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ProblemsByVin File / 2008-NISSAN-VERSA NHTSA data synced 3 days ago
2008 · Nissan

Nissan Versa problems

1 critical safety recall on file — the kind NHTSA opens when crashes, fires, or injuries are documented. 381 owner complaints alongside. Read those first.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.6 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

1
Critical
0
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2008 Versa?
Acceptable — with caveats

Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

airbags
160 reports · fails ~83,625 mi · avg $1,100
critical
suspension
66 reports · fails ~76,991 mi · avg $900
moderate
steering
23 reports · fails ~56,697 mi · avg $700
severe
engine
20 reports · fails ~32,322 mi · avg $3,100
severe
fuel system
20 reports · fails ~36,861 mi · avg $1,200
moderate
electrical
19 reports · fails ~53,274 mi · avg $850
severe
powertrain
12 reports · fails ~91,129 mi · avg $2,500
severe
brakes
11 reports · fails ~60,513 mi · avg $450
severe
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2008 Versa's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2008 Versa?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2008 Versa · airbags
Tl* takata recall. The contact owns a 2008 Nissan versa. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 16v349000 (air bags); however the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the…
2008 Versa · steering
Approximately one year before having the car part repaired, I noticed that when I turned the steering wheel hard to the left to make a tight turn I heard a creaking noise. I was not sure what it was and mentioned it to my mechanic when I brought the car in for an oil change.…
12/29/2013 · at 32,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10557651.0 · see steering pattern →
2008 Versa · fuel system
Tried starting the car; engine would not turn over. Was stranded in a parking lot close to my mechanic's shop and called him. Mechanic sent his assistant to the parking lot where I was and he tried to get the car to turn over. He said he thought the engine was not getting…
12/29/2013 · at 30,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10557648.0 · see fuel system pattern →
2008 Versa · body
Weld between the muffler pipe and flange failed. It wasn't a hole that rusted out but a clean failure at the weld. *tr
12/26/2013 · at 92,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10557257.0 · see body pattern →
View all 381 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2008 Nissan Versa? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

critical NHTSA 18V452000 July 6, 2018

Nissan North America, Inc

If an inflator were to explode it may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began July 25, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Note: The vehicles covered by this recall are in addition to those covered by recall 16V-349.

Under investigation 1 open at NHTSA

EA Air Bags › Frontal · opened September 2021

NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA21002 on NHTSA →

How NHTSA investigations work, and what's open now →

Common questions

Is the 2008 Nissan Versa reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.6 out of 10 based on 381 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Nissan Versa has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

Should you avoid the 2008 Nissan Versa?

The 2008 Nissan Versa is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: Reliability score 6.6/10 — around the segment average; 1 recall campaign on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What's the most common problem on the 2008 Nissan Versa?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 160 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 83,625 miles. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 83,625 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Nissan Versa has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2008 Nissan Versa?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 381 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 3 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/Nissan/Versa. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Nissan. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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