Is the Nissan Versa more reliable than the Toyota Corolla?

Based on our data, the Toyota Corolla is more reliable with an average score of 79/100 compared to 76/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.

Which has more recalls, the Nissan Versa or the Toyota Corolla?

The Toyota Corolla has more recalls (44) compared to the Nissan Versa (11). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.

Which has fewer owner complaints, the Nissan Versa or the Toyota Corolla?

Adjusted for sales volume, the Nissan Versa has a lower complaint rate at 1.5 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 5.6 for the Toyota Corolla. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

Which is cheaper to maintain, the Nissan Versa or the Toyota Corolla?

Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Toyota Corolla is cheaper to maintain at $362/year versus $456/year for the Nissan Versa.

Is the Nissan Versa or Toyota Corolla safer?

Both the Nissan Versa and Toyota Corolla received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

Last updated: 2026-05-15

Nissan Versa vs Toyota Corolla: Reliability Compared

Nissan Versa

Good

More Reliable

Toyota Corolla

Good

Choosing between the Nissan Versa and the Toyota Corolla? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two compact sedans.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Toyota Corolla currently leads with an average score of 79/100 compared to 76/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Nissan Versa and Toyota Corolla Generations Compare?

As of 2026, the Toyota Corolla is in its twelfth generation (E210), which began in 2020. This generation is relatively mature, suggesting that significant early production issues have likely been resolved, contributing to its reputation for reliability. The last major redesign was in 2020, with no recent facelifts noted. In contrast, the Nissan Versa is in its third generation (N18), refreshed in 2024. This model's recent facelift indicates Nissan's efforts to address any initial issues and update features. Generally, mature platforms like the Corolla tend to be well-sorted, while newer platforms, like the refreshed Versa, can still face initial teething problems.

Verdict

The Toyota Corolla is more reliable than the Nissan Versa, scoring 79/100 vs 76/100.

The Toyota Corolla and Nissan Versa both serve as reliable compact sedans, but the Corolla edges out slightly with a higher average reliability score of 79/100 compared to the Versa's 76/100. However, the Versa shines with a significantly lower owner complaint rate of 1.5 per 10,000 sold versus the Corolla's 5.6, and fewer recalls over a shorter period. Independent repair cost estimates show the Corolla as more economical, with annual costs of $362 against the Versa's $456. Ultimately, while the Corolla offers a marginally better reliability score and lower repair costs, the Versa's lower complaint rate and recall count make it a compelling choice for those prioritizing these factors.

Key Differences

1Toyota Corolla costs $94 less per year to repair
2Nissan Versa has 33 fewer total recalls
3Nissan Versa has 4.1 fewer complaints per 10k sold

Category Scoreboard

2Nissan Versa

—

4Toyota Corolla

Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint RateAnnual Repair CostRepair FrequencyMajor Repair RiskSafety Rating

Nissan Versa vs Toyota Corolla: Which Is More Reliable?

Nissan Versa vs Toyota Corolla at-a-glance reliability comparison
Metric	Nissan Versa	Toyota Corolla
Reliability Score	76/100	79/100
Years Tracked	5	9
Total Recalls	11	44
Complaints per 10k Sold	1.5	5.6
Annual Repair Cost	$456/yr	$362/yr
Repair Frequency	0.4/yr	0.3/yr
Major Repair Risk	10%	7%
Safety RatingNHTSA overall	2025 NHTSA	2026 NHTSA
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Year Wins	0 (1 tied)	4 (1 tied)

What Are the Common Problems With the Nissan Versa and Toyota Corolla?

The Toyota Corolla and Nissan Versa exhibit distinct problem profiles based on aggregated complaint data. The Corolla has a higher total number of complaints, with significant issues in the airbag system, which accounts for 145 complaints, 62 of which are crash-linked, indicating a critical safety concern. In contrast, the Versa, while having fewer overall complaints, also shows a notable concern with airbags, with 19 complaints and 12 linked to crashes, suggesting a similar safety vulnerability though on a smaller scale. Both models show issues with the power train and electrical systems, but the Corolla's higher incidence rate across multiple categories, particularly in crash-linked complaints, highlights more pervasive reliability challenges compared to the Versa.

