Last updated: 2026-04-20
2018 Nissan Versa Reliability Report
The 2018 Nissan Versa scores 76/100 ("Good"). With 5 recalls and 55 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
Recalls
5
Complaints
55
Complaint Rate
7.3per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$456
Annual Fuel Cost
$1,750–$2,050
Detailed Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
The Verdict
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues to Watch
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (12)
- AIR BAGS (12)
- POWER TRAIN (9)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2018 is year 7 of the Second generation (N17).
- Redesigned for the 2012 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 2nd generation Versa (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
2012: Second generation (N17) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2018: This Model Year
2018 is year 7 of the Second generation (N17).
Should You Buy the 2018 Nissan Versa?
At 76/100, the 2018 Nissan Versa lands in "Good" territory — acceptable, but not class-leading. 2018 is year 7 of the Second generation (N17).
Owners log 55 complaints on this model year — enough to suggest attention is needed, but no single failure mode dominates yet.
Get a pre-purchase inspection on any used example, with extra attention to electrical system (12). An extended warranty is worth pricing out.
Compared to the 2020 Nissan Versa, which scored 2 points lower.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Low major repair risk (10%)
- +Below-average complaint rate for Sedan
Cons
- −Moderate recall count
- −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Several issues with the electrical system of the 2018 Nissan Versa (12 complaints)
- −AIR BAGS issues reported (12 complaints)
Compare 2018 Nissan Versa With
2018 Toyota Corolla
Reliability: 80/100
2018 Hyundai Elantra
Reliability: 76/100
2018 Honda Civic
Reliability: 71/100
2018 KIA Forte
Reliability: 66/100
2018 Mazda 3
Reliability: 79/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 5 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (12)
- AIR BAGS (12)
Recall Overview
5
recalls on record
A moderate 5 recalls are on file for the 2018 Nissan Versa. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
7.3
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 24.9
Safety Incidents
12
Crashes
0
Fires
10
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 4/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2018 Nissan Versa Recall Details
5 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Nissan Versa. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence
The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Nissan NV200, Sentra, NV3500 Van, NV3500 Bus, NV200 Taxi, NV1500, NV2500 Van, Chevrolet City Express, 2017-2018 Frontier, Versa Note, and Versa Sedan vehicles that have a mechanical (physical) key ignition system. In these models, over time, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
Consequence
If the vehicle stalls, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the production information on the ignition switch, and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
AIR BAGS
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018 Nissan Versa Note vehicles. During deployment of the side curtain air bag, a component of the air bag inflator may detach. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) number 214, "Side Impact Protection," and 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
Consequence
If the component detaches during deployment, it may enter the passenger compartment and be a projectile within the vehicle cabin, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy
Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Buying a used 2018 Nissan Versa? Check its history first
Every 2018 Nissan Versa has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2018 Nissan Versa NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 14.3%
Safety Technologies
Nissan VersaRepair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Est. Annual Maintenance
$456
vs $456 avg for subcompact cars
vs $652 avg for all vehicles
Repair Frequency
0.4
unscheduled repair visits per year
Severe Repair Probability
10%
chance of a major repair
Annual Cost Comparison
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
Nissan Versa Resale Value
The Nissan Versa is estimated to retain about 57.1% of its original value after 5 years, based on observed used-car listings.
This benchmark covers the Nissan Versa model overall and is not specific to the 2018 model year.
- Value Retained
- 57.1%
- Depreciation
- 42.9%
- Listings Analyzed
- 188
after 5 years
over the same period
U.S. used-car listings
Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.
Explore Nissan Versa depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.comMPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
29–34 MPG
Running cost: $2,200–$2,500/yr
Fuel + repair
26–31 city / 35–39 hwy MPG
Running cost includes EPA fuel-cost estimate and independent repair-cost data (repair cost estimated at model level). Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2018 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Versa 1.6L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 31 | 39 | 34 | $1,750 |
| Versa 1.6L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 5-spd | 27 | 36 | 30 | $2,000 |
| Versa 1.6L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic 4-spd | 26 | 35 | 29 | $2,050 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2018 Nissan Versa.
Check for transmission shudder or harsh shifting
Inspect for airbag warning lights on the dashboard
Test for unexpected engine stalling or shutdowns
Verify no water intrusion or mold in the interior
Ensure all brake lights function consistently
Check for oil leaks at the engine-transmission junction
2018 Nissan Versa Common Problems by Component
55 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
12 complaintsOwners report several issues with the electrical system of the 2018 Nissan Versa. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle stalling or shutting off unexpectedly, with some instances occurring while driving at various speeds. These issues often involve the ignition system, with some owners describing problems with the ignition switch or key release. Many reports also highlight erratic behavior such as warning lights illuminating without cause and the car not responding to accelerator or brake inputs, which can lead to situations where the vehicle rolls unexpectedly. These problems are noted at mileages ranging from around 34,000 to over 100,000 miles. Safety implications include potential loss of control, although no crashes are specifically reported.
AIR BAGS
12 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Nissan Versa frequently report issues with the airbag system, particularly with airbag warning lights blinking on the dashboard. Several complaints highlight that, despite the warning lights, airbags fail to deploy during crashes, with seven incidents involving collisions and five resulting in injuries. Mileage at the time of failure varies, but some reports mention issues arising as early as 480 miles. Typical symptoms include the airbag light blinking continuously and the passenger seat airbag being disabled despite occupancy. These reports suggest potential safety implications, as multiple owners describe airbags not deploying during significant impacts, leading to concerns about occupant safety in crash situations.
POWER TRAIN
9 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Nissan Versa frequently report transmission issues, with common symptoms including shuddering, high RPMs, harsh downshifts, and complete transmission failure. Complaints often describe incidents occurring without prior warning lights, and several mention the need for transmission replacement. These issues are reported at various mileage points, with some as low as 15,000 miles. Safety implications are noted in one case where a vehicle shifted into reverse unexpectedly, resulting in a crash. Buyers should be aware of transmission-related concerns, particularly with vehicles that have not been serviced or diagnosed for these issues.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (9 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
9 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Nissan Versa frequently report issues related to vehicle stalling, with multiple instances occurring while driving, which has resulted in at least one crash and two injuries. Some complaints describe the car shutting off without warning, even from a complete stop or at low speeds, posing a significant safety risk. Water intrusion is another reported problem, with one owner experiencing flooding inside the car after heavy rain, leading to electrical issues and potential mold growth. Additionally, there are concerns about oil seepage at the engine-transmission junction, observed even in vehicles with low mileage, which some owners worry could lead to further mechanical problems. These issues typically emerge at varied mileage ranges, with some stalling and transmission complaints appearing around 27,000 miles.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (3 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Nissan Versa frequently report issues related to vehicle speed control, with common symptoms including difficulty slowing down and a shaking brake pedal. Some complaints describe weakened brake effectiveness, leading to a sensation of losing control, particularly concerning when driving or attempting to stop. One report involves a crash, and there is an injury linked to transmission issues, stalling, and RPM revving. Additionally, a loss of power when stationary at stoplights is noted. These issues suggest potential safety implications, especially if the vehicle fails to decelerate adequately or stalls unexpectedly. No specific mileage ranges are provided, but buyers should be aware of these reported problems when considering this model.
ENGINE (3 complaints)
ENGINE
3 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2018 Nissan Versa report issues related to the engine unexpectedly shutting off while driving, which poses a significant safety risk. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle stopping without warning, sometimes failing to restart, with one report indicating a complete lack of communication with the engine. A serious incident involved a crash due to a sudden loss of steering control, resulting in two injuries. While specific mileage ranges are not provided, the recurrence of these symptoms suggests a pattern of unpredictable engine performance. Potential buyers should be aware of these issues, especially concerning the risk of loss of control while driving.
