2018 Nissan Versa Problems
Compared with other Nissan Versa years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
34/100 0.7× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.7× 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.
- 26 of its 57 complaints were filed by the end of 2020.
- Most reported problem: Engine stalling or shutting off while driving (15 complaints, median 38,353 mi).
- 2 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
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
- 57filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 28,652miles, 26 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 / 36 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2018 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 the engine stalling or shutting off while driving, often with little or no warning. Jerky shifting, slipping, or shuddering transmissions are also common, and many airbag complaints describe airbags that did not deploy in crashes or an airbag warning light that stays on or returns. Some owners report grinding brakes or weak stopping, and a few mention missing rear cameras on lower trims.
- Engine
Engine stalling or shutting off while driving
- 15 complaints (26%)
- median 38,353 mi at 2.2 yrs old (8 state mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2018–2026
Owners describe the engine cutting out or shutting off while driving or while stopped at a light or sign, often with little or no warning. Some say the car would not restart for a time, and a few say the engine would not turn over after a shutdown. A complaint says replacing a mass flow air sensor did not stop the stalling, and some say a sensor or computer fault was found after a shop visit. Several owners say a dealer or shop could not find the reason for the shutdowns, and a complaint notes that stalls could lead to a crash. Where mileage is given, these shutdowns range from 179 miles to about 105,000 miles, and several happened at stop signs, traffic lights, or in traffic.
What to check: Ask whether any stored engine or ignition codes are on record, and have a shop scan the car after a test drive. Ask the seller whether the mass flow air sensor or engine computer has been replaced, and whether a shop ever reproduced a stall.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was stopped at a stop sign (about to get on the highway) and my car just shut off. No signs that it was going to do this, no spuddering or acting like it was going to die. Just shut of. I have read on forums that other Nissan Versa owners have had the same issue. Some while driving down the road. I live 64 miles from my job. Its a very dangerous situation for me if my car does that while I'm driving.”
NHTSA complaint #11301667, filed 2020-01, 42,000 miles“I had only had my car for a couple of weeks, was driving down the road going about 40 MPH, and it completely stalled out on me. I was able to guide it to the side of the road. To my astonishment, it turned out to be my transmission. The Nissan dealership told me they had to put in a whole new transmission. It scares me to think what would have happened if I had been going faster, or if someone had crashed into the back of my car. I later read where Nissan had been having transmission problems for years.”
NHTSA complaint #11175890, filed 2019-02, 179 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Jerky shifting, slipping or transmission failure
- 15 complaints (26%)
- median 15,000 mi at 1.3 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2018–2026
Owners describe jerky shifting, slipping, shuddering, or delayed engagement, often when stopping or pulling away. A few describe a sudden stop in traffic, and some say the problem returned after repairs or a transmission replacement. A bulletin for CVT transmissions describes a warranty extension, and a complaint says the extension was limited to a set mileage. Where mileage is given, reports range from 179 miles to about 117,000 miles, and several describe symptoms when stopping or starting from a light.
What to check: Ask whether the CVT warranty extension bulletin applies to this VIN and whether its coverage is still in effect. On a test drive, check for jerking or shuddering during slow stops and gentle acceleration, and ask for records of any transmission diagnosis and fault codes.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I am at 27000 miles, and I've started to experience intermittent jerking of the car between 1000-2000 RPM. It's almost as though the transmission skips a beat, in some cases slightly propelling the vehicle forward. If your foot is starting to go down on the brake, there is a moment the car suddenly slows down (you take the foot off the brake slightly), then propels forward. This jerking action can cause a severe issue with stopping at a red light or about to make a turn. …”
NHTSA complaint #11253192, filed 2019-09, 27,000 miles“I was driving on the express way in rush hour traffic, and my car started to judder and rpm were reving high.i tried to accelerate and the car just stop in mid traffic, I had to have the car towed home,and from home to the nissan dealership. They told me that my transmission had failed and needed to be replaced.i had no warning light or any other problem and I could have been hurt really bad if the car behind me hadn't stop and help me get out of the rush hour traffic.”
NHTSA complaint #11685820, filed 2025-09 - Air bags
Airbags not deploying in crashes
- 8 complaints (14%)
- median 19,000 mi at 1.9 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- 8 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2018–2026
Owners describe airbags that did not deploy in crashes, including frontal, side, and rear-end impacts, sometimes at highway speed. Some say the airbags deployed only after the car was pulled over, and others describe a car declared a total loss in which the airbags did not deploy. Some owners say they could not confirm whether the airbag system worked as designed after the crash. Where mileage is given, these crashes involved cars from 480 miles to about 28,000 miles, and several happened at highway speeds.
What to check: Ask a shop to scan the airbag system for stored codes and confirm that the crash sensors and wiring are intact. Ask the seller about any past collision and whether the airbag system was checked afterward.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“We were recently in a car accident in our 2018 Nissan Versa. We were going 55-60 MPH when we swerved to avoid an animal. We broke, but our speed did not decrease much, as we went into a ditch and crashed into the side of this ditch, causing severe mechanical and body damage. The passengers suffered bruises and a concussion. The airbags did not deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #11297235, filed 2020-01, 28,000 miles“I was hit from the side. The collision was pretty bad, my car was totaled. It was the the front of the passengers seat. At the speed the crash happened, the force with which I was hit and the damage to the car I was unpleasantly surprised that the airbags did not deploy, they could have prevented injury. My car was in forward motion on a highway, I was hit by a turning car.”
NHTSA complaint #11389083, filed 2021-01 - Air bags
Airbag warning light on, blinking or returning
- 8 complaints (14%)
- median 47,500 mi at 2.8 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2020–2026
Owners describe the airbag warning light coming on, blinking, or returning after a repair. Some say a stored code was read but they were told it was not related to the airbag, and others say wires were found crinkled and a dealer suggested an airbag module. A complaint describes the system disabling the front passenger airbag even with a passenger seated, and the dealership said a sensor under that seat was not working. Some post-crash reports say the owner may have seen an airbag warning but could not confirm it. Mileage is rarely stated, and the figure given, about 80,000 miles, is for a light that came back on after a shop visit.
What to check: Ask whether the airbag warning light is on and have a shop read the stored codes, including any for the occupant detection sensor under the passenger seat. Ask whether the bulletin for that stored occupant detection code has been followed on this car.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Out of nowhere my airbag light start blinking, I ran the code and got a P2096 which apparently is not related to the airbag I took it to Firestone to get it checked out and they told me they cannot do anything about the airbag light I would have to go to my dealership for help with that. No one seems to know what to do.”
NHTSA complaint #11710587, filed 2026-01“On September 17, 2026, my 2018 Nissan was involved in a severe rear-end collision on a freeway. The vehicle sustained extensive damage and was declared a total loss. None of the airbags deployed. I am concerned that the airbag/SRS system may not have functioned as designed. After the collision, I observed exposed components in the severely damaged rear area. I cannot confirm whether these components were part of the airbag or crash sensor system. …”
NHTSA complaint #11769201, filed 2026-10 - Brakes
Brake grinding, weak stopping or pedal problems
- 8 complaints (14%)
- median 53,500 mi at 1.8 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2019–2025
Owners describe brakes that grind or squeal at slow stops, even after new brakes and rotors were installed. A complaint describes weakened brake pads that do not stop the car well, with a feeling of losing control, and says the car lost power when stopped at lights. Other reports describe a brake pedal that is hard to press, with the car rolling backward on a hill, and a pedal that sinks further while the car rolls forward at a red light. Where mileage is given, these reports cover about 60,000 to 80,000 miles.
What to check: On a test drive, check the brake pedal feel, any grinding or squealing, and whether the brake lights come on consistently. Ask whether the pads and rotors have been replaced recently and request brake service records before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The vehicle has difficulty slowing down while driving. And brakes seem not to stop the car (weakened brake pads) it felt like I was losing control of the car. Also the car would loose power when stationary at stop lights. This could be very dangerous if this occurred on a highway or while in motion. I hope they don't rent vehicle out until mechanical issues are solved”
NHTSA complaint #11280541, filed 2019-11, 80,000 miles“I pulled up to a stoplight that was on a hill and tried to put on the brake. The brake pedal was highly resistant and wouldn’t let me push down fully. At that moment, all of the warning lights on the dashboard turned on. When the light turned green, I tried to hit the gas pedal but the car wouldn’t move forward. The car started rolling backward and I almost collided with the car behind me. I had to stomp on the brake as hard as I could to get the vehicle to stop. …”
NHTSA complaint #11638626, filed 2025-01
Buying note. Buyers considering this model year may want a test drive that checks for stalls, jerking, and shuddering, and ask for proof of any transmission bulletin or warranty extension work. A pre-purchase check of the airbag system and brake pedal feel is also a practical step.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 50 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 57 consumer complaints for the 2018 Nissan Versa. 26 of the complaints include a mileage, and 69% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 28,652 miles. Of all complaints, 13 involved a crash, 12 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 88 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 34 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer 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.
