CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2012-2017 Nissan Versa has an expensive CVT transmission failure defect that shows up plainly in our complaint data.

In late 2019, the CVT defect was subject to a class action settlement. However the settlement only covers transmission repairs up to 7 years after purchase or 84,000 miles (whichever occurs first).

Because many owners commonly drive 20,000 miles/year or more, Versa owners experiencing CVT transmission problems may find they are not covered by this settlement due to the mileage limitation.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
29,840 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2012 Nissan Versa lights problems

lights problem

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2012 Nissan Versa Owner Comments

problem #8

Nov 122020

Versa

  • 75,848 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

On November 12, 2020 my check engine light came on leaving from my job so I made an appointment on November 14,2020 to get the car service. I went to the Nissan car dealership spoke with the salesman in reference to my vehicle and the person stated I have water immersed in my tail light is why the check engine light is coming on and if I don't get the problem fix the light would stay on. I asked if I get the problem fix will it happen again the answer was yes do to the model and make on my vehicle I believe this should be a recall.

- Savannah, GA, USA

problem #7

Dec 212017

Versa

  • 47,000 miles
Moisture gets into the sealed taillight assemblies causing a short which then causes the computer to shift the transmission since it thinks you have applied the brakes. This will obviously cause the taillights to fail and may cause transmission issues resulting in accidents.

- Sun City West, AZ, USA

problem #6

Jul 042015

Versa

  • miles
I closed the passenger side door and the air bag from the door exploded. Just that easily.

- Lansing, IL, USA

problem #5

Aug 042014

Versa

  • 33,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Left turn signal dims or goes out completely when atmospheric moisture is present (rain/cold). Nissan dealership fixed as "bulb issue, " but issue persists. Nissan appears unable to diagnose cause. Driver concerned of potential safety implications due to problematic signal.

- Vacaville, CA, USA

problem #4

Oct 042014

Versa 4-cyl

  • 8,400 miles
This vehicle had an electrical problem. The entire electrical system would randomly shut down, killing all gauges, lighting, power steering and etc. Multiple visits to the dealership brought "unable to duplicate" responses and no attempt to repair. Nissan dealership recommended to drive the vehicle until the stated problem could be displayed at the dealership (note that a car cannot drive without a working electrical system). When vehicles electrical system shut down the final time a fire was ignited under the hood. The car was soon engulfed in flames. It is a total loss. Video of burning car can be seen here: youtu.be/0_pfv4cesps.

- Kansas City, MO, USA

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problem #3

Jan 202014

Versa 4-cyl

  • 24,470 miles
Lights flicker on and off when driving. Will no longer come on. Only the use of high beams is possible.

- Port Monmouth, NJ, USA

problem #2

Jul 182013

Versa 4-cyl

  • 38,000 miles
I put my car into reverse and was unable to depress the brake pedal and had to put the car in park to get it to stop while nearly hitting another vehicle. The low lights also have to available settings but one doesn't work so it stays the same no matter which one you put it on. Also why would I have an oil leak at 35,000 miles. My whole transmission apparently needed to be changed due to a broken or missing cap.

- Colorado Springs, CO, USA

problem #1

Dec 172012

Versa

  • 12,000 miles
I rented a 2012 Versa hatchback this week. Upon driving the vehicle I discovered that the turn signal indicators were not working. I reported this to the rental Agency and was told that this model does not have indicators. I drove the car for 3 days and found that it had no turn or high beam indicators. These are basic safety devices to inform the driver of the these functions. These cars should not be allowed on us roadways. According to what I read in a document published by the U. S. dot these are required, so I wonder how these vehicles are allowed in the U.S. the document is publication number tp-108-13. Please advise about this.

- Justin, TX, USA

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