ABS/VDC CAN DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2008 Nissan Versa brakes problems
severe 11 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
4crashes
1fire
5injuries
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
NISSAN; DTC P0456 CAUSED BY EVAP LEAK AT VENT CONTROL VALVE O-RING This bulletin has been amended. The APPLIED VEHICLES and CLAIMS INFORMATION sections have been revised. No other changes have been made. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin has compiled Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) and Low Tire Pressure Warning System (LTPWS) information for: - Basic diagnosing of TPMS/LTPWS systems - Radio frequency interference causing a "No Data" (C1708, C1709, C1710, C1711) condition - Sensor leaks - Moving TPMS/LTPWS wheel assemblies from one vehicle to another and TPMS/LTPWS sensor registration - Air pressure changes with altitude and ambient temperatures - Aftermarket tire sealers - Aftermarket wheels - Inflating/deflating tires with TPMS/LTPWS sensors See this bulletin for further detail.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE INFORMATION When servicing run flat tires or low profile tires: - Special equipment and procedures are required to avoid damage. - Specifically, Tire Pressure Monitor transmitters (TPMS sensors) can be damaged when improperly dismounting and mounting tires. - TPMS sensors becoming damaged during mounting or dismounting tires are not covered under warranty. - To avoid such damage, ensure that the tire changer being used and the operator of the tire changer is capable of servicing run flat and low profile tires. - Operator?s manuals for such tire changers must be followed. See this bulletin for further detail.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE INFORMATION - This bulletin is to assist you in responding to customer questions about brake operation, and provides diagnostic and repair information for each item listed, if any should occur. - Most brake incidents fall into the following categories: a. Brake Noise: A squeak, squeal, clunk, or groan that occurs when the brakes are applied or released. b. Brake Judder: A vibration that can be felt in the vehicle, steering wheel or brake pedal when the brakes are applied. c. Pedal Feel: The effort needed to operate the brakes is too high or too low. SERVICE PROCEDURE 1. Verify the condition by road testing the vehicle with the customer. 2. Determine the specific brake incident based
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2008 Nissan Versas report several distinct brake-system failures. Two separate incidents document ABS failure during emergency braking—wheels locked despite the system being engaged, resulting in long skid marks and collisions. One owner's rear brake shoes needed replacement at 5,460 miles and were worn to 2/32 inch by 17,339 miles, with Nissan refusing warranty coverage. Another owner experienced complete brake failure while parking at 5 mph, crashing into a stop sign with no investigation by the manufacturer. A cold-weather brake-pedal lockup was reported where the pedal would not depress and required hard pumping to restore function. One complaint documents a battery fire at 51,000 miles following ABS light activation and sparks—the fire department noted this shouldn't occur on a relatively new vehicle. A separate case involved brake light switch failure causing accelerator non-response, diagnosed only after a dealer visit failed. Brake pulsation and steering vibration appeared in a 10-mile-old vehicle alongside sand contamination in the frame and engine bay. These failures occurred across a range of mileages from 10 to 51,000 miles.
Failure modes owners describe
ABS failure / ineffective ABS engagement
Anti-lock brakes failed to prevent wheel lockup during emergency braking, resulting in skidding and collision. Multiple owners report ABS light activation followed by loss of braking control.
When: 50,000 miles or less; one incident at 51,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Wheels lock up despite ABS engagement; Straight-line skid even under hard braking; ABS warning light activation; Loss of vehicle control during emergency stops
Premature rear brake wear
Rear brake shoes and linings wear out far sooner than normal, causing squealing and vibration. One owner reported rear shoes replaced at 5,460 miles and linings worn to 2/32 inch by 17,339 miles.
When: 5,460 miles (first replacement); 17,339 miles (second inspection)
Symptoms owners cite: Squeaking from brakes when new; Squealing noise; Brake vibration; Rapid lining wear
Repairs/costs cited: Rear brake shoes replaced at 5,460 miles; rear brake linings wore to 2/32 inch by 17,339 miles
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan refused warranty coverage for wear issue
Brake pedal lockup in cold weather
Brake pedal becomes immobilized in cold conditions, preventing brake engagement. Pedal requires hard pushing and pumping to function.
When: Cold weather conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal will not depress; Pedal feels like cement block is under it; Brakes do not engage; Requires pumping and hard pushing to restore function
Brake light switch failure
Brake light switch malfunction caused accelerator to fail responding at low speeds. Dealer could not diagnose; independent shop identified and replaced the switch.
When: 45,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator pedal fails to respond without warning; Failure at low speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Brake light switch replaced at independent mechanic
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of failure
Complete brake failure at low speed
Brakes failed entirely while attempting to park at 5 mph, resulting in collision with stop sign.
When: 30,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete brake failure at low speed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer called; vehicle not inspected or repaired
Brake pulsation and steering vibration
Brand new vehicle exhibited strong pulsation in brake pedal with steering wheel shaking at just 10 miles. Vehicle also had sand contamination in frame and engine compartment.
When: 10 miles from delivery
Symptoms owners cite: Strong brake pulsation; Steering wheel shakes during braking; Present from new
Battery fire following ABS activation
Sparks appeared beside vehicle, ABS light came on then went out. Shortly after, vehicle heard loud pop under hood, all lights shut down, and battery caught fire at 51,000 miles. Fire department indicated this should not happen on a relatively new vehicle.
When: 51,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sparks visible on road beside vehicle; ABS light activation then disappearance; Loud pop under hood; Battery fire; Complete electrical shutdown
Repairs/costs cited: Battery on fire; fire department called to extinguish
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had brakes trouble with your 2008 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 brakes problem on the 2008 Nissan Versa?
It's a meaningful issue. 11 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Based on the 11 complaints filed, brakes issues most often appear around 60,513 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes 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 brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes 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/2008/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.