2021 Nissan Versa Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
BestComplaint Index
20/100
#13 most-complained of 16 Versa years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2021 Nissan Versa ranks 13th worst out of 16 model years, with a Complaint Index of 20 and a "Best" verdict relative to other Versa years. It has 31 complaints, 3 recalls, and no fires or deaths reported to NHTSA.
- Complaints
- 31
- Recalls
- 3
- Crashes / fires
- 5 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 3 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 32.5
- 29.5 city / 37.5 hwy
Top 2021 Nissan Versa problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Owners report CVT transmission failures with sudden loss of forward drive, jerking, and smoke, sometimes requiring repeated repairs.
- Some drivers describe sluggish acceleration when turning left at intersections before the transmission kicks into gear.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in moderate front-end collisions, leaving occupants without protection during impact.
- One owner reported a sudden brake failure while driving, narrowly avoiding a collision at a gas pump.
- Electrical system complaints include a fuel gauge that reportedly dropped from full to a quarter tank after only a few miles of driving.
- Steering-related recalls describe an intermittent electrical connection in the power steering torque sensor that can disable power steering assist.
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?
- Compared to other Versa model years, 2021 ranks well, sitting 13th worst out of 16 years with a Complaint Index of 20 and a "Best" verdict.
- What problems does the 2021 Nissan Versa have?
- NHTSA complaints point most often to the Electrical System and Transmission & Powertrain, each accounting for 29% of complaints, followed by Engine issues at 23%.
- Does the 2021 Nissan Versa have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2021 Versa: two for a power steering torque sensor issue and one for turn signal bulbs that can crack and fail to illuminate.
- How many complaints does NHTSA have for the 2021 Nissan Versa?
- NHTSA has recorded 31 complaints for the 2021 Versa, including 5 crashes and 3 injuries, with no fires or deaths reported.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Nissan Versa?
- The 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.