2020 Nissan Versa Problems & Owner Complaints

Forward Collision Avoidance 16 3 crash 3 injury

“After I crossed a bridge between 55 and 60 mph the aeb gave a collision warning and almost immediately applied full braking power. This caused a 3 car collision that resulted in moderate injuries. Before the incident there were no recalls or other repairs needed on the car. After the incident the car was inspected for potential issues by a team of lawyers the insurance company and the repair shop and no non crash damage related issues were found. Since the vehicle was repaired the problem has occurred on 3 separate occasions during normal daily use.”
NHTSA complaint #11443774, 2021 · crash · 2 injury(ies)

“I HAD AN ACCIDENT WHERE I STRUCK A DEER. THE FLOOR AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND INJURED ME. MY LEG HAS A BAD HEMOTOMA FROM IT.”
NHTSA complaint #11375757, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking; went to auto service center to fix rest of accident body damage, unsure if they addressed these specific issues until I pick up the car this weekend --- How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - Myself and one other passenger (child) were safely secured while driving, as was the other driver as reported; Safety did feel even more assuring prior to impact, as we were under the impression that FCW and AEB features were go…”
NHTSA complaint #11461739, 2022 · crash

Power Train 16

“My 2020 Nissan versa kept hesitating when being put in reverse the engine light kept coming on every few months I kept being told it was other issues until the transmission went out. I got it checked on multiple occasions because of the way it was hesitating and seemed like it was heating up.”
NHTSA complaint #11746116, 2026

“The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle unexpectedly jerked and stalled with the transmission warning light and the malfunction indicator warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 155,146.”
NHTSA complaint #11726818, 2026

“Recently out 2020 Nissan Versa started "Shuddering" when accelerating at low speeds. I took it to the Nissan Dealership and they quoted me $7,000 saying the transmission had to be replaced. I conducted online reviews and found Nissan customers experience this same issue in concerning numbers. I found multiple Nissan Technical Bulletins about this very issue, with this vehicle. Not only is it concerning they are allowing the safety of our loved ones to be at risk, but then do not have the loyalty to the customers to fix the problem with a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11709576, 2026

Engine 14

“I am constantly getting a malfunction for P0101 despite changing my air flow system. It creates acceleration problems everytime.”
NHTSA complaint #11743399, 2026

“I have had this happen numerous times in my car for absolutely no reason. I also just got my cars state inspection and nothing was noted, while other things unrelated to this issue were recommended by the mechanic. The car will start to stall in reverse AND in regular driving mode. Most recently it will come up with see manufacturers manual, and my engine light, traction control and crash sensors will appear on my dash board. Shutting the car on and off doesn't change the issue. Also this will happen sporadically sometime with check lights on and sometimes it's random and resolves itself. This…”
NHTSA complaint #11706393, 2025

“Stalls when accelerating after temporary stopping. Particularly when pulling out onto a main road. Wheels not registering psi properly.”
NHTSA complaint #11693826, 2025

Unknown Or Other 14

“I am constantly getting a malfunction for P0101 despite changing my air flow system. It creates acceleration problems everytime.”
NHTSA complaint #11743399, 2026

“On the interstate from [XXX] to [XXX] the Nissan Versa's License Plate reflected light so bright that it blinded my ride and we had to slow down and wait for them to get farther away from us. This is not random, they have a spray fixative on their license plate designed to block cameras from clocking their license plate or their numbers being recorded. This was easy to see whenever a light is shined onto it, you can see the thin film of camera block spray that is extremely reflective. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSA complaint #11728370, 2026

“I have had this happen numerous times in my car for absolutely no reason. I also just got my cars state inspection and nothing was noted, while other things unrelated to this issue were recommended by the mechanic. The car will start to stall in reverse AND in regular driving mode. Most recently it will come up with see manufacturers manual, and my engine light, traction control and crash sensors will appear on my dash board. Shutting the car on and off doesn't change the issue. Also this will happen sporadically sometime with check lights on and sometimes it's random and resolves itself. This…”
NHTSA complaint #11706393, 2025

