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 ↗2012 Nissan Versa powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2012 Nissan Versa have filed 153 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 70,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
153
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Versa | 12 |
| 2009 Versa | 18 |
| 2010 Versa | 5 |
| 2011 Versa | 6 |
| 2012 Versa (this page) | 153 |
| 2013 Versa | 70 |
| 2014 Versa | 129 |
| 2015 Versa | 45 |
| 2016 Versa | 17 |
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 19 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.
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 ↗CVT OIL LEAK DIAGNOSIS USING FLUORESCENT DYE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Dear Nissan Sentra Owner: Thank you for being a Nissan owner. We strive to provide you with an excellent ownership experience that includes confidence in your vehicleâs performance, features and overall reliability. To that end, Nissan is extending the limited warranty covering your continuously variable transmission (CVT) to 7 years/84,000 miles, whichever comes first. This warranty extension is being provided as an owner satisfaction effort to address concerns, including those expressed by plaintiffs in class action litigation. This CVT warranty extension covers your CVT assembly (including internal CVT components, gaskets, and seals, CVT control valve body, and torque converter), cooler
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 CVT transmission is a known failure point across this cluster. Owners describe sudden, complete loss of power while driving at highway speeds—the car stalls or slows to 20–40 mph, unable to accelerate further, often requiring shutdown and restart to move again. These failures occur anywhere from 25,000 to 110,000 miles, with the heaviest concentration around 60,000–75,000 miles. The transmission frequently jerks and hesitates before total failure, and jerking persists even after factory replacement in some cases.
Complete transmission replacement costs $3,500–$5,000. Warranty covers 5 years or 60,000 miles; once expired, Nissan refuses coverage. Owners report dealerships either cannot diagnose the problem under warranty or deny involvement if maintenance was performed outside the dealership network.
Shift selector failures also occur, preventing proper parking (forcing owners to park in Neutral) and allowing unintended gear changes without brake application—both safety issues covered under Recall 12V032000, though Nissan has refused to cover the full assembly replacement in some cases.
Nissan extended CVT warranty to 6 years/120,000 miles for 2010 and earlier model years but not the 2012, despite identical transmission design and the same manufacturer (JATCO). Owners report no warning light alerts before catastrophic failure, no owner awareness of 60,000-mile CVT fluid service requirements, and repeated denials that a defect exists despite hundreds of documented complaints online.
Same Nissan Versa powertrain reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2013 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
CVT transmission failure with loss of power
Complete or near-complete transmission failure, often with sudden loss of motive power while driving at highway or city speeds. Vehicle slows dramatically, stalls, or becomes unable to accelerate past 20-40 mph. Owners report the car dies suddenly or loses all power requiring restart or towing.
When: Typically 40,000–110,000 miles; frequently around 60,000–75,000 miles. Some failures as early as 25,000 miles or as late as 8 years of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power or complete stall while driving; Vehicle unable to accelerate or accelerates very slowly (maxing out at 20–40 mph); Transmission slipping or jerking; inconsistent gear engagement; RPM fluctuation and surging (RPMs climb without corresponding speed increase); Check engine light illuminates (codes P0846, P0486, P2101 noted); Rattling or grinding noise from transmission; Limp mode activation after failure (vehicle stuck in first gear or severely speed-limited)
Codes mentioned: P0846 (transmission fluid pressure sensor), P0486 (transmission control circuit), P2101 (accelerator pedal position control)
Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission replacement required, costing $3,500–$5,000. Nissan dealership repairs; some owners report repeated failures even after replacement. Valve body replacement ($2,100+) attempted on some vehicles but did not resolve underlying issues. One owner had transmission replaced twice within warranty period; failures recurred after warranty expiration.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 12V032000 (shift selector assembly) issued but addresses only shift knob/assembly, not the transmission itself. Extended CVT warranty (6 years/120,000 miles) issued for 2010 model year and earlier, but 2012 Versa covered under standard 5 years/60,000 miles. Some owners denied coverage because they did not perform maintenance at Nissan dealerships or exceeded mileage limits. Nissan corporate offered small gestures ($250, $750) on certain cases. One owner noted Nissan CEO acknowledged in December 2013 that JATCO (transmission supplier) had 'significant quality issues.' Owners report being directed to consumer affairs with no resolution.
