Research · Compact Cars · 3 NHTSA variants

2019 Nissan VersaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 25 owner complaints for the 2019 Nissan Versa. Most complaints involve power train (11) and electrical system (8). The EPA rates it 30–34 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Combined MPG
30–34mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Sep 2019
Owner complaints
25
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$1,850est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · 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
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 8, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

25 complaints filed with NHTSA · Sep 2019 – Jul 2026
  1. Power train11
  2. Electrical system8
  3. Engine3
  4. Service brakes3
  5. Vehicle speed control2
  6. Forward collision avoidance2
  7. Steering2
  8. Electronic stability control (esc)2
  9. Air bags2

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
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
1
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

Power train

11 reports
“Vehicle: 2019 Nissan Versa SV VIN: [XXX] My vehicle experienced intermittent transmission problems including hesitation during acceleration, shuddering, rough deceleration, loss of the Drive ("D") indicator, unexpected rear-view camera activation, and entry into fail-safe (limp) mode. Diagnostic code P0705 (Transmission Range Sensor / PRNDL Input) was stored. A Nissan dealership determined that the cause was a faulty left rear tail lamp assembly. After repairing the tail lamp, all transmission-related symptoms disappeared. My concern is that a failure, corrosion, or poor connection in a rear tail lamp should not be capable of affecting transmission operation, gear recognition, or vehicle propulsion. In this case, a tail lamp electrical fault caused transmission fault codes, loss of proper gear indication, and reduced vehicle performance. This design appears to allow a rear lighting circuit to interfere with transmission control functions. Such a condition may result in hesitation, reduced power, fail-safe mode activation, or loss of propulsion while driving, creating a potential safety hazard when entering traffic, merging, crossing intersections, or responding…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 3, 2026Power trainODI 11741945

Electrical system

8 reports
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2019 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that after driving and parking the vehicle at the residence, an independent mechanic discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 174,485, with the instrument panel showing a mileage of 143,521. The scan tool used by the independent mechanic indicated a mileage of 89,180.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 19, 2026Electrical systemODI 11725572

Engine

3 reports
“Odometer Fraud: The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that the vehicle jolted while driving. The contact stated that the check engine warning light had been tampered with. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 172,480. It was later discovered that the mileage was 143,521 after taking the vehicle to an independent mechanic using a scan tool. The Carfax Report indicated a mileage of 174,000. The Attorney General was contacted.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 19, 2026Engine, Electrical systemODI 11725592
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 8, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Compact Cars
Engines
1.6L 4-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Manual 5-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$1,850262
Versa
Man 5-spd, 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive
273630$2,100296
  • 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.
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

3 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
Not rated
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 13151Vehicle 13152Vehicle 13153
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

2019 Versa questions

How many recalls does the 2019 Nissan Versa have?

1 safety recall 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 2019 Nissan Versa problems?

Owners filed 25 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (11), electrical system (8), engine (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2019 Nissan Versa get?

The EPA rates the 2019 Nissan Versa at 30–34 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

How safe is the 2019 Nissan Versa?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2019 Nissan Versa 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 8, 2026