Electrical System 12

“several recalls but dealer my did not have any”
NHTSA complaint #11728626, 2025

“I have replaced the mass airflow sensor multiple times also transmission is starting to slipping,not responding correctly, when this starts all the lights on my dash come on and also does not accelerate or respond as it should very dissatisfied when they saw me would never recommend to buy another one”
NHTSA complaint #11683812, 2025

“Car runs rough at idle and has difficulty accelerating. Check engine lights comes on intermittently. CODE p0101 points at MAF sensor. Replaced multiple times. Cleaned air system, ie filter, hoses and throttle body. Same issues. Car feels unpredictable and unsafe. Can’t accelerate through intersections and does not respond well went issue is present.”
NHTSA complaint #11681003, 2025

Service Brakes 6

“Good afternoon This is [XXX] The car wholesale auto Naugatuck CT number We got a Nissan versa 2020 picked it up on [XXX] the car is having same issues twice it is drifting to one side mostly when braking I first got it fixed myself with new control arm in the front because the car was favoring the the passenger side and wheels would get locked we got it fixed form the dealership first then the bolts came off three weeks later the tire got dislodged we had it fixed again they extended the warranty but same problem show up again it’s safety issue seems the car was In an accident on passenger…”
NHTSA complaint #11668222, 2024

“while in reverse the automatic braking system locked up. There was nothing behind me or in my camera visually. Then I went to pull forward, the panel lights lit up, and, crash lights front can't up and the radar front light. My car has stayed in the shop at Nissan since January 2022 to present except for 4 weeks. Nissan refuses to deem as a lemon, yet everything is pointing to what other owners have experienced with this particular car. When those brakes locked up my car is no longer stable to drive, yet Nissan is saying it's a Shock on the right side. A shock doesnt go out at this early in a…”
NHTSA complaint #11469063, 2022

“I HAVE A 2020 NISSAN VERSA AND I PURCHASED IT IN JULY. AFTER DRIVING IT FOR A MONTH OR SO I BEGAN TO HEAR A SQUEAKING NOISE. I TOOK IT IN THEY SAID IT WAS BRAKE DUST. I KEPT HEARING THE NOISE AND I TOOK IT BACK IN AND THEY SAID IT WAS THE BRAKES. I WENT BACK TO HAVE THEM REPAIRED ONLY TO FIND OUT THAT THEY SAID SOME HARDWARE WAS MISSING FROM MY BRAKES.I HAVE BEEN OUT HERE DRIVING IN THIS CAR WITH FAULTY BRAKES THAT LEFT THE MANUFACTURER AND THAT SHOULD HAVE NEVER BEEN PUT OUT INTO CIRCULATION FOR PURCHASE. *JS”
NHTSA complaint #11378682, 2020

Air Bags 5 3 crash 3 injury

“The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while driving 25-30 MPH, another vehicle ran the stop sign and crashed into the front driver's side of the vehicle, and the entire front end of the vehicle was impacted and was significantly damaged. The contact stated that the front bumper separated and the headlights detached. The contact was occupying the front driver's seat while the contact's husband was occupying the front passenger's side seat. The contact stated that all the air bags deployed except the passenger's side curtain air bags, causing the contact's husband to hit…”
NHTSA complaint #11690494, 2025 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“I HAD AN ACCIDENT WHERE I STRUCK A DEER. THE FLOOR AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND INJURED ME. MY LEG HAS A BAD HEMOTOMA FROM IT.”
NHTSA complaint #11375757, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“MY WIFE WAS DRIVING HER 2020 NISSAN VERSA SR BACK FROM A DOCTORS APPOINTMENT AT 3:30 PM ON 14 FEB 2022 TRAVELING ABOUT 25 MPH THRU RESIDENTIAL AREA WHEN BOTH SIDE AIR BAGS EXPLODED AND TOTALLY ENCAPSULATING HER SO SHE COULD NOT BREATH NOR MOVE TO STEER THE VEHICLE AND IT WAS ALL SHE COULD DO TO APPLY THE BRAKES. A FIRE TRUCK WS RIGHT BEHIND SO SO WERE ABLE TO RENDER ASSISTANCE AND CUT HER OUT OF THE AIR BAGS SO SHE COULD BREATH. THE AIR BAG IMPACT SEVERELY HURT AND CAUSED BRUSES AND HEARING LOSS AND SHOCK. THERE WAS NO IMPACT NOR DOOR CLOSURES NOR ANYTHING ELSE OTHER THAN A MALFUNCTION WHICH C…”
NHTSA complaint #11456328, 2022 · 1 injury(ies)

