Nissan Versa research: recalls, reliability and buyer's guide

The Versa was long one of America's least expensive new cars. Older Versas are basic but roomy, with a big back seat and trunk for their size; the 2014-2019 Versa Note added a practical hatchback. The 2020 redesign brought a 122-hp engine, much better styling and interior, and standard automatic emergency braking, with CVT models rated about 40 mpg highway. Nissan ended the Versa after 2025.

Model years covered: 2011–2025. Nissan ended the U.S. Versa after the 2025 model year (production ended December 2025); there is no 2026 Versa.

Last updated 2026-10-15.

Strengths

Low purchase price
Good fuel economy
Roomy rear seat and trunk for the class
Standard automatic emergency braking 2020 and later
Manual transmission available
Low running costs

Things to know before you buy

Slow acceleration
CVT condition and service history
Basic interiors before 2020
Many former rental or fleet cars
Discontinued after 2025
Recall status should be checked by VIN

Generations

Generation 1 (2007–2012)

The first-generation Versa sedan and hatchback offered a 107-hp 1.6L or 122-hp 1.8L with manual, 4-speed automatic or CVT transmissions; the hatchback continued into 2012.

Buyer takeaway: Very inexpensive basic transport; buy on condition and service history.

Generation 2 (2012–2019)

The second-generation sedan used a 109-hp 1.6L with a 5-speed manual, 4-speed automatic or CVT (about 30-31 city / 38-40 highway with the CVT); it was refreshed for 2015, and the Versa Note hatchback joined for 2014-2019. 2012-2017 CVTs had a since-expired warranty extension.

Buyer takeaway: Roomy, frugal commuters; check CVT behavior or choose a manual.

Generation 3 (2020–2025)

The third generation brought a 122-hp 1.6L, a 5-speed manual or CVT (about 32/40 mpg), a much nicer cabin and standard automatic emergency braking; it was refreshed for 2023 and ended after 2025.

Buyer takeaway: The best used Versa for safety and refinement; confirm recalls and remaining warranty by VIN.

Nissan Versa by model year

2025 Nissan Versa

The 2025 Versa is the last: Nissan ended U.S. Versa production in December 2025. It adds standard LED headlights and keeps the 122-hp 1.6L with a 5-speed manual on the base S or a CVT (about 32/40 mpg). Trims are S, SV and SR. Nissan dealers continue to service it; the Kicks and Sentra are Nissan's closest replacements.

Engines: 1.6 liter I4 122 hp 114 lb ft
Transmissions: 5 speed manual base s; CVT continuously variable
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

LED headlights standard
Final model year in the US
Production ended december 2025

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact body style engine and transmission by VIN; Warranty status and in service date; CVT fluid service records; CVT shudder whine or hesitation on road test; Automatic emergency braking false alerts and sensor condition; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Air conditioning performance; Electronics; Maintenance history.

2024 Nissan Versa

The 2024 Versa carries over the refreshed 2023 car with a 122-hp 1.6L four, a 5-speed manual on the base S or a CVT rated about 32/40 mpg (35 combined), and standard Safety Shield 360 features. Trims are S, SV and SR. It remains a low-cost, efficient commuter; confirm warranty status and open recalls by VIN.

Engines: 1.6 liter I4 122 hp 114 lb ft
Transmissions: 5 speed manual base s; CVT continuously variable
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Largely carryover from 2023
S sv and sr trims

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact body style engine and transmission by VIN; CVT fluid service records; CVT shudder whine or hesitation on road test; Automatic emergency braking false alerts and sensor condition; Clutch wear if manual; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Air conditioning performance; Electronics; Maintenance history.

2023 Nissan Versa

The 2023 Versa got an updated front end and more standard features, including Safety Shield 360 driver aids such as automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and rear automatic braking. The 122-hp 1.6L continues with a 5-speed manual (about 30 mpg combined) or CVT (about 35 mpg combined).

