2021 Nissan Versa Problems
Compared with other Nissan Versa years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
31/100 0.6× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.6× 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.
- 15 of its 32 complaints were filed by the end of 2023.
- Most reported part: Transmission and drivetrain (9 complaints, median 37,510 mi).
- 3 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
- 32filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 6,000miles, 3 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in 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 2021 Nissan Versa (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
NHTSA recorded 32 consumer complaints for the 2021 Nissan Versa. The part named most often is transmission and drivetrain, with 9 complaints (28% of the total), followed by electrical system (8) and air bags (5). 3 of the complaints include a mileage, and 67% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 6,000 miles. Of all complaints, 5 involved a crash, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 92 technical service bulletins for this model year. Transmission and drivetrain complaints overlap with 1 NHTSA investigation and 12 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Electrical system complaints overlap with 46 technical service bulletins filed under the same part. Compared with the other 13 Nissan Versa model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 31 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 system8 25%
- Air bags5 16%
- Engine5 16%
- Other or unknown5 16%
- Steering4 13%
- Exterior lighting3 9.4%
- Brakes2 6.3%
- Fuel system2 6.3%
Also reported: Vehicle speed control (2), Forward collision avoidance (1), Seat belts (1), Body and structure (1), Suspension (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Transmission and drivetrain: “When I bought the car, I knew it was not going to be a fast car. After driving for a couple months, I would be going to turn left at an intersection, and it would be sluggish getting across. Eventually you could feel it kick into gear and take off. It now seems to be getting worse. A local mechanic said it had a code P17F4. They would not do touch it there. I took it to Greeley Nissan now and am awaiting a diagnosis.”
NHTSA complaint #11558512, filed 2023-12Electrical system: “Transmission failure 2 Times. First time experienced jerking and some smoke coming out and second time same jerking and smoke along with electrical system failure. Nissan paid 40% the first time to help and I paid 60% even though I did not agree with that I did it. 2nd time they refuse to pay anything because of warranty even though it only took 40, 000 miles and transmission went out gain. Obvious that the transmissions are trash. …”
NHTSA complaint #11718275, filed 2026-02Air bags: “Well driving I notice a car without brake lights on stopped in front of me not moving. Quickly going to brake.. I had no brakes I pushed again and turned right. Almost inches to hitting a gas pump. Thankfully bumps and bruises . I was renting the vehicle from indiana driving to new hampshire to florida. I almost lost my life. I also got charged an extra rental day since I was told to await a call. I'm not sure who's at fault whether it is a master cylinder problem or bolt in steering. Please help me. I have been stuck in fla not able to get home. I feel this should be checked into.”
NHTSA complaint #11398151, filed 2021-02, 6,000 milesEngine: “My tires go flat EVERY TIME I put in my rim caps. I spent so much money on new tires, thinking it was the tires but it’s actually my rim caps cutting where my air goes in at. I had to take all of the caps off and I’m still having problems. Besides that, it does not notify you when you need an oil change, my first time going…I could’ve messed up my car. Glad I went in early enough!!! And when I plug my charger piece up, smoke begins to come from it..I always have to take it out.”
NHTSA complaint #11511795, filed 2023-03Mileage when problems were reported
67% of the 3 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 21 and 75,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2021 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 / 4 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 11.8% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2021 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning standard, automatic emergency braking standard.
Neighbouring years: 2020: same overall rating; 2022: 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 2021 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
- 23V496000Jul 18, 2023Steering › Electric power assist systemCovers: Nissan Versa 2021, Kicks 2021
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Versa and Kicks vehicles. An intermittent electrical connection in the electric power steering (EPS) torque sensor can disable the power steering assist.
- 22V693000Sep 15, 2022Steering › Electric power assist systemCovers: Nissan Versa 2021, Kicks 2021
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Versa and Kicks vehicles. An intermittent electrical connection in the electric power steering (EPS) torque sensor can disable the power steering assist.
- 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.
Recall details for the 2021 Nissan Versa → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
- PE24007Reduced Power After Engine StallClosed · Mar 7, 2024
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. 92 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)…
- 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.
- 11004971May 15, 2024Electrical system. RAB WARNING LIGHT ON IN INSTRUMENT PANEL AND/OR DTC B2724-23 STORED 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
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2021 Nissan Versa have?
NHTSA recorded 32 consumer complaints for the 2021 Nissan Versa as of Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2021 Nissan Versa is reported most often?
Transmission and drivetrain is named most often, in 9 complaints (28% of the total), followed by electrical system with 8.
Has the 2021 Nissan Versa 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 2021 Nissan Versa do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2021 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 2021 Nissan Versa get?
The EPA rates the 2021 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 2021 Nissan Versa reported?
Among the 3 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 6,000 miles and the middle half falls between 21 and 75,000 miles; 67% 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.