What 63 owners told NHTSA about the 2020 Nissan Versa Note

My 2020 Nissan versa kept hesitating when being put in reverse the engine light kept coming on every few months I kept being told it was other issues until the transmission went out. I got it checked on multiple occasions because of the way it was hesitating and seemed like it was heating up.

NHTSA ODI 11746116

I am constantly getting a malfunction for P0101 despite changing my air flow system. It creates acceleration problems everytime.

NHTSA ODI 11743399

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. It’s become very dangerous. Even after changing the air flow sensor my car continues to have problems with acceleration, stalling and hesitating.

NHTSA ODI 11731133

several recalls but dealer my did not have any

NHTSA ODI 11728626

On the interstate from [XXX] to [XXX] the Nissan Versa's License Plate reflected light so bright that it blinded my ride and we had to slow down and wait for them to get farther away from us. This is not random, they have a spray fixative on their license plate designed to block cameras from clocking their license plate or their numbers being recorded. This was easy to see whenever a light is shined onto it, you can see the thin film of camera block spray that is extremely reflective. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11728370

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle unexpectedly jerked and stalled with the transmission warning light and the malfunction indicator warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 155,146.

NHTSA ODI 11726818

Unknown: overwhelming smell of fuel (fumes) inside the cabin. Dealer "repaired" the issue when newer. Car has same issue again but the Dealer has NO records of what was done to fix the problem. Exposed to these fumes cannot be good for driver nor passengers.

NHTSA ODI 11720783

I have a 2020 Nissan versa it only has 100,000 miles on it. That’s not really a lot since it had about 75000 miles on it. I noticed that the car started slightly jerking. I couldn’t figure out what was going wrong and neither could anybody else eventually at around 100,000 miles I took it into another mechanic and he found the problem. The transmission is slipping and it is completely ruined. The whole transaxle assembly needs to be replaced not only is this expensive but it’s also very dangerous sometimes when I try to move the car I put in gear I start to drive and it jerks so bad that it starts to stall when I contacted Nissan about this they refused to help with any Solution. The transmission costs anywhere from $8000-$12,000 for that price. I could buy a new 2020 Nissan versa.

NHTSA ODI 11720001

Recently out 2020 Nissan Versa started "Shuddering" when accelerating at low speeds. I took it to the Nissan Dealership and they quoted me $7,000 saying the transmission had to be replaced. I conducted online reviews and found Nissan customers experience this same issue in concerning numbers. I found multiple Nissan Technical Bulletins about this very issue, with this vehicle. Not only is it concerning they are allowing the safety of our loved ones to be at risk, but then do not have the loyalty to the customers to fix the problem with a recall.

NHTSA ODI 11709576

I have had this happen numerous times in my car for absolutely no reason. I also just got my cars state inspection and nothing was noted, while other things unrelated to this issue were recommended by the mechanic. The car will start to stall in reverse AND in regular driving mode. Most recently it will come up with see manufacturers manual, and my engine light, traction control and crash sensors will appear on my dash board. Shutting the car on and off doesn't change the issue. Also this will happen sporadically sometime with check lights on and sometimes it's random and resolves itself. This is extremely dangerous when you're trying to drive and your car won't get "unstuck" and then randomly goes full speed. I drive 5,000 miles a year so I'm not using the car that hard.

NHTSA ODI 11706393

I am reporting a chronic and dangerous defect in my 2020 Nissan Versa that results in an unpredictable, sudden, and complete loss of acceleration (motive power) while driving. This defect has been present since shortly after purchase and remains unresolved, posing a severe safety risk on public roads. Specific Safety Incident Details: Symptoms: The failure begins with the illumination of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light), simultaneously accompanied by dashboard messages like "Malfunction See Owner’s Manual" and "Key System Error." The Critical Safety Hazard (Loss of Power): Immediately following the dash warning, the vehicle experiences a major, sudden loss of acceleration. This is not a gradual deceleration—the throttle becomes unresponsive, and the vehicle will not accelerate for approximately 4 to 5 seconds. Driving Conditions: This failure occurs randomly, including during critical maneuvers such as accelerating from a stop, merging into traffic, or attempting to accelerate on a highway. Consequence: When the vehicle unexpectedly fails to accelerate (especially in high-speed or high-traffic situations), it creates a high risk of being struck from behind or being unable to clear an intersection or merging lane safely. Initial Report (In-Warranty): The problem was first reported on March 31, 2021 (Mileage 25,404) to Central Houston Nissan (Invoice # NICS309560) and again on July 29, 2021 (Mileage 32,229) to Sterling McCall Nissan (Invoice # 2373806). Engineering Investigation: On both occasions, the dealerships specifically noted that the issue (DTC P0101 and associated warnings/power loss) was "under investigation under Nissan Engineers." Technical Service Bulletin (TSB): Nissan has acknowledged this widespread issue by releasing TSB NTB21-049 (June 8, 2021), which addresses the "MIL ON WITH DTC P0101" for the 2020-2021 Versa model.

