STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
2021 Nissan Versa
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 31 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Nissan Versa, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), electrical and engine categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; 1 NHTSA investigation names it; and 92 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 2021 | 1 | 1 |
| Jul 2021 | 1 | 2 |
| Dec 2021 | 2 | 4 |
| Mar 2022 | 2 | 6 |
| Apr 2022 | 1 | 7 |
| May 2022 | 1 | 8 |
| Nov 2022 | 1 | 9 |
| Mar 2023 | 2 | 11 |
| Sep 2023 | 1 | 12 |
| Oct 2023 | 1 | 13 |
| Nov 2023 | 1 | 14 |
| Dec 2023 | 1 | 15 |
| Feb 2024 | 1 | 16 |
| Mar 2024 | 2 | 18 |
| Jul 2024 | 1 | 19 |
| Aug 2024 | 1 | 20 |
| Sep 2024 | 1 | 21 |
| Jan 2025 | 1 | 22 |
| May 2025 | 1 | 23 |
| Sep 2025 | 1 | 24 |
| Jan 2026 | 2 | 26 |
| Feb 2026 | 2 | 28 |
| Mar 2026 | 1 | 29 |
| May 2026 | 1 | 30 |
| Jun 2026 | 1 | 31 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Powertrain (other)919.1%
- Electrical714.9%
- Engine510.6%
- Airbags510.6%
- Steering48.5%
- Visibility36.4%
- Driver assistance36.4%
- Exterior lighting36.4%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
3 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govSTEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:BULBS
Safety investigations
NHTSA inquiries naming this vehicle. An investigation is not a finding of a defect.
Reduced Power After Engine Stall
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation on March 7, 2024, after receiving twenty (20) consumer complaints and multiple field reports describing reduced power (limp mode) after re-starting the vehicle following a stall on certain 2022-2024 model year (MY) Nissan Versa. A Preliminary Evaluation was opened to gather information and assess whether the subject vehicles contain a safety-related defect. During this investigation, Nissan explained that certain 2022-2044 MY Nissan Versa vehicles equipped with a manual transmission may, under specific conditions, experience a Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) along with reduced engine performance following an engine start-up after a stall. In certain conditions, if the vehicle stalls and an engine restart occurs within five (5) seconds, the vehicle will enter a fail-safe mode with limited engine torque. The fail-safe mode helps prevent damage to the engine, a complete loss of motive power, and allows the driver to maintain control of the vehicle. ODI reviewed over 180 incidents where drivers described entering a limp mode following a vehicle re-start after having stalled the vehicle. Review of these incidents did not identify any alleged crashes, near crashes, or injuries. In all of the cases reviewed, the driver was able to drive the vehicle to a safe location. On April 28, 2025, Nissan released a Technical Service Bulletin NTB25-024 on certain MY 2022-2024 Versa vehicles equipped with a manual transmission.The remedy applies to subject vehicles built through July 9, 2024, and consists of replacing the Valve Timing Control (VTC) unit and installing updated control software. The bulletin will be implemented at no charge to the customer and includes all parts and labor. Subject vehicles built after July 9, 2024 were manufactured with these changes already in place. Following updates to the subject vehicles, ODI has not received any consumer complaints describing a limp mode condition on vehicles built after July 9, 2024 or after having received the NTB25-024 remedy. ODI believes the campaign issued by Nissan addresses the concerns raised in this investigation. As a result, PE24007 is closed. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The agency reserves the right to take any additional action if warranted. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
Automatic CVT failure confirmed by Future Nissan of Roseville CA. No warning prior to failure. Replaced by Kirkwood Autoworx Mechanical since Nissan Corporate denied a good-will replacement. Reason: 15k miles over warranty - 75081odometer reading at replacement on 5/27/26. CVT failed while on a busy street [XXX] ). I had only reverse and had to back my way out of traffic. Extremely dangerous situation. New Issue: Left Front Door (Driver) Locking actuator failure on XXX Not a safety issue yet. Will not lock or unlock with key fob. Manual entry only. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- NHTSA ID
- 11741559
- Incident
- May 1, 2026
Hi, My name is [XXX] and I live in [XXX] . In October 2023 I purchased a used Nissan Versa 2021 from a dealership. It only had 30k miles on it when I bought it. On May 9, 2026 I was driving to work when my car experienced acceleration failure. It had 80,600 miles on it. When the acceleration failed, I was in the process of making a left turn and came very close to being hit by oncoming traffic. After Nissan claimed to fix the issue and I paid a substantial amount of money and drove about 40 miles, the same thing happened. And again it was during a left turn into oncoming traffic. Twice I've come very close to an accident. Something needs to be fixed with these cvt transmissions. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- NHTSA ID
- 11740221
- Incident
- May 9, 2026
I got into the car and started it up. Put in reverse car shuts off. Re started and put in reverse. Was able to drive out of apartment parking lot then no power to speed and car was a little jerky and on dashboard it said warning malfunction see owners manual with a few pictures on dashboard
- NHTSA ID
- 11724857
- Incident
- Mar 16, 2026
Cvt Transmission failed While driving transmission popped and no forward drive leaving us in traffic unable to move in forward. Had to get out and push the car to the side of the road. No warning lights no warning signs. Just immediate loss of forward drive. Engine revs up but no movement. Dangerously leaving us in harms way. Haven't had the vehicle inspected by nissan yet but will be doing so in the next day or so. Vehicle is and will be Available for inspection or assessment at any time.
