How common are transmission problems in the 2012 Nissan Versa?

NHTSA shows 163 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2012 Versa, which is 34% of the 486 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a transmission recall for the 2012 Nissan Versa?

Yes, recall 12V032000 exists for the Transmission & Powertrain area, but it covers replacing the shifter knob or shifter assembly, not the CVT unit itself.

At what mileage do 2012 Versa transmissions typically fail?

NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 70,000 miles for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2012 Versa.

Did the 2012 Versa transmission issues cause any crashes?

NHTSA lists 4 crashes and 1 fire linked to Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2012 Versa, with 0 injuries reported.

How does 2012 compare to other Versa years for transmission complaints?

The 2012 Versa's 34% share of complaints in this area is higher than 2010 (2%) and 2011 (3%), and similar to 2013 (36%) and 2014 (40%).

2012 Nissan Versa Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 163 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2012 Nissan Versa, 34% of all complaints filed for the year. Median mileage at failure is 70,000, with 4 crashes and 1 fire reported. A related recall (12V032000) covers the shifter assembly, not the CVT itself.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 163; 34% of 486
Crashes reported: 4
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 70,000 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Vehicles reportedly roll away or shift into reverse on their own while parked, sometimes causing a crash.
The CVT hesitates then fails to move forward while reverse still works, often leading to a full transmission replacement.
Drivers report shuddering, slipping, or jerking at low speed and at stops, in some cases returning after dealer adjustments.
Engine RPMs rise but the vehicle does not accelerate, described by owners as the transmission losing power or stalling on the highway.
Owners report the CVT overheating and being declared unrepairable by independent transmission shops.

When 2012 Nissan Versa transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Oct 17, 2011, latest Oct 14, 2025.

163 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2011 Q4 to 2025 Q4; peak 2016 Q1 (15).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2012 Nissan Versa

NHTSA 12V032000Feb 1, 2012Transmission & Powertrain36,608 vehicles
Power train:manual transmission:shift pattern indicator
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2012 versa vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission and manufactured from june 9, 2011, through january 13, 2012 for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 114,âtheft protection.â due to interference between the shifter rod and the shift knob, the vehicles may be shifted out of the park position without depressing the brake pedal.
Risk: The operator can inadvertently shift the vehicle into gear without the brake pedal being depressed, increasing the risk of a crash or injury to a nearby pedestrian.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the shifter knob or the shifter assembly as needed, free of charge. The safety recall began on mearh 5, 2012. Owners may contact nissan at 1-800-647-7261.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Versa model year

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

200713 (4%)
200817 (4%)
200920 (4%)
20106 (2%)
20118 (3%)
2012163 (34%)
201373 (36%)
201482 (40%)
201547 (28%)
201620 (25%)
20179 (15%)
201810 (18%)
201911 (46%)
202016 (25%)
20219 (29%)
20227 (35%)
202315 (41%)
202434 (36%)
20254 (33%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission problems in the 2012 Nissan Versa?: NHTSA shows 163 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2012 Versa, which is 34% of the 486 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a transmission recall for the 2012 Nissan Versa?: Yes, recall 12V032000 exists for the Transmission & Powertrain area, but it covers replacing the shifter knob or shifter assembly, not the CVT unit itself.
At what mileage do 2012 Versa transmissions typically fail?: NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 70,000 miles for Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2012 Versa.
Did the 2012 Versa transmission issues cause any crashes?: NHTSA lists 4 crashes and 1 fire linked to Transmission & Powertrain complaints on the 2012 Versa, with 0 injuries reported.
How does 2012 compare to other Versa years for transmission complaints?: The 2012 Versa's 34% share of complaints in this area is higher than 2010 (2%) and 2011 (3%), and similar to 2013 (36%) and 2014 (40%).