Owners have reported 5 crashes and 5 injuries to NHTSA for the 2020 Nissan Versa. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints14
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2020 Nissan Versa frequently report issues with the vehicle's transmission, including jerking, shuddering, and slipping, particularly during acceleration. Symptoms often include sudden loss of acceleration, unresponsive throttle, and unexpected vehicle stalling, with some reports of the check engine light and other warning indicators illuminating. Complaints typically arise at various mileage points, with some occurring as early as 5,600 miles and others at over 100,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, as several owners describe situations where their vehicle fails to accelerate or decelerates unpredictably, posing a risk of collisions, especially in traffic or while merging. These patterns suggest potential transmission reliability concerns for prospective buyers of used models.
Owner complaints10
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report several electrical issues with the 2020 Nissan Versa, including intermittent dashboard warning lights and malfunction notifications, which can affect features like the traction control and collision warning systems. Complaints frequently mention problems with the infotainment system, such as the radio screen not turning on and Nissan Connect resetting during use. Some owners describe recurring issues with the mass air flow sensor, often indicated by diagnostic Code P0101, and note that these problems can cause rough idling and acceleration difficulties. A few reports highlight potential safety implications, such as the automatic braking system activating unexpectedly or failing to engage, and electrical malfunctions leading to unpredictable vehicle behavior. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, often shortly after purchase.
Owner complaints7
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners report several recurring issues with the 2020 Nissan Versa, primarily related to transmission and electronic systems. Complaints frequently mention the car stalling or losing power, particularly during acceleration or at high speeds, with some owners noting these issues have persisted for up to two years. Additionally, multiple owners describe erratic behavior of sensor systems, including unprompted activation of collision warnings and braking systems, often without any vehicles nearby. These problems typically arise around 71,000 miles, according to one report. Safety implications include potential loss of vehicle control and unintended deceleration, which can be hazardous in traffic.
Owner complaints5
ENGINE
Owners of the 2020 Nissan Versa frequently report problems with the engine, including the check engine light illuminating and the vehicle jerking, particularly at speeds over 40 MPH. Some owners describe the engine as having gone bad within two years of purchase, with one mentioning a diagnostic code P2859, which they associate with past recalls. Additionally, there are reports of the vehicle failing to start, accompanied by a high-pitched squealing noise from the belt and a gurgling sound when attempting to start. These issues often arise shortly after purchase or within a few years of ownership, and one owner expresses concern about potential accidents due to these malfunctions.
Owner complaints4
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2020 Nissan Versa frequently report issues with the airbag system, particularly in crash situations. Commonly described symptoms include airbags failing to deploy or deploying unexpectedly, as well as related injuries such as concussions and bruises. Complaints often involve significant vehicle damage from collisions, with airbags not deploying in some front and rear impacts, and unexpected deployment during normal driving conditions. These issues have been reported across various mileage ranges, with one incident occurring at under 15,000 miles. Safety implications are notable, as multiple reports involve crashes and injuries, including one instance where the airbag deployment led to breathing difficulties for the driver.
Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 3 injury reports
Owner complaints4
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Owners of the 2020 Nissan Versa report issues with the Forward Collision Warning (FCW) and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) systems, with some incidents leading to crashes. Complaints frequently mention unexpected activation of the AEB system, resulting in sudden braking without an apparent threat, as described in one instance where the system engaged after a car turned onto a side street. Two crash-related complaints highlight the AEB system applying full braking power unexpectedly, causing collisions and injuries. Warning lights or messages are not consistently reported before these events. These issues occur at various mileage levels, and owners note that the problems persist even after repairs, suggesting potential safety risks for used car buyers.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints3
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2020 Nissan Versa report issues with the service brakes, with complaints frequently mentioning sudden automatic braking activation without obstruction, as well as persistent squeaking noises. In one case, the vehicle's automatic braking system locked up while reversing, accompanied by dashboard warning lights, and the vehicle has remained largely undrivable since January 2022. Another owner describes missing brake hardware discovered after a month of ownership, leading to concerns about driving with potentially faulty brakes. Safety implications include unintended braking and possible loss of control, though specific crash incidents are not detailed. These issues appear to arise soon after purchase, indicating potential early-life problems with the braking system.
Owner complaints2
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Owners of the 2020 Nissan Versa report issues related to the fuel/propulsion system, primarily involving fuel odors and fuel gauge discrepancies. One complaint describes an overwhelming smell of fuel inside the cabin, with the problem persisting despite previous dealer intervention. Another owner notes a decrease in the maximum range displayed on the fuel gauge, down from 210 miles to 171 miles with a full tank, shortly after purchase. These issues do not indicate any immediate safety implications such as crashes or fires, but the presence of fuel fumes inside the vehicle could pose potential health risks to occupants. Buyers considering a used 2020 Nissan Versa may want to verify that these fuel system concerns have been addressed.
Owner complaints2
WHEELS
Owners of the 2020 Nissan Versa report issues related to the wheels, particularly with tire size discrepancies and tire pressure monitoring. One complaint highlights a significant size difference between the stock road tires and the spare tire, raising concerns about safety when using the spare on the front wheel position of this front-wheel-drive vehicle. Another complaint mentions the tire pressure sensors not registering psi properly, alongside a stalling issue when accelerating after a stop. These issues do not specify mileage or timeline patterns, but they do raise potential safety concerns regarding the use of the spare tire and the accuracy of tire pressure readings.
