The muffler sound seemed quite loud on thursday, 12/27/12, something I had not noticed before. The next day friday, 12/28/12, the muffler started rattling very loudly. I called to make an appt for service and was told it was a very common problem with 2007 versas. I have an estimate of $400 to fix this. I've have owned other makes of vehicles for over 12 years that never have needed a…
2007 Nissan Versa engine problems
severe 34 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
34
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1crash
3fires
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 34 engine complaints filed for the 2007 Nissan Versa, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 16 model years of Nissan Versa we track for engine problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 34.
Owners have filed 34 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2007 Versa has a well-documented muffler/exhaust flange rust failure that recurs prematurely—even under garage storage—costing $100–$700 to repair and potentially recurring within 13 months. More critically, multiple reports of engine stalling without warning, engine fires, and starting problems indicate serious drivability and safety concerns that dealers cannot consistently diagnose or fix.
The 2007 Nissan Versa's muffler and exhaust system emerge as the most consistent failure point. Owners report the flange connection between the exhaust pipe and muffler separates due to rust and poor corrosion protection, typically between 50,000 and 80,000 miles, though failures extend to 138,000 miles. Multiple owners cite weak welding, inadequate corrosion inhibition, and the design flaw of the resonator weight placing strain on the pipe connection. One owner experienced identical failure twice in 13 months despite avoiding salted roads post-repair. Repair costs run $100–$700. Nissan blamed road salt and denied warranty claims on age grounds; Nissan-Canada reportedly handled some cases on goodwill.
Beyond exhaust, owners report serious drivability failures: engine stalling without warning during normal driving (sometimes followed by airbag deployment and collision), inability to restart with cranking but engine sputtering, engine fires at low speed with minimal warning lights, and recurrent check engine lights that dealers cannot resolve. One owner reported transmission locking during driving after coolant system failure. Dealers have been unable or unwilling to diagnose recurring clicking noises and engine rattles, even after replacing multiple components. A recall notification (PM565/15V-573) went undelivered to at least one owner.
Same Nissan Versa engine reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Muffler/exhaust flange separation and rust failure
Muffler separates from exhaust pipe at the flange connection due to rust and poor corrosion protection. Owners report the flange welds fail prematurely, pipe separates completely at the connection point, and the muffler detaches from the vehicle. Failures occur across multiple mileages. Owners cite poor welding quality, lack of corrosion inhibition, and inadequate support design. The resonator weight places mechanical strain on the pipe/flange connection.
When: Between 50,000 and 138,000 miles; commonly reported in the 55,000–80,000 mile range
Symptoms owners cite: Loud rattling or banging noise from muffler; Muffler separated or detached from exhaust pipe; Visible rust at flange connection; Flange rusted completely through; Abnormally loud exhaust noise
Repairs/costs cited: Muffler replacement; flange/pipe welding or replacement. Owners cite repair costs of $100–$700. One owner reports repeating failure within 13 months of first repair. Parts availability issues reported; mufflers unavailable in U.S. for extended periods.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan blamed road salt and corrosion; refused warranty coverage on grounds repair is outside warranty period. Nissan-Canada reportedly handles cases on goodwill basis. Parts shortages led to Nissan customer service being unresponsive.
Engine stalling and loss of power while driving
Vehicle completely shuts off without warning during normal driving. Multiple owners report loss of engine power followed by difficulty restarting. Starter cranks but engine sputters and fails to fully start. One incident caused airbag deployment and multi-vehicle collision at 25 mph.
When: Mileages ranging from 11,696 to 75,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete shutdown while driving; Vehicle will not crank or restart; Engine sputters and fails to start; Instrument panel lights illuminated upon shutdown; Stalling occurs multiple times before engine starts
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented in narratives. One incident resulted in vehicle destruction by fire after stalling.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan did not respond to consumer inquiry in one incident despite stating someone would call back.
Engine fire
Engine compartment caught fire while vehicle was in motion. Two separate incidents reported where entire engine and front of vehicle became engulfed in flames. One vehicle stalled twice before catching fire; another stalled and fire occurred shortly after.
When: At approximately 2 years old (one vehicle); another at unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Engine caught fire while driving; Entire engine and front hood engulfed in flames; Engine compartment fire with no prior warning lights (in one case); Airbag light came on and horn activated (in one case); Engine light and power steering light came on seconds before shutdown (in another case)
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles destroyed. One required fire department response.
Engine knock and oil consumption
Owner reports engine knock starting in mid-2008 that dealers could not diagnose. Subsequently vehicle began using oil excessively. Dealer performed oil consumption test but refused further investigation without receipt documentation. Owner performs own maintenance and had no receipts to provide.
When: Mid-2008, approximately 1 year after purchase (July 2007)
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knock from engine; Excessive oil consumption; Air pressure indicator light activation
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented. Dealers wanted to charge for further diagnosis.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers refused to pursue oil consumption issue without service records; offered to charge for air pressure indicator diagnosis.
Transmission coolant system failure
Transmission coolant failure causes transmission to lock up during driving, creating unsafe condition. Coolant system contaminated with debris after transmission failure. Nissan replaced transmission and radiator but left debris in coolant lines and did not perform full system flush or replacement of other coolant-circuit components potentially damaged by the debris.
When: At 55,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission lock-up during driving; Unsafe driving condition; Debris left in coolant lines after transmission failure
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission and radiator replaced by Nissan under extended warranty. Full coolant system flush and debris removal not performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan refused to cover full repair work under extended warranty; replaced transmission and radiator but declined to flush lines or replace components potentially damaged by oil/debris mixture.
Check engine light (recurring)
Check engine warning light illuminated shortly after purchase and recurred repeatedly despite dealer repairs. Dealer replaced gas cap twice, filter, and valve. Light went off briefly then came back on.
When: Started at 700 miles; current mileage 14,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine warning light illuminated; Light recurs after repair
Repairs/costs cited: Gas cap replaced twice; filter and valve replaced.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer advised regional directory would contact customer; no follow-up documented.
Engine rattle from loose or misaligned mount
Abnormal rattling from engine during starting and acceleration. Owner discovered engine mount appeared out of place. Dealer unable to diagnose failure.
When: At approximately 48,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal rattling from engine; Rattling during acceleration and startup; Engine mount out of place
Repairs/costs cited: Not repaired; dealer unable to diagnose.
Clicking noise (fuel pump/catalytic converter)
Clicking noise underneath vehicle at 30 mph. Multiple component replacements performed without resolving issue. Local mechanic replaced coil packs; dealer replaced fuel pump and catalytic converter. Failure recurred immediately after dealer repair.
When: At 60,000 miles; recurred at 67,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Clicking noise underneath vehicle; Noise occurs during driving
Repairs/costs cited: Coil packs replaced by local mechanic; fuel pump and catalytic converter replaced by dealer. Failure persisted after each repair.
Exhaust manifold crack
Upper part of exhaust manifold cracked, allowing carbon monoxide to enter cabin when blower is activated.
When: Unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Carbon monoxide entering cabin when blower turned on; Cracked exhaust manifold
Poor fuel economy
Vehicle achieving 22–24 mpg in town versus 30 mpg EPA rating. Dealer replaced air intake temperature sensor but fuel economy did not improve.
When: Starting from purchase in December 2007
Symptoms owners cite: Lower-than-rated fuel economy
Repairs/costs cited: Air intake temperature sensor replaced.
Synthesized from 34 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Had engine trouble with your 2007 Nissan Versa?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2007 Nissan Versa?
It's a meaningful issue. 34 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 28 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 52,000 and 80,000 miles, with the median around 61,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 52,000; a quarter make it past 80,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Nissan/Versa.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.