CAN COMMUNICATION â NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Nissan Versa engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2012 Nissan Versa have filed 22 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 64,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
22
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Versa | 20 |
| 2009 Versa | 32 |
| 2010 Versa | 13 |
| 2011 Versa | 6 |
| 2012 Versa (this page) | 22 |
| 2013 Versa | 10 |
| 2014 Versa | 24 |
| 2015 Versa | 12 |
| 2016 Versa | 5 |
When does it fail?
Of the 22 engine complaints filed for the 2012 Nissan Versa, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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 engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 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 engine 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.
EVAP LEAK DTC P0442, P0455, P0456 INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗DTC P0456 CAUSED BY EVAP LEAK AT VENT CONTROL VALVE O-RING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗NISSAN; DTC P0456 CAUSED BY EVAP LEAK AT VENT CONTROL VALVE O-RING This bulletin does NOT apply to LEAF vehicles and Titan XD vehicles with V8 diesel engine. This bulletin has been amended. See Amendment History on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗OBD II EVAP Tube Warranty Enhancement The update below was sent out to Regions and Dealers in August of this year. We are re-circulating this update to make regional and dealer personnel aware that we are re-notifying customers at this time.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2012 Nissan Versa's engine and related systems show multiple distinct failure patterns in these narratives. Stalling and sudden shutdown occur repeatedly—vehicles stopping in traffic or on the highway with no warning, sometimes with difficulty restarting. Rough idle at low speeds and below 40 mph appears in several complaints; one owner reported a P0101 (mass airflow sensor code) triggered twice, resolved after replacing the MAF sensor. Transmission behavior is reported as jerking, hesitation on acceleration, and inability to shift smoothly, with one owner citing transmission fluid contamination mixing with coolant. Excessive underhood heat is documented—one owner reported the driver's side floor and carpet burned with visible metal, exhaust manifold and heat shields reaching temperatures that burned technicians' hands. Exhaust system premature failure includes muffler rust and flange cracking reported at low mileage. One owner reported knocking noise mistaken for low oil that turned out to be bearing failure; another encountered a fuel pump that burned out a 15-amp fuse twice within 12 months, causing total loss of power while driving. Abnormal RPM surges between 4,000–5,000 at highway speeds and while idling are reported. Dealership diagnosis is inconsistent—some faults cannot be replicated during testing, and several owners waited weeks for parts or decisions while vehicles sat unrepaired under warranty.
Same Nissan Versa engine reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2010 · 2013 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Stalling and sudden shutdown
Engine cuts off or stalls without warning while driving, sometimes at highway speeds, often with difficulty restarting. Owners report fuel in tank and fluids normal.
When: Various mileages reported: 34,600–75,811 miles; some incidents within first few years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Engine dies suddenly in traffic or on freeway; Vehicle will not restart immediately; Check engine light may or may not be present; No warning prior to shutdown
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan notified in several cases; dealers unable to diagnose or replicate failures
CVT transmission failure and jerking
Transmission problems including jerking, hesitation, rough shifting, and inability to change gears smoothly. One owner reported second CVT replacement within 6 months of first replacement; another reported transmission fluid mixing with coolant.
When: One owner had first transmission replaced December 2013, second replacement needed May 2014; another at 71,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle jerks and lags when changing gears; Hesitation on acceleration; Vehicle gets stuck in gear and will not shift; Accelerates and decelerates without foot on pedal; Multiple instances of rough shifting at various speeds
Repairs/costs cited: First owner: transmission replacement (twice); second failure still under warranty but not repaired at time of complaint. Another owner: transmission and radiator replacement needed due to fluid/coolant contamination
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan aware of CVT transmission issues; owner reports awareness of class-action lawsuit; one dealer cited need for Nissan HQ approval to proceed with warranty repair
Excessive underhood and exhaust heat
Abnormally high temperatures under the hood and in exhaust system causing floor carpet burns, visible metal exposure, and technician hand burns. Heat shield or exhaust manifold design appears inadequate.
When: Reported during normal idle and driving at various speeds; mileage unknown
Symptoms owners cite: Driver's side floor significantly hot during idle and driving; Front driver's side floor carpet burned; Metal visible through burned carpet; Exhaust manifold hot enough to burn technician's hand during oil change
Repairs/costs cited: Owner took vehicle to dealer for estimate; vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Technician at Express Oil noted extreme heat during service.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; owner told she would be contacted later but complaint records no follow-up or repair
Mass airflow (MAF) sensor fault
P0101 diagnostic code triggered at low speeds, recurred one month later. Replacement of MAF sensor resolved rough idle and low-speed acceleration problems that dealer had ignored for multiple service visits.
