CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2012-2017 Nissan Versa has an expensive CVT transmission failure defect that shows up plainly in our complaint data.

In late 2019, the CVT defect was subject to a class action settlement. However the settlement only covers transmission repairs up to 7 years after purchase or 84,000 miles (whichever occurs first).

Because many owners commonly drive 20,000 miles/year or more, Versa owners experiencing CVT transmission problems may find they are not covered by this settlement due to the mileage limitation.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
6 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
6 / 0
Average Mileage:
44,462 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2012 Nissan Versa brakes problems

brakes problem

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2012 Nissan Versa Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #29

Apr 282023

Versa

  • miles

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

I carry my family with me and in traffic the traction control light would come on and the car would loose power and not accelerate almost causing accidents I was told it was the speed sensors malfunctioning and the brakes would not work properly when trying to stop

- Fredericksburg, VA, USA

problem #28

Mar 112023

Versa

  • miles
I carry my family in the vehicle and the lights would come on for the traction control and check engine light and speed sensor light and the car would stop moving and shut off while going down the road and the brakes would barely work and the transmission would stop pulling or slip and the engine would not rev up that is really dangerous when your traveling with traffic something needs to be done about this and I have read alot of other complaints about the same problems that other people are having

- Fredericksburg , VA, USA

problem #27

Aug 012020

Versa

  • miles
The front airbag is not functioning properly. Because of the steering I almost had an accident, my wheel didn't want to turn. The brakes always make noise.

- Alameda, CA, USA

problem #26

May 292018

Versa

  • 320,000 miles

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

Bad transmission, brakes, bearing wheels, etc. Car is parked is can't be use risky.when I bought the car it had five tamara recalls it was a risky car to drive, dealership didn't said a thing about it. Loss my money. Car was in a car dealership.

- Thomasville, NC, USA

problem #25

May 092018

Versa

  • 130,000 miles
Randomly one day, I went to brake, it failed to slow down or stop my car, freaking out I pumped it and then it stopped by the 3rd try and jolted. It has since been doing that every day. We've replaced the master brake cylinder, that didn't work, took it to the dealership, they said it was the break and rotators, replaced those, that also didn't work. There are no leakages, the hose is fine, and brake fluid is great. I have a another appointment with them to have a tech ride with me to see what I am talking about. But this isn't safe and I've been driving like this for 3weeks now and fixed everything I was told it could be, wasting my money, and it's still not fixed. Miles are 130,000ish. I drive it mainly on the highway to get to work, for an hour there and back.

- Carson, VA, USA

problem #24

Dec 042017

Versa

  • 72,000 miles
Complete brake failure. Pedal went to the floor and no braking whatsoever. Fortunately, stopped the car by using the handbrake. Proper function returned after turning off and restarting the engine.

- Castro Valley, CA, USA

problem #23

Nov 012017

Versa

  • miles

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

I am referring to chapter 11 case no. 17-11375(bls)

- New Haven, CT, USA

problem #22

Aug 102017

Versa

  • miles
While vehicle was in motion on 495 highway (approx. 65 mph) the breaks failed to work when pressed trying to pull off at my exit. Once driving on back roads the breaks seemed to be working again. This type of incident has happened a few times prior to this but not as severe. Has not happened again since then (approx. 3-5 months).

- Watertown, MA, USA

problem #21

Jun 232017

Versa

  • 52,000 miles
The car suddenly stopped while I was driving. I had no control of brakes or steering. It coasted to a stop. I contacted ktnv channel 13 investigative news and they filmed me and my story. The episode aired last night and today. I have two 2012 Versa's; the other one did not do this. They are my twins cars; I try to drive one every two weeks to make sure everything is ok. The vehicle was definitely in motion when this happened; had just exited the interstate.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #20

May 222017

Versa 4-cyl

  • 31,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Versa. When pulling out of a parking space and attempting to apply the brakes, the vehicle failed to stop. The brake pedal traveled to the floorboard. The contact had to place the vehicle in park in order to stop the vehicle from rolling. There were no warning indicators for the brake failure. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer located in Chicago, il. The dealer diagnosed that the brake fluid hose failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 31,000. Updated 07/18/17

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #19

Jan 312016

Versa

  • 93,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Versa. While driving 45 mph, the brake pedal was depressed and there was a delay in stopping the vehicle. As a result, the contact's vehicle crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. A police report was filed. The contact sustained minor back pains and whiplash, which did not require medical attention. The vehicle was included in NHTSA campaign number: 15V507000 (service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 93,000.

