Transmission is not changing gears like it is suppose to and stutters at stop signs and stop lights.
2012 Nissan Versa powertrain problems
moderate 153 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
153
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
3crashes
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 153 powertrain complaints filed for the 2012 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 18 model years of Nissan Versa we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 153.
Powertrain accounts for 32% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 10 categories tracked.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Transmission problem in the 2012 Nissan versa my transmission just went out I have heard of numerous transmission of the 2012 Nissan going out on other people re-programming does not work the transmission is bad programming only seems to make it worse I have changed at all and had it re-program and the transmission only gets worse I was driving and the transmission with clock and that was it
I took the car for a recall on the transmission and two months latter the check engine light came on. The car when driving 60 MPH will just decreases in speed until it stops the engine is running. I took it to the dealer ship and was told the speed sensor inside the transmission was bad. To fix the problem the transmission must be replaced. The car has 78, 987 miles on it, I was looking on line…
I had the 60,000 service done on this car at my local Nissan dealership on dec 14, 2015. Part of that service involved inspecting the continuously variable transmission fluid. Apparently it was ok. Six days later my daughter was driving it to new orleans and it stopped in the middle of the interstate. Luckily, nobody was close behind her and she was able to drift it to the side of the highway. We…
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Nissan versa. The contact was driving approximately 68 MPH when the vehicle suddenly began to erroneously accelerate and decelerate before stalling. The vehicle was diagnosed at the dealer but no repairs were performed. The contact was informed by the dealer that the CVT internal clutch was damaged. The manufacturer was notified but no solution was offered. The failure…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2012 Nissan Versa?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 153 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 122 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 51,220 and 90,000 miles, with the median around 70,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 51,220; a quarter make it past 90,000. 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 $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/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.