NHTSA ODI 11697255

Stalls when accelerating after temporary stopping. Particularly when pulling out onto a main road. Wheels not registering psi properly.

NHTSA ODI 11693826

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while driving 25-30 MPH, another vehicle ran the stop sign and crashed into the front driver's side of the vehicle, and the entire front end of the vehicle was impacted and was significantly damaged. The contact stated that the front bumper separated and the headlights detached. The contact was occupying the front driver's seat while the contact's husband was occupying the front passenger's side seat. The contact stated that all the air bags deployed except the passenger's side curtain air bags, causing the contact's husband to hit his head against the window. Both the contact and her husband later went to the hospital, where the contact's husband was informed that he had sustained a concussion and a bump. The contact's husband also sustained burns and bruises on the legs from the air bags deployment. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11690494

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 one

NHTSA ODI 11683812

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 intersections and does not respond well went issue is present.

NHTSA ODI 11681003

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the Chevrolet dealer where the vehicle was purchased, and the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

NHTSA ODI 11676599

I have serval codes from varies companies, O'Reilly's, Luther Nissan Dearlership from April to June 2025, the code is P0012, camshaft. The vehicle intermittently does not have power and I could easily be rear ended. Even thought Luther Nissan has had code P0012, camshaft they have not fixed it. I brought it to Luther Nissan 3 times since 4/22/25 to 6/2/25. Luther said,"Valvoline put transmission fluid in oil, said they drove it for 100 miles and found nothing, said old and current code on the same day and finally said you need a new battery. I bought a new battery. It happened again and I brought to a different certified shop on 7/11/25. Waiting to hear back. I have VERY detailed paperwork and many family/neighbors know. If I have an accident they know to sue Luther and Nissan.

NHTSA ODI 11673606

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, the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11671049

The transmission slips constantly. Car loses power. When they check the car they say nothing is wrong. CVT transmission

NHTSA ODI 11670724

Good afternoon This is [XXX] The car wholesale auto Naugatuck CT number We got a Nissan versa 2020 picked it up on [XXX] the car is having same issues twice it is drifting to one side mostly when braking I first got it fixed myself with new control arm in the front because the car was favoring the the passenger side and wheels would get locked we got it fixed form the dealership first then the bolts came off three weeks later the tire got dislodged we had it fixed again they extended the warranty but same problem show up again it’s safety issue seems the car was In an accident on passenger side which damage the wheel rod which is wearing out the bolts and joint in the control arm and the steering and suspension. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11668222

Engine slowing down during acceleration, transmission not changing gears, and jittery driving during 40-55 MPH

NHTSA ODI 11658726

All the dash lights come on car acceleration will either speed up or slow down on its own the transmission slips shakes and stalls at red lights

NHTSA ODI 11653022

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Versa. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased with a cracked windshield. After investigating the failure, the contact determined that the cracked windshield was interfering with the Forward Collision Avoidance sensor and the Rear Collision sensor. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000.

NHTSA ODI 11647053

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Versa. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the RPM dropped, and the vehicle was unable to accelerate. The contact stated that the RPM then suddenly increased and the vehicle quickly accelerated. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure after several test drives. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 5,600.

NHTSA ODI 11645292

Shortly after I purchase this vehicle brand new I noticed that the car jerks, or shudders when I drive. I even thought that it may be due to the front and back brakes so I would turn them off. As time passed this continued to happen even worse than in the beginning. It turns out the transmission is not good, this has almost caused me to have accidents thank God it hasn't happened, yet. I am trying to get out of this vehicle as we speak I have two children and would hate for something to happen to them on the only car I own.

NHTSA ODI 11644491