2018 Nissan Versa
This year had at least 30% fewer 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 | 354 |
| 2008 | 381 |
| 2009 | 503 |
| 2010 | 268 |
| 2011 | 269 |
| 2012 | 485 |
| 2013 | 204 |
| 2014 | 206 |
| 2015 | 168 |
| 2016 | 80 |
| 2017 | 62 |
| 2018 | 55 |
| 2019 | 24 |
| 2020 | 64 |
| 2021 | 31 |
| 2022 | 20 |
| 2023 | 37 |
| 2024 | 95 |
| 2025 | 11 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
31% of complaints: electrical system — 17 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing instrument cluster/panel.
Show complaint excerpts
Car jerks and doesnât go into gear right away. Never know when it will happen. There is a notice from Nissan that it happens because of short in tail light. Happened approx 3 yrs ago and has started again but worse.
NHTSA ODI report, 20260827
Also filed under POWER TRAIN
25% of complaints: engine — 14 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TRANSMISSION ISSUES , STALLING, RPM REVVING.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231016
Also filed under UNKNOWN OR OTHER and VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WE HAD LEASED THIS VEHICLE FROM HERTZ EARLIER IN THE DAY. THAT EVENING, I WAS DRIVING DOWN A HILL AND THE VEHICLE'S STEERING SYSTEM HAD SUDDENLY LOCKED UP. I WAS NOT ABLE TO STEER AND DROVE INTO A TREE AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181015
24% of complaints: air bags — 13 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2018 NISSAN VERSA. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT STRUCK A DEER ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181116
AIRBAGS DID NOT INFLACT WHEN CAR HAD A HARD IMPACK HIT TO FRONT OF CAR. I WAS GOING 40MPH OR MORE WHEN A CAR COME INTO MY LINE. INODER TO AVOID THE HEAD ON COLISION I SHRIVED TO THE RIGHT AND HIT A IN GROUND BRICK THAT WERE BOUNDED INTO THE GROUND.
NHTSA ODI report, 20180527
18% of complaints: power train — 10 distinct reports on file.
11% of complaints: service brakes — 6 distinct reports on file.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
Nissan North America, Inc.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the production information on the ignition switch, and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
Campaign 18V551000 — check if this car was fixed
Nissan North America, Inc.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated.
Campaign 19V654000 — check if this car was fixed
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2018 Nissan Versa — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (17 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (13 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 18V551000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V654000 (back over prevention) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2018 Nissan Versa reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Nissan Versa is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Nissan Versa?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Nissan Versa have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-16 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.