The Nissan Versa Reliability and Problems. The Nissan Versa has established itself as an inexpensive and efficient option on the automobile market since the mid-2000s. The Versa is regarded for its usefulness and versatility, rather than its power or performance. Versa’s first generation was debuted to the American market in 2006. The Nissan Versa and its low cost have withstood the test of time, as it is still being manufactured in 2022. Nissan has produced three iterations of the Versa vehicle, including a hatchback variant. Throughout this article, we will look at the Versa models’ specifications, reliability, and most commonly reported problems.
Although the engine is boring, the Versa has been a trustworthy everyday car for many individuals. However, no engine is flawless, and the Versa has a number of problems. Some drivers claim that the Versa can travel 100,000-150,000 miles without experiencing major damage. Others cite numerous concerns before those dates. Since the Versa models’ introduction to the market, several distinct difficulties have been associated with them. Furthermore, we will look at some of the flaws with the Versa’s architecture and why we can’t give this engine a good rating in terms of longevity and durability.
Again, the Nissan Versa puts price and efficiency over all else. For these reasons, many drivers are drawn to the Versa; it is economical in terms of gas mileage and replacement parts. However, this does not imply that the engine is invincible. The Versa, like other engines, will require meticulous maintenance and care in order to achieve the higher milestones indicated above.
Let’s get into the Nissan Versa specs and look at the Versa’s overall advantages and downsides.
Nissan Versa Specifications
The 2020-2022 Nissan Versa SR specifications are as follows:
With only 122 hp and 114 lb-ft of torque, it’s clear that the Nissan Versa’s strong suit is not power. However, the Versa intends to compensate for its lack of total power with efficiency. The Versa gets up to 32 city and 40 highway miles per gallon. These 1.6L four-cylinder engines are best described as small and practical. There are a lot of Versas on the road for a reason: they’re affordable and economical for drivers looking for a fairly dependable everyday powertrain.
However, there are several drawbacks to such low prices. The Nissan Versa engine has several design issues that can have a significant impact on its reliability. However, as with other engines, many of these issues can be avoided with good care and upkeep. Regardless, there are certain typical issues with the Nissan Versa engine’s transmission, steering, and other important components.
Let’s look at some of the most prevalent Versa engine problems and their fundamental causes and symptoms below.
The Most Common Issues with Versa
Unfortunately, despite Nissan Versa’s goal of being the most economical alternative on the automobile market, it has varied problems throughout many of its manufacturing years that can result in fairly expensive repairs. Automatic transmissions, for example, are prone to failure and have a short lifespan. Due to the transmission issues, class action settlements for the 2012-2017 Versa CVT cars were concluded in 2019. Because many of these issues are related with previous manufacturing years, we will explain which models are most likely to encounter the specified problem.
Let’s start with a look at some of the most frequent transmission issues, including their causes and symptoms.
Nissan Versa Transmission Issues or Failure
Transmission issues are regrettably extremely typical in Nissan Versa automatic vehicles. The first and second generations of Nissan Versa engines, in particular, are prone to transmission failure before 80,000 miles. This is a serious, costly problem that can cost up to $3500 to repair, depending on labor expenses and the cost of a new transmission.
Furthermore, transmission problems might arise in any use of the Versa engine. Before 100,000 miles, drivers typically complain transmission jerking and leaping, clunky and difficult shifting, whining noises, and tachometer issues. Furthermore, many drivers say that these transmission problems may only be resolved by a total replacement or rebuild. The thought of changing the transmission in a car that prides itself on its low price lacks financial rationale. Many drivers may choose for a new car if a repair costs 15-20% of the original sticker price.
Below are some of the most prevalent symptoms related with Nissan Versa transmission difficulties and overall failure.
Transmission Issues and Symptoms of Failure:
- Transmission jerks/jumps
- Shifting gears is difficult.
- Whining sounds
- a burning odor
- Fluids are leaking.