Fuel/Propulsion System 5

“Unknown: overwhelming smell of fuel (fumes) inside the cabin. Dealer "repaired" the issue when newer. Car has same issue again but the Dealer has NO records of what was done to fix the problem. Exposed to these fumes cannot be good for driver nor passengers.”
NHTSA complaint #11720783, 2026

“Recently out 2020 Nissan Versa started "Shuddering" when accelerating at low speeds. I took it to the Nissan Dealership and they quoted me $7,000 saying the transmission had to be replaced. I conducted online reviews and found Nissan customers experience this same issue in concerning numbers. I found multiple Nissan Technical Bulletins about this very issue, with this vehicle. Not only is it concerning they are allowing the safety of our loved ones to be at risk, but then do not have the loyalty to the customers to fix the problem with a recall.”
NHTSA complaint #11709576, 2026

“Stalls when accelerating after temporary stopping. Particularly when pulling out onto a main road. Wheels not registering psi properly.”
NHTSA complaint #11693826, 2025

Back Over Prevention 3

“Everytime I turn my car on, there’s a chance that some lights will turn on my dash for absolutely no reason..the car could be parked and getting warmed up and the traction control light,parking collision warning, and front collision light all turn on simultaneously. I have included a photo to get a Better picture! only way for me to get rid of them is by turning my car off for 5 minutes then turning it back on again. It been a real inconvenience. Not to mention when those lights turn on it means I can’t Parallel park anywhere because my rear parking assist prevents me from backing up, because…”
NHTSA complaint #11457534, 2022

“Recently, my Nissan has started having many problems with several of the collision/emergency sensors on the vehicle. It will happen randomly, in any sort of weather, and the sensor warnings will stay on for different amounts of time during each incident. Having the sensors randomly go off while driving is incredibly distracting, not to mention completely unsafe and useless. Along with the sensor issues, the AEB will spontaneously stop my vehicle and not allow me to brake it hot the gas. This is notable mainly when reversing. Just this morning I was completely unable to back out of my driveway…”
NHTSA complaint #11454168, 2022

“This issue has been going on for 6 months. On three different occasions I have taken my car to Fred Hass Nissan due to the sensor lights coming on as if someone is going to hit me from the back and side of my car. It is still not fixed and they tell me it is safe to drive but I feel unsafe. You can be driving down the road whether it be sunshine or raining and no cars are around you and all of a sudden these sensor lights come on and my car slows down as if trying to avoid a collision. I have purchased 4 vehicles over the past several years from this same dealership and this one has given me…”
NHTSA complaint #11436593, 2021

Structure 3

“several recalls but dealer my did not have any”
NHTSA complaint #11728626, 2025

“The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Versa. The contact stated while attempting to add fuel to the vehicle on several occasions, the fuel tank release lever popped and became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 37,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11480716, 2022

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 NISSAN VERSA. THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RELEASE WHEN THE BUTTON WAS DEPRESSED. THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE DETECTED FROM THE SEAT. THE CONTACT HAD TO MANUALLY RELEASE THE SEAT BELT. ADDITIONALLY, THE HOOD FAILED TO CLOSE AND THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL GAP ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KINGS NISSAN (2758 CONEY ISLAND AVE, BROOKLYN, NY 11235, (718) 934-3300) WHERE THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONT…”
NHTSA complaint #11361965, 2020