Engines: 1.6 liter I4 122 hp 114 lb ft
Transmissions: 5 speed manual base s; CVT continuously variable
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Updated front end with new grille
More standard features
Safety shield 360 features standard

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact body style engine and transmission by VIN; CVT fluid service records; CVT shudder whine or hesitation on road test; Automatic emergency braking false alerts and sensor condition; Clutch wear if manual; Infotainment and smartphone integration; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Air conditioning performance; Electronics; Maintenance history.

2022 Nissan Versa

The 2022 Versa continues the 2020 redesign with a 122-hp 1.6L four, a 5-speed manual on the base S or a CVT (about 32/40 mpg, 35 combined). Automatic emergency braking is standard. It is one of the least expensive new-car designs of its time, with a comfortable ride and good mpg, though acceleration is modest.

Engines: 1.6 liter I4 122 hp 114 lb ft
Transmissions: 5 speed manual base s; CVT continuously variable
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Largely carryover of the 2020 redesign
Feature and package changes verify by VIN

2021 Nissan Versa

The 2021 Versa continues the 2020 redesign with a 122-hp 1.6L four, a 5-speed manual on the base S or a CVT (about 32/40 mpg, 35 combined). Automatic emergency braking is standard. It is one of the least expensive new-car designs of its time, with a comfortable ride and good mpg, though acceleration is modest.

Engines: 1.6 liter I4 122 hp 114 lb ft
Transmissions: 5 speed manual base s; CVT continuously variable
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Largely carryover of the 2020 redesign
Feature and package changes verify by VIN

2020 Nissan Versa

The 2020 Versa is all-new and much improved: lower and wider with Altima-like styling, a nicer interior and a 122-hp, 114 lb-ft 1.6L four. A 5-speed manual is offered on the base S, and the CVT is rated about 32/40 mpg. Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection is standard, and SV and SR add blind-spot warning.

Engines: 1.6 liter I4 122 hp 114 lb ft
Transmissions: 5 speed manual base s; CVT continuously variable
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

All new third generation sedan
Power up to 122 hp
Standard automatic emergency braking
Altima inspired styling and nicer interior
Versa note hatchback discontinued

2019 Nissan Versa

The 2019 Versa sedan and Versa Note are the last of their designs, with a 109-hp 1.6L four and a manual or CVT (the Note is rated about 31/39 mpg). The Versa Note ended after 2019. The redesigned 2020 Versa is a big step up in power, refinement and standard safety, so a 2019 should be priced accordingly.

Engines: 1.6 liter I4 109 hp 107 lb ft
Transmissions: 5 speed manual; CVT continuously variable
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan; 5 door versa note hatchback

What changed:

Last year of the second generation sedan
Last year of the versa note

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact body style engine and transmission by VIN; CVT fluid service records; CVT shudder whine or hesitation on road test; Clutch wear if manual; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Air conditioning performance; Electronics; Maintenance history.

2018 Nissan Versa

The 2018 Versa sedan and Versa Note hatchback use a 109-hp 1.6L four with a 5-speed manual, CVT or, on some base sedans, a 4-speed automatic. CVT sedans are rated about 31/39-40 mpg. They are roomy and economical but slow and basic. 2016-2017 models were within the CVT warranty-extension settlement, now expired, so check CVT service.

Engines: 1.6 liter I4 109 hp 107 lb ft
Transmissions: 5 speed manual; 4 speed automatic base s sedan verify by VIN; CVT continuously variable
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan; 5 door versa note hatchback

What changed:

Largely carryover
Versa note hatchback continues

2017 Nissan Versa

The 2017 Versa sedan and Versa Note hatchback use a 109-hp 1.6L four with a 5-speed manual, CVT or, on some base sedans, a 4-speed automatic. CVT sedans are rated about 31/39-40 mpg. They are roomy and economical but slow and basic. 2016-2017 models were within the CVT warranty-extension settlement, now expired, so check CVT service.

