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.

8.4

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
40,000 miles
Total Complaints:
9 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (9 reports)
2012 Nissan Versa engine problems

engine problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2012 Nissan Versa:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2012 Nissan Versa Owner Comments

problem #9

Feb 012021

Versa

  • Automatic transmission
  • 78,050 miles

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

I purchased this Nissan versa 2012 with 68000 miles. A week after, the Engine check light started popping up on the dashboard. I fixed it twice and I still have this problem. Another annoying thing is 3 months later, my car shut off the road so many time that I bought some fuses to put on it.

I sent back the car and they could not tell me the real issue of it. I do not advise someone to purchase any Nissan car. They are trash and their parts are expensive.

- Maxime Z., Norcross, GA, US

problem #8

May 232017

Versa 1.6L

  • CVT transmission
  • 89,600 miles

On Tuesday, May 23, 2017, I was driving on US 95 northbound in Las Vegas. It was around 5:30 pm, so rush-hour. Traffic was bumper to bumper. I was in the far left lane not even going 15 mph. Traffic had started to move and as I hit the car I noticed my car had no power and my car had died! A bunch of lights came on my dashboard but the car was not overheating. I coasted over to the left emergency lane. I shut the car off, waited about 5 min and turned the car back on. All of the lights on the dashboard went off and the car did not show that it was overheating. I began to continue to drive and had no other problems from there. But my car shouldn't just die in traffic! I'm glad traffic was bumper to bumper and not crazy! If my car had died while going faster I may have been hit. This is the second time my car has just died out of no where! The first time was on Las Vegas Blvd and Tropicana, a very busy intersection and I was almost hit! My car is a 2012! Not a 1980's car. I shouldn't have ever had my transmission replaced twice and software updates twice! Nissan produces horrible vehicles and they should be sued! I pray someone either steals my car or sets the damn thing on fire!

- Renee P., Henderson, NV, US

problem #7

Jun 082017

Versa

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,000 miles

Since I bought my car, I have been having ongoing issues with engine, it would stop in the middle of the road and shut down. After having the same consistent problem year after year. Nissan stated that it was an electrical problem last year and repaired it with about 4,000 dollars plus which was covered. This repair was done last year, documents are at home.

Today I have a similar problem and my car is currently at Nissan waiting for diagnosis. I have had issues with steering, heater, engine, electrical, brakes, windows, cooling system, miscellaneous and drive train.

My worst concern and fear has been the car stopping in the middle of the road. I would not buy a Nissan car again.

- Nkechinyere Juliana E., Scarborough, ON, Canada

problem #6

Mar 212017

Versa

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

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

Bought the car new. Never had any car problems. Replaced tires, brakes, & battery, as normal wear and tear. Driven home on a major highway, I'm in the fast lane and it dies. I coasted over to the right emergency lane. Car was towed to a shop. A day later I pick up the car, was told everything was good. They replaced a fuse and reprogramed the key. Not even 5 miles away from the shop the same thing. It died. 1.5 weeks later I still don't have my car and they have no idea what happened. : (

- msrico1, Lake Worth, US

problem #5

Jul 292014

Versa SL HB 1.8L

  • CVT transmission
  • 6,533 miles

Vehicle problems were reported to Tiffany Springs Nissan, Kansas City, MO. Dealer states that they can not duplicate the problem.

- Russ W., Kansas City, MO, US

problem #4

Sep 132014

Versa SL HB 1.8L

  • CVT transmission
  • 8,297 miles

Dealership failed to duplicate. Stated we need to return when it occurs again. (How can we drive a car with no electrical system?)

- Russ W., Kansas City, MO, US

problem #3

Oct 012014

Versa SL HB 1.8L

  • CVT transmission
  • 8,300 miles

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

Dealer could not duplicate. Sent my daughter back out on the road.

- Russ W., Kansas City, MO, US

problem #2

Oct 032014

Versa SL HB 1.8L

  • CVT transmission
  • 8,350 miles

Dealership can not duplicate. Again, sent my daughter driving this dangerous car on the roads.

- Russ W., Kansas City, MO, US

problem #1

Jan 022013

Versa

  • Automatic transmission
  • 8,800 miles

The engine has cut - off for the second time in a row. It is beyond just a fluke. As both times, I was driving on the freeway and the horns started sounding and then in less than a minute the engine would totally be disabled and you better hope there's a shoulder to navigate to! It has become dangerous. I am finally going to leave this car at the nissan dealership for them to take a look. If they can't find anything wrong, I will have to look at getting a different car as this current Versa is a danger to me and my family. I recommend holding off on purchasing this Versa until Nissan officially can correct it.

- Justin S., Sacramento, CA, US

Not what you are looking for?