2020 Nissan Versa Electrical Problems

several recalls but dealer my did not have any

NHTSA ID

11728626

Incident

Mar 15, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11697255

Incident

Oct 1, 2020

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

NHTSA ID

11683812

Incident

Feb 1, 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.

NHTSA ID

11681003

Incident

Aug 15, 2025

All the dash lights come on car acceleration will either speed up or slow down on its own the transmission slips shakes and stalls at red lights

NHTSA ID

11653022

Incident

Sep 1, 2022

I am writing to formally report ongoing and unresolved issues with my vehicle that have significantly impacted its safety and reliability. The persistent problems include: Multiple simultaneous dashboard warning indicator illuminations Recurring "See Owner's Manual" malfunction notifications Intermittent Key System Error messages Continuous presence of diagnostic Code P0101 A representative from the dealership management informed me that Code P0101 is a known and widespread issue affecting multiple Nissan models, including the Versa, Sentra, and Altima. Despite this acknowledgment, I have been repeatedly told that these concerns are "under engineering review," yet no progress has been made, nor have I received any meaningful updates regarding the investigation. This lack of resolution raises serious safety concerns, and I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter further. I appreciate your attention to this issue and any guidance you can provide on the next steps to ensure the safety and functionality of my vehicle. Sincerely,

NHTSA ID

11644569

Incident

Sep 19, 2019

I am writing to report a potential safety and design defect in my vehicle that I have also noticed affecting many other owners of the same make and model. The issue involves the rubber seal at the edge of the windshield, which is supposed to prevent water from entering the engine bay. However, the rubber is not properly secured—it merely sits in place—allowing water to pass underneath it. As a result, water accumulates on the valve cover near the ignition coil, creating a risk of electrical problems, including misfires or potential engine failure. Over time, this could lead to serious mechanical and safety issues. After researching, I have found that many other owners of the same vehicle have experienced this same problem. I believe this issue poses a safety concern and should be investigated further. Please advise on any next steps or potential recalls regarding this matter. Thank you for your time and attention.

NHTSA ID

11644562

Incident

Feb 21, 2025

Safety is at risk for multiple reasons one because a month upon receiving this brand new vehicle with 40 miles on it I’ve been experiencing malfunctioning problems. I am not able to receive a forward collision warning at times. I’m not sure if these electrical problems also caused my battery to die a few weeks later. In these moments is the start of when the malfunction notification would appear daily. Two— The transmission has been having issues for a long time as well. My drives no longer have a smooth transition when I press the gas it stutters and will not accelerate immediately. The problem has been confirmed by an independent service center. I brought my car new once again so am very disappointed at how much needs to be worked on and do not want to purchase from Nissan ever again.

NHTSA ID

11557235

Incident

Oct 18, 2020

The mass air flow sensor need to be replaced. There is also a camshaft position sensor circuit malfunction.

NHTSA ID

11521610

Incident

May 11, 2023

Everytime I turn my car on, there’s a chance that some lights will turn on my dash for absolutely no reason..the car could be parked and getting warmed up and the traction control light,parking collision warning, and front collision light all turn on simultaneously. I have included a photo to get a Better picture! only way for me to get rid of them is by turning my car off for 5 minutes then turning it back on again. It been a real inconvenience. Not to mention when those lights turn on it means I can’t Parallel park anywhere because my rear parking assist prevents me from backing up, because it “thinks” something is in the way…ugh! Not only that but everytime I play music my Nissan Connect shuts of in the middle of my drive then resets and starts playing music again. If you guys have any answers for me please let me know I bought this car in August of 2021

NHTSA ID

11457534

Incident

Mar 20, 2022

THE FUEL DOESN'T PUMP CORRECTLY AS IT SHOULD. THE FUSE BURNT OUT. THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING RANDOMLY ACTIVATES FOR NO APPARENT REASON WHILE DRIVING. IT ALSO DOESN'T ACTIVATE AT ALL. THE FRONT END OF THE CAR LIFTS UPWARD LIKE A WHEELIE FROM A STOP LIGHT. THERE WAS SMOKING AND BURNING SMELL FROM UNDER THE HOOD.

NHTSA ID

11363848

Incident

Oct 9, 2020

Mileage

9,998 mi

THE SCREEN FOR THE RADIO WON'T TURN ON SOMETIMES WHEN THE CAR IS ON. I HAVE TO DRIVE A COUPLE MILES BEFORE IT WORKS LEAVING ME WITHOUT GPS AND RADIO. ITS HAPPENED ABOUT A DOZEN TIMES SINCE OWNERSHIP.

NHTSA ID

11342177

Incident

Jul 15, 2020

Mileage

300 mi