When: First code at 52,300 miles; rough idle reported continuously from time of purchase
Symptoms owners cite: P0101 OBDII code triggered while driving at 35 mph; Same code triggered again at 25 mph one month later; Rough idle at speeds below 40 mph; Vehicle would not accelerate smoothly at low speeds
Codes mentioned: P0101
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic replaced MAF sensor with aftermarket Delphi part AF10141. Repair corrected condition. Dealer had refused to investigate despite multiple complaints.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan dealership at Van Nuys would not investigate or resolve issue during warranty period
Abnormal RPM surging
RPM gauge increases abnormally to 4,000–5,000 rpm while driving on freeway at 60 mph and while idling at stop lights, accompanied by jerking. Failure cannot be replicated by dealer.
When: At approximately 69,670 miles
Symptoms owners cite: RPM gauge increases abnormally to 4,000–5,000 while freeway driving at 60 mph; Vehicle jerks during surge; RPM gauge increases to 4,000 while idling at stop light; Vehicle becomes difficult to operate until RPM normalizes
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired; dealer could not replicate failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified
Fuel pump fuse burnout causing power loss
Fuel pump circuit burns out 15-amp fuse, causing complete loss of electrical power and engine shutdown while driving. Fuse burned twice within 12 months.
When: First occurrence on city streets; second on highway at 70 mph within 12 months
Symptoms owners cite: Car suddenly stopped running while driving; Vehicle would not restart; Burned fuse found at fault; 15-amp fuse blown twice in 12 months; No warning before total power loss
Repairs/costs cited: Shop identified burned fuse as cause; fuse replaced but burned again within 12 months. Underlying fuel pump fault not addressed.
Engine bearing failure
Knocking noise from engine, consistently reported to dealership as possible low-oil condition, ignored for years. During hard test drive, engine bearing failed catastrophically and engine had to be replaced.
When: First reported August 2011 at purchase; engine failure December 2013 at 17,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Knocking noise sounding like low oil condition; Noise present at every service for over 2 years; Engine seized during hard test drive
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement performed. Owner questioned whether warranty resets after bearing failure and engine replacement.
Premature exhaust system failure
Muffler and exhaust flange fail prematurely at low mileage. One owner reported flange weld cracked; another reported muffler rust at 3 years old in a non-coastal Florida location where salt corrosion is unlikely.
When: One complaint at 3 years old; mileage for flange failure not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Rattling sound from exhaust; Sound increases with gas pedal pressure; Visible rust on muffler despite low corrosion exposure; Flange weld separation
Repairs/costs cited: Muffler replacement cost $700 according to dealership estimate. Owner disputed premature rust claim for low-mileage vehicle in low-salt environment.
Acceleration hesitation and failure to accelerate
Engine fails to accelerate or responds sluggishly when driver depresses gas pedal. RPMs increase without proportional acceleration. Can recur multiple times during a drive.
When: Various mileages; one at 37,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to accelerate when gas pedal pressed; Abnormal increase in engine RPMs without corresponding acceleration; Hesitation repeats multiple times during single trip; Vehicle stops suddenly in traffic and requires restart
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer testing inconclusive; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in some cases
CVT transmission shuddering and response issues
CVT transmission exhibits jerking, bucking, and unpredictable shifting behavior. Vehicle may surge in speed or stop unexpectedly. Transmission does not respond predictably to driver input.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Car jerks and bucks while driving; Speeds up unexpectedly without driver input; Stops suddenly without warning; Scrubs ground when brakes applied, then jolts forward; Transmission does not know what gear to be in; At stops, vehicle tries to move backward with foot on brake, then forward
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner notes Nissan has extended warranties due to prior lawsuits but not extended for 2012 models; class-action lawsuit filed
Transmission fluid and coolant mixing
Transmission fluid and engine coolant mixed together in transmission, requiring replacement of both transmission and radiator. Occurred at 71,000 miles while accelerating on freeway.
When: 71,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine RPMs decreased while driving at 65 mph; Vehicle failed to accelerate; Failure recurred after restart; Diagnosis revealed transmission fluid mixed with coolant
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission and radiator replacement needed; vehicle not repaired at time of complaint
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware of failure
Synthesized from 22 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Nissan versa. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the engine rpms decreased and the vehicle failed to accelerate. The vehicle was restarted and the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the transmission fluid mixed with the coolant in the transmission. As a result, the transmission and the radiator needed…
Brought the car in august 2011. At every service I would report of knocking noise as if the car was in need of oil. I was repeatedly told that there is/was nothing wrong with the car. Again in december 2013, mileage was 17,000 I complained (very loudly) about the noise.... One of the tech's took it for a hard test drive and blow up the engine. They said my engine was gone and they needed to…
Had engine trouble with your 2012 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 2012 Nissan Versa?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 22 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 18 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 52,293 and 69,670 miles, with the median around 64,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 52,293; a quarter make it past 69,670. 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/2012/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.