Problems · NHTSA complaints
2013 Nissan Versa problems
Owners filed 204 complaints about the 2013 Nissan Versa with NHTSA between Dec 2012 and Apr 2026. The most-cited component is power train (73).
Complaints
204
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
18
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
13
People reported injured
Deaths
3
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Power train73
- Service brakes32
- Vehicle speed control27
- Engine26
- Air bags22
- Structure18
- Electrical system12
- Steering8
- Fuel/propulsion system7
- Suspension6
- Visibility/wiper5
- Exterior lighting3
- Seat belts3
- Seats3
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
1
21
15
16
18
21
34
14
15
18
15
7
5
2
2
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 1 |
| 2013 | 21 |
| 2014 | 15 |
| 2015 | 16 |
| 2016 | 18 |
| 2017 | 21 |
| 2018 | 34 |
| 2019 | 14 |
| 2020 | 15 |
| 2021 | 18 |
| 2022 | 15 |
| 2023 | 7 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 2 |
| 2026 | 2 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Power train
73 reports
“Speed Control, Engine and Transmission issues: After the recall from the manufacture was issued for the the acceleration problems this car still takes long to accelerate and get the car going. It feels like the transmission/ and or engine is ready to go out also and this car is only roughly at 80,000 miles. This car is well maintained.”
Service brakes
32 reports8 crashes
“For ten days my car suddenly loses 90% or more braking power—after moving at above 40 miles per hour for five minutes or more. Incredibly dangerous and no war I g lights and hard to diagnose. We are replacing master cylinder as they were investigated on this year and model. I want them to reopen that investigation and I want compensation.”
Vehicle speed control
27 reports3 crashes1 related recall
“My car had a problem from day one I bought.The tires always showing not working and car has absolutely no power if you going on hill.From last year car having really serious problems with transmission and shuffling.I took car to Nissan Car dealership and the are reprogrammed transmission.Unfortunately after a few weeks the same problem and even worst.Car making absolutely horrible noises and speed not going more then 15-20”
Engine
26 reports1 crash
“Bottom line, Transmission needed. Had shifter put in stuck in park, paid for, right engine mount, paid, G censor said showed up . Trans is shot....this is what a Transmission person said.... couldn't get a person from Hesser Nissan only leave message, a week long nothing.”
Air bags
22 reports8 crashes
“THE AIR BAG LIGHT STARTED BLINKING. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND AFTER CHARGING ME $119.84 I WAS TOLD THAT IT COULD BE REPAIRED FOR A COST OF $1136.00. I WAS TOLD THAT THE AIRBAGS MAY OR MAY NOT GO OFF IF I WERE TO HAVE AN ACCIDENT. SOUNDS LIKE A DEFECT TO ME. I'VE OWNED A LOT OF CARS AND I'VE NEVER HAD AN AIRBAG GET WORN OUT AND BREAK. *TR”
Structure
18 reports2 crashes
“The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while reversing at 2 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the engine. The contact also stated that the vehicle was hesitant to accelerate when driving at various speeds which caused the vehicle to jerk. The brake warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a passenger-side lower control arm bushing being separated from the control arm. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.