VehicleVerdict

2021 Nissan Versa problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2021 Nissan Versa is among the quieter years of the Versa on NHTSA's books: 53 complaints (66% below the model's median year), 3 recalls, and no open investigations.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (9), electrical system (7), and airbags (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

53

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

12

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Versa years?

Versa NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 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, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Versa years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Nissan Versa problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission917%
Electrical System713%
Airbags59%
Other59%
Engine59%
Steering48%
Visibility & Wipers36%
Lighting36%
Fuel System24%
Speed Control24%
Driver Assistance24%
Brakes24%
Suspension12%
Body & Structure12%
Seat Belts12%
Tires & Wheels12%

Does the 2021 Nissan Versa have recalls?

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

23V496000SteeringJuly 18, 2023 · 11,824 units

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.

22V693000SteeringSeptember 15, 2022 · 20,040 units

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.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“My 2021 Nissan Versa was struck at high speed while parked and required extensive repairs that exceeded the vehicle’s value. After the repairs, the transmission began acting erratically. The car shudders, hesitates, and feels unstable while driving. Acceleration is unpredictable and the vehicle…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 27, 2025 · crash

“The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Versa. The contact stated while depressing the accelerator pedal from a stop sign, the vehicle started stalling. The contact stated the crash indicator warning light was illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, but the mechanic was unable to…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 1, 2021

“Driving down the road, the car enters a phase where you can not accelerate at all. It seems like the fuel injectors are cut off by 90% and you can only accelerate to about 35 mph. It stalls often and feels as if it's struggling to switch gears. It only has 68k miles on it with regular maintenance…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 1, 2024

“Driving down the road, the car enters a phase where you can not accelerate at all. It seems like the fuel injectors are cut off by 90% and you can only accelerate to about 35 mph. It stalls often and feels as if it's struggling to switch gears. It only has 68k miles on it with regular maintenance…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 1, 2024

“Driving vehicle about 60-65 mph when collision with another vehicle occurred resulting in moderate front end damage to almost all of front bumper with no airbag deployment and put driver in danger due to speed and mechanism of collision which seems to be a malfunction in safety equipment. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · May 22, 2022 · crash

2021 Nissan Versa — common questions

Is the 2021 Nissan Versa reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 53 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Versa year, with 3 recalls and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2021 Versa problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (9 complaints), electrical system (7 complaints), airbags (5 complaints).

Does the 2021 Nissan Versa have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 Nissan Versa. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2021 Nissan Versa under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.

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 2021 Nissan Versa?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 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.