2021 Nissan Versa Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Best The 2021 Nissan Versa ranks 15th out of 19 model years with a complaint index of 22, earning a Best verdict. NHTSA lists 31 complaints, 3 recalls, and no do-not-drive recalls for this year.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 22/100
- #15 of 19 Versa years
- Verdict
- Best
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 31
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 3
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 5
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 3
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 32.5
- 29.5 city / 37.5 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 3 / 0
Top 2021 Nissan Versa problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System9 (29%)
- Transmission & Powertrain9 (29%)
- Engine7 (23%)
- Airbags5 (16%)
- Other5 (16%)
- Steering4 (13%)
- Visibility & Wipers3 (10%)
- Brakes2 (6%)
- Fuel System2 (6%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (6%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report brake failure or reduced braking response leading to near-miss or low-speed collisions early in ownership.
- Some drivers say airbags failed to deploy during moderate-speed front-end collisions.
- Owners describe a steering torque sensor issue tied to a recall that can disable power steering assist.
- Some owners noticed coolant levels dropping steadily on a nearly new vehicle with no visible leak.
- Drivers report severe nighttime glare and distortion from the rear windshield, some linking it to dealer-installed tint.
- One owner reported a fuel gauge showing an inaccurate drop in fuel level after a short drive.
2021 Nissan Versa recalls
3 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 23V496000Jul 18, 2023Steering11,824 vehicles
Steering:electric power assist system
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.
Risk: Loss of power steering assist can increase the steering effort required, especially at low speeds, and increase the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PMA26. This recall involves vehicles that were previously inspected, but did not receive a steering column replacement, under recall number 22V-693. These vehicles will need to be reinspected for this recall.
- NHTSA 22V693000Sep 15, 2022Steering20,040 vehicles
Steering:electric power assist system
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.
Risk: Loss of power steering assist can increase the steering effort required, especially at low speeds, and increase the risk of a crash.
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. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PMA10 / PMA25.
- NHTSA 21V471000Jun 23, 2021Electrical System30,799 vehicles
Exterior lighting:turn signal:bulbs
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.
Risk: Inoperable front turn signals cannot alert on-coming drivers and/or pedestrians that the vehicle will be turning, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
2021 Nissan Versa fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 29.5 MPG
- Highway
- 37.5 MPG
- Combined
- 32.5 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,000
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2021 compared with other Versa years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Nissan Versa reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2021 Versa has a complaint index of 22 and ranks 15th out of 19 model years, earning a Best verdict relative to other Versa years.
- What problems does the 2021 Nissan Versa have?
- NHTSA data shows the top problem areas are the electrical system and transmission/powertrain, each with 9 complaints (29% share), followed by the engine at 7 complaints (23%).
- Does the 2021 Nissan Versa have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2021 Versa: two for an electric power steering torque sensor issue and one for turn signal bulbs that can crack and fail to illuminate. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2021 Versa compare to other model years?
- The 2021 Versa's complaint index of 22 is much lower than the worst year, 2009, which has an index of 100, and slightly higher than 2019 and 2022, which score 0 and 6.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Nissan Versa?
- EPA rates the 2021 Versa at 32.5 mpg combined (29.5 city / 37.5 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,000.