2014 Nissan Versa Problems
Compared with other Nissan Versa years
More complaints than typical for this model
68/100 1.5× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.5× that of a typical Nissan Versa 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.
- 73 of its 207 complaints were filed by the end of 2016.
- Most reported problem: CVT shudder, slipping and loss of acceleration (72 complaints, median 79,575 mi).
- 2 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
- 207filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 55,518miles, 157 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns 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
- 30 mpgcombined, 1.6L 4-cyl FWD · 27 city / 35 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2014 Nissan Versa (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe transmission trouble: loss of acceleration, shuddering, jerking, and hard or delayed shifting, frequently traced by mechanics to the continuously variable transmission. Reports of the engine shutting off while driving, brake pedal issues, and water leaking into the cabin appear less often but recur across the sample. Many transmission complaints cluster between roughly 60,000 and 110,000 miles, while brake and water-intrusion reports appear at much lower mileage.
- Transmission and drivetrain
CVT shudder, slipping and loss of acceleration
- 72 complaints (35%)
- median 79,575 mi at 5.3 yrs old (49 state mileage)
- owner-quoted repair $3,700 (median of 11 quotes)
- filed 2013–2026
Owners describe shuddering or vibration on take-off, hard or delayed shifting, RPMs climbing without the car speeding up, and abrupt jerking. Several say the vehicle eventually would not accelerate or move at all, and independent mechanics or dealers diagnosed a failed continuously variable transmission needing replacement. Some report the problem appeared or worsened shortly after dealer transmission service or a software update, and several mention being told the repair was their responsibility. Mostly reported between about 40,000 and 110,000 miles, often after a stop or during acceleration.
What to check: Ask for transmission service records and whether any CVT-related bulletins or warranty extensions apply. On a test drive, feel for shudder or hesitation when pulling away from a stop and listen for grinding or clunking.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Transmission I had no awareness of my car having problems but always knew something was wrong it would do this jerking motion or accelerate on its own and when it stalled on my when I pushed on the gas the mechanic told my my transmissions shot and that Nissan had a recall on transmissions. I always kept my car up to date and routinely checked. Its only a 2014.”
NHTSA complaint #11207611, filed 2019-05, 100,000 miles“Gearshift will not come out of park, have to manually unlock the gearshift with a paper clip; car will not accelerate correlational to the gas pedal, and the rpms go really high on inclines/hills...Nissan saying not responsible/no recalls, but I'm still getting 'claims notices' from GM economic settlement claims center...the Nissan dealership told me to disregard the notices coming in the mail....”
NHTSA complaint #11351710, filed 2020-08, 93,500 miles - Engine
Engine stalling or shutting off while driving
- 29 complaints (14%)
- median 65,000 mi at 4.4 yrs old (24 state mileage)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2014–2026
Complaints describe the engine cutting out at low speed, at stops, or at highway speed, sometimes with the check engine light on and sometimes with a long wait before it restarts. A few describe the car losing power steering and brake assist at the same moment. Dealers are reported to have been unable to duplicate the failure in several cases. Reported from as low as a few thousand miles up to about 100,000 miles, with no clear mileage pattern.
Recall 15V4180001 related service bulletin
What to check: Have a pre-purchase inspection scan stored codes and check the start/stop button for sticking in hot weather. Ask whether the ignition switch recall work was completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“My 2014 Nissan Versa shut down today while I was driving! Luckly I was on a parking structure. I looked up my VIN for any recalls and it shows 0 however, I did locate a recall that was made for 2014 Nissan versas sedan for the exact same thing that happened to my car and I'm wondering why my vehicle is not part the the recall VIN numbers.”
NHTSA complaint #11003749, filed 2017-07, 56,579 miles“I was backing out of my driveway, and noticed that the vehicle started losing power and steering. The vehicle then shut off while driving. After this incident, I parked the car, and it stopped responding and would no longer turn on.”
NHTSA complaint #11404577, filed 2021-03, 102,000 miles - Brakes
Brake pedal sinking or not engaging
Mentioned in 8 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners describe the brake pedal going to the floor with little or no braking, sometimes followed by the brakes grabbing, and in one case a foot being unable to press the pedal. Some say dealers could not reproduce the concern or suggested new pads and rotors instead. Reported across a wide range, from very low mileage to roughly 70,000 miles.