- Engine shaking or grinding
Versa Defective Coil Springs
Suspension components are another source of difficulties that many Nissan Versa drivers have observed. Because of the wear of coil springs over time. This problem is most typically linked with the second generation Nissan Versa; however, coil spring problems can be encountered in recent cars as well.
This problem was serious enough for Nissan to recall coil springs in November of 2017. Nissan has replaced damaged coil springs and altered various suspension components to prevent future problems. However, faulty coil springs will cause other problems throughout the Nissan Versa’s suspension if not replaced or corrected as soon as possible. Damaged coil springs can result in damaged struts and blown tires, posing a hazard on the road. Broken coil springs can also cause additional engine damage or even cosmetic body damage if not repaired quickly and effectively.
Another pricey issue, it’s critical to respond to some of the malfunctioning coil spring symptoms described below before they cause more serious issues.
Symptoms of a Faulty Coil Spring:
- Significant tire wear
- Sagging/low-sitting vehicle
- Vehicle bouncing/swaying
- Suspension rattling or clunking noise
Nissan Steering Problems
Another issue with driving performance is the Nissan Versa’s steering and alignment components, which have been known to malfunction. Some drivers reportedly reported severe alignment concerns that caused their Versas to swerve into other lanes at dangerous speeds on a regular basis. These alignment concerns are most typically associated with the 2016 Versa models. As a result, Nissan dealerships experienced an increase in repair requests for steering problems in 2016. Unfortunately, several dealerships admit that these concerns continued even after fixes. Because these issues were so prevalent in 2016 Nissan Versas, numerous dealerships were forced to release statements acknowledging that the Versas from that year were frequently out of alignment.
Because this is a symptom, it is difficult to identify in a safe manner. In other words, many drivers were unaware they had steering or alignment problems until they experienced swaying or a loss of control while driving. Unfortunately, this is not the only fault on our list of Nissan Versa issues that potentially jeopardize driver safety. As a result, before we end our list of Versa issues, we want to advise drivers to report alignment difficulties as soon as possible. Because of the danger posed by poor steering, it is critical to repair steering and alignment as quickly as feasible.
Nissan Versa Airbag Issues
Another issue with the Nissan Versa is its history with Tanaka airbags. Nissan recalled airbags in first generation 2007-2012 Versa cars, which was yet another source of concern. Reports of airbags failing to deploy during incidents were far too common, causing alarm among many drivers. Unfortunately, there are no obvious indications for drivers to recognize before causing major harm. This is one of those issues that drivers either discovered on their own or learned about as a result of Nissan’s recall. Safety is one of the basic minimum demands for purchasers in the car business. Regardless of the Versa’s price, many users will not compromise on the dependability of their airbags and general safety.
If you currently drive a Nissan Versa with Tanaka brand airbags, please ensure that they are compliant and functional!
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Summary of Versa Issues and Reliability
Finally, we’ve come to a conclusion about the Nissan Versa’s dependability and durability. Unfortunately, there are too many faults with Versa’s past to recommend this vehicle and its engine. In fact, some of the flaws we’ve mentioned openly disregard driving safety. Regardless of cost, no motorist should ever jeopardize their overall safety. Airbag recalls and steering faults are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Nissan Versa concerns. Even after service repairs, the second-generation Versas had serious steering and alignment concerns. Aside from engine longevity, an abundance of problematic components contributes to many drivers reporting costly repairs before reaching 100,000 miles. Having said that, we’d have to evaluate the Nissan Versa’s overall dependability as below average.
Throughout the second and third generations of Versas, Nissan attempted to address many of the issues outlined above. The second-generation Versa, on the other hand, is known for being less durable than the original. Transmission and suspension issues appear to be less common in Versas manufactured after 2019. However, the first two generations of Versas and third-generation Versas with high mileage have more documented difficulties than most comparable sized engine types. The Nissan Versa has competitive price and a large interior for its size. Outside of those two qualities, the Versa has a poor track record in terms of dependability and longevity.
Does the Versa’s low price compensate for its flaws and lack of overall durability? Let us know in the comments what you think of the Nissan Versa and the three iterations that have been presented to the American automobile market.
