Is the 2011 Nissan Versa reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Nissan Versa is rated "worse than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Nissan Versa?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 57% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2011 Nissan Versa have?

7 recalls on file for this model year.

2011 Nissan Versa

◆ Worse than typical

2011 Nissan Versa
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 269
Recalls: 7
Investigations: 2
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

2011: 269 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2007	354
2008	381
2009	504
2010	269
2011	269
2012	485
2013	204
2014	206
2015	168
2016	81
2017	62
2018	57
2019	24
2020	64
2021	31
2022	20
2023	37
2024	96
2025	12

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Air bags

57% · 152 reports

Most commonly citing curtain.

CRASHFIREINJURYDEATH

Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2011 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH in a parking lot, the front driver's side air bag unexpectedly deployed without an impact to the vehicle. In addition, the air bag exploded.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-09-08

I was working for Uber Eats in New Smyrna Beach, FL. The car was front parked and I reversed the car to pull out from the parking lot. I drove at 5 MPH on the parking lot ready to drive to the main road. The main road was two stop signs away.

NHTSA ODI report, 2025-08-28

On September 11th, my wife was involved in a car accident while driving her 2011 Nissan Versa. The collision resulted in the vehicle rolling over and ending up upside down. Shockingly, none of the airbags deployed during this serious incident.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-25

Suspension

17% · 46 reports

Most commonly citing rear and front.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Steering

8% · 21 reports

Most commonly citing rack and pinion.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while attempting to enter the vehicle, the power locks and electrical system failed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-05-21

Also filed under Electrical system and service brakes

I have a major steering issue with my 2009 Nissan Versa sl. The dealership, southern states Nissan in raleigh nc, has attempted to fix the vehicle 4 times, but has failed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2011-04-27

Tl* the contact rented a 2011 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that the tire rod fractured on the front driver side while traveling 25 MPH. The contact stated that the steel belt was visible on both front tires.

NHTSA ODI report, 2010-12-07

Also filed under Tires

Electrical system

7% · 18 reports

Most commonly citing horn and instrument cluster/panel.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Engine

4% · 11 reports

Safety timeline

7 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2011Complaint volume 269 complaints filed for this model year.
I
2015-05-13Preliminary evaluationClosed 2015-10-02 Front Coil Spring Fracture
R

2016-02-02Suspension15V573000 Nissan (Nissan North America, Inc.) is recalling certain model year 2007-2012 Nissan Versa vehicles manufactured May 8, 2006, to November 12, 2012, that were sold or ever registered in the District of Columbia, Connecticut, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois,...

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace both front coil springs, free of charge. The recall began on February 2, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2016-12-19Air bags16V349000 Nissan North America, Inc.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began December 21, 2017. All owners should receive a second notice by May 15, 2017.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-03-09Air bags17V449000 Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2007-2011 Versa Sedan and 2007-2012 Versa Hatchback vehicles.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the subject inflator with a new one manufactured by a different supplier, free of charge. The recall began on March 9, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-03-09Air bags18V044000 Nissan North America, Inc.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 9, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-07-05Air bags18V401000 Nissan North America, Inc.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2020-02-12Air bags20V008000 Nissan North America, Inc.

Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators with alternate desiccated inflators, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2020.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
R

2022-09-23Air bags22E066000 Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain air bag inflator replacement service parts that may have been installed as part of a theft or collision repair.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the inflators as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 14, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2011 Nissan Versa — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 152 reports on file for this year.
Suspension: 46 reports on file for this year.
Steering: 21 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 15V573000 · Suspension
Recall 16V349000 · Air bags
Recall 17V449000 · Air bags
Recall 18V044000 · Air bags
Recall 18V401000 · Air bags
Recall 20V008000 · Air bags
Recall 22E066000 · Air bags

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2011 Nissan Versa reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2011 Nissan Versa is rated "worse than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Nissan Versa?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 57% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2011 Nissan Versa have?: 7 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.