- Electrical system17 30%
- Air bags15 26%
- Engine14 25%
- Other or unknown13 23%
- Brakes6 11%
- Vehicle speed control4 7.0%
- Steering2 3.5%
- Body and structure2 3.5%
Also reported: Wheels (2), Exterior lighting (1), Forward collision avoidance (1), Fuel system (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “I was sitting stationary at a stop light in traffic on a city street and my brake light, battery light, and oil light came on and I immediately lost power steering. I had to guide my vehicle off the road and had it towed to Nissan south morrow for service. I had also had some minor ignition issues relating to turning my key and not seeing my clock radio become visible but was remedied by using my spare car key. Nissan south morrow said that the car drove well with no issues. Unsure whether it was actually looked at.”
NHTSA complaint #11253042, filed 2019-09, 11,400 milesAir bags: “Airbag light light came on. Toke it to get checked the first time was told old codes came up but everything look good that if the light came back on I would have to take to a Nissan dealership. One hour later light came on again. Took to a Nissan dealership and was told it showed old codes and wires were crinkled. They fixed them and everything was fine for two weeks. Light came back on. Toke it back to them. …”
NHTSA complaint #11366452, filed 2020-10, 80,000 milesEngine: “We had leased this vehicle from hertz earlier in the day. That evening, I was driving down a hill and the vehicle's steering system had suddenly locked up. I was not able to steer and drove into a tree at a high rate of speed. My passenger and I both suffered significant bodily injuries and were taken to a hospital via ambulance.”
NHTSA complaint #11140381, filed 2018-10, 3,298 milesOther or unknown: “My 2018 Nissan Versa sv does not have a backup camera. Is this supposed to be upgraded by the dealer or manufacturer? Also it has a mechanical key system which I read was going to be recalled on oct 19, 2018 due to possible failure of the mechanical key system, is it true there is a recall being issued for this problem ?”
NHTSA complaint #11143082, filed 2018-10, 7,500 milesMileage when problems were reported
69% of the 26 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 11,400 and 74,723 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 2018 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 · 14.3% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2019: 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 2018 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 | 34 | $1,950 |
| Versa FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 27 | 36 | 30 | $2,250 |
| Versa FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 26 | 35 | 29 | $2,300 |
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
- 19V654000Sep 12, 2019Back over prevention › Sensing system › CameraCovers: Nissan Versa 2018–2019, Infiniti QX30 2018–2019, Nissan Armada 2018–2019 +23 more
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti…
- 18V551000Aug 21, 2018Electrical system › IgnitionCovers: Nissan Versa 2017–2018, Frontier 2017–2018, Versa Note 2017–2018 +4 more
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Nissan NV200, Sentra, NV3500 Van, NV3500 Bus, NV200 Taxi, NV1500, NV2500 Van, Chevrolet City Express, 2017-2018 Frontier, Versa Note, and Versa Sedan vehicles that have a mechanical (physical) key…
Recall details for the 2018 Nissan Versa → · 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. 88 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.
- 10251535Feb 22, 2024Equipment, Electrical system. SOFTWARE UPDATE FOR INFOTAINMENT ISSUES This bulletin is no longer active. To access infotainment software updates via the Infotainment Software Update Utility: Select SPECIALTY TOOLS, and then…
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 2018 Nissan Versa?
Owners of this model year most often describe the engine stalling or shutting off while driving, often with little or no warning. The issues reported most often: Engine stalling or shutting off while driving; Jerky shifting, slipping or transmission failure; Airbags not deploying in crashes.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2018 Nissan Versa have?
NHTSA recorded 57 consumer complaints for the 2018 Nissan Versa as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2018 Nissan Versa is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 17 complaints (30% of the total), followed by air bags with 15.
Has the 2018 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 2018 Nissan Versa do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2018 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 2018 Nissan Versa get?
The EPA rates the 2018 Nissan Versa (Versa, 1.6L 4-cyl) at 30 mpg combined, 27 city and 36 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 2018 Nissan Versa reported?
Among the 26 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 28,652 miles and the middle half falls between 11,400 and 74,723 miles; 69% 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.