2018 Nissan Versa Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
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What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2018 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
- Electrical1722.1%
- Airbags1519.5%
- Engine1418.2%
- Powertrain (other)1013.0%
- Brakes67.8%
- Driver assistance56.5%
- Visibility22.6%
- Body & structure22.6%
- Other / unspecified22.6%
- Steering22.6%
- Fuel system11.3%
- Exterior lighting11.3%
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
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Car jerks and doesn’t go into gear right away. Never know when it will happen. There is a notice from Nissan that it happens because of short in tail light. Happened approx 3 yrs ago and has started again but worse. It is available for inspection No recall but very unsafe. While attempting to cross street it didn’t go into gear and I was almost hit. Also almost rear ended cause driver behind me didn’t expect me to not go into gear Took in 3 yrs ago and tail light fixed. Now new mechanic tried fixing it but it only worked about a week. Have to take it back in so he can try fixing it again. Same code keeps coming up Check engine light came on and off for last three weeks. Doesn’t stay on so I can’t tell when it will happen. Very dangerous! Should be recalled
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while driving approximately 4 MPH, the vehicle was shaking violently. There were no warning lights illuminated. When the heater was activated, there was a loud clanking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the technician was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure reoccurred. While stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle stalled and was towed to the same independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with a faulty computer, coils, and a defective crankshaft sensor. There was also paper found inside the heater system. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
On September 17, 2026, my 2018 Nissan was involved in a severe rear-end collision on a freeway. The vehicle sustained extensive damage and was declared a total loss. None of the airbags deployed. I am concerned that the airbag/SRS system may not have functioned as designed. After the collision, I observed exposed components in the severely damaged rear area. I cannot confirm whether these components were part of the airbag or crash sensor system. Immediately after the collision, I believe I may have briefly seen an airbag-related warning or message on the instrument panel. I was shaken after the crash and cannot confirm the exact message. I experienced back pain, mild dizziness, and a nosebleed following the collision and subsequently sought medical treatment. The crash was documented by the California Highway Patrol, and the vehicle was also inspected/documented for the insurance claim. The vehicle has not, to my knowledge, been inspected by Nissan specifically for the airbag/SRS issue. I am requesting an investigation into whether the airbag/SRS system functioned properly during this collision.
On September 17, 2026, my 2018 Nissan was involved in a severe rear-end collision on the freeway. The vehicle sustained extensive rear-end damage and was subsequently determined to be a total loss. None of the airbags deployed during the collision. Immediately after the crash, I believe I may have briefly seen an airbag-related warning or message on the instrument panel. However, I was extremely shaken at the time and cannot confirm the exact warning or wording that appeared. The rear of the vehicle was severely damaged. After the collision, I observed an exposed component in the damaged rear area that appeared to be associated with the vehicle's sensor or safety system, and this area had been directly impacted in the collision. I cannot independently confirm whether this component is an airbag/crash sensor. I am concerned about whether the airbag/SRS system functioned as designed during this collision. The vehicle damage has been documented with photographs, and the crash was documented by law enforcement. I am submitting this complaint so that NHTSA can evaluate whether the airbag/SRS system operated properly and whether there may be a safety-related defect.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while driving approximately 4 MPH, the vehicle was shaking violently. There were no warning lights illuminated. When the heater was activated, there was a loud clanking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the technician was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure reoccurred. While stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle stalled and was towed to the same independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with a faulty computer, coils, and a defective crankshaft sensor. There was also paper found inside the heater system. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.