Nissan Versa vs Toyota Corolla common problem areas comparison
Component	Nissan Versa	Toyota Corolla
POWER TRAIN	0.4Very Low	0.6Very Low
ENGINE	0.2Very Low	0.8Very Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER	0.2Very Low	0.8Very Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM	0.2Very Low	0.6Very Low
AIR BAGS	0.1Very Low	0.6Very Low
STEERING	—None	0.5Very Low
SERVICE BRAKES	—None	0.3Very Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL	0.1Very Low	0.1Very Low
EXTERIOR LIGHTING	—None	0.2Very Low
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE	—None	0.1Very Low
FUEL SYSTEM	—None	0.1Very Low
SEAT BELTS	—None	0.1Very Low
VISIBILITY/WIPER	—None	—None
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM	—None	—None
WHEELS	—None	—None
STRUCTURE	—None	—None
SUSPENSION	—None	—None

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Nissan Versa or Toyota Corolla?

Based on independent repair cost data, the Toyota Corolla is a more cost-effective option for maintenance and repairs compared to the Nissan Versa. With an annual repair cost of $362, the Corolla is $94 cheaper per year than the Versa, translating to a $470 savings over five years. The Corolla also has a lower repair frequency of 0.3 visits per year versus the Versa’s 0.4 visits, indicating fewer disruptions. Moreover, the Corolla's major repair risk is 7%, compared to the Versa's 10%, suggesting a lower likelihood of costly repairs. For cost-conscious buyers, the Corolla offers better value in terms of maintenance and repair costs.

How Does Nissan Versa vs Toyota Corolla Reliability Compare by Year?

Nissan Versa vs Toyota Corolla year-by-year reliability scores
Year	Nissan Versa	Toyota Corolla	Edge
2025	81/1000R / 9C	84/1002R / 37C	Toyota Corolla
2024	73/1001R / 91C	81/1008R / 97C	Toyota Corolla
2021	77/1003R / 29C	83/1001R / 160C	Toyota Corolla
2020	74/1002R / 60C	74/1007R / 290C	Tie
2018	76/1005R / 55C	80/1003R / 137C	Toyota Corolla

Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Nissan Versa scored 81/100 and the 2025 Toyota Corolla scored 84/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Nissan Versa vs the Toyota Corolla?

If you prioritize low running costs and fewer repair visits, the Toyota Corolla might be your best choice. With an estimated annual repair cost of $362 and a repair frequency of 0.3 times per year, it's designed to keep you on the road longer and with less hassle. Its reliability score of 79/100, while slightly higher than the Nissan Versa, reflects its overall dependability. However, be mindful of the 44 total recalls and a major repair risk of 7%, which are something to consider, especially if you plan to keep the vehicle long-term. On the other hand, if minimizing recalls and initial owner complaints is important to you, the Nissan Versa could be appealing. With only 11 recalls and 1.5 complaints per 10,000 sold, it offers peace of mind regarding immediate issues. Although the estimated annual repair cost is higher at $456, and it has a greater major repair risk of 10%, the Versa might suit those who value fewer initial headaches and can accommodate slightly higher ongoing expenses.

Nissan Versa vs Toyota Corolla: Common Questions

Is the Nissan Versa more reliable than the Toyota Corolla?: Based on our data, the Toyota Corolla is more reliable with an average score of 79/100 compared to 76/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Nissan Versa or the Toyota Corolla?: The Toyota Corolla has more recalls (44) compared to the Nissan Versa (11). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Nissan Versa or the Toyota Corolla?: Adjusted for sales volume, the Nissan Versa has a lower complaint rate at 1.5 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 5.6 for the Toyota Corolla. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Nissan Versa or the Toyota Corolla?: Based on independent repair cost estimates, the Toyota Corolla is cheaper to maintain at $362/year versus $456/year for the Nissan Versa.
Is the Nissan Versa or Toyota Corolla safer?: Both the Nissan Versa and Toyota Corolla received the same NHTSA overall safety rating of 5/5 stars. Check the frontal, side, and rollover sub-ratings above for a more detailed comparison.

More Nissan Versa comparisons

Nissan Versa vs Hyundai Elantra reliability Nissan Versa vs Honda Civic reliability Nissan Versa vs KIA Forte reliability Nissan Versa vs Mazda 3 reliability Nissan Versa reliability by year Nissan Versa years to avoid

More Toyota Corolla comparisons

Toyota Corolla vs KIA Forte reliability Toyota Corolla vs Hyundai Elantra reliability Toyota Corolla vs Honda Civic reliability Toyota Corolla vs Nissan Sentra reliability Toyota Corolla reliability by year Toyota Corolla years to avoid

Decided between Nissan Versa and Toyota Corolla? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.

Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no cost to you.

Look Up a VIN →

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.

See incorrect data? Report an issue