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Research · Compact Cars · 2 NHTSA variants

2018 Nissan VersaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 60 owner complaints for the 2018 Nissan Versa. Most complaints involve electrical system (17) and air bags (15). The EPA rates it 29–34 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Check a VINAdd to my garage
Combined MPG
29–34mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
3campaigns
Latest Sep 2019
Owner complaints
60
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$1,850est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

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

Back over prevention: camera

Free remedy

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Back over preventionReported Sep 12, 2019NHTSA 19V654000

Electrical system: ignition

Free remedy

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Nissan NV200, Sentra, NV3500 Van, NV3500 Bus, NV200 Taxi, NV1500, NV2500 Van, Chevrolet City Express, 2017-2018 Frontier, Versa Note, and Versa Sedan vehicles that have a mechanical (physical) key ignition system. In these models, over time, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.

Electrical systemReported Aug 22, 2018NHTSA 18V551000

Air bags: side

Free remedy

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018 Nissan Versa Note vehicles. During deployment of the side curtain air bag, a component of the air bag inflator may detach. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) number 214, "Side Impact Protection," and 226, "Ejection Mitigation."

Air bagsReported Dec 20, 2017NHTSA 17V837000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 8, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

60 complaints filed with NHTSA · Dec 2017 – Oct 2026
  1. Electrical system17
  2. Air bags15
  3. Engine14
  4. Power train12
  5. Service brakes7
  6. Vehicle speed control4
  7. Visibility/wiper2
  8. Structure2
  9. Wheels2

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
14
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
12
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

Electrical system

17 reports
“Car jerks and doesn’t go into gear right away. Never know when it will happen. There is a notice from Nissan that it happens because of short in tail light. Happened approx 3 yrs ago and has started again but worse. It is available for inspection No recall but very unsafe. While attempting to cross street it didn’t go into gear and I was almost hit. Also almost rear ended cause driver behind me didn’t expect me to not go into gear Took in 3 yrs ago and tail light fixed. Now new mechanic tried fixing it but it only worked about a week. Have to take it back in so he can try fixing it again. Same code keeps coming up Check engine light came on and off for last three weeks. Doesn’t stay on so I can’t tell when it will happen. Very dangerous! Should be recalled”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 27, 2026Power train, Electrical systemODI 11760083

Air bags

15 reports9 crashes
“On September 17, 2026, my 2018 Nissan was involved in a severe rear-end collision on the freeway. The vehicle sustained extensive rear-end damage and was subsequently determined to be a total loss. None of the airbags deployed during the collision. Immediately after the crash, I believe I may have briefly seen an airbag-related warning or message on the instrument panel. However, I was extremely shaken at the time and cannot confirm the exact warning or wording that appeared. The rear of the vehicle was severely damaged. After the collision, I observed an exposed component in the damaged rear area that appeared to be associated with the vehicle's sensor or safety system, and this area had been directly impacted in the collision. I cannot independently confirm whether this component is an airbag/crash sensor. I am concerned about whether the airbag/SRS system functioned as designed during this collision. The vehicle damage has been documented with photographs, and the crash was documented by law enforcement. I am submitting this complaint so that NHTSA can evaluate whether the airbag/SRS system operated properly and whether there may be a safety-related defect.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 6, 2026Air bagsCrash reportedODI 11769199

Engine

14 reports2 crashes
“The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while driving approximately 4 MPH, the vehicle was shaking violently. There were no warning lights illuminated. When the heater was activated, there was a loud clanking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the technician was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure reoccurred. While stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle stalled and was towed to the same independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with a faulty computer, coils, and a defective crankshaft sensor. There was also paper found inside the heater system. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 105,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 12, 2026Electrical system, EngineODI 11723880
All 2018 Versa problemsSend a problem to a mechanic on findmechanic.ai
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

3 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Compact Cars
Engines
1.6L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Manual 5-spd · Automatic 4-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
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive
313934$1,850260
Versa
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive
273630$2,100296
Versa
Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive
263529$2,150306
  • Versa
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.6 L
    31 city · 39 hwy · $1,850/yr
    34
    mpg comb.
  • Versa
    Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L
    27 city · 36 hwy · $2,100/yr
    30
    mpg comb.
  • Versa
    Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L
    26 city · 35 hwy · $2,150/yr
    29
    mpg comb.
Estimate your fuel costCost of ownership
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
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
Nissan Versa 4 DR FWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
4 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
14.3%
Overall
— / 5
Nissan Versa Note 5 HB FWD
Frontal crash
3 of 5
Side crash
Not rated
Side pole
Not rated
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
14.7%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 8, 2026Vehicle 12612Vehicle 12613
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

2018 Versa questions

How many recalls does the 2018 Nissan Versa have?

3 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 2018 Nissan Versa problems?

Owners filed 60 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (17), air bags (15), engine (14). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2018 Nissan Versa get?

The EPA rates the 2018 Nissan Versa at 29–34 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).

How safe is the 2018 Nissan Versa?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2018 Nissan Versa 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 8, 2026