2021 Nissan Versa

▲ Better than typical
2021 Nissan Versa
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:58:37.385Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Nissan Versa Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2021 highlighted. 2007: 354 complaints 2007 2008: 381 complaints 2009: 502 complaints 2010: 267 complaints 2010 2011: 268 complaints 2012: 485 complaints 2013: 204 complaints 2013 2014: 205 complaints 2015: 168 complaints 2016: 79 complaints 2016 2017: 62 complaints 2018: 54 complaints 2019: 24 complaints 2019 2020: 63 complaints 2021: 31 complaints 2021 2022: 18 complaints 2022 2023: 37 complaints 2024: 93 complaints 2025: 11 complaints 2025
2021: 31 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
2007354
2008381
2009502
2010267
2011268
2012485
2013204
2014205
2015168
201679
201762
201854
201924
202063
202131
202218
202337
202493
202511

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

POWER TRAIN 29%

29% of complaints: power train — 9 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
ENGINE 16%

16% of complaints: engine — 5 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 16%

16% of complaints: electrical system — 5 distinct reports on file.

STEERING 13%

13% of complaints: steering — 4 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

WELL DRIVING I NOTICE A CAR WITHOUT BRAKE LIGHTS ON STOPPED IN FRONT OF ME NOT MOVING. QUICKLY GOING TO BRAKE.. I HAD NO BRAKES I PUSHED AGAIN AND TURNED RIGHT. ALMOST INCHES TO HITTING A GAS PUMP. THANKFULLY BUMPS AND BRUISES .

NHTSA ODI report, 20210227

AIR BAGS 13%

13% of complaints: air bags — 4 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

WELL DRIVING I NOTICE A CAR WITHOUT BRAKE LIGHTS ON STOPPED IN FRONT OF ME NOT MOVING. QUICKLY GOING TO BRAKE.. I HAD NO BRAKES I PUSHED AGAIN AND TURNED RIGHT. ALMOST INCHES TO HITTING A GAS PUMP. THANKFULLY BUMPS AND BRUISES .

NHTSA ODI report, 20210227

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20210820 — exterior lighting

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Titan, Titan XD, and Versa vehicles. The front right and/or left turn signal bulb can crack and fail to illuminate.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the bulbs as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 20, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PM986 and PC811.

Campaign 21V471000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20221110 — steering

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Versa and Kicks vehicles. An intermittent electrical connection in the electric power steering (EPS) torque sensor can disable the power steering assist.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering column torque sensor lot code, and replace the column, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 9, 2022.

Campaign 22V693000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20230908 — steering

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Versa and Kicks vehicles. An intermittent electrical connection in the electric power steering (EPS) torque sensor can disable the power steering assist.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering column torque sensor lot code and replace the steering column assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 8, 2023.

Campaign 23V496000 — check if this car was fixed

I 20240307 — PE (closed 20251002)

Reduced Power After Engine Stall

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2021 Nissan Versa — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for power train issues (9 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (5 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 21V471000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 22V693000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 23V496000 (steering) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2023 ▲ 2018 ▲ 2017

WORST YEARS

■ 2009 ■ 2012 ■ 2008

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2021 Nissan Versa reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Nissan Versa is rated "better than typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Nissan Versa?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2021 Nissan Versa have?

3 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.