Problems · by component
2015 Nissan Versa power train problems
68 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2015 Nissan Versa cite power train, 27% of all 255 complaints for this model year.
Complaints
68
27% of all complaints
Crashes
1
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
What owners say about the power train
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The vehicle experienced a failure of the transmission/CVT transmission system and is available for inspection upon request. Prior to the failure, the vehicle began showing symptoms including hesitation while accelerating, jerking, slipping between gears, and delayed response when pressing the gas pedal beginning around February 2026. Warning indicators and abnormal driving behavior continued leading up to the complete failure. The issue placed my safety and the safety of others at risk because the vehicle unexpectedly lost power and struggled to accelerate in traffic, increasing the risk of a collision. The problem has been confirmed by a dealership/independent mechanic after inspection of the vehicle. The vehicle and transmission system have also been inspected by service professionals, and documentation of the diagnosis is available if needed.”
“2015 Nissan Versa 83,850 odometer reading Complaint: Safety for other individuals driving similar vehicles. Daughter was driving recently on 91 freeway in Long Beach, CA extremely busy highway on a Friday afternoon. Driving in the middle lane the cars forward movement stopped but car still running. Mechanic diagnosis was the CVT transmission. The car did not give us any warning at anytime there were any issues with the transmission. My concern and hope other would know about CVT transmissions This could of been a very bad day for my daughter if an accident was caused due to this issue. Thank God for the California Highway Patrol, The 911 operator and the California Tow Truck highway Patrol who got her off the highway quickly and safely.”
“The contact's brother rented a 2015 Nissan Versa Note through Turo. The contact stated that while her brother was driving at approximately 15 MPH in a tunnel, the transmission was slipping, the brake pedal was depressed to the floorboard, and the vehicle unexpectedly rolled backwards while on an incline. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The renter contacted the company, which stated that it was normal for the engine light to be illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.”
“Only have 81000 miles on my versa took to shop and did diagnose on it said I need a new transmission I don’t even drive that much and quoted $8000 to replace it I called a transmission shop and they told me those cars are known to have bad transmission Nissan needs to step up and admit the transmission or faulty”
“The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to the dealer, where the fuel pump assembly, the lower control arm, and the electronic parking switch were replaced. Additionally, the contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that cylinder #1 had misfired, and the dealer determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to a transmission specialist, where the catalytic converter was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the catalytic converter was replaced for a second time. Additionally, the contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to shift to first gear. The vehicle was towed to another dealer, Classic Nissan Newport News (12925 Jefferson Ave, Newport News, VA 23608), where the transmission assembly, the ignition coil, and spark plug #1 were replaced. The contact stated while driving after the repair, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while her…”
“The CVT transmission has only 80k miles and is changing gears for no reason up and down at all speeds and won’t drive safely. Rpm’s increase and randomly gear kicks in and hits very hard and then stops working.”
Showing 6 of 68 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.