CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION 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 powertrain problems
severe 12 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 12 powertrain complaints filed for the 2008 Nissan Versa, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 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
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 9 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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.
CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗IF YOU CONFIRM: Customers concern of a "clicking" noise coming from either left or right front/rear CV-type axles during take-off/acceleration. ACTION: Apply Molykote M77 grease (P/N 44003-7S000) to the hub bearing surfaces. NOTE: * Do not remove the axle from the hub or transmission for this bulletin * Refer to the Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for model specific torque specifications. - For 2007-2013 Versa and 2013 LEAF vehicles, see the Service Procedure torque specifications on page 4. See this bulletin for further detail.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE INFORMATION If a customer describes lack of power or poor acceleration, perform the following checks before attempting any repair: * Check for stored DTCs. * Check if the driver is resting their left foot on the brake pedal while accelerating. Advise the customer not to rest their foot on the brake while accelerating. * Use CONSULT-III plus in Engine Data Monitor to check operation of the brake lamp circuit signal. Monitor the brake switch during the incident; it should be "OFF". Please see this bulletn for further details.
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 describe a recurring CVT transmission pattern: the transmission initially loses power briefly when accelerating, then escalates to constant power loss, stalling during turns, and eventual failure requiring full replacement. Multiple owners report this happens between 120,000 and 130,000 miles. One owner's transmission fluid was black at failure; another reported the CVT starting in high gear instead of low. Two owners mention their replacement transmissions failed with identical symptoms. A Nissan dealer confirmed one CVT would eventually prevent acceleration due to internal failure. Owners note the extended CVT warranty doesn't cover them if they're past the deadline, and Nissan has issued no recall despite what owners view as a known design flaw.
Manual transmission models report separate problems: one owner's clutch pedal linkage broke where a plastic component connects via ball/socket fit, leaving the vehicle inoperable. Another describes a cruise control switch that moves on hot days, disengaging the hydraulic clutch prematurely. A third owner found a broken plastic piece inside the shifter preventing proper park engagement and allowing the car to roll downhill.
Owners took vehicles to dealers multiple times for diagnosis; some were told computer diagnosis was useless or advised to scrap the car.
Same Nissan Versa powertrain reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
CVT transmission power loss and failure
CVT begins in high gear instead of low gear, causing repeated loss of power when accelerating. Condition escalates from occasional brief losses to constant power loss during normal driving. Eventually transmission loses ability to accelerate or stalls during turns. Multiple owners report transmission failure requiring replacement.
When: 120,000–130,000 miles; one owner 6 weeks past extended CVT warranty
Symptoms owners cite: loss of power when stepping on gas pedal; constantly losing power during acceleration; transmission starting in high gear; transmission cuts out or stalls when making turns; transmission stalls when accelerating from stop; metal rubbing noise in drive while idling; inability to accelerate; transmission fluid black in color
Codes mentioned: multiple transmission codes
Repairs/costs cited: transmission fluid changes ineffective; full transmission replacement required. One owner cited $4,600 repair cost. Shop notes CVT cannot be rebuilt and must be replaced. Two owners report replacement transmissions; one had second replacement transmission fail with same symptoms.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan offers extended CVT warranty (terms vary by owner but some own vehicle longer than warranty period). One owner denied warranty coverage despite being below mileage requirement. No recall issued.
Manual transmission clutch failure
Clutch pedal linkage fails due to plastic component holding clutch throw rod connected only by ball/socket compression fit. Clutch cannot be engaged and vehicle becomes completely inoperable.
When: Not specified in narratives
Symptoms owners cite: clutch pedal linkage broken; inability to engage clutch; vehicle inoperable
Repairs/costs cited: Requires clutch linkage repair or replacement.
Manual transmission cruise control switch failure
Cruise control switch moves on hot days, causing hydraulic clutch to disengage prematurely. Results in clutch wear and potential burn-out if ignored.
When: On hot days; trend noted starting at 168 miles and up
Symptoms owners cite: cruise control switch moves on hot days; premature hydraulic clutch disengagement; clutch wear and burn-out risk
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan fails to recognize the problem according to owner report.
Shifter plastic component breakage
Shift lever assembly contains broken plastic piece that prevents proper park engagement detection. Vehicle will not stay in park and can roll downhill.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: trouble shifting into park; dash indicator shows park but shifter not engaged; cannot remove ignition key without wiggling; vehicle rolls downhill
Repairs/costs cited: Shifter assembly found to have broken plastic piece inside.
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
I was informed in may 2016 of the airbag recall and Nissan still does not have the part to repair it, they said jan 2017. And now the transmission has failed in the vehicle and Nissan wants to charge 4600.00 to fix it. I have spoken to several mechanics and Nissan has had a terrible failure rate with these to parts, also the front coil had to be replaced because of a recall. In the state of…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2008 Nissan Versa?
It's a meaningful issue. 12 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 57,000 and 120,807 miles, with the median around 111,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 57,000; a quarter make it past 120,807. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.