Engines: 1.6 liter I4 109 hp 107 lb ft
Transmissions: 5 speed manual; 4 speed automatic base s sedan verify by VIN; CVT continuously variable
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan; 5 door versa note hatchback

What changed:

Largely carryover
Versa note hatchback continues

2016 Nissan Versa

The 2016 Versa sedan and Versa Note hatchback use a 109-hp 1.6L four with a 5-speed manual, CVT or, on some base sedans, a 4-speed automatic. CVT sedans are rated about 31/39-40 mpg. They are roomy and economical but slow and basic. 2016-2017 models were within the CVT warranty-extension settlement, now expired, so check CVT service.

Engines: 1.6 liter I4 109 hp 107 lb ft
Transmissions: 5 speed manual; 4 speed automatic base s sedan verify by VIN; CVT continuously variable
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan; 5 door versa note hatchback

What changed:

Largely carryover
Versa note hatchback continues

2015 Nissan Versa

The 2015 Versa sedan was refreshed with new front and rear fascias, interior updates and Bluetooth on base models. The 109-hp 1.6L pairs with a 5-speed manual (about 27/36 mpg), a 4-speed automatic on the base S (26/35) or a CVT (31/40). The Versa Note hatch continues. It is one of the cheapest, roomiest small cars of its era.

Engines: 1.6 liter I4 109 hp 107 lb ft
Transmissions: 5 speed manual; 4 speed automatic base s sedan; CVT continuously variable
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan; 5 door versa note hatchback

What changed:

Sedan gets new front and rear fascias
Bluetooth added to base models
Interior updates

2014 Nissan Versa

For 2014 Nissan added the Versa Note, a roomy hatchback with the same 109-hp 1.6L four and a 5-speed manual or CVT, rated up to about 40 mpg highway. The sedan continues with a manual, 4-speed automatic or CVT. Both offer lots of space for the price but modest power. Both were covered by a since-expired CVT warranty extension.

Engines: 1.6 liter I4 109 hp 107 lb ft
Transmissions: 5 speed manual; 4 speed automatic base sedan; CVT continuously variable
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan; 5 door versa note hatchback

What changed:

All new versa note hatchback added
Sedan carries over

What to inspect: Open recalls by VIN; Exact body style engine and transmission by VIN; CVT fluid service records; CVT shudder whine or hesitation on road test; Clutch wear if manual; Hatch and cargo area condition if note; Suspension and tires; Brakes; Air conditioning performance; Electronics; Maintenance history.

2013 Nissan Versa

The 2013 Versa sedan carries over the 2012 redesign: a 109-hp 1.6L with a 5-speed manual, a 4-speed automatic on the base S, or a CVT (about 30/38 mpg). It offers an unusually roomy back seat and big trunk for the money but slow acceleration. Any hatchback listed as a 2013 should be checked by VIN; the Versa Note hatch arrived for 2014.

Engines: 1.6 liter I4 109 hp 107 lb ft
Transmissions: 5 speed manual; 4 speed automatic base s; CVT continuously variable
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan

What changed:

Largely carryover sedan
Versa note hatchback arrives for 2014

2012 Nissan Versa

The 2012 Versa sedan was all-new, with a 109-hp 1.6L four and a 5-speed manual or CVT, rated about 30/38 mpg with the CVT, plus class-leading rear legroom and a 14.8-cubic-foot trunk. The hatchback carried over the older design with a 122-hp 1.8L. Confirm sedan or hatchback, engine and transmission by VIN. The CVT was covered by a since-expired warranty extension.

