2012 Nissan Versa Engine Problems
NHTSA lists 82 engine-related complaints for the 2012 Nissan Versa, 17% of that year's 486 total complaints. Owners reported sudden acceleration, stalling, and jerking at a median 61,026 miles, with 5 crashes and 2 fires. A related recall (15V507000) covers 2012-2015 Versa sedans, though it addresses a console trim panel rather than the engine itself.
- Engine complaints
- 82
- 17% of 486
- Crashes reported
- 5
- Fires reported
- 2
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Median mileage
- 61,026 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical engine symptoms owners report
- Vehicle unexpectedly accelerates on its own while parking or at low speed, with the brake pedal failing to stop it.
- Engine stalls suddenly while driving around 35 mph, cutting power steering and brakes at the same time.
- RPM gauge spikes to around 4,000-5,000 while driving on the freeway or idling, accompanied by a jerking sensation.
- Accelerator pedal is pressed but the vehicle fails to respond, especially when climbing hills.
- Vehicle lurches forward without warning while stopped at a traffic light.
- Engine hesitates on inclines and the transmission is slow shifting between first and third gears, with the check engine light coming on randomly.
When 2012 Nissan Versa engine complaints were filed
First complaint Oct 4, 2011, latest Jan 30, 2026.
Engine recalls for the 2012 Nissan Versa
- NHTSA 15V507000Aug 12, 2015Engine298,747 vehicles
Vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Nissan Versa sedan vehicles manufactured June 9, 2011, to March 11, 2015, and 2014-2015 Nissan Versa Note vehicles manufactured April 23, 2013, to March 11, 2015. The affected vehicles have a center console trim panel that may catch the driver's shoe and delay the transition from the accelerator pedal to the brake pedal.
Risk: A delay in the application of the brake pedal would lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will modify the console trim panel, free of charge. The recall began on September 14, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Engine complaints by Versa model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many engine complaints does the 2012 Nissan Versa have?
- NHTSA lists 82 engine-related complaints for the 2012 Versa, which is 17% of the 486 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there an engine recall for the 2012 Nissan Versa?
- There is a recall, campaign 15V507000, covering 2012-2015 Versa sedans, but Nissan describes the fix as modifying the console trim panel rather than an engine repair.
- At what mileage do 2012 Versa engine problems usually appear?
- The median mileage at failure for engine-related complaints on the 2012 Versa is 61,026 miles.
- Are the 2012 Versa engine issues dangerous?
- NHTSA records 5 crashes and 2 fires tied to complaints in this area, with 2 injuries reported.