2014 Nissan Versa Note Problems
Compared with other Nissan Versa Note years
More complaints than typical for this model
75/100 1.8× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.8× that of a typical Nissan Versa Note year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 44 of its 136 complaints were filed by the end of 2016.
- Most reported problem: Engine stalling or shutting off while driving (20 complaints, median 50,152 mi).
- 3 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2016
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 136filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 40,000miles, 89 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- —not in EPA data
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2014 Nissan Versa Note (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2014 Versa Note most often describe trouble with the continuously variable transmission — shuddering, slipping, delayed engagement and loss of power on acceleration — with many reports arriving between roughly 40,000 and 100,000 miles. A second cluster of complaints concerns the front passenger airbag warning light staying on with an adult seated, and others describe early-life brake pulsation, accelerator pedal trim interference and occasional stalling. Some complaints arrive at very low mileage, while a number of the transmission reports come much later in the car's life.
- Transmission and drivetrain
CVT shudder, slipping and loss of acceleration
Mentioned in 25 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe the car shuddering or vibrating during acceleration, the engine revving without the vehicle picking up speed, and occasional hard or delayed engagement. Several complaints say the vehicle lost power or stopped moving while driving, and that a dealer diagnosed a failed transmission or recommended replacement. Some mention a prior software or diagnostic update performed at a dealer without resolving the concern. Reports cluster from roughly 20,000 to 100,000+ miles, with many in the 50,000-80,000 mile range and a few at very low mileage.
What to check: On a test drive, accelerate from a stop and up a slight hill and watch for shudder, revving without matching speed, or hesitation; also ask whether the CVT fluid was serviced and whether any dealer software or diagnostic updates were applied.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“After having the transmission recall update performed by Nissan the transmission is having issues with shifting. I have to let off of the accelerator for the transmission to downshift. I contacted Nissan and they made a case and said I would have to pay for them to fix the problem even though they knew of the issues with the transmission.”
NHTSA complaint #11405907, filed 2021-04, 103,000 miles“This car has only 34,000 miles on it and the air bag warning light has come and is flashing constantly ... Given the mileage of the car I was shocked and amazed that I would be having a problem. Other problem I've had is that it has staled out a couple of times for not reason at all when pulling out onto the road.”
NHTSA complaint #11119395, filed 2018-08, 34,000 miles - Brakes
Brake pulsation or pedal that releases
- 11 complaints (8%)
- median 15,500 mi at 1.0 yrs old (10 state mileage)
- 4 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2014–2026
Complaints describe vibration or pulsation through the brake pedal while slowing to a stop, and in a few cases the pedal releasing slightly so the car creeps forward. Some owners report a hard or low pedal requiring extra pressure, and others say the dealer bled the brakes or replaced pads without resolving the concern. Reported from a few thousand miles up to higher-mileage cars, with several at very low odometer readings.
What to check: Test braking from speed on a quiet road for pulsation or a pedal that sinks, and ask for the service history on pads, rotors and brake fluid.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While traveling out a country road, I was coming up to a stop sign at the bottom of a hill. When I made an attempt to stop, I had no brakes what so ever. I could see that there was no traffic coming from either direction so I made an attempt to make the turn on to the roadway but had no steering either. With no way to control the car I ended up going straight through the stop sign, across the road, through a tree stump and into the side of an abandoned house. …”
NHTSA complaint #10654196, filed 2014-11, 41,000 miles“As I was slowly coming to a stop at a light my brakes began to pulsate. They did not make any strange noises. I came to a complete stop and was waiting for the light to change when all of a sudden the brake pedal released slightly and I began to roll slowly forward, so I pressed harder on the brakes and stopped. This was a new car at the time so I thought perhaps I just didn't have my foot on the brake hard enough, although I knew the pulsating was not normal. …”
NHTSA complaint #10722526, filed 2015-05, 3,000 miles - Air bags
Passenger airbag warning light / occupant sensor
- 16 complaints (12%)
- median 41,000 mi at 3.5 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- 6 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2014–2024
Owners report the passenger airbag indicator staying lit or the red airbag warning light coming on even with an adult in the front passenger seat, and in some cases the light cycling on and off while driving. Complaints describe dealers resetting the occupant sensor, and some say the seat track sensor, occupant classification unit or seat assembly was recommended for replacement. A few owners question the weight threshold at which the system enables the airbag for smaller adults. Mostly reported between about 15,000 and 80,000 miles, sometimes after a light load was briefly placed on the passenger seat.