Engines: 1.6 liter I4 109 hp 107 lb ft sedan; 1.8 liter I4 122 hp 127 lb ft hatchback
Transmissions: 5 speed manual sedan; CVT continuously variable; 6 speed manual and 4 speed automatic hatchback
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan; 5 door hatchback older design

What changed:

All new second generation sedan
New 1.6 liter and second generation CVT
Best in class rear legroom and large trunk
Hatchback continues on the older design

2011 Nissan Versa

The 2011 Versa is a first-generation subcompact sedan or hatchback with a roomy cabin for its size. A 107-hp 1.6L powers base sedans (5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic), and a 122-hp 1.8L powers other models with a 6-speed manual, 4-speed automatic or CVT. Fuel economy is roughly 24-28 mpg city and 31-34 highway. It is very basic, inexpensive transportation now.

Engines: 1.6 liter I4 107 hp 111 lb ft; 1.8 liter I4 122 hp 127 lb ft
Transmissions: 5 speed manual 1.6 liter; 6 speed manual 1.8 liter; 4 speed automatic; CVT continuously variable
Drivetrain: Front wheel drive
Body style: 4 door sedan; 5 door hatchback

What changed:

Last year of the first generation sedan
Hatchback and sedan offered
Four transmission choices

Known issues and what to check

CVT Condition and 2012-2017 Warranty-Extension Settlement (2011–2025)
Under a class-action settlement, 2012-2017 Versa sedans and 2014-2017 Versa Notes had CVT powertrain coverage extended from 60 months/60,000 miles to 84 months/84,000 miles; that coverage has now expired. Owners of various years report CVT shudder, whine or hesitation, and replacement can cost a large share of an older Versa's value.
What to do: Test drive carefully; a manual-transmission Versa avoids CVT concerns entirely.
Older 4-Speed Automatic Expectations (2011–2018)
Some base Versas use an older 4-speed automatic, which is simple but gives noticeably lower fuel economy than the CVT (about 26/35 mpg versus 31/40 on a 2015 sedan).
What to do: Confirm which transmission the car has; it affects mpg and inspection focus.
Automatic Emergency Braking False Alerts (2020–2025)
Every 2020+ Versa has automatic emergency braking. As with other Nissans, some owners report false warnings or unexpected braking, and Nissan has issued service bulletins and updates for forward emergency braking on several models.
What to do: Test drive on the highway and ask a Nissan dealer whether updates apply to the VIN.
Budget-Car Wear and Ownership History (2011–2025)
Versas are often bought as low-cost first cars, rentals or fleet cars, so many have high mileage or missed service. Brakes, tires, suspension, A/C and body damage are typical checks.
What to do: Get a vehicle history report and a pre-purchase inspection.
Ownership After Discontinuation (2020–2025)
Nissan ended the U.S. Versa after the 2025 model year, with production ending in December 2025. Nissan dealers continue to provide parts and service.
What to do: Factor resale outlook into the price; service remains available at Nissan dealers.
Versa Sedan, Hatchback and Versa Note Disambiguation (2011–2025)
Versa variants differ: 2011 sedans and hatchbacks (1.6L or 1.8L), the 2012-2019 sedan (109-hp 1.6L), the older-design 2012 hatchback (1.8L), the 2014-2019 Versa Note hatchback (109-hp 1.6L), and the 2020-2025 sedan (122-hp 1.6L). Transmissions include 5- and 6-speed manuals, a 4-speed automatic and CVTs.
What to do: Confirm body style, engine and transmission before comparing.

Recalls

Recall applicability varies by model year, body style, transmission, equipment and VIN. Check the VIN for open recalls and completed remedies.

Similar vehicles to consider

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Hyundai Accent
Mitsubishi Mirage G4
Toyota Yaris
Honda Fit
Chevrolet Sonic
Ford Fiesta
Nissan Sentra
Nissan Kicks

Questions this guide answers

What generation is this Nissan Versa?
Is this a Versa sedan, hatchback or Versa Note?
What engine and transmission does this Versa have?
Was this Versa's CVT covered by the warranty extension?
What changed in the 2012, 2015, 2020 and 2023 Versa?
What fuel economy does the Versa get?
Why was the Versa discontinued?
What should I inspect on a used Versa?
What recalls should I check by VIN?
What similar vehicles should I consider?