- NHTSA ID
- 11719379
- Incident
- Feb 18, 2026
Transmission failure 2 Times. First time experienced jerking and some smoke coming out and second time same jerking and smoke along with electrical system failure. Nissan paid 40% the first time to help and I paid 60% even though I did not agree with that I did it. 2nd time they refuse to pay anything because of warranty even though it only took 40, 000 miles and transmission went out gain. Obvious that the transmissions are trash. The constant jerking and smoking in engine and electrical failure not to mention I was in a hit and run and ran into a tree and brake system did not work and the air bag did not come out after running into a tree. Please people run from Nissan fast. I'm thankful for my life.
- NHTSA ID
- 11718275
- Incident
- Nov 1, 2025
My 2021 Nissan Versa was struck at high speed while parked and required extensive repairs that exceeded the vehicle’s value. After the repairs, the transmission began acting erratically. The car shudders, hesitates, and feels unstable while driving. Acceleration is unpredictable and the vehicle does not feel safe or reliable. These issues were not present before the collision and have continued to worsen. I have children and do not feel it is safe to operate this vehicle, so it is currently parked.
- NHTSA ID
- 11714561
- Incident
- Sep 27, 2025
Mileage: Approximately 45,000 Current Status: Inoperable; held at Joe Machens Nissan pending evaluation by Nissan Consumer Affairs. Description of the Problem The vehicle has become completely inoperable, making it unsafe to operate. In the months prior to the failure, traction control warning indicators intermittently appeared on the dashboard. I did not recognize their significance at the time and did not document them, but they may have been early warning signs of the current operational failure. Approximately 22 days prior to the vehicle becoming completely inoperable, it underwent a recall update, oil change, and tire rotation at Joe Machens Nissan. Staff reported no concerns at the time. Shortly afterward, the vehicle began exhibiting reduced driving function and erratic power, which eventually led to complete inoperability. On [XXX], while commuting approximately 40 miles at highway speeds (up to 70 mph), the vehicle exhibited unpredictable engine response. The RPMs fluctuated erratically, and the vehicle would not accelerate beyond 70 mph. There were no dashboard warning indicators at the time. The vehicle is currently in the care of Joe Machens Nissan pending evaluation by Nissan Consumer Affairs. I am submitting this complaint to document potential safety concerns and to contribute to investigations regarding this vehicle model, including similar complaints reported by other 2021 Nissan Versa owners. Safety Impact Statement The operational failure poses a risk of reduced vehicle control and potential accident while driving at highway speeds, even in the absence of dashboard warnings. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- NHTSA ID
- 11708227
- Incident
- Dec 30, 2025
Need to put in complaint the CVT transmissions has been doing a lot of whining and jerky. Spoke to the dealership they stated had no idea what it was. Started to investigate and found out there were recalls in the 2012 to 2015 CVT transmissions on Nissans and there is pending investigation in the years 2020 to 2023 for the same thing. Was told by a car repair to put in complaint. Due to the fact my Nissan stopped and would not move in the middle of an intersection which almost caused a wreck. There were no warning lights it just wouldn't go into gear. This is a big safety issue. It was due to the CVT transmission issues same as the ones in the 2012 to 2015 investigations. It was inspected by a independent service center.
- NHTSA ID
- 11689040
- Incident
- Sep 22, 2025
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
STRUCTURE:BODY
CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is attached to the instrument panel or body on the driver side at the base of the windshield (see Figure 1). · The “Certification Label” (vinyl adhesive label) is located on the lower area of the driver side B-Pillar (see Figure 1).
STRUCTURE:BODY
CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is attached to the instrument panel or body on the driver side at the base of the windshield (see Figure 1). · The “Certification Label” (vinyl adhesive label) is located on the lower area of the driver side B-Pillar (see Figure 1).
