNING TO GIVE THE CAR TO MY 16 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
my air conditioning is not working. i believe wires in my care are covered with soy which is an attractant to mice and rats and causes them to climb into my car and eat the wires, causing the car to malfunction. we need to outlaw and ban the use of soy feedstuffs on car wires, this is just ridiculous for allowing this to happen, to make cars a magnet for mice and rats.
DODGE RAM. EARLY 2000S GREY WITH A LOT OF PAINT PEELING AND A GATE TYPE ACCESSORY ACROSS THE BACK WINDOW OF THE TRUCK. LIFTED. THEY'RE VEHICLE IS BLOWING SO MUCH BLACK SMOKE I COULDN'T SEE WHILE DRIVING AND PUKE TO BREATH BECAUSE I HAD A WINDOW OPEN. THERE UNSAFELY WEAVING IN AND OUT OF TRAFFIC WITHOUT SIGNALING AND WHILE BLOWING TONS OF SMOKE. COULD EASILY HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. WASHINGTON LICENSE PLATE NUMBER [XXX]. 5PM IN EAST BREMERTON WA. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
my car is 7 years old but has only 57,000 miles on it. i had an older car so used that most of the time and saved this car. i have had endless problems with this car with its electrical system, the headlights go out all of the time and now the undercarriage is costing me alot of repair costs. dont know if i am being ripped off because i am a female senior citizen or the car is really fallingj apart at 57,000 miles. i paid well over $600 for repairs on exhaust system. now they tell me i owe almost $2,000 for repairs on something called abushing and a control arm and if i dont fix it the car will fall apart into two pieces. i have no way to get under the car for this kind of thing. i can so easily be ripped off. i need help. does the govt ever give any help to people. i need help b adly becuase i am so vulnerable tocrooked dealerships wanting to make money in this bad economy. pllease help me.https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/FMfcgzGllMLMMCnCVlTQDxQldZvZzwhN?projector=1&messagePartId=0.1
the undercarriage of my car seems to be falling into pieces. the car has only 57,000 miles on it. it has sat in my driveway for 7 years because i had another nissan, my sentra, which i had for l5 years and it never had undercarriage issues. and i never had all these issues with my sentra that i am having with this versa now that i am free to drive it since i got rid of my sentra after l5 years. the dealer says power control arms pressure forceing grees to be released. and heat shield, repair heat shield ripped off bolts and causing rattling under vehicle. i just paid a $600 bill to that same dealer for that same areas of work not that long ago. why is my nissan falling apart. i had a sentra i had for l5 years and never had trouble with the undercarriage like this. i cant afford these big repair bills. the milage is very low for all these things to go wrong when i never had them go wrong on the sentra for l5 years. did ghosn steal money from versa?
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
My car had a problem from day one I bought.The tires always showing not working and car has absolutely no power if you going on hill.From last year car having really serious problems with transmission and shuffling.I took car to Nissan Car dealership and the are reprogrammed transmission.Unfortunately after a few weeks the same problem and even worst.Car making absolutely horrible noises and speed not going more then 15-20
DODGE RAM. EARLY 2000S GREY WITH A LOT OF PAINT PEELING AND A GATE TYPE ACCESSORY ACROSS THE BACK WINDOW OF THE TRUCK. LIFTED. THEY'RE VEHICLE IS BLOWING SO MUCH BLACK SMOKE I COULDN'T SEE WHILE DRIVING AND PUKE TO BREATH BECAUSE I HAD A WINDOW OPEN. THERE UNSAFELY WEAVING IN AND OUT OF TRAFFIC WITHOUT SIGNALING AND WHILE BLOWING TONS OF SMOKE. COULD EASILY HAVE CAUSED AN ACCIDENT. WASHINGTON LICENSE PLATE NUMBER [XXX]. 5PM IN EAST BREMERTON WA. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
PASSENGER AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT (WARNING THAT THE AIRBAGS ARE OFF) IS CONSTANTLY ON; NO MATTER IF NO ONE, AN ADULT, OR A CHILD IS IS IN THE PASSENGER SEAT. OCCURS WHEN VEHICLE IS IDLE OR IN MOTION. SEAT BELT WARNING LIGHT (WARNING THAT SEAT BELTS ARE NOT BEING USED BY DRIVER OR PASSENGERS) WAS CONSTANTLY ON, EVEN THOUGH DRIVER DID WEAR A SEAT BELT & NO PASSENGERS WERE IN VEHICLE. SPONTANEOUSLY CORRECTED ITSELF; CURRENTLY HAVE NO ISSUE.
VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING STRAIGHT ON HIGHWAY WHEN ON COMING VEHICLE DRIFTED INTO OUR LANE. HEAD ON COLLISION ENSUED. REAR PASSENGER SEAT BELT ANCHOR BROKE DURING ACCIDENT RELEASING THE BELTED PASSENGER WHO SUFFERED BLUNT TRAUMA AND WAS KILLED. THE ACCIDENT WAS AT UNDER 45 SPEEDS AND THE FRONT PASSENGER AND DRIVER OF THE ONCOMING TOYOTA CAMERY SURVIVED WITH NO LIFE THREATENING CONDITIONS.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
the tail lights get moisture in them and then do not work properly. there is a service recall on them from the Nissan versa manufacturer. since there is a service recall on his issue, why is this agency not requiring a recall. obviously there is a manufacturing safety defect present here. Nissan Versa Forums banner Nissan Versa Forums Search Community Login / Join Home Forums Front Desk Nissan Versa News Re sensor Jump to Latest Follow 1 - 6 of 6 Posts [XXX] [XXX] Registered Joined Aug 19, 2021 13 Posts Discussion Starter · #1 · Aug 17, 2022 Hey all I have 2014 versa sv 140k check engine light came on yesterday so this morning I took it to auto zone to get code read so code said transmission range sensor I called & talk to service advisor at dealership where my car gets serviced I was told 2013-2015 tail lights get moisture in them them recommended to replace tail lights 😑 Save Share [XXX] Registered Joined Dec 15, 2019 543 Posts #2 · Aug 19, 2022 This is true. There is a service bulletin that explains it. Look at your tail lights and see if there is moisture in them. Of course it may not be the solution to your problem, but it is a known issue. Save Share [XXX] [XXX] Registered Joined Aug 19, 2021 13 Posts Discussion Starter · #3 · Aug 19, 2022 [XXX] said: This is true. There is a service bulletin that explains it. Look at your tail lights and see if there is moisture in them. Of course it may not be the solution to your problem, but it is a known issue. I just had the front headlights cleaned Save Share [XXX] [XXX] Registered Joined Aug 19, 2021 13 Posts Discussion Starter · #4 · Aug 19, 2022 [XXX]said: I just had the front headlights cleaned Transmission was replaced September 2021 Save Share [XXX] [XXX] Registered Joined Jun 18, 2019 360 Posts #5 · Aug 20, 2022 The transmission range sensor shares the same circuit that the tail lamps are on. If a connection is shorted associated with the tail lamps, it is INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 5
NO HIGH BEAMS AT ALL.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
NO TAKATA RECALL. ALSO MUFFLER FAILED AFTER 37,000 MILES REQUIRING HUGE COST TO REPAIR MULFFLER AND A PIPE
TAKATA RECALL. I BELIEVE MY CAR IS INCLUDED IN THE RECALL. IT IS A NISSAN VERSA 2013. THE AIRBAG LIGHT HAD RECENTLY STARTED FLASHING WITHOUT ANYTHING MAJOR HAPPENING TO THE CAR. THE PASSENGER SEATBELT LIGHT HAD STARTED FLASHING AFTER I WAS INVOLVED IN A SMALL HIT AND RUN ACCIDENT THAT AFFECTED THE REAR OF MY VEHICLE. I WAS IN FULL STOPPED MOTION AT A TURNING RED LIGHT AND AN UNKNOWN PERSON HAD REAR ENDED MY CAR, SHORTLY AFTER I HAD NOTICED THE PASSENGER SEATBELT LIGHT HAD STARTED FLASHING. I AM IN FEAR THAT THE AIRBAG LIGHT MIGHT OR MIGHT NOT HAVE TO DO WITH THE HIT AND RUN, BUT IT JUST STARTED A FEW WEEKS AGO WHILE THE ACCIDENT WAS OVER 2 YEARS AGO. PLEASE REVIEW AS THIS IS REALLY IMPORTANT TO ME AND I FEAR THAT I MIGHT GET INJURED IF THE AIRBAGS ARE RECALLED AND I GET INTO ANOTHER ACCIDENT. THANK YOU.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 NISSAN VERSA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE CRUISE CONTROL ACTIVATED INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE AND PARKED OVERNIGHT. UPON ATTEMPTING TO START THE VEHICLE, IT FAILED TO START. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC AND DEALER DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE FUEL PUMP FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000. THE CONSUMER ALSO STATED THE AIR BAG LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SMELL OF GAS, AFTER THE FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED. ALSO, THE RPM FLUCTUATED BETWEEN 1500 TO 3500 AND THE TIRE PRESSURE LIGHT ILLUMINATED. UPDATED 10/13/16.*JB
I PURCHASED A BRAND NEW NISSAN VERSA SV ON MAY 11, 2013. ON DECEMBER 1, 2013 I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN I COULD FEEL MY STEERING WHEEL PULL TO THE LEFT. THEN THE ENTIRE CAR STARTED SHAKING VIGOROUSLY. MY BACK LEFT TIRE HAD BLOWN OUT. MY CAR ONLY HAD 6,200 MILES ON IT, MY TIRES ARE SUPPOSE TO BE GOOD FOR 60,000 MILES. I TOOK THE NEAREST EXIT AND PARKED IN AN APARTMENT COMPLEX. THANKFULLY ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE CAME VERY QUICKLY. THE PERSON WHO ASSISTED ME WAS SHOCKED THAT I WASN'T IN AN ACCIDENT AND NO DAMAGE OCCURRED. WHEN HE TOOK THE TIRE OFF, WE LOOKED FOR DAMAGE TO THE TREAD, A NAIL OR SOMETHING THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED THE BLOWOUT. THERE WAS NO DAMAGE TO THE TREAD. THE TIRE LITERALLY CAME APART FROM THE SIDE (THE PART OF THE TIRE YOU SEE WHEN LOOKING AT THE CAR FROM THE SIDE). I BELIEVE I HAVE A DEFECTIVE TIRE(S) AND I FEEL UNSAFE DRIVING WITH THESE TIRES. BECAUSE OF THIS, I DO NOT RECOMMEND THE CONTINENTAL CONTIPROCONTACT ALL SEASON TIRES. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Versa. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the check engine warning light was no longer illuminated. The mechanic performed an oil change. Several weeks later, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle lost motive power while driving. The contact coasted to the side of the roadway to shut off and restart the vehicle before driving to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the CVT needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the warranty had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 93,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .