2020 Nissan Versa Problems
Compared with other Nissan Versa years
Typical for this model
48/100 0.9× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.9× 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.
- 25 of its 64 complaints were filed by the end of 2022.
- Most reported problem: Check engine light with P0101 and rough running (24 complaints, median 37,500 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: 2018, 2021, 2023
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
- 64filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 15,000miles, 17 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 2campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 5 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 35 mpgcombined, 1.6L 4-cyl FWD · 32 city / 40 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2020 Nissan Versa (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2020 Nissan Versa most often describe two patterns: shuddering, hesitation or loss of acceleration traced to the continuously variable transmission, and false or unexpected automatic emergency braking that applies the brakes with nothing in the path. Complaints also mention dashboard warning lights and P0101 mass air flow codes that return after repairs. Many reports come in well under 30,000 miles, with some transmission reports at higher mileage.
- Transmission and drivetrain
CVT shudder, hesitation or no acceleration
- 23 complaints (36%)
- median 25,000 mi at 5.0 yrs old (5 state mileage, few)
- filed 2020–2026
Owners describe jerking, shuddering or grinding from a stop and in stop-and-go traffic, and sometimes pressing the accelerator while the car barely moves or does not move at all. Several say the dealer could not duplicate the symptom or found no stored codes, while others were told the transmission needed replacement. Some complaints note warning lights alongside the loss of acceleration. Reported from very low mileage up to about 155,000 miles, with many between roughly 15,000 and 60,000 miles and often when accelerating from a stop or out of a turn.
What to check: On a test drive, accelerate gently from a stop several times and feel for shudder or hesitation; ask for any transmission service history and whether the vehicle has set codes. A service bulletin describes a diagnostic procedure for transmission vibration with a specific stored code.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Already having transmission problems. Car jerks and slows me dow and the steering has gotten almost unmanageable in less than 200 miles. The wheels already need alignment and I've hit no curbs. This car is another disaster from Nissan. The CVT was a terrible thing that has happened to vehicles”
NHTSA complaint #11375800, filed 2020-11, 178 miles“Recently out 2020 Nissan Versa started Shuddering when accelerating at low speeds. I took it to the Nissan Dealership and they quoted me $7,000 saying the transmission had to be replaced. I conducted online reviews and found Nissan customers experience this same issue in concerning numbers. I found multiple Nissan Technical Bulletins about this very issue, with this vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11709576, filed 2026-01 - Forward collision avoidance
Automatic emergency braking triggers with no obstacle
- 16 complaints (25%)
- median 16,000 mi at 1.5 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- 3 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2020–2025
Complaints describe the forward collision warning sounding and the automatic emergency braking slowing or stopping the car when no vehicle is close, including after a lead car turns off. Some report the system braking unexpectedly while reversing, and a few say braking was applied at highway speed. Owners also mention warning lights and radar or camera messages appearing with the system unavailable. Reported across a wide mileage range, from near-new vehicles to past 45,000 miles, in varied weather and often at moderate or highway speeds.
What to check: Ask whether the vehicle has had any radar or camera service or software updates for the automatic emergency braking warning light, and check that the windshield and front sensor area are intact, since a cracked windshield was reported to affect the sensors.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I am reporting a chronic and dangerous defect in my 2020 Nissan Versa that results in an unpredictable, sudden, and complete loss of acceleration (motive power) while driving. This defect has been present since shortly after purchase and remains unresolved, posing a severe safety risk on public roads. …”
NHTSA complaint #11697255, filed 2025-11“Sometimes when starting my car 3 lights illuminate the ABS, Forward Collision Warning, and the Parking Collision Warning. When this happens my car will not accelerate. It will not move when gas is applied or it moves very slowly. This happens in drive and reverse. It happens at random times and it has almost caused me to get hit when I attempted to pull out of a parking lot and my car all of a sudden would not move.”
NHTSA complaint #11503796, filed 2023-01 - Electrical system
Dashboard warning lights and key or start errors
Mentioned in 9 of 57 sampled complaints
Complaints describe multiple dashboard lights coming on together, messages such as a key system error or a request to see the owner's manual, and occasionally a no-start condition or a battery that went flat. Some owners link these episodes to the car refusing to accelerate or stalling at the same time. Dealers are described as unable to reproduce or diagnose the problem in several cases. Reported from the first few hundred miles through tens of thousands of miles, often intermittently and sometimes shortly after startup.
What to check: Start the car several times during the test drive and watch for warning messages or a delayed start, and ask whether any key, battery or software bulletins have been applied.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The screen for the radio won't turn on sometimes when the car is on. I have to drive a couple miles before it works leaving me without GPS and radio. Its happened about a dozen times since ownership.”
NHTSA complaint #11342177, filed 2020-07, 300 miles“I am writing to report a potential safety and design defect in my vehicle that I have also noticed affecting many other owners of the same make and model. The issue involves the rubber seal at the edge of the windshield, which is supposed to prevent water from entering the engine bay. However, the rubber is not properly secured—it merely sits in place—allowing water to pass underneath it. …”
NHTSA complaint #11644562, filed 2025-02 - Engine
Check engine light with P0101 and rough running
- 24 complaints (38%)
- median 37,500 mi at 3.7 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2020–2026
Owners report the check engine light coming on with code P0101 pointing to the mass air flow sensor, rough idle and difficulty accelerating. Several say the sensor was replaced or the intake cleaned more than once and the code returned, and some describe the car stalling or hesitating when pulling into traffic. Mileage is often not stated; reports span from a few thousand miles to well over 60,000, and the symptom tends to recur after repairs rather than resolve.
What to check: Scan for stored and pending codes before buying and ask whether the mass air flow sensor or intake has already been serviced. A repeat P0101 after parts replacement is worth flagging.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have replaced the mass airflow sensor multiple times also transmission is starting to slipping,not responding correctly, when this starts all the lights on my dash come on and also does not accelerate or respond as it should very dissatisfied when they saw me would never recommend to buy another one”
NHTSA complaint #11683812, filed 2025-08“Since 2021 my 2020 Nissan versa SR had been giving me problems with the sensors. All of the dash lights would come on. Then in 2023 my vehicle started to stall and hesitate. It’s gotten to the point where I’d be taking a left turn and I’d press the gas and my car would move a few inches. It’s become very dangerous. Even after changing the air flow sensor my car continues to have problems with acceleration, stalling and hesitating.”
NHTSA complaint #11731133, filed 2026-04 - Fuel system
Fuel filler release and fuel smell or range concerns
- 6 complaints (9%)
- median 25,000 mi at 1.0 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- filed 2020–2026
Owners describe the fuel tank release lever popping and becoming inoperable when refueling, and one report notes fuel fumes inside the cabin that returned after an earlier repair. Others mention lower-than-expected range per tank. A recall covers insufficient fuel tank wall thickness on certain 2020 Versa vehicles. Mostly reported between roughly 15,000 and 80,000 miles, with the filler lever failure noted around 37,000 miles.
What to check: Open and close the fuel door with the release lever a few times and ask whether the fuel tank recall has been performed. A fuel smell in the cabin or around the tank is worth having inspected.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The fuel doesn't pump correctly as it should. The fuse burnt out. The automatic braking randomly activates for no apparent reason while driving. It also doesn't activate at all. The front end of the car lifts upward like a wheelie from a stop light. There was smoking and burning smell from under the hood.”
NHTSA complaint #11363848, filed 2020-10, 9,998 miles“Unknown: overwhelming smell of fuel (fumes) inside the cabin. Dealer repaired the issue when newer. Car has same issue again but the Dealer has NO records of what was done to fix the problem. Exposed to these fumes cannot be good for driver nor passengers.”
NHTSA complaint #11720783, filed 2026-02
Buying note. A pre-purchase scan for transmission and mass air flow codes plus a test drive that includes low-speed acceleration and a highway stretch will surface most of what owners describe. Ask for records of any software updates or sensor work so known conditions are already addressed.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 57 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 64 consumer complaints for the 2020 Nissan Versa. 17 of the complaints include a mileage, and 82% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 15,000 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 5 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns and 130 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 48 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (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.
- Engine14 22%
- Other or unknown14 22%
- Electrical system12 19%
- Brakes6 9.4%
- Fuel system6 9.4%
- Air bags5 7.8%
- Body and structure3 4.7%
Also reported: Suspension (3), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (3), Wheels (3), Seat belts (2), Vehicle speed control (2), Electronic stability control (1), Exterior lighting (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Seats (1), Steering (1).