Recall 15V5070001 related service bulletin
What to check: Check the recall status for the console trim and brake-related campaigns, and test the pedal for firmness while stopped and while rolling slowly. Ask whether the brake fluid was ever flushed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Brake failure today while driving. When I pressed the brake, the pedal went all the way down to the floor. The car didn't respond. Thank god I was coming out of a parking lot and not on the busy highway when this happened or it could have been a fatal situation. Also experiencing CVT judders and vibrations constantly. Transmission feels like its struggling and will die soon. I only have 39000 miles on the car.”
NHTSA complaint #10850584, filed 2016-03, 39,030 miles“I was approaching a stop light. As I approached the stop light I began to gradually apply the brakes to slow down, but the pedal went to the floor and the brakes did not engage. The pedal felt like normal resistance was there when pushing on it with my foot, but the brakes did not work to slow the vehicle. I quickly removed my foot from the brake, looked at my feet to make sure I was on the brake, then slammed the brakes and the pedal once again went to the floor. …”
NHTSA complaint #10927184, filed 2016-11, 68,000 miles - Air bags
Airbag warning light on or airbags not deploying
- 17 complaints (8%)
- median 7,500 mi at 1.3 yrs old (12 state mileage)
- 12 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2013–2026
Owners report the airbag warning light coming on and staying on, with one dealer replacing the airbag module under warranty. Other complaints describe airbags failing to deploy in collisions, including front and side impacts, and in one case the passenger airbag indicator showing off without reason. Reported from delivery mileage up to about 66,000 miles.
What to check: Confirm the airbag warning light goes out after the bulb check on start-up, and ask whether any airbag-related recalls or campaigns were completed for the vehicle.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Versa . The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH, another vehicle crashed into the front passenger's side door and the air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained injuries that required medical attention. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 3,500. The VIN was not available.”
NHTSA complaint #10593459, filed 2014-05, 3,500 miles“The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle became involved in a head-on collision and the air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed and the driver sustained neck injuries. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 250. Updated 12/30/13”
NHTSA complaint #10552056, filed 2013-11, 250 miles - Body and structure
Water leaking into the cabin and windshield condensation
- 6 complaints (3%)
- median 9,000 mi at 1.0 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2014–2024
Complaints describe water pooling in the rear passenger footwell and seat area after rain, a swishing sound near the front passenger side, and heavy condensation on the inside of the glass. Some owners say dealers could not find the source; others describe wet carpets and fit gaps around the doors. Mostly reported under about 30,000 miles, often after rain or in humid, changing-temperature weather.
What to check: Look for stains or musty smells in the rear footwells and trunk, and check the carpets after rain. Ask whether the windshield cowl drains have been cleaned.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“There is a coolant smell coming from the engine, no noticeable signs of a leak . The main coolant tank was full but the overflow was empty. Dealer said it was a common smell with no further explanation. After filling the overflow, the smell still persists. The overflow loses about half a cup per month. No overheat or cooling problems noticed.”
NHTSA complaint #10681928, filed 2015-02, 9,000 miles“Driving to ala. From ga. Had difficult time seeing out windows and windshield due to condensation building up inside on the drivers side, passenger side, and windshield. It was raining & diff in temp., had to stop several times and wipe off with cloth towels. Went to dealership to get radio replaced and showed them the trunk was wet (carpet showed rings) and the right drivers door had big gap between the front of the car and door frame area - it is separating from the frame on both sides. …”
NHTSA complaint #10694378, filed 2015-03, 3,500 miles
Buying note. Because transmission concerns dominate the complaints for this model year, a used example deserves a careful test drive and a look at its CVT service history before purchase. Also confirm the outstanding recall work (accelerator pedal trim and ignition switch) was completed on the specific car you are considering.
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 207 consumer complaints for the 2014 Nissan Versa. 157 of the complaints include a mileage, and 47% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 55,518 miles. Of all complaints, 27 involved a crash, 17 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 156 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 13 Nissan Versa model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 68 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.
- Engine37 18%
- Other or unknown32 15%
- Brakes31 15%
- Vehicle speed control26 13%
- Air bags24 12%
- Electrical system17 8.2%
- Body and structure12 5.8%
- Fuel system10 4.8%
- Steering10 4.8%
Also reported: Suspension (6), Electronic stability control (4), Seat belts (3), Tires (3), Engine cooling (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Wheels (2), Exterior lighting (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seats (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “My Nissan Versa 2014 had to have the transmission replaced with only a little over 80,000 mile's on it. After research this is a known issue for Nissan crv transmissions for vehicles including my make and model. The vehicle was in motion at the time of the issue on a secondary roadway.”
