Research · Midsize Cars · 2 NHTSA variants

2009 Nissan VersaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 8 safety recalls and 504 owner complaints for the 2009 Nissan Versa. Most complaints involve suspension (182) and air bags (180). The EPA rates it 27–30 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
27–30mpg
EPA · 6 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
8campaigns
Latest Aug 2022
Owner complaints
504
Top: suspension
Fuel cost / yr
$2,100est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

8 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Air bags: inflator module

Free remedy

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain air bag inflator replacement service parts that may have been installed as part of a theft or collision repair. The parts include certain passenger-side air bag inflators designed to fit Infiniti 2002-2003 QX4, 2006-2010 M35 and M45; Nissan 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, and both driver and passenger-side inflators designed to fit 2007-2012 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback vehicles. Please see Nissan's recall report for the specific part numbers. These replacement inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Air bagsReported Aug 9, 2022NHTSA 22E066000

Air bags: inflator module

Free remedy

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2007-2011 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback, 2001-2004 Infiniti I30 and I35, 2002-2003 Inifiniti QX4, 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 and 2006-2010 M35 and M45 vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated, frontal passenger air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.

Air bagsReported Jan 9, 2020NHTSA 20V008000

Air bags: inflator module

Free remedy

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2009-2012 Versa Hatchback, and 2009-2011 Versa Sedan vehicles ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Nissan is recalling certain 2009-2010 Versa Hatchback, and Versa Sedan vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Nissan is also recalling certain 2009 Versa Hatchback and Versa Sedan vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Air bagsReported Jan 10, 2018NHTSA 18V044000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 8, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

504 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2008 – Oct 2026
  1. Suspension182
  2. Air bags180
  3. Steering28
  4. Wheels26
  5. Engine and engine cooling23
  6. Power train20
  7. Engine18
  8. Structure18
  9. Tires18

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Versa model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2007354
2008381
2009504
2010269
2011269
2012486
2013204
2014343
2015255
2016110
201772
201860
201925
202064
202132
202220
202337
202497
202513
Crashes reported
27
Fires reported
2
Injuries reported
16
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Suspension

182 reports2 crashes
“The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while driving out of a parking lot at 10 MPH, the front end of the vehicle made an abnormally loud sound, and the contact noticed a strong rubber odor. The contact inspected underneath the vehicle and became aware that a part had fractured underneath the vehicle. The contact was able to reverse into the parking space. Several independent mechanics were contacted and advised that the failure might be related to the front coil springs corrosion and associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V573000 (Suspension); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The contact stated that even though the vehicle was not registered in the States listed in the recall, the vehicle had been driven in one of the States listed while the contact was in school. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 17, 2026SuspensionODI 11718539

Air bags

180 reports19 crashes2 fires
“I am reporting a severe safety hazard and manufacturer database error involving the Takata driver airbag recall on a 2009 Nissan Versa (VIN: [XXX]). The manufacturer’s recall database falsely reports that the driver's airbag recall has been completed, showing zero open recalls for this vehicle. However, a physical inspection of the steering wheel assembly reveals that the original, defective Takata airbag module was never replaced. The physical module currently installed carries part identifier YTYAA270098 and specification code BAM PT1-1085 HERST:2010. The module was physically present but entirely un-hooked and disconnected from the system. The manufacturer's records are incorrect. They indicate a completed remedy while leaving a lethal, shrapnel-producing defective Takata inflator inside the vehicle. Local dealerships refuse to service the vehicle because the corporate database shows a clean VIN report. Nissan Corporate Consumer Affairs has been notified under reference case ref:!XXX :ref, but immediate federal oversight is required to address this dangerous component mismatch.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 2, 2026Air bagsODI 11768487

Steering

28 reports1 crash
“STIRRING IS MAKING A NOISE WHEN BACKING UP WHEN WHEELS ARE TURNING. WIPERS BLADES MAKES NOISE ON DRIVERS AND DOESN'T CLEAR VIEW ON PASSENGER SIDE. HAVING PROBLEMS FINDING REPLACEMENT PARTS. CD PLAYER HAS A READING ERRA, WANT PLAY AT ALL. TRIED CLEANER BUT STILL DOESN'T WORK.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 16, 2019Steering, Visibility/wiperODI 11170281
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

6 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Cars
Engines
1.8L 4-cyl · 1.6L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Manual 5-spd · Automatic 4-spd · Manual 6-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Versa FE
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive
283430$2,100296
Versa
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive
273329$2,150306
Versa
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive
263429$2,150306
Versa
Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive
263328$2,200317
Versa
Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive
263128$2,200317
Versa
Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive
243227$2,300329
  • Versa FE
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.8 L
    28 city · 34 hwy · $2,100/yr
    30
    mpg comb.
  • Versa
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.8 L
    27 city · 33 hwy · $2,150/yr
    29
    mpg comb.
  • Versa
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L
    26 city · 34 hwy · $2,150/yr
    29
    mpg comb.
  • Versa
    Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L
    26 city · 33 hwy · $2,200/yr
    28
    mpg comb.
  • Versa
    Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L
    26 city · 31 hwy · $2,200/yr
    28
    mpg comb.
  • Versa
    Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.8 L
    24 city · 32 hwy · $2,300/yr
    27
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 8, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2009 Nissan Versa as of Nov 8, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 8, 2026Vehicle 5021Vehicle 5022
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2009 Versa questions

How many recalls does the 2009 Nissan Versa have?

8 safety recalls as of Nov 8, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2009 Nissan Versa problems?

Owners filed 504 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are suspension (182), air bags (180), steering (28). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2009 Nissan Versa get?

The EPA rates the 2009 Nissan Versa at 27–30 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (6 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 8, 2026