What to check: With an adult seated in the front passenger seat, confirm the passenger airbag status shows enabled and no airbag warning light is lit; ask whether the occupant sensor has been reset or replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Subject: passenger side air bag activation sensor comments: I have a Nissan Versa Note 2014. When my wife is in the passenger seat (she weights 104 lbs) the passenger air bag off warning light stays on, indication that the air bag is not activated. The dealer says the system is designed that way to protect children, and that the weight sensor for the light is set at about 150 lbs. In accordance with federal standards. Can this possibly be true?? …”
NHTSA complaint #10748457, filed 2015-08, 5,000 miles“May 11,2017 I was hit from behind. While sitting behind a van at a light. Waiting for the light to turn green, a car hit me hard from behind. I hit the fan in front of me buckling hood & the front grill were torn to pieces. My airbag did not go off at all.I was rush to the hospital with tailbone, back problems. Right today I'm still having back problems. Going back & forward to doctors right today. Yes please, I wonder why my air bag did not go off.”
NHTSA complaint #11043899, filed 2017-11, 81,267 miles - Engine
Engine stalling or shutting off while driving
- 20 complaints (15%)
- median 50,152 mi at 3.7 yrs old (19 state mileage)
- filed 2014–2026
Owners describe the engine cutting out at stops, during turns or at speed, sometimes with warning lights and sometimes with no warning at all. Complaints mention difficulty restarting, towing to a dealer, and in several cases no confirmed cause or repair. Spread from very low mileage up to around 100,000 miles, with no clear pattern in the sample.
What to check: Ask whether the car has ever stalled or needed a tow, and have a mechanic check for stored fault codes and confirm the battery and ground connections.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“This car takes forever to warm up in winter. I don't let it sit and idle, I drive slowly for a while. It takes me 20 minutes to get to work and just starting to warm up then. Is this because it has two thermostats and an oil cooler? Its an annoyance. I even leave heater off till temp gauge has 6 bars and that only minimally solves the problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10672899, filed 2015-01, 2,500 miles“I live in arizona. I had come to a stop at a red light in some heavy traffic. I was getting ready to make a right turn. At the point of making the right turn the car died. I could not complete the turn. Basically I started to head into other cars that were making a left turn which was perpendicular to my car. I was able to avoid hitting any cars and at the same time was lucky not to be hit by any cars. The car ended up in that left turn lane. …”
NHTSA complaint #10731933, filed 2015-07, 19,050 miles - Vehicle speed control
Accelerator pedal trim catches the foot
- 14 complaints (10%)
- median 20,000 mi at 1.2 yrs old (13 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2013–2026
Owners report the trim or recessed area near the accelerator trapping or catching a shoe, delaying the move from accelerator to brake. Complaints also describe intermittent failure to respond to the accelerator pedal, including from a stop, with dealers sometimes unable to reproduce or resolve the symptom. Reported mostly at very low mileage, often within the first few thousand miles.
What to check: Sit in the driver's seat and move your foot from accelerator to brake a few times to check for trim interference, and ask whether the center console trim recall repair was completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“This was just a rental vehicle, but this problem was serious enough that I feel it necessary to report. There is a recessed well above the accelerator that traps your foot. Several times while driving this vehicle, I would attempt to pivot my foot on its heel off the accelerator over to the brake, only to find my foot trapped in the recessed space above the accelerator. I would then have to relax my foot and pull it back in order to release my foot and move over to the brake. …”
NHTSA complaint #10573057, filed 2014-03, 400 miles“Intermittent lack of acceleration. Happened 4 times in 6 days. Tried accelerating from stop to enter cross street and found no acceleration and no engine increase. Traveled 50 feet at 6 to 10 MPH before a response with pedal to the floor. Turned into dealer, but there was no resolution. This is a possible deadly problem.”