loss of power when using turn signal on highway changing lanes and making left or right turn on city streets. Once the signal is off I can accelerate. Left turn signal becomes more rapid as well. The Versa has a manual transmission. recurring issue for a month.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
Car jerks and doesn’t go into gear right away. Never know when it will happen. There is a notice from Nissan that it happens because of short in tail light. Happened approx 3 yrs ago and has started again but worse. It is available for inspection No recall but very unsafe. While attempting to cross street it didn’t go into gear and I was almost hit. Also almost rear ended cause driver behind me didn’t expect me to not go into gear Took in 3 yrs ago and tail light fixed. Now new mechanic tried fixing it but it only worked about a week. Have to take it back in so he can try fixing it again. Same code keeps coming up Check engine light came on and off for last three weeks. Doesn’t stay on so I can’t tell when it will happen. Very dangerous! Should be recalled
2018 Nissan Versa transmission issues. i have 2018 Nissan Versa with 116,993 miles. Transmission is starting to skip and slip. it was diagnosed as a possible chain slip. there was bulletin out for this issue in which Nissan has known about. Nissan was contacted to see if they could warranty the transmission, but was told they were not going to cover it. There was warranty extension, but only for 84,000 miles. nissan was unwilling to help fix it and wanted to charge $210 to diagnose it. this is saftey issue because there are probably other nissan Versas out there with the same issue. the point is that there is an issue which knows about. vehicle should be fixed under warranty. car was bought used 4 years ago. tsb is NTB20-036a
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
I pulled up to a stoplight that was on a hill and tried to put on the brake. The brake pedal was highly resistant and wouldn’t let me push down fully. At that moment, all of the warning lights on the dashboard turned on. When the light turned green, I tried to hit the gas pedal but the car wouldn’t move forward. The car started rolling backward and I almost collided with the car behind me. I had to stomp on the brake as hard as I could to get the vehicle to stop. I then had to put on my hazards, put the car in park, turn it off, and turn it back on again before the vehicle worked like normal. My spouse said he’s had the same thing happen to him twice in the past year. Each time, the brakes and accelerator pedal freeze up and all the warning lights come on. But after turning the car off and on again, it goes back to normal. I don’t think this is a battery problem because the car battery is less than one year old.
Brake's grind and squeal at a slow stop even with new brakes and rotors and electric problems like it's blowing headlights with in weeks of installing and tag lights as well.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
TRANSMISSION ISSUES , STALLING, RPM REVVING.
Car stalls, I’ve contacted Nissan regarding electrical issues with ignition how it’s not reading the ecu. Another things is the recalls that comes up. Here it is Recall #19V654000 BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA Defect Description: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q7OL vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility." Defect Consequence: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash. Defect Corrective Action: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200. Recall #18V551000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION Defect Description: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Nissan NV200, Sentra, NV3500 Van, NV3500 Bus, NV200 Taxi, NV1500, NV2500 Van, Chevrolet City Express, 2017-2018 Frontier, Versa Note, and Versa Sedan vehicles that have a mechanical (physical) key ignition system. In these models, over time, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine. Defect Consequence:
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
My car was parked out front my house. Weather has been in the 60’s no major differences. I walked outside ant 1pm and noticed the entire back windshield was shattered. There was no impact marks, no hole in the window. I’m not sure how this has happened and thankfully we were at home and not driving.
ON NISSAN MOTORS USA WEBSITE, THE LOWER TRIMS LEVELS OF THE VERSA SEDAN DO NOT INCLUDE BACKUP CAMERAS! WASN'T THAT MADE MANDATORY!?
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS HIT FROM THE SIDE. THE COLLISION WAS PRETTY BAD, MY CAR WAS TOTALED. IT WAS THE THE FRONT OF THE PASSENGERS SEAT. AT THE SPEED THE CRASH HAPPENED, THE FORCE WITH WHICH I WAS HIT AND THE DAMAGE TO THE CAR I WAS UNPLEASANTLY SURPRISED THAT THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, THEY COULD HAVE PREVENTED INJURY. MY CAR WAS IN FORWARD MOTION ON A HIGHWAY, I WAS HIT BY A TURNING CAR.