Suspension 3

“Driving home heard loud metallic sounding”pop” sound at entering driveway in reverse. Found broken spring piece in driveway.”
NHTSA complaint #11751799, 2026

“Good afternoon This is [XXX] The car wholesale auto Naugatuck CT number We got a Nissan versa 2020 picked it up on [XXX] the car is having same issues twice it is drifting to one side mostly when braking I first got it fixed myself with new control arm in the front because the car was favoring the the passenger side and wheels would get locked we got it fixed form the dealership first then the bolts came off three weeks later the tire got dislodged we had it fixed again they extended the warranty but same problem show up again it’s safety issue seems the car was In an accident on passenger…”
NHTSA complaint #11668222, 2024

“ALREADY HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. CAR JERKS AND SLOWS ME DOW AND THE STEERING HAS GOTTEN ALMOST UNMANAGEABLE IN LESS THAN 200 MILES. THE WHEELS ALREADY NEED ALIGNMENT AND I'VE HIT NO CURBS. THIS CAR IS ANOTHER DISASTER FROM NISSAN. THE CVT WAS A TERRIBLE THING THAT HAS HAPPENED TO VEHICLES”
NHTSA complaint #11375800, 2020

Wheels 3

“Stalls when accelerating after temporary stopping. Particularly when pulling out onto a main road. Wheels not registering psi properly.”
NHTSA complaint #11693826, 2025

“Good afternoon This is [XXX] The car wholesale auto Naugatuck CT number We got a Nissan versa 2020 picked it up on [XXX] the car is having same issues twice it is drifting to one side mostly when braking I first got it fixed myself with new control arm in the front because the car was favoring the the passenger side and wheels would get locked we got it fixed form the dealership first then the bolts came off three weeks later the tire got dislodged we had it fixed again they extended the warranty but same problem show up again it’s safety issue seems the car was In an accident on passenger…”
NHTSA complaint #11668222, 2024

“Stock road tires are 205x55/16 - diameter of 24.9”. Stock spare tire is 125x70/15 - diameter of 21.9”. The spare tire is 3” smaller than the road tire or 17.9% smaller. Checking other marques, the spare typically is less than 7% smaller and some web sites say 3% is a good limit. I am aware of the 50 mile, 55 mph limits. Is it safe to put the spare tire on a front wheel position of this FWD car? NissanUSA refers all questions to the local dealer who says no problem. Thank you.”
NHTSA complaint #11590870, 2024

Seat Belts 2 1 crash

“The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Versa. The contact stated while her husband was driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle in front abruptly stopped causing the contact to depress the brake pedal in order to avoid rear-ending the vehicle in front. As a result, the contact was rear-ended, and the vehicle behind that vehicle that rear ended the contact crashed into the rear of the vehicle as well. During the impact, it caused the contact vehicle to be pushed forward and then rear-end the vehicle in front that abruptly stopped. The air bags did not deploy. The driver and passenger seats fractured in a backwar…”
NHTSA complaint #11621552, 2024 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 NISSAN VERSA. THE CONTACT STATED THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT FAILED TO RELEASE WHEN THE BUTTON WAS DEPRESSED. THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE DETECTED FROM THE SEAT. THE CONTACT HAD TO MANUALLY RELEASE THE SEAT BELT. ADDITIONALLY, THE HOOD FAILED TO CLOSE AND THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL GAP ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KINGS NISSAN (2758 CONEY ISLAND AVE, BROOKLYN, NY 11235, (718) 934-3300) WHERE THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONT…”
NHTSA complaint #11361965, 2020

