CarComplaints.com Notes: Be aware the 2007-2011 Nissan Versa was recalled in the US in May 2016 & July 2017 for defective Takata airbags that are potentially deadly. Many Versa owners have reported problems getting Nissan dealers to complete the recall repair, due to scheduling problems & parts shortages.

If you are considering purchasing a 2007-2011 Nissan Versa, call your local Nissan dealer with the VIN# & ask if the airbag recall has been done.

8.8

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$3,700
Average Mileage:
128,750 miles
Total Complaints:
8 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. rebuilt transmission (6 reports)
  2. not sure (2 reports)
2008 Nissan Versa transmission problems

transmission problem

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2008 Nissan Versa Owner Comments

problem #8

Feb 122022

Versa SL 1.8L Litre

  • CVT transmission
  • 147,980 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I purchased this used 2008 Nissan Versa SL 4 Dr Sedan and at around 147,000 miles, the transmission noise started. A whining noise similar to a power steering pump going defective. I'm very disappointed. I can't afford to fix this car after paying way too much for it to be fine with and I am on fixed income. Is there any Legal Council - may I be able to sue Nissan for a well known CVT Transmission Issue with Nissan?

- David D., Live Oak, US

problem #7

Jul 082020

Versa Hatchback SL

  • Automatic transmission
  • 160,000 miles

I had this Versa for two years and put 20,000 miles on it during that time. It had repeated multiple failures elsewhere - brakes were in horrible condition, it shut off on me at starts (spark plug replacement fixed this), but also had some issues with the transmission just not working that well. It would sound 'rough' and feel rough when accelerating above 50. Had the fluid changed several times and that always seemed to help for a while.

Then one day, at just over 160,000 miles, the transmission completely cut out and would no longer work. Seemingly at random and after transmission fluid had been changed and the whole car inspected. I ended up stranded in the middle of Wyoming, with a repair estimate at $3800. This car is a hit and miss: it has an insane amount of storage space for the actual size of the vehicle, the gas mileage is good, but the transmission is a ticking time bomb.

- Sydney D., Charlotte, US

problem #6

Sep 012017

Versa SL

  • CVT transmission
  • 144,000 miles

I bought this car from another person I don't know if she knew the transmission was going out or not. I had only had the car about 6 months. There was no warning are anything in fact I started my car up backed out from under the carport I live in apts and I just drove a little ways up the apts drive and it started choking like it was not getting any gas. So I barely made to the gas station just across he street from my apts. When I pushed on the gas pedal it acted as if it were not even attached to my car and would not even pump gas. I didn't think it was the crt transmission but I had it to two shade tree mechanics I still didn't believe the CRT was out. But 3900 dollars the transmission place put a rebuilt one. I had to borrow the money and I am still paying on the loan. I am an old lady 67 years old and on social security. That CRT transmission should of never failed and I should not of had to pay for one. I hope one day we can all get to sue nissan. Never again will I buy another cheap made car.

- Judy K., Deer Park, US

problem #5

Aug 162018

(reported on)

Versa

  • CVT transmission
  • 104,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

“At Nissan we and our dealers work daily to deliver an outstanding ownership experience that will earn your confidence and trust. We are committed to doing the right thing for customers and look forward to a long relationship that you find satisfying and rewarding.” ... except I haven’t been satisfied or rewarded and they’re only committed to covering their butts.

I have owned nearly every make of car and currently have a GMC Acadia, a Honda Accord, and a Nissan Versa. The GMC has 250,000 miles on it and the Honda has 295,000 miles, meanwhile my Nissan versa has only 104,000 miles and it’s the only one that has had a transmission problem. Not just a transmission “problem”, but the entire transmission just stopped working. The car is immobile. This does not instill confidence or satisfaction and I am being “rewarded” by paying for the cost of a new transmission.

