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.

9.3

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
2,100 miles
Total Complaints:
6 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (6 reports)
2012 Nissan Versa steering problems

steering problem

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2012 Nissan Versa Owner Comments

problem #6

Mar 062013

Versa

  • Automatic transmission
  • 2,100 miles

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

I purchased this car a year ago - Feb 2013. Did not notice how bad the problem is because I drive very little - rarely over 45 mph around town. In March 2013 I drove 700 plus miles, and experienced a very difficult time keeping the car in my lane. Mostly it pulls to the right. I was stopped by a policeman because I was weaving all over the road. I crossed the center lane several times as well as driving on the shoulder of the road. On the 23 of December, went on to the right shoulder of the road and could not get the car back on the road. It was raining and once I got on the grass the picked up speed and just took off. It took me about 3/4 of a mile before I could get the car stopped. I drove over two pipes that were under the driveways and tore the bottom of the car up. Repairs total $6,500 plus. Today is 2/14/14 and the car is still in the shop - since the 1st week of JANUARY 2014. I now have the hassle of trying to sell the car because I am afraid to drive it. It's a very nice car and handles well except for the ultra sensitive steering.

- lpayne, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL, US

problem #5

Mar 052012

Versa Auto

  • Automatic transmission
  • 9,800 miles

I dismissed the pull i felt while driving the car as being new to driving on mountainous roads.... but after having a major scare this weekend where my steering went COMPLETELY out I am not sure if it is not all connected. When driving i can not left my hands off the wheel at all with out it significantly moving towards the next lane/curb. Then this weekend when sitting in traffic (yes it was very hot outside) with AC on i traveled a few feet beyond the traffic light and went to make a right turn when my steering became so hard that it took all my strenth to keep the car from colliding with signs/off road. It was like i lost power steering... i got it to an empty parking lot near by and turned the car off for about 1 min. the check engine light was on and oil light. i restarted the car and steering had returned. called the dealer and they took me in right away and "looked at it" and said there were "no trouble codes stored" and "electric power steering motor may have got hot enough for the control module to shut it off to prevent damage".

does this mean i can't steer my car if it gets hot outside??????? i am a mother and don't feel safe traveling in this car!!!!!

- dml1205, Statesville, NC, US

problem #4

Apr 032013

Versa Hatchback 1.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 249 miles

Since the day of the purchase of the vehicle. It has been very unstable at 60mph-70mph. It will pull itself left and/or right on a straight road, by itself no matter the road surface. I have to hold the steering wheel with both hands at all times. Steering seams extremely loose. Currently there is about 4,600 miles on the car.

I have contacted Nissan customer service. They did not have any technical service bulletins about this issue at this time. I am bringing the car into the dealership asap. Since I see others with this vehicle are having the same issue.

I have been a auto technician for over 30 years and have never driven a new car that has ever had a steering problem like this.

- Edwin S., Pontiac, MI, US

problem #3

Feb 172012

Versa

  • Automatic transmission
  • 8 miles

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

This is my first New vehicle and for some reason I expected this car to give me a carefree driving experience. Boy, was I wrong! As soon as I was on a straight rode away from the traffic of the dealership I noticed a pull on the steering wheel. After asking a few people I was told the alignment was off. Odd for a car straight of the lot, but hey, stuff happens. I couldn't make the hour trip back to the dealership for 5 days due to work, that is the only reason I didn't have the car seen sooner. The first invoice blames "Toe Chamber Out". The second invoice says "out of adjustment, adjust front toe-in". The third invoice says the mechanic felt no pulling but "check from suspension". The fourth invoice says "Completed alignment per factory specs test drove and submitted alignment specs, no pull remaining slight gear lock is normal operation with electric steering. no remaining issues with alignment at this time. contacted tech line after test drive to confirm normal opperation at this time." WELL, they say for a fourth time there is no pull YET, there is! I can not take my hard of the steering wheel without being steered into the center lane... and even with both hands on the wheel my passengers feel the car wavering right and left as I adjust the car due to the pull. Waiting to hear from the manufacturer to see if there is a fix or if this car is a LEMON.

- msmith0008, Greenbackville, VA, US

problem #2

Oct 312011

Versa

  • CVT transmission
  • 10 miles

Purchased car on Oct. 31, 2011 and really noticed the problem the next day. Driving around town is bad enough - steering wheel doesn't move but car feels like it is being buffeted by a very strong wind. Especially at higher speeds. It is a struggle when on a major highway going 60 to 70 mph. Different road surfaces have different effects. Took back to dealership in early December. Had a test drive done with a mechanic. Then switched to a model next step up. Had the same problem. Mechanic said he really didn't see a problem. But others driving my car have noticed. People riding in back seat have too. Planning on taking it back to dealer again to see if anything else can be done.

- Cheryl E., Winter Haven, FL, US

problem #1

Sep 022011

Versa

  • Manual transmission
  • 250 miles

I am afraid to drive this car--just purchased it from the dealership and they are totally blowing me off---car is almost impossible to keep in its own lane---the higher the speed the worse the problem--and on gravel, absolutely terrifying. Drove it home and parked it and started complaining--actually got up the courage to drive it 25 miles yesterday and came home and said that's it---this car has to be defective.

- Jean P., Mt Vernon, SD, US

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