2021 Nissan Versa
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Transmission & Drivetrain
Transmission & Drivetrain leads by volume: 9 of 31 complaints (29%) mention it. Complaints mentioning Airbags & Restraints include more reported injuries (3) than those mentioning any other identified area.
Complaints filed fell from 64 in 2020 to 31 in 2021.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | vs. 2021 Compact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 1,850–2,100 | 1,800–2,100 | 1,800–2,100 | 1,800–2,100 | 1,800–2,100 | |
| Combined MPG | 30–34 | 30–35 | 30–35 | 30–35 | 30–35 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 27–31 / 36–39 | 27–32 / 35–40 | 27–32 / 35–40 | 27–32 / 35–40 | 27–32 / 35–40 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 262–296 | 253–296 | 254–296 | 254–296 | 254–296 | |
| Complaints filed | 25 | 64 | 31 | 20 | 37 | |
| Recalls issued | 1 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 1 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 2 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 1 | 5 | 3 | 1 | 0 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Nissan Versa have?
3 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2021 Nissan Versa?
Transmission & Drivetrain: 9 of 31 NHTSA complaints (29%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Nissan Versa get?
EPA rates it 30–35 MPG combined across 2 configurations.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Nissan Versa?
EPA estimates $1,800–$2,100 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (2)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4 | 1.6L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 32 mpg (high) | 40 mpg (high) | 35 mpg (high) | $1,800 (low) | 254 g/mi (low) |
| Configuration 2 | Manual 5-spd | 4 | 1.6L | Front-Wheel Drive | Regular | Compact Cars | 27 mpg (low) | 35 mpg (low) | 30 mpg (low) | $2,100 (high) | 296 g/mi (high) |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 9 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 2 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Steering | 4 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (3)
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM · Campaign 23V496000 · Jul 19, 2023
Defect: 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:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM · Campaign 22V693000 · Sep 16, 2022
Defect: 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:TURN SIGNAL:BULBS · Campaign 21V471000 · Jun 24, 2021
Defect: 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.