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:
3 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
35,711 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 electrical problems

electrical problem

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2012 Nissan Versa Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #28

May 082024

Versa

  • 45,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Versa. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway and restart the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with an unstated wiring harness. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 45,000.

- Jefferson City, MO, USA

problem #27

Aug 082021

Versa

  • miles
I stopped at an atm when I backed out of space cruise control lights started flashing horn going off air bag light flashing passenger door clicking. Made it to store parked car got horn to stop. When I backed up out of space and turned wheel air bag deployed. Lights flashing horn sounding alarms. Turned off vehicle call 911 fire department came to see if no danger of fire and if I was ok. Called ins company set up CV claim because air bag deployed for no apparent reason hit me in the chest possibly due to electrical something malfunctioned.police also came but said I did not need to report anything because I did not hit anything. Called geico had vehicle towed and because air bag deployed they created a claim. Had vehicle towed to firestone but they were closed today adjuster from insurance company coming out tomorrow 892021 to assess damage and repairs needed.

- Melbourne, FL, USA

problem #26

Feb 022021

Versa

  • 68,945 miles
Nissan Versa 2012 has a engine problem with the mass air sensor and also the electrical probelm.my car shut off on the road while I was driving.I sent to the mechanist but they could not find the exact problem.I also sent to a Nissan dealership but the problem still remain it. I one time almost got a accident because of it.

- Norcross, GA, USA

problem #25

Feb 042020

Versa

  • 11,100 miles

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

I have a 2012 Nissan Versa, my car won't start. Everything will turn over, but the engine. You wait a few and it might. I take the key out and put back in and it might start. It has to with the key and ignition switch!

- Seaman, OH, USA

problem #24

Oct 182018

Versa

  • 65,000 miles
The car was running on the highway and when it stops in the light it shuts down from there on, it did not want to light up anymore. The cranksensor was put on the computer, the pc modulated the box of realease the foot of the accelerator, now the car is on but when it accelerates it turns off it is not known what it can have now.

- Aguirre, PR, USA

problem #23

Mar 112019

Versa

  • 94,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Versa. While attempting to exit a parking space, all the warning indicators illuminated, the headlights turned off, the radio turned off, and the engine seized. The contact restarted the vehicle and it stalled again six feet away. When the vehicle finally restarted, it was driven with hesitation to the contact's residence. The following day, the vehicle was driven to coggin Nissan (10600 atlantic blvd, jacksonville, fl 32225) to be diagnosed, but the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 94,000.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #22

Dec 012018

Versa

  • 84,678 miles

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

Takata recall Nissan Versa 2012 come with alot of electrical issues door locks wont open causing the doors not to open if this occurs when you have kids inside car can even cause death if you dont have anyone to provide immediate attention when it do this the car would turn on starts to shake and turns off and it can last doing this for an hour and also doors have a black door sealing band that comes off since I bought my car of it occurs with children it can stangle them ver Y dangerous the electric issue can cause a car accodent of ot turn off highway or street it would do it when driving as well it may come from the fuse box under the front hood that its so hard and dangerouse to check

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #21

Sep 102018

Versa 4-cyl

  • 32,662 miles
Tla* the contact owns a 2012 niacin Versa. The contact stated that the evaporated coil failed. The vehicle was not diagnosed by a dealer. An independent mechanic replaced the evaporated coil, but did not determine what caused the failure. The manufacturer was notified and stated that the vehicle was not included in a warranty or recall campaign. The approximate failure mileage was 32,662.

- Hobe Sound, FL, USA

problem #20

Feb 012016

Versa 4-cyl

  • miles
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Versa. While the vehicle was in drive, the power door locks unlocked. Also, the gears independently shifted out of drive, reverse, and neutral without warning. The contact stated that there were three manufacturer recalls that needed to be performed, but the dealer indicated that the parts may not be available until mid spring of 2018. The dealer (mcgavock Nissan wichita, 10625 E kellogg dr, wichita, ks 67207, (316) 681-6900) was notified several times and had not diagnosed the failures. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The recall details and failure mileage were not available. Updated 12/13/2017 the consumer stated the air bag light illuminated, the radio would change on it's own, and the navigation system operates on it's own as well as gives incorrect directions. The vehicle lunged into another vehicle after inadvertently jumping into drive.

- Caldwell, KS, USA

problem #19

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 #18

Mar 212017

Versa

  • 8 miles

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

On 8 March 2017, my battery died and I had it replaced at tj automatics & services. I drove the car for a few days before going on vacation. On 21 March 2017, as I'm driving home on the far (fast) left lane, on I-85N, atlanta, ga.at approximately 3:30pm, the car shuts-down. I was able to coast over to the emergency lane without incident. I had the car towed to the above mentioned shop and they performed a diagnostic test that showed ECM no communication. They replaced a maxi fuse 20A and reprogramed key. On 23 March 2017, I pick up the car from the shop, drove about 5 miles and car shuts-down again. As of 9 April 2017, the car is still in the shop. They can not figure out what is causing this issue.