THERE ARE SERIOUS DESIGN FLAWS ON THE 2018 NISSAN VERSA THAT ALLOW WATER (I.E RAIN) TO COLLECT BELOW THE WINDSHIELD AND WHEN THE COLLECTED WATER DOESN'T DRAIN IT FLOODS THE CAR ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THERE IS A WATER GUTTER UNDER THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS THAT RUNS FROM EACH SIDE OF THE CAR. IT HAS TWO VERY SMALL DRAINS ON EACH SIDE. THE DRAINS GET PLUGGED BY DUST, DIRT, ETC. NORMAL STUFF THAT CAN GET ON THE CAR, AND THE WATER COLLECTS AND BUILDS UP IN THE GUTTER. THERE IS A HOLE FOR SOME CABLES IN THIS AREA, ABOVE THE GUTTER THAT THE BUILT UP WATER CAN FLOW THROUGH RIGHT ON THE PASSENGER FLOOR BEHIND THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT. THE WATER DRAINS OUT ESPECIALLY WHEN THE CAR IS MOVING/IN MOTION. IF THERE IS A HEAVY RAIN, THE ENTIRE CAR FLOOR GET FLOODED. THE HEALTH DANGER IS THE WATER HAS NOWHERE TO GO INSIDE THE CAR AND GETS MUSTY AND MOLDY. THIS CAN BE FIXED FOR APPROX. $600, HOWEVER IT WILL LIKELY HAPPEN AGAIN BECAUSE ALL IS DONE IS UNPLUG THE SMALL DRAIN HOLES. NISSAN ALLOWED A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW IN THE 2018 VERSA SEDAN THAT LEADS TO FLOODING AND WET FLOORBOARDS, A DRAIN THAT IS PRONE TO CLOGGING, AND A HOLE FOR WATER TO FLOW INSIDE THE CAR. I FOUND OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ON GOOGLE. MY CAR DAMAGED HAPPEN APRIL 2020, AND OTHER CAR OWNERS HAS HAPPENED IN 2019. PLEASE HELP US. *TR
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
THE VEHICLE HAS DIFFICULTY SLOWING DOWN WHILE DRIVING. AND BRAKES SEEM NOT TO STOP THE CAR (WEAKENED BRAKE PADS) IT FELT LIKE I WAS LOSING CONTROL OF THE CAR. ALSO THE CAR WOULD LOOSE POWER WHEN STATIONARY AT STOP LIGHTS. THIS COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS IF THIS OCCURRED ON A HIGHWAY OR WHILE IN MOTION. I HOPE THEY DON'T RENT VEHICLE OUT UNTIL MECHANICAL ISSUES ARE SOLVED
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 NISSAN VERSA. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE JERKED TO THE RIGHT. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS DISPLAYED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO INSPECT THE TIRES FOR KNOTS. NISSAN SOUTH OF UNION CITY (4080 JONESBORO RD, UNION, CITY, GEORGIA 30291, (770) 964-4900) WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO FIRESTONE (4599 JONESBORO RD, UNION CITY, GEORGIA 30291, (770) 225-1531) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS IMPROPERLY ALIGNED AND THAT ALL FOUR TIRES NEEDED REPLACEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 103,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS SITTING STATIONARY AT A STOP LIGHT IN TRAFFIC ON A CITY STREET AND MY BRAKE LIGHT, BATTERY LIGHT, AND OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND I IMMEDIATELY LOST POWER STEERING. I HAD TO GUIDE MY VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD AND HAD IT TOWED TO NISSAN SOUTH MORROW FOR SERVICE. I HAD ALSO HAD SOME MINOR IGNITION ISSUES RELATING TO TURNING MY KEY AND NOT SEEING MY CLOCK RADIO BECOME VISIBLE BUT WAS REMEDIED BY USING MY SPARE CAR KEY. NISSAN SOUTH MORROW SAID THAT THE CAR DROVE WELL WITH NO ISSUES. UNSURE WHETHER IT WAS ACTUALLY LOOKED AT.
VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND IGNITION SWITCH WOULDN'T MOVE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
1) When at red light with car in drive and brake pedal pressed the car occasionally begins to roll forward and then the brakes suddenly depress even more. 2) All brake lights intermittently go out and if hit will come back on for an unknown time until u realize they're not working again. 3) I have already had to replace the fuel pump twice with only 60k on miles on the car
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
Brake's grind and squeal at a slow stop even with new brakes and rotors and electric problems like it's blowing headlights with in weeks of installing and tag lights as well.
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 .