2016 Nissan Versa Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 20about this part
- Share
- 25%of 81 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 79,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 20 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2016 Nissan Versa, 25% of the 81 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 79,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“On or about november 5th of 2018 while traveling on the highway home the vehicle quit accelerating. We limped the vehicle home where a local transmission shop inspected the transmission. It was apparent the transmission was slipping. The quote we received was that the transmission was shot . The vehicle had been purchased used and was only owned about 16 months.”
NHTSA complaint #11192913, filed 2019-04, 56,823 miles“I had issues with the gears that initially the issue showed up as a problem with AC/heater not working properly, but when the mechanic examined the issue, it was an issue with gears. Soon after that, my car began to hesitate while driving and then began to smell like something burnt. The car was well maintained, I did regular maintenance as instructed in the manual, but it was around 60,000 mileage when issues began to show up and around 90,000 when it began hesitating and smelling. …”
NHTSA complaint #11306195, filed 2020-01, 83,000 miles“On approximated on february 02, 2020 on the north bound 215 fwy existing fwy off ramp on newport blvd in menifee ca, when my 2016 Nissan Versa stall, it's on drive and not moving. No warning signs of any mechanical issues, no engine light on. I turned off the engine and restarted then I was able to drive but the RPM is moving up and down. I pulled over to the nearest gas station and called my roadside assistant through geico. The next day I drove the vehicle to pedder Nissan dealership for a diagnostic of the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11308363, filed 2020-02, 128,000 miles“Was coming to a stop at a red light when my car suddenly stalled out. Re started it then it was sluggish and my check engine light came on, when I came to a stop again I felt a quick thunk like the transmission was slipping. Finally got it home when put it on code reader it came up with code p0705 transmission range sensor circuit malfunction. I received a notice of recall for the transmission problem but when took it to the dealer they said it wasn't covered. Now I am stuck having to pay around $2000 to get my car fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #11286629, filed 2019-12, 87,000 miles“Vehicle hesitates when accelerating jerks car when getting speed when going at highway speeds car wanders back and forth hard to keep it on the road , clunking noise comes from CVT transmission when changing gears also produces severe vibrations when car is in motion getting worse and worse have been having these problems since I purchased car 1 year ago at 27,000 miles now have 70,000 miles and car is not very safe to be on the road I have replaced struts hub bearings control arms and tie rod ends along with motor and transmission mounts but the problem keeps getting worse and worse every…”
NHTSA complaint #11257255, filed 2019-09, 30,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10233904Mar 29, 2023CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of…
- 10227268Nov 23, 2022DRIVE SHAFT BOOT SERVICE INFORMATION SERVICE INFORMATION If a Drive Shaft (Axle Shaft) Boot on an APPLIED VEHICLE is found to be leaking grease, AND There is no abnormal noise or…
- 10222714Sep 27, 2022CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of…
- 10218745May 17, 2022ENHANCED DIAGNOSTIC LOGIC FOR CVT This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10199148Jun 9, 2021CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of…
- 10190200Mar 1, 2021CVT OIL LEAK DIAGNOSIS USING FLUORESCENT DYE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10176204May 11, 2020CVT Warranty Extension In an effort to assure customer satisfaction, demonstrate our confidence in continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), and to address customer concerns…
- 10176203May 11, 2020CVT Repairs Repair Recommendation: Dealers are advised to use all diagnostic information available in the ESM, TSBs, and ASIST to determine the appropriate repair for a…
- 10176202May 11, 2020Dear Nissan Sentra Owner: Thank you for being a Nissan owner. We strive to provide you with an excellent ownership experience that includes confidence in your vehicleâs…
- 10173617Mar 5, 20202013-2017 SENTRA AND VERSA SEDAN, AND 2014-2017 VERSA NOTE; ENHANCED DIAGNOSTIC LOGIC FOR CVT This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please…
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 4 | 33% |
| 2024 | 34 | 35% |
| 2023 | 15 | 41% |
| 2022 | 7 | 35% |
| 2021 | 9 | 28% |
| 2020 | 16 | 25% |
| 2019 | 11 | 46% |
| 2018 | 10 | 18% |
| 2017 | 9 | 15% |
| 2016 | 20 | 25% |
| 2015 | 47 | 28% |
| 2014 | 82 | 40% |
| 2013 | 73 | 36% |
| 2012 | 163 | 34% |
| 2011 | 8 | 3% |
| 2010 | 6 | 2% |
| 2009 | 20 | 4% |
| 2008 | 17 | 4% |
| 2007 | 13 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2016 Nissan Versa
21 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaintsEngine
10 complaintsBrakes
9 complaintsElectrical system
8 complaintsSteering
7 complaintsFuel system
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
5 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsSuspension
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2016 Nissan Versa
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology