Last updated: 2026-10-10
2021 Nissan Versa Reliability Report
The 2021 Nissan Versa has a good reliability standing, but some owners report the CVT suddenly losing forward drive.
Recalls
3
Complaints
29
Complaint Rate
4.8per 10,000 sold
Est. Repair Cost
$456
Annual Fuel Cost
$1,700–$2,000
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
Stronger than most Versa years, with fewer complaints than 2020, though sudden CVT drive loss and three recalls are the points to check.
Top Issues to Watch
- POWER TRAIN (6)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)
- STEERING (4)
Generation & Refresh (US)
2021 is year 3 of the Third generation (N18).
- Redesigned for the 2019 model year.
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 3rd generation Versa (US).
What this means for buyers
Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.
2019: Third generation (N18) Launch
Generation start — new platform.
2021: This Model Year
2021 is year 3 of the Third generation (N18).
Should You Buy the 2021 Nissan Versa?
Buy it with some care. This Versa holds up well. Its reliability standing is good, above average among 2021 sedans, and it ranks among the stronger of the five Versa years we score. The 2020 also stands as good, but it rates worse and drew 60 owner complaints to this year's 29. Independent repair-cost data puts yearly repair costs at $456, level with the class. It earned 5 of 5 federal crash-test stars.
The main worry is the CVT. Owners describe the engine revving while the car does not move, sometimes in traffic or mid-intersection, often with no warning light. Others feel a delayed engagement when pulling away, then a sudden kick into gear. Dealers often cannot reproduce the fault, so many cars go unrepaired. A few steering-category filings describe brakes that grab, lock, or fail to stop the car. Fuel gauge errors are the most common electrical complaint. Federal records show three recalls: two for steering and one for exterior lighting.
Ask for CVT service records and take a test drive that includes pulling away from stops and turning. Also ask for proof that all three recalls were completed.
Compared to the 2024 Nissan Versa, which scored 4 points lower. See also the 2020 Nissan Versa for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Acceptable reliability score
- +Low major repair risk (10%)
- +Below-average complaint rate for Sedan
Cons
- −Moderate recall count
- −POWER TRAIN: CVT can suddenly lose forward drive (6 complaints)
- −STEERING: These reports mix several systems (4 complaints)
Compare 2021 Nissan Versa With
2021 Toyota Corolla
Reliability: 83/100
2021 Honda Civic
Reliability: 81/100
2021 Hyundai Elantra
Reliability: 75/100
2021 Kia Forte
Reliability: 72/100
2021 Mazda 3
Reliability: 70/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 3 manufacturer recalls issued
Other
HIGH RISK- POWER TRAIN (6)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)
Recall Overview
3
recalls on record
A moderate 3 recalls are on file for the 2021 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
4.8
per 10,000 soldSegment avg: 16.7
Safety Incidents
5
Crashes
0
Fires
3
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 5/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2021 Nissan Versa Recall Details
3 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Nissan Versa. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
STEERING
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.
Consequence
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.
STEERING
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.
Consequence
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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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.
Consequence
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.
Buying a used 2021 Nissan Versa? Check its history first
Power train problems lead owner complaints about the 2021 Nissan Versa, and 3 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2021 Nissan Versa NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 11.8%
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 2021 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
30–35 MPG
Running cost: $2,150–$2,450/yr
Fuel + repair
27–32 city / 35–40 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 2021 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) | 32 | 40 | 35 | $1,700 |
| Versa 1.6L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 5-spd | 27 | 35 | 30 | $2,000 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Nissan Versa.
Accelerate from a full stop and through a turn; walk away if it hesitates, surges, or revs without moving.
Listen for CVT whine and feel for jerky shifts at low speed; ask for transmission repair records.
Reverse slowly in a quiet lot and listen for grinding.
Confirm the fuel gauge rises after fueling and stays steady through the test drive.
Look for water around the ignition coils below the wiper cowl and scan for misfire codes.
Check the coolant reservoir level and ask whether the owner has been topping it up.
Test drive after dark and check the rear window for headlight distortion, especially with dealer tint.
Confirm the driver's sun visor stays up and inspect the windshield for cracks near the top.
2021 Nissan Versa Common Problems by Component
29 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
POWER TRAIN
6 complaintsThe CVT can suddenly lose forward drive. The engine revs but the car does not move, stranding drivers in traffic or mid-intersection, often with no warning light. Other reports describe sluggish, delayed engagement when pulling away from stops or turning, then a sudden kick into gear. Whining, jerky shifts, stalling on acceleration, and dashboard malfunction warnings also appear, along with grinding when reversing. One mechanic found code P17F4. Dealers often cannot reproduce the fault, so many cars leave unrepaired.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
4 complaintsFuel gauge errors come up most often. The needle falls to a quarter tank within a few miles of filling up, or stays put after a fill. The radio cuts in and out or stops working. More serious reports describe transmission jerking with smoke and electrical failure, and the failure returns a second time. In another case, intermittent traction control warnings come before the car becomes completely inoperable at about 45,000 miles.