Vehicle Speed Control 2

“I have serval codes from varies companies, O'Reilly's, Luther Nissan Dearlership from April to June 2025, the code is P0012, camshaft. The vehicle intermittently does not have power and I could easily be rear ended. Even thought Luther Nissan has had code P0012, camshaft they have not fixed it. I brought it to Luther Nissan 3 times since 4/22/25 to 6/2/25. Luther said,"Valvoline put transmission fluid in oil, said they drove it for 100 miles and found nothing, said old and current code on the same day and finally said you need a new battery. I bought a new battery. It happened again and I brou…”
NHTSA complaint #11673606, 2025

“All the dash lights come on car acceleration will either speed up or slow down on its own the transmission slips shakes and stalls at red lights”
NHTSA complaint #11653022, 2022

Visibility/Wiper 2

“On the interstate from [XXX] to [XXX] the Nissan Versa's License Plate reflected light so bright that it blinded my ride and we had to slow down and wait for them to get farther away from us. This is not random, they have a spray fixative on their license plate designed to block cameras from clocking their license plate or their numbers being recorded. This was easy to see whenever a light is shined onto it, you can see the thin film of camera block spray that is extremely reflective. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”
NHTSA complaint #11728370, 2026

“MY DAUGHTER WAS DRIVING DOWN I-75 WHEN A SMALL GRAVEL HIT THE BOTTOM PASSENGER SIDE OF HER CAR WINDSHIELD. MADE A SMALL DIVOT THAT QUICKLY SHOT ACROSS HER WINDSHIELD PUTTING HER IN DANGER. SEE PHOTOS. CAR HAS ROUGHLY 1300 MILES”
NHTSA complaint #11338926, 2020

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1

“THE FUEL DOESN'T PUMP CORRECTLY AS IT SHOULD. THE FUSE BURNT OUT. THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING RANDOMLY ACTIVATES FOR NO APPARENT REASON WHILE DRIVING. IT ALSO DOESN'T ACTIVATE AT ALL. THE FRONT END OF THE CAR LIFTS UPWARD LIKE A WHEELIE FROM A STOP LIGHT. THERE WAS SMOKING AND BURNING SMELL FROM UNDER THE HOOD.”
NHTSA complaint #11363848, 2020

Exterior Lighting 1

“several recalls but dealer my did not have any”
NHTSA complaint #11728626, 2025

Fuel System 1

“The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Versa. The contact stated while attempting to add fuel to the vehicle on several occasions, the fuel tank release lever popped and became inoperable. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The approximate failure mileage was 37,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11480716, 2022

Latches/Locks/Linkages 1

“OPENED HOOD JUST TO DO ROUTINE INSPECTION AND MAINTENANCE. CLOSED HOOD AND HOOD LATCH WOULD NOT HOOK AND LOCK HOOD INTO THE CLOSED POSITION.”
NHTSA complaint #11405503, 2021

Seats 1 1 crash

“The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Versa. The contact stated while her husband was driving at 40 MPH, the vehicle in front abruptly stopped causing the contact to depress the brake pedal in order to avoid rear-ending the vehicle in front. As a result, the contact was rear-ended, and the vehicle behind that vehicle that rear ended the contact crashed into the rear of the vehicle as well. During the impact, it caused the contact vehicle to be pushed forward and then rear-end the vehicle in front that abruptly stopped. The air bags did not deploy. The driver and passenger seats fractured in a backwar…”
NHTSA complaint #11621552, 2024 · crash

Steering 1

“ALREADY HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. CAR JERKS AND SLOWS ME DOW AND THE STEERING HAS GOTTEN ALMOST UNMANAGEABLE IN LESS THAN 200 MILES. THE WHEELS ALREADY NEED ALIGNMENT AND I'VE HIT NO CURBS. THIS CAR IS ANOTHER DISASTER FROM NISSAN. THE CVT WAS A TERRIBLE THING THAT HAS HAPPENED TO VEHICLES”
NHTSA complaint #11375800, 2020

Visibility 1

“The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Versa. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased with a cracked windshield. After investigating the failure, the contact determined that the cracked windshield was interfering with the Forward Collision Avoidance sensor and the Rear Collision sensor. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11647053, 2025