The 2021 Nissan Versa is associated with 31 official NHTSA owner defect complaints and 3 safety recall campaigns in the federal safety database. The most frequently reported component area is Powertrain, accounting for 4 reports (13% of total complaints). EPA testing covers 2 certified vehicle configurations spanning 1.6l 4-cyl powertrain configurations. Gasoline and hybrid variants deliver 30 to 35 MPG combined.
Key Data Findings
- • NHTSA Owner Complaints: 31 reports
- • Safety Recall Campaigns: 3 campaigns
- • Top Reported Defect Area: Powertrain (4 / 13%)
- • Safety Incident Signals: 5 crash / 0 fire / 3 injury reports
- • NHTSA Overall Safety Rating: 5 / 5 Stars
- • EPA Efficiency: 30–35 MPG (2 variants)
Data Note: Compiled directly from official NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, and EPA FuelEconomy.gov databases.
| Variant | Engine | Drivetrain | Transmission | City | Highway | Combined | EV Range | Est. Annual Fuel Cost |
| Versa | 1.6L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 32 MPG | 40 MPG | 35 MPG | — | $1,750 / yr |
| Versa | 1.6L 4-Cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Manual 5-spd | 27 MPG | 35 MPG | 30 MPG | — | $2,050 / yr |
Data Boundary Note: EPA specifications are shown by certified vehicle configuration. NHTSA complaints and recall totals are recorded at the model-year level across all configurations.
| Tested Drivetrain / Cab Variant | Overall Rating | Frontal Crash | Side Crash | Rollover Rating | Rollover Risk |
| 4 DR FWD | | | | | 11.799999999999999% |
Active Driver Assistance Systems (NHTSA Recorded): Forward Collision Warning (FCW) is documented as Standard and Lane Departure Warning (LDW) is documented as Standard in official NHTSA records for tested 2021 Nissan Versa models.
View complete 2021 Nissan Versa crash test & safety breakdown →
Top Reported Problem Categories
Ranked by total consumer complaint submissions recorded by NHTSA
Data Attribution & Context: Complaints are self-reported by vehicle owners to NHTSA and represent unverified consumer submissions. Complaint volume does not equal a statistically controlled failure rate and is not adjusted for total vehicles sold or cumulative mileage driven.
View all 2021 Nissan Versa problems & component breakdown (21 categories) →
Affected Component: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Defect Summary: 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.
Free Manufacturer 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.
Affected Component: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Defect Summary: 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.
Free Manufacturer 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.
Affected Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:BULBS
Defect Summary: 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.
Free Manufacturer 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.
View all 2021 Nissan Versa recalls & campaign history (3 campaigns) →