STEERING
4 complaintsSafety-relatedThese reports mix several systems. In the most serious one, the brakes fail to stop the car, which leads to a crash with an injury. Others describe brakes that grab or lock, steering that tugs to one side, and a sudden loss of power when pulling away during a turn. One owner reports shudder and unpredictable acceleration after collision repairs. Another filing describes no failure at all. The owner is waiting on parts for a steering repair notice that has dragged on.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (4 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
4 complaintsSome cars lose the ability to accelerate, topping out near 35 mph, stalling, and struggling to change gears. In other cars, water drains through the windshield wiper cowl onto the ignition coils. That causes misfires and a check engine light, and the problem returns after repair. Batteries also die repeatedly even when the alternator and starter test fine. Separately, the sharp front edge of the driver's armrest is blamed for a painful rib injury.
VISIBILITY/WIPER (3 complaints)
VISIBILITY/WIPER
3 complaintsNight driving brings severe distortion in the rear window, with several reflections of each headlight behind the car. That makes it hard to judge where traffic is. Both reports involve dealer-installed tint. The driver's sun visor can also drop on its own while driving and block the view. The windshield can crack too. In one case, a crack starts at the top near the defroster on a frosty morning and spreads down the glass, and the dealer calls it a stress fracture.
AIR BAGS (3 complaints)
AIR BAGS
3 complaintsSafety-relatedTwo crash reports involve injuries. In one, a front-end collision at 60-65 mph does not deploy the airbags. In the other, the driver's airbag deploys and the driver is unhurt, but the passenger is seriously injured. Neither report includes a dealer or manufacturer inspection that confirms a fault. The third complaint is not about airbags at all. It describes night-time distortion through a rear window with dealer-installed tint.
ENGINE (2 complaints)
ENGINE
2 complaintsPower can cut out suddenly, leaving the car unable to accelerate past about 35 mph. The problem recurs over the car's life, and the dealer finds nothing wrong and blames the fuel. Coolant also drops steadily from the max mark to the min mark in a car with fewer than 6,000 miles, with no cause identified. Both reports come from owners who say dealers have not resolved the problem.
SEAT BELTS (1 complaints)
SEAT BELTS
1 complaintOn three separate occasions while driving, my driver seatbelt has come unbuckled on it's own. Most recently today. It also sometimes sticks and is difficult to unbuckle.
SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaintSafety-related2021 Nissan Versa S on Aug 26th 2023 driving back from NY heading toward Ma. when a Malfunction sign came up on the dashboard of the car. we pulled over trying to figure out what was happening and took a picture of the warning sign also the Break Assist showing something just happened. turned the car off and the driver turned the car back on. Continue driving. 20 miles down the road the Car brakes locked up the car skid a bit jerking driver and passenger forward. The driver stopped the car. A warning sign was on the dashboard showing a yellow square in front of a car and above two cars colliding. Monday I called the Nissan dealership and explained it and how that is very dangerous and a safety issue. lady said yes it is and we need to get you right in and said she was going to connect me with the Service Manger. after learning what happened he said yes that could be an issue and we need you to bring it in. Then said you did purchase the vehicle here said no in Vt then changed his tune now said we cant get you in right away don't have any opening. made an appointment for Sept 7th 11:00 am. I called Nissan Corporation and reported the issue and the way I was treated and how this vehicle is a safety risk to us and the public. was connected to Nissan Consumer Affair. Explained it to the lady she was going up the chain and get this taken care of. We emailed. I have the emails. called another Nissan dealer where we purchased it. Took me in the next morning. Ran a test then explained the test showing there's been a number of malfunctions happening. Said vehicle isn't having the issue at this moment so it passed. Said it was ok to drive. happened again appointment day came the 7th. Service Manger called me saying he can't get me in needs to reschedule. That afternoon happened again causing a crash. with a Utility pole. Showing emails and pictures to police. The police report reads Mechanical issue. I've tried uploading won't let me. but can email if need be.
WHEELS (1 complaints)
WHEELS
1 complaintMy tires go flat EVERY TIME I put in my rim caps. I spent so much money on new tires, thinking it was the tires but it’s actually my rim caps cutting where my air goes in at. I had to take all of the caps off and I’m still having problems. Besides that, it does not notify you when you need an oil change, my first time going…I could’ve messed up my car. Glad I went in early enough!!! And when I plug my charger piece up, smoke begins to come from it..I always have to take it out.
Best & Worst Nissan Versa Years
Best Nissan Versa Years to Buy
Based on reliability index score2021
(Current Model)
2018
2020
Nissan Versa Years to Avoid
No Nissan Versa years are statistical outliers in our data.
Scores stay between 73 and 81 across 5 scored model years.
Nissan Versa Reliability Score Trend
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 2021 Nissan Versa reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Nissan Versa?
Does the 2021 Nissan Versa have CVT problems?
Has the 2021 Nissan Versa been recalled?
Is the 2021 Nissan Versa better than the 2020?
Don’t buy a 2021 Nissan Versa without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
How we score the 2021 Nissan Versa
Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2021 Nissan Versa does best on how many systems draw complaints (83/100) and worst on complaint severity (72/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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