- Cordova, TN, USA

problem #18

Aug 012016

Versa

  • 12,753 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Versa. When the brake pedal was depressed, the brakes failed while the vehicle was in the park position. The failure recurred after attempting to drive the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The VIN was included in NHTSA campaign number: 15V507000 (service brakes, hydraulic, vehicle speed control). The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 12,753.

- Needle, CA, USA

problem #17

Aug 222016

Versa

  • 80,000 miles
While traveling at highway speeds, I pressed on the brake pedal, and the brakes did not engage. Pedal to the floor- no brakes. After the initial "to the floor", I was able to pump the brakes to stop the vehicle. This is the second incident of brakes not engaging- the first happened at side-street speed, and I wrote it off as a fluke. Vehicle has an appointment with the dealership in two days.

- Blue Springs, MO, USA

problem #16

May 222016

Versa

  • 8 miles
Something making noise in the steering wheel inside when making turns... and pass airbag sometimes off sometimes on when driving... and the last one the brake pedal is not smooth as other cars and also you can hear a crack on it when pressing on it.

- Lebanon, PA, USA

problem #15

Nov 212015

Versa

  • 67,000 miles
The contact owned a 2012 Nissan Versa. While driving 35 mph, the contact was distracted and swerved to gain control of the vehicle. The brake pedal was applied but failed to stop the vehicle. The contact crashed into a telephone pole. The air bags deployed and the brakes and steering wheel locked up. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries to the chest and left arm, which required medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,000.

- Memphis, TN, USA

problem #14

Nov 302015

Versa

  • 50,000 miles
Salesman/dealer did not disclose vehicle maintenance report when requested. Was told that the vehicle was not involved in any accidents. 1) vehicle rolls back after it is put in park. May have been associated with previous recall. 2) when putting car in gear, can feel tugging in the floor board of driver side. Called recall.gov and was told that there were 4 recalls on the vehicle in which 2 had already been performed. Called Nissan dealer and scheduled an appointment for service for 12/31 to rectify those issues.

- Apalachicola, FL, USA

problem #13

Dec 282015

Versa

  • 23,000 miles
Brake pedal to floor no response on steep hill almost killed. Resorted to emergency brake. 180 half turn into opposite lane. Nearly hit wall but avoided going over cliff at end of hill.. happened three times pumped to get brake pressure subsetquently using low gear to get to a safe location. Brake fluid of dollar rent a car was in between full and minimum. Car has 23000 miles approximate. Incident resembles no other vehichile experience I have had. Master cylinders did not provide proper pressure. Used light braking and was on mountainous terrain. Recommend investigation. Deaths will ensue if not dealt with this obvious defect. Vehichle was in motion at 60kph downhill steep with sharp turns. Nissa vesa was sold as tiida liberia, costa rica dollar rental car fleet).

- Olympia, WA, USA

problem #12

Jun 062015

Versa

  • 49,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Versa. While driving approximately 35 mph and attempting to slow down, the contact heard a grinding noise emerging from the rear wheel. The vehicle was driven to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the brakes seized and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 49,000. The VIN was not avaialble.

- Greeley, CO, USA

problem #11

May 082015

Versa

  • 6,300 miles
I purchased this car July 2014 with only 1,700 miles. Approximately 7 months into driving it, I've been experiencing a "click" sound when I brake, whether I go slow or fast and brake the click sound is there. Sometimes I get a double "click" sound before the car stops. I have two children so I hope nothing bad happens to us. I called the dealer and left messages but no one is getting back to me. I must bring this car in asap. I appreciate any input or call back from a representative at NHTSA.

- New York , NY, USA

problem #10

Apr 032015

Versa 4-cyl

  • 140,000 miles
Was stopping for a red light when M foot got caught in the door trim by the brake pedal and the car started to accelerate and I almost run through the red light before I could get my foot out to brake.

- Beattyville, KY, USA

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