STEERING (2 complaints)
STEERING
2 complaintsOwners of the 2018 Nissan Versa report issues with the steering system, particularly related to power steering loss and ignition problems. One complaint describes a sudden loss of power steering while stationary at a stoplight, accompanied by the illumination of the brake, battery, and oil lights. Another owner reports the steering wheel locking up while the vehicle was parked, with the ignition switch becoming immovable. These issues suggest potential safety implications, such as difficulty in steering control or inability to start the vehicle, though no crashes or injuries are mentioned. The complaints do not specify mileage, and there is no clear pattern of occurrence based on the data provided.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (1 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
1 complaintBrake's grind and squeal at a slow stop even with new brakes and rotors and electric problems like it's blowing headlights with in weeks of installing and tag lights as well.
SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaintBrake pedal is to small my right foot keeps sliping off the pedal i fell like it might cause a rear end accident
STRUCTURE (1 complaints)
STRUCTURE
1 complaintTHERE ARE SERIOUS DESIGN FLAWS ON THE 2018 NISSAN VERSA THAT ALLOW WATER (I.E RAIN) TO COLLECT BELOW THE WINDSHIELD AND WHEN THE COLLECTED WATER DOESN'T DRAIN IT FLOODS THE CAR ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THERE IS A WATER GUTTER UNDER THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS THAT RUNS FROM EACH SIDE OF THE CAR. IT HAS TWO VERY SMALL DRAINS ON EACH SIDE. THE DRAINS GET PLUGGED BY DUST, DIRT, ETC. NORMAL STUFF THAT CAN GET ON THE CAR, AND THE WATER COLLECTS AND BUILDS UP IN THE GUTTER. THERE IS A HOLE FOR SOME CABLES IN THIS AREA, ABOVE THE GUTTER THAT THE BUILT UP WATER CAN FLOW THROUGH RIGHT ON THE PASSENGER FLOOR BEHIND THE GLOVE COMPARTMENT. THE WATER DRAINS OUT ESPECIALLY WHEN THE CAR IS MOVING/IN MOTION. IF THERE IS A HEAVY RAIN, THE ENTIRE CAR FLOOR GET FLOODED. THE HEALTH DANGER IS THE WATER HAS NOWHERE TO GO INSIDE THE CAR AND GETS MUSTY AND MOLDY. THIS CAN BE FIXED FOR APPROX. $600, HOWEVER IT WILL LIKELY HAPPEN AGAIN BECAUSE ALL IS DONE IS UNPLUG THE SMALL DRAIN HOLES. NISSAN ALLOWED A SERIOUS DESIGN FLAW IN THE 2018 VERSA SEDAN THAT LEADS TO FLOODING AND WET FLOORBOARDS, A DRAIN THAT IS PRONE TO CLOGGING, AND A HOLE FOR WATER TO FLOW INSIDE THE CAR. I FOUND OTHER COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS ON GOOGLE. MY CAR DAMAGED HAPPEN APRIL 2020, AND OTHER CAR OWNERS HAS HAPPENED IN 2019. PLEASE HELP US. *TR
When Do 2018 Nissan Versa Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Nissan Versa Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Nissan Versa Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe best Nissan Versa year is 2025 with a reliability score of 81/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2021 (77/100) and 2018 (76/100).
2025
2021
2018
(Current Model)
Nissan Versa Years to Avoid
No Nissan Versa years are statistical outliers in our data.
All model years score consistently well. The Nissan Versa maintains one of the highest industry standards for long-term durability across its entire production span.
Nissan Versa Reliability Score Trend
Nissan Versa reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 76/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 76/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 77/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 81/100 | Excellent |
Nissan Versa Reliability Compared to Other Years
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2018 Nissan Versa reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Nissan Versa?
How many recalls does the 2018 Nissan Versa have?
Is the 2018 Nissan Versa expensive to maintain?
Don’t buy a 2018 Nissan Versa without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Nissan Versa.
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