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DTC P17F4 STORED IN THE TCM IF YOU CONFIRM The customer reports transmission vibration when accelerating, HINT: Vibration occurs during quick reacceleration after braking, during a 2-1 downshift of the auxiliary gearbox. AND DTC P17F4 for “AUXILIARY GEARBOX (CL JUDDER)” is stored in the TCM. · If DTCs other than P17F4 are stored, this bulletin does not apply. Refer to the ESM for further diagnostic information. ACTION Refer to the Repair Overview on page 2 to determine if this bulletin applies. IMPORTANT: The purpose of ACTION (above) is to give you a quick idea of the work you will be performing. You MUST closely follow the entire SERVICE PROCEDURE as it contains information that is essential to successfully completing this repair.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING; SERVICE BRAKES
AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING WARNING LIGHT BLINKING APPLIED SYSTEMS: Vehicles equipped with a lane camera (see Figure 1) SERVICE INFORMATION If the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) warning light or is blinking (but not illuminated steadily) or the customer states it is blinking, and there are no related DTCs, inspect the windshield. A blinking AEB warning light may occur under the following conditions: When contamination or foreign material adhere to the lane camera viewing window on the windshield. When driving while it is snowing or when frost forms on the lane camera viewing window on the windshield. When the lane camera viewing window on the windshield is temporarily fogged up. Figure 1 Nissan Bulletins are intended for use by qualified technicians, not 'do-it-yourselfers'. Qualified technicians are properly trained individuals who have the equipment, tools, safety instruction, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. NOTE: If you believe that a described condition may apply to a particular vehicle, DO NOT assume that it does. See your Nissan dealer to determine if this applies to your vehicle. HINT: o Refer to the applicable ESM for diagnosis if DTCs are present in the Laser/Radar, ICC/ADAS, or Lane Camera systems. o For further information: Refer to the following pages. Use the search keyword “blinking” in the ESM.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL; FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING; SERVICE BRAKES
INTELLIGENT CRUISE CONTROL INOPERATIVE AND AEB/FEB WARNING LIGHT ON OR RADAR OBSTRUCTION MESSAGE DISPLAYED WITH DTC C1A16 OR C2582 IF YOU CONFIRM IMPORTANT: The purpose of ACTION (on the next page) is to give you a quick idea of the work you will be performing. You MUST closely follow the entire SERVICE PROCEDURE as it contains information that is essential to successfully completing this repair. Nissan Bulletins are intended for use by qualified technicians, not 'do-it-yourselfers'. Qualified technicians are properly trained individuals who have the equipment, tools, safety instruction, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. NOTE: If you believe that a described condition may apply to a particular vehicle, DO NOT assume that it does. See your Nissan dealer to determine if this applies to your vehicle. The customer states that the ICC stopped working while driving, OR The customer states that the AEB/FEB warning light is ON, or turned ON, while driving (Figure 1), OR The message “Unavailable Front Radar Obstruction” or “Forward Driving Aids Temporarily Disabled Front Sensor Blocked See Owner's Manual” has displayed while driving (Figure 2). AND DTC C1A16, C1A16-97, C2582, or C2582-97 is the ONLY DTC stored. Figure 1 Figure 2 This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. Forward Driving Aids Temporarily Disabled Front Sensor Blocked See Owner’s Manual
AIR BAGS
DTC B00A0-00 STORED This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. IF YOU CONFIRM DTC B00A0-00 (OCCUPANT DETECTION SENSOR UNIT) is stored, AND OCS zero point reset cannot be performed, (continued on the next page)
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 47.7 |
| 2024 | 94 | 1 | 1 | 44.1 |
| 2023 | 37 | 1 | 1 | 38.9 |
| 2022 | 20 | 0 | 1 | 45.9 |
| 2021Viewing | 31 | 3 | 1 | 65.6 |
| 2020 | 64 | 2 | 0 | 57.4 |
| 2019 | 24 | 1 | 0 | 51.0 |
| 2018 | 54 | 2 | 1 | 63.0 |
| 2017 | 62 | 3 | 1 | 58.9 |
| 2016 | 79 | 0 | 1 | 50.8 |
| 2015 | 168 | 1 | 2 | 52.0 |
| 2014 | 205 | 2 | 4 | 60.8 |
| 2013 | 204 | 1 | 4 | 51.2 |
| 2012 | 486 | 11 | 7 | 64.2 |
| 2011 | 268 | 7 | 2 | 61.9 |
| 2010 | 267 | 8 | 2 | 59.1 |
| 2009 | 503 | 8 | 2 | 57.8 |
| 2008 | 381 | 8 | 2 | 59.2 |
| 2007 | 354 | 9 | 2 | 58.9 |
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. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.