VehicleVerdict

2020 Nissan Versa problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2020 Nissan Versa sits mid-pack among Versa years: 118 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 155, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across driver assistance (25), transmission (16), and engine (14), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

118

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

10

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

7

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2020 compare to other Versa years?

Versa NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted672 complaints2007: 447 complaints2008: 461 complaints2009: 614 complaints2010: 337 complaints2011: 327 complaints2012: 672 complaints2013: 294 complaints2014: 302 complaints2015: 261 complaints2016: 113 complaints2017: 94 complaints2018: 86 complaints2019: 44 complaints2020: 118 complaints2021: 53 complaints2022: 29 complaints2023: 72 complaints2024: 156 complaints2025: 15 complaints
Versa NHTSA complaints by model year, 2020 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Versa years to avoid →

What are the most common 2020 Nissan Versa problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Driver Assistance2521%
Transmission1614%
Engine1412%
Other1412%
Electrical System1311%
Brakes65%
Fuel System65%
Airbags54%
Visibility & Wipers33%
Body & Structure33%
Tires & Wheels33%
Suspension22%
Speed Control22%
Seat Belts22%
Seats11%
Latches & Locks11%
Steering11%
Lighting11%

Does the 2020 Nissan Versa have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

21V471000LightingJune 23, 2021 · 30,799 units

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.

20V112000Fuel SystemFebruary 26, 2020 · 46 units

Defect

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Versa vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the fuel tank wall thickness may be insufficient, potentially causing a small hole in the tank seam area.

Consequence

If a small hole is present, a fuel leak may occur if the operator fills the tank over half full, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began April 6, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“After I crossed a bridge between 55 and 60 mph the aeb gave a collision warning and almost immediately applied full braking power. This caused a 3 car collision that resulted in moderate injuries. Before the incident there were no recalls or other repairs needed on the car. After the incident the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · December 14, 2021 · crash

“I have replaced the mass airflow sensor multiple times also transmission is starting to slipping,not responding correctly, when this starts all the lights on my dash come on and also does not accelerate or respond as it should very dissatisfied when they saw me would never recommend to buy another…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · February 1, 2025

“The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that while driving 40 MPH or exceeding 40 MPH, the vehicle started jerking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 1, 2024

“Since 2021 my 2020 Nissan versa SR had been giving me problems with the sensors. All of the dash lights would come on. Then in 2023 my vehicle started to stall and hesitate. It’s gotten to the point where I’d be taking a left turn and I’d press the gas and my car would move a few inches.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 20, 2023

“Car runs rough at idle and has difficulty accelerating. Check engine lights comes on intermittently. CODE p0101 points at MAF sensor. Replaced multiple times. Cleaned air system, ie filter, hoses and throttle body. Same issues. Car feels unpredictable and unsafe. Can’t accelerate through…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 15, 2025

2020 Nissan Versa — common questions

Is the 2020 Nissan Versa reliable?

It is close to typical for the Versa: 118 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2020 Versa problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are driver assistance (25 complaints), transmission (16 complaints), engine (14 complaints).

Does the 2020 Nissan Versa have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2020 Nissan Versa. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Nissan Versa years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Versa years to avoid are 2012, 2009, 2008, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2014, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018. The cleanest record among Versa years belongs to 2025.

How safe is the 2020 Nissan Versa?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2020 Nissan Versa earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.