VehicleVerdict

2023 Nissan Versa problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Among the better years

The 2023 Nissan Versa is among the quieter years of the Versa on NHTSA's books: 72 complaints (54% below the model's median year), a single recall, and no open investigations.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 23 reports (32% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

72

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2023 compare to other Versa years?

Versa NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 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, 2023 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Versa years to avoid →

What are the most common 2023 Nissan Versa problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine2332%
Transmission1521%
Speed Control1318%
Other913%
Electrical System710%
Fuel System46%
Driver Assistance11%

Does the 2023 Nissan Versa have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

24V154000AirbagsFebruary 27, 2024 · 351 units

Defect

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024 Titan, Frontier, Infiniti QX60, Pathfinder, 2023-2024 Sentra, Versa, Kicks, Infiniti QX50, and 2023 Rogue vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the driver's air bag inflator may absorb moisture, and cause the air bag to deploy improperly.

Consequence

An air bag that deploys improperly may not protect the driver as intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the front driver's air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PD103, PD104, and PMA34.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I went to take off and cross traffic and lost all power to my car it would barley move. I was almost hit by a Semi truck. This is not the first time this has happened either. My car is barely a year old. It had no warning light on or anything. I have to stop, shut my car off, take the keys out and…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 7, 2024

“While driving on city streets the check engine light came on and I was unable to accelerate or maintain speeds above 30mph. Because the car couldn’t operate at posted speed limits, other vehicles were stuck behind me or had to go around. It was also slow to start at traffic signals. I will be…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 11, 2024

“While driving on city streets the check engine light came on and I was unable to accelerate or maintain speeds above 30mph. Because the car couldn’t operate at posted speed limits, other vehicles were stuck behind me or had to go around. It was also slow to start at traffic signals. I will be…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · July 11, 2024

“Total loss of power. No engine codes stored. Car has very little power you have to floor the gas pedal but still run ok no misses or backfires. Will take forever to get to 40 mph.that is revving motor before shifting manual transmission. Taken to Nissan dealer once no fix. This has happened about 8…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · April 18, 2024

“As I was turning my car back on after I stalled, I noticed that it felt very sluggish. As I was approaching the highway I was unable to accelerate to match the speed of the other cars. It was a very dangerous situation. My car has under 5000kms. There were no lights on the dash that warned me this…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · March 1, 2024

2023 Nissan Versa — common questions

Is the 2023 Nissan Versa reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 72 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Versa year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 2023 Versa problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (23 complaints), transmission (15 complaints), speed control (13 complaints).

Does the 2023 Nissan Versa have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2023 Nissan Versa. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2023 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 2023 Nissan Versa?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2023 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.