Example complaints
Forward collision avoidance: “Everytime I turn my car on, there’s a chance that some lights will turn on my dash for absolutely no reason..the car could be parked and getting warmed up and the traction control light,parking collision warning, and front collision light all turn on simultaneously. I have included a photo to get a Better picture! only way for me to get rid of them is by turning my car off for 5 minutes then turning it back on again. It been a real inconvenience. …”
NHTSA complaint #11457534, filed 2022-03Transmission and drivetrain: “My 2020 Nissan versa kept hesitating when being put in reverse the engine light kept coming on every few months I kept being told it was other issues until the transmission went out. I got it checked on multiple occasions because of the way it was hesitating and seemed like it was heating up.”
NHTSA complaint #11746116, filed 2026-06Engine: “I’ve read other other complaints about this make/ model car and my car does ALL of those things. First the acceleration at Rand times my car will not accelerate whether it be pulling out of a parking space, sitting at a red light, making a turn etc. have took to a mechanic because this issue and my check engine light was on due to the mass air flow sensor or filter got that fixed and car still does the same thing. Second when playing music through Bluetooth the radio just randomly restarts after playing approx 3 songs. …”
NHTSA complaint #11638453, filed 2025-01Other or unknown: “I am writing to formally report ongoing and unresolved issues with my vehicle that have significantly impacted its safety and reliability. The persistent problems include: Multiple simultaneous dashboard warning indicator illuminations Recurring See Owner's Manual malfunction notifications Intermittent Key System Error messages Continuous presence of diagnostic Code P0101 A representative from the dealership management informed me that Code P0101 is a known and widespread issue affecting multiple Nissan models, including the Versa, Sentra, and Altima. …”
NHTSA complaint #11644569, filed 2025-02Mileage when problems were reported
82% of the 17 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 3,180 and 37,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2020 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 | ★★★★★ | 5 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 11.8% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2020 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning standard, automatic emergency braking standard.
Neighbouring years: 2019: 4 stars overall; 2021: 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 2020 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 | 32 | 40 | 35 | $1,900 |
| Versa FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 27 | 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
- 21V471000Jun 23, 2021Exterior lighting › Turn signal › BulbsCovers: Nissan Versa 2020–2021, Titan 2020–2021, Titan XD 2020–2021
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Titan, Titan XD, and Versa vehicles. The front right and/or left turn signal bulb can crack and fail to illuminate.
- 20V112000Feb 26, 2020Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assemblyCovers: Nissan Versa 2020
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Versa vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the fuel tank wall thickness may be insufficient, potentially causing a small hole in the tank seam area.
Recall details for the 2020 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. 130 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…
- 11031703Apr 8, 2026Electrical 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…
- 11014472Feb 20, 2025Brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Electrical system. 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…
- 11014471Feb 20, 2025Forward collision avoidance, Electrical system, 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)…
- 11009069Oct 4, 2024Lane departure, Electrical system. LANE CAMERA AIMING VEHICLE REFERENCE VALUES NOT IN ESM SERVICE INFORMATION If the lane camera requires aiming, the values in Table A on page 4 must be used. For all other models/model years…
- 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.
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 2020 Nissan Versa?
Owners of the 2020 Nissan Versa most often describe two patterns: shuddering, hesitation or loss of acceleration traced to the continuously variable transmission, and false or unexpected automatic emergency braking that applies the brakes with nothing in the path. The issues reported most often: CVT shudder, hesitation or no acceleration; Automatic emergency braking triggers with no obstacle; Dashboard warning lights and key or start errors.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2020 Nissan Versa have?
NHTSA recorded 64 consumer complaints for the 2020 Nissan Versa as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2020 Nissan Versa is reported most often?
Forward collision avoidance is named most often, in 16 complaints (25% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 16.
Has the 2020 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 2020 Nissan Versa do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2020 Nissan Versa 5 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 2020 Nissan Versa get?
The EPA rates the 2020 Nissan Versa (Versa, 1.6L 4-cyl) at 35 mpg combined, 32 city and 40 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,900 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2020 Nissan Versa reported?
Among the 17 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 15,000 miles and the middle half falls between 3,180 and 37,000 miles; 82% 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.