“Further, in the unlikely event that your vehicles transmission should need repair beyond the extended warranty, we are working to decrease the cost of repair and have already reduced the manufacturers suggested retail price of a replacement CVT.”... I would say with all the lawsuits Nissan has had over their CVT transmissions it’s not very “unlikely“ that I will need of repair. I’m outside my warranty by 4000 miles and 2 months, not years, months. I was told I could apply for Nissan financial assistance. I jumped through all the hoops and took it to the dealership and had it diagnosed and was told that it was transmission failure. I waited for the reimbursement department to review my case. Nada. They offer me nothing. No financial assistance. With the prepared statement that she just kept repeating to each comment that I made she told me that “Nissan can’t help everyone. And based on being outside of warranty and mileage factors I do not qualify for assistance.” I pointed out that if it was inside warranty I wouldn’t even need your department so what are you guys actually here for? Instead of giving me any real answer she just repeated the same prepared statement over and over and over again. She offered to add my comments and complaints to the case for review. When I asked to speak to the person that would review the case she told me that they don’t review the case. So then why would you add my comments to the case for review? -Insert prepared statement.- When asked to speak to a supervisor or the person above her I was told that she is the top person. She refused to allow me to speak to anyone but her.

I’m furious that I am out in entire car because of a “better transmission” that apparently lasts half the lifespan of every other transmission that I’ve owned. And Nissan standing by their product and helping the customer means we don’t do anything unless there’s a lawsuit forcing us to. I will not be buying a Nissan product again. Advise all of you not to as well!

- Rebecca J., Meridian, US

problem #4

Jun 092018

Versa 1.8L

  • CVT transmission
  • 168,000 miles

This car has run with problems. First a valve issue and car smells gas all the time. Dealership has asked $1100.00. Now CVT transmission is out asking for $3800-5000.00 which is very frustrating. I have no trust on the NISSAN BRAND. I do have Nissan Sentra just purchased a year ago and want to sell off as the quality of these vehicles have gone down.

I AM DONE WITH NISSAN BRAND. EVEN THE SALVAGE YARD PEOPLE SAYING THAT CVT TRANSMISSION IS A BAD IDEA TO BEGIN WITH.

- dineshgangola@hotm, Sachse, US

problem #3

Jan 052017

Versa

  • CVT transmission
  • 128,000 miles

BOUGHT THIS CAR BRAND NEW. HAVE KEPT IT SERVICED. LOVED LOVED LOVED THIS LITTLE CAR. ONE OWNER, TAKEN CARE OF AND THINKING IT WOULD MAKE IT TO 200,000 MILES. NOW I HAVE A PIECE OF JUNK SITTING AT THE SHOP WITH A 3500 BILL I WILL BE STUCK WITH IF I CHOOSE TO HAVE IT FIXED. I AM SO SAD. :(

- dstrickland, Moultrie, GA, US

problem #2

Jan 062013

Versa SL

  • CVT transmission
  • 60,000 miles

Started with sluggish acceleration, then, step on the gas and there was hesitation, then grinding. The CVT is garbage. A week and half later a rebuilt transmission and transmission controller was installed.

- uncledutch, Staten Island, NY, US

problem #1

Jun 132012

Versa SL

  • CVT transmission
  • 118,000 miles

Transmission problems were so bad on this model that Nissan extended the warranty to 120k miles but when mine went out they would not honor the warranty. They told me that my car (that I had bought new) had been underwater! It has never even been close to water. Nissan does not even sell parts for this CVT transmission so an independant trans shop could not repair it. I paid $3500 at dealer for a rebuilt trans that only had a 12k mile warranty. I have just now put 25k miles on that transmission and it has went out again. Funny how a brand new transmission with all NEW parts would have to have a 120k mile warranty but a "rebuilt" transmission where some parts are used only has a 12k mile warranty. I have had good luck with Nissans in the past but never again. This is the last Nissan I will ever purchase again and the last CVT transmission I will purchase on any brand!

- Ricky E., Horse Cave, KY, US

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