YearToAvoid

2012 Nissan Versa Electrical System Problems

NHTSA lists 41 electrical system complaints for the 2012 Nissan Versa, 8% of its 486 total complaints that year, including 3 fires and 3 crashes. Median mileage at failure was 41,000. No related recalls are listed for this component.

Electrical System complaints
41
8% of 486
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
3
Injuries reported
0
Median mileage
41,000 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical electrical symptoms owners report

  • Owners report a strong burning smell followed by smoke or a full engine-bay fire, in some cases while the car was parked or moving at low speed.
  • Some describe the entire electrical system shutting down at once, killing gauges, lighting, and power steering with no warning.
  • Several report the check engine light illuminating along with a failed pedal position sensor.
  • Others describe door locks unlocking on their own or gears shifting out of drive, reverse, or neutral unexpectedly.
  • A few mention non-illuminated door panel switches at night, making it hard to find the lock or window controls in the dark.
  • Some report the horn failing to work intermittently, sometimes linked to airbag warning light issues.

When 2012 Nissan Versa electrical complaints were filed

First complaint Apr 11, 2012, latest Oct 14, 2025.

2012 Nissan Versa electrical system complaints: complaints filed per month2Apr 2012Jan 2014Nov 2014Nov 2015May 2017Sep 2018Nov 2020Jan 2025
41 complaints filed with NHTSA from Apr 2012 to Oct 2025; peak Apr 2012 (2).

Electrical System recalls for the 2012 Nissan Versa

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Electrical System complaints by Versa model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201019 (7%)
  2. 201121 (8%)
  3. 201241 (8%)
  4. 201314 (7%)
  5. 201417 (8%)
  6. 201518 (11%)
  7. 20169 (11%)
  8. 201712 (19%)
  9. 201818 (33%)
  10. 20198 (33%)
  11. 202012 (19%)
  12. 20219 (29%)
  13. 20223 (15%)
  14. 20237 (19%)
  15. 202416 (17%)
  16. 20251 (8%)

Frequently asked questions

How many electrical system complaints does the 2012 Nissan Versa have?
NHTSA lists 41 electrical system complaints for the 2012 Nissan Versa, which is 8% of the 486 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2012 Nissan Versa electrical system?
No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this component on the 2012 Versa.
Did the electrical problems cause fires or crashes?
Yes. Among the 41 electrical system complaints, NHTSA records 3 fires and 3 crashes, with no reported injuries.
At what mileage do electrical problems typically show up on the 2012 Versa?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for electrical system complaints on the 2012 Versa is 41,000 miles.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.