- Marietta, GA, USA

problem #17

Jun 072016

Versa

  • miles
When I was buying this car from mcculskey used I questioned the transmission. Asked that they put this in writing. They refused and stated that it was fine. The transmission at the time was a dead spot where trans did not shift. As time has passed, the transmission has progressively gotten worse until I could not take it. The transmission at 25 mph and 45 mph went in to seizures. Almost like a new driver of a standard shift. Then the power would shut down while driving. I took it to the dealer service. Because they would know better than anyone. How ever they were unable to find anything wrong with my transmission. They were able to fix the power problem. No recalls available. While researching my car I found that 2007-2010 trans have been recalled. I spoke to Nissan company to make a complaint. There was nothing they could do for me. Recently the ps light is coming on. The power stearing is out when the light is on. When you shut the car off and turn it back on the power stearing works until the light returns. The car is now almost not able to drive due to the trans. I only have 84,000 miles on this car. It is only 4 years only. I need someone to help.

- Trenton, OH, USA

problem #16

Dec 082015

Versa

  • 100,002 miles
U.S/ department of transportationmay 24, 2016 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 1200 New Jersey ave. S.E. Washington DC 20590 gentlemen/ladies: I had sent a letter to the California doj, district attorney's office with supporting information. The attached letter has all the information pertaining to this matter. The California department of justice, district attorney referred me to you. (the letter and information are attachments.) I believe the ignition switch malfunction is a safety issue and I would like my money refunded. Your prompt attention to this matter would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, [xxx] attachments: Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Glendora, CA, USA

problem #15

Jan 152016

Versa

  • 70,000 miles
I pulled up to a pump at a gas station, got out and went in the store to get a drink. Came back out and my car had locked up. The steering and brakes were both locked. Thank god I wasn't in motion when this happened. The car would not accelerate. I cut the car off and let it sit there before trying to start it again. It cranks but never turns over. There is a battery light, brake light, ps light and oil light on the dash. I researched it and everything indicated a bad alternator. I bought a Nissan alternator and put it on. Still never turned over. The fuel pump runs and I put some starting fluid into the throttle body and it started but died after a five seconds. Every Nissan dealership tells me they don't know what the problem is. Its my only car, I'm flat broke and I am walking 2 hours to work every day so I don't lose my job. I need to know what's wrong.

- Selma, NC, USA

problem #14

Aug 032015

Versa 4-cyl

  • miles
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Versa. While driving 40 mph, the vehicle failed to accelerate when the accelerator pedal was depressed. In addition, the vehicle jerked before stalling. The contact mentioned that the fuel warning light illuminated and flickered when there was fuel in the vehicle. The failure recurred intermittently. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed but the contact was not notified of the failure caused. The contact mentioned that the fuel pump with some unknown wires were replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. Update 01/13/16 MA updated 01/19/16.

- Hodgenville, KY, USA

problem #13

Jul 012015

Versa

  • 45,000 miles
I bought a new Nissan Versa 2012 3 years back. It has only 50,000 miles. The vehicle jerks when I shift from 'R" to "D:. the ses light comes on frequently with code P0705. The dealership updated software and adjusted range switch. The problem persists. Now the dealership says there is a short-circuit near tail light. Nissan refuses to fix the problem. The car is used for normal commute and was not in any accident. The car sometime jerks/skids even in normal drive. According to the dealer it loses power due to short-circuit. I complained to Nissan, North America and they refuse to fix it.

- San Jose, CA, USA

problem #12

Oct 082015

Versa

  • 58,148 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Versa. While driving at approximately 58 mph, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the pedal position sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 58,148.

- Vidor, TX, USA

problem #11

May 052015

Versa 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 37,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Versa. While attempting to engage the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact also stated that the vehicle accelerated independently. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 37,000. MA 08/10/15 the consumer stated the vehicle would stop suddenly in traffic and needed to be restarted. Updated 11/30/2015

- Floral Park, NY, USA

problem #10

Jan 082015

Versa

  • 66,500 miles
Failing inspection 2 years in a row due to non-communicating obd sensor. First year Nissan dealership "fixed the problem. This year a local shop fixed it and stated that many of the grounds were loose. The shop went though all of the grounds in the car. In order for the obd to start communicating again. The mechanic was in speaking with a Nissan dealer and they hinted that the cars had problems with the grounding but they would say the whole story. This should be addressed.

- North Attleboro, MA, USA

problem #9

Aug 042014

Versa

  • 33,000 miles
Left turn signal dims or goes out completely when atmospheric moisture is present (rain/cold). Nissan dealership fixed as "bulb issue, " but issue persists. Nissan appears unable to diagnose cause. Driver concerned of potential safety implications due to problematic signal.

- Vacaville, CA, USA

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