NHTSA complaint #10546976, filed 2013-10, 535 miles
Buying note. This model year draws repeated transmission complaints, so a careful test drive and a pre-purchase inspection focused on the CVT are worth the cost. Also confirm the airbag indicator behaves correctly with a passenger seated and ask for records of any recall or service bulletin work already performed.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 136 consumer complaints for the 2014 Nissan Versa Note. 89 of the complaints include a mileage, and 54% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 40,000 miles. Of all complaints, 10 involved a crash, 1 a fire, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 150 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 2 Nissan Versa Note model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 75 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (more complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine23 17%
- Other or unknown23 17%
- Air bags19 14%
- Brakes19 14%
- Vehicle speed control16 12%
- Electrical system11 8.1%
- Steering8 5.9%
- Body and structure8 5.9%
Also reported: Fuel system (3), Seats (3), Suspension (2), Wheels (2), Back-over prevention (rear camera) (1), Engine cooling (1), Forward collision avoidance (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “Car has a little less than 35000 miles. The car has terrible problems engaging any gear. Transmission is wasted. I was going to cambria from orange county. I felt the car a little weird arriving in cambria, but it still ruined. As I was coming to orange county, the car abandoned me in the freeway. I had to take it off the highway and drive through streets to my house. Car is broken.”
NHTSA complaint #11120935, filed 2018-08, 34,600 milesEngine: “To my understanding, my car has been overheating and the first time it overheated it was because I had no coolant. Then, the same night, I bought some coolant and had it checked out at the nearest auto zone. Couple of days later though, the car had shut off again. Luckily, each time was on the street so I can flash my emergency signal. However, I am very concerned with this recent news update and ensure my safety.”
NHTSA complaint #11004963, filed 2017-07, 66,650 milesOther or unknown: “I was driving in stop and go traffic and as I stopped at a red light in the left turn lane, the engine cut off completely and would not start. I had to ask a group of people to help push my car to the side of the road during rush hour traffic. I waited about 30 minutes and the car was able to start again. I was nervous to drive on the expressway to get home as this could pose as a serious threat to safety.”
NHTSA complaint #10853630, filed 2016-04, 50,000 milesAir bags: “Airbag light on dash blinks, no recall is showing for my vehicle VIN. Airbag has never been deployed. Displays regardless of speed. Has been occurring for months (nearly a year as best I can recall), this is the first I became aware of a method to report.”
NHTSA complaint #11150830, filed 2018-11, 90,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
54% of the 89 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 3,600 and 76,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2014 Nissan Versa Note. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Versa Note · hatchback FWD | ★★★★☆ | 3 / 2 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 14.7% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2015: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Recalls and investigations
- 15V507000Aug 12, 2015Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedalCovers: Nissan Versa Note 2014–2015, Versa 2012–2015
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Nissan Versa sedan vehicles manufactured June 9, 2011, to March 11, 2015, and 2014-2015 Nissan Versa Note vehicles manufactured April 23, 2013, to March 11, 2015. The affected…
- 13V324000Jul 24, 2013Structure › BodyCovers: Nissan Versa Note 2014
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2014 Versa Note vehicles manufactured April 23, 2013, through July 3, 2013. The lower body sill bolts may be missing or incorrectly torqued.
- 13V326000Jul 24, 2013Seats › Mid/rear assemblyCovers: Nissan Versa Note 2014
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2014 Versa Note vehicles manufactured April 23, 2013, through July 5, 2013. The rear seat latch bolts may have been manufactured incorrectly, reducing their strength.
Recall details for the 2014 Nissan Versa Note → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 150 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11031705Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. 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…
- 11031704Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. 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…
- 11009068Sep 19, 2024Air 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…
- 11004962May 21, 2024Electrical system. VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004961May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004960May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001201Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001194Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001191Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10243708Sep 21, 2023Steering. DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Other model years of the Nissan Versa Note
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 10 | 63,000 | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2016 | 29 | 41,450 | 0 | 4 | — | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2015 | 86 | 44,000 | 2 | 4 | — | 50 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 136 | 40,000 | 3 | 4 | — | 75 · More | Falling |
All Nissan Versa Note model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Nissan Versa Note?
Owners of the 2014 Versa Note most often describe trouble with the continuously variable transmission — shuddering, slipping, delayed engagement and loss of power on acceleration — with many reports arriving between roughly 40,000 and 100,000 miles. The issues reported most often: CVT shudder, slipping and loss of acceleration; Brake pulsation or pedal that releases; Passenger airbag warning light / occupant sensor.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2014 Nissan Versa Note have?
NHTSA recorded 136 consumer complaints for the 2014 Nissan Versa Note as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2014 Nissan Versa Note is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 55 complaints (40% of the total), followed by engine with 23.
Has the 2014 Nissan Versa Note been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2014 Nissan Versa Note do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2014 Nissan Versa Note 4 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
At what mileage are problems with the 2014 Nissan Versa Note reported?
Among the 89 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 40,000 miles and the middle half falls between 3,600 and 76,000 miles; 54% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program.
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.