NHTSA complaint #11360536, filed 2020-09, 82,000 milesEngine: “When I got in the car, I went to start it by pressing the brake. The brake pedal went all the way to the floor and the accelerator pedal did as well. It took about 10 minutes for them to release and come back up, before I could get my car started and drive back home. I was scared for my life it was going to stick again on my 2 hour ride back home.”
NHTSA complaint #10716423, filed 2015-05, 14,405 milesOther or unknown: “Tire purchased from dealership 1 year ago, tire tread separated, nearly causing blowout, while in motion on highway. Had I not taken precautions I could have been killed. Precautions taken due to on the job safety professional driving skills. Tires are called nexen and are sold by Nissan dealership in corpus christi, texas. Dot # dot8elx”
NHTSA complaint #11231609, filed 2019-07, 55,518 milesBrakes: “When car is in motion the brakes will not work and it slides. The ABS and traction control lights come on and the speedometer jumps. I've had 2 mechanics look at it and they say its because the axle nut backs off. Took it to gunter Nissan on 6/6/19 and they refused to service it saying I had to contact Nissan corporate but Nissan corporate says I have to take it to a dealership.”
NHTSA complaint #11218234, filed 2019-06, 197,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
47% of the 157 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 12,500 and 83,000 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. 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 · sedan FWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 3 | 4 | 5 | 4 · 14.7% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2013: same overall rating; 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.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2014 Nissan Versa version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Versa FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | CVT | 31 | 39 | 35 | $1,900 |
| Versa FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 27 | 35 | 30 | $2,250 |
| Versa FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 26 | 35 | 30 | $2,250 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 15V507000Aug 12, 2015Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedalCovers: Nissan Versa 2012–2015, Versa Note 2014–2015
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…
- 15V418000Jul 1, 2015Electrical system › Ignition › SwitchCovers: Nissan Versa 2014, Juke 2013–2014, Cube 2013–2014
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2014 Versa Sedan vehicles manufactured July 16, 2013, to January 29, 2014, 2013-2014 Cube vehicles manufactured July 3, 2013, to October 21, 2013, and 2013-2014 Juke vehicles manufactured…
Recall details for the 2014 Nissan Versa → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- EA15003Pedal Operation InterferenceClosed · Apr 1, 2015
- PE14018Pedal Operation InterferenceClosed · Jun 24, 2014
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. 156 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
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 12 | 32 | 0 | 5 | 35 | — | Too new |
| 2024 | 96 | 1,350 | 1 | 5 | 35 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 37 | 11,000 | 1 | 5 | 35 | 22 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 20 | 10,150 | 0 | 5 | 35 | — | Rising |
| 2021 | 32 | 6,000 | 3 | 5 | 35 | 31 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 64 | 15,000 | 2 | 5 | 35 | 48 · Typical | Stable |
| 2019 | 24 | 20,000 | 1 | 4 | 34 | — | Stable |
| 2018 | 57 | 28,652 | 2 | 4 | 30 | 34 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2017 | 62 | 27,007 | 3 | — | 30 | 37 · Typical | Falling |
| 2016 | 81 | 34,262 | 0 | 4 | 30 | 23 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2015 | 168 | 46,000 | 1 | 4 | 30 | 52 · Typical | Falling |
| 2014 | 207 | 55,518 | 2 | 4 | 30 | 68 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 204 | 52,000 | 1 | 4 | 30 | 47 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 486 | 60,088 | 10 | 4 | 30 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2011 | 269 | 64,000 | 6 | 2 | 28 | 77 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 269 | 65,000 | 7 | — | 28 | 70 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 504 | 63,500 | 7 | — | 29 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 381 | 52,000 | 7 | — | 28 | 99 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 354 | 55,107 | 8 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Nissan Versa model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Nissan Versa?
Owners of this model year most often describe transmission trouble: loss of acceleration, shuddering, jerking, and hard or delayed shifting, frequently traced by mechanics to the continuously variable transmission. The issues reported most often: CVT shudder, slipping and loss of acceleration; Engine stalling or shutting off while driving; Brake pedal sinking or not engaging.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2014 Nissan Versa have?
NHTSA recorded 207 consumer complaints for the 2014 Nissan Versa as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2014 Nissan Versa is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 82 complaints (40% of the total), followed by engine with 37.
Has the 2014 Nissan Versa been recalled?
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2014 Nissan Versa do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2014 Nissan Versa 4 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2014 Nissan Versa get?
The EPA rates the 2014 Nissan Versa (Versa, 1.6L 4-cyl) at 30 mpg combined, 27 city and 35 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,250 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2014 Nissan Versa reported?
Among the 157 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 55,518 miles and the middle half falls between 12,500 and 83,000 miles; 47% 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. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
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.