Transmission hesitation, jerking, and irregular shifting
Transmission exhibits hesitation when accelerating, jerky movements during gear changes, or inability to shift smoothly between gears. Vehicle may jerk or surge, particularly during acceleration from stops or on inclines. Often precedes complete transmission failure.
When: Ranges from 18,000 miles to 111,000 miles. Often begins in early 30,000s and progresses; some owners report onset at 25,000 miles and worsening over months.
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation or lag when pressing accelerator pedal (5–10 second delays in response); Jerky or shuddering movements while accelerating or shifting; Inability to shift smoothly between gears; RPM surge without corresponding acceleration; searching for proper gear ratio; Transmission slipping on inclines; difficulty maintaining speed uphill; Inconsistent behavior: sometimes works normally, sometimes fails; Stutter or vibration during acceleration
Codes mentioned: No check engine light in many cases; others reported with codes P0846, P0486
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnoses range from accelerator pedal sensor replacement to valve body replacement ($2,100+) to full transmission replacement. Many owners reported dealerships found 'nothing wrong' despite clear symptoms. Repairs often did not resolve the issue; failures recurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Most dealerships unable or unwilling to diagnose under warranty. One owner reported dealership replaced sensors three times without success. Nissan denied warranty coverage if maintenance was not performed at Nissan dealership. Some owners were told 'this is just how the transmission works' and advised to live with it.
Shift selector assembly malfunction (shift knob unable to move; car will not go into Park)
Shift selector mechanism fails, preventing proper gear selection. Car unable to shift into Park or other gears; shift knob becomes stuck or unresponsive. Owners forced to park in Neutral, creating safety risk.
When: As early as purchase (pre-owned vehicles); timing variable. Recall 12V032000 issued for this component.
Symptoms owners cite: Shift knob unable to move or stuck in current position; Automatic shifter unable to engage Park; car parks in Neutral instead; Inability to shift into reverse or other gears; Shift selector feels loose or unresponsive
Repairs/costs cited: Shift knob and shift assembly replacement required under recall 12V032000. However, owners report Nissan sometimes only replaces shift knob without replacing the complete assembly, leading to continued failure. Estimated costs $1,500+ based on owner estimates mentioned.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 12V032000 (Voluntary Safety Recall Campaign 2012 Versa Sedan Shift Selector, Campaign ID PM253) issued. One pre-owned car owner reported Nissan refused to cover the assembly replacement, claiming the recall was 'closed out' even though the assembly was part of the original campaign. Nissan offered $250 'for inconvenience' but refused full repair. Owner disputes claim that Nissan is 'technically non-compliant' on the recall.
Transmission failure with vehicle unable to move (after parking or on restart)
Transmission fails such that vehicle will not move forward or backward despite running and attempts to engage gears. Vehicle stalls or lurches and refuses to respond to throttle input.
When: Timing varies; one case noted 37,000 miles at time of failure.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle in Drive or Reverse but will not move forward or backward; Engine running but complete lack of power transmission to wheels; Lurching or severe jerking when attempting to move; Vehicle coasts slowly or not at all despite pressing accelerator to floor
Codes mentioned: P2101 (accelerator pedal position control) in at least one case
Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission replacement required. One case involved replacement with used CVT transmission; same failure occurred and repairs took 4 months. Owner paid $3,000 and issue persisted with code P2101 recurring and loss of acceleration on highway.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan denied coverage for out-of-warranty vehicles. No specific manufacturer response noted for in-warranty failures.
Transmission stalling in traffic; intermittent power loss requiring restart
Vehicle stalls or loses power while stopped in traffic or driving at low speed, often requiring shutdown and restart to resume operation. Multiple incidents reported in single day or across weeks.
When: Failure mileage varies; incidents reported from early use through high mileage.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls without warning while in motion or at traffic light; Complete loss of power; unable to accelerate or move; RPM dropping to zero; Requires shutdown and restart to move again; Intermittent recurrence of same issue (17 times in one case over multiple days); Vehicle enters limp mode after restart (stuck in first gear)
Codes mentioned: Check engine light may or may not illuminate
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission failure diagnosed after multiple incidents. Repairs to achieve full resolution unclear in narratives; some vehicles remained unrepaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan initially unable to find problems during dealership checks despite owner reports. In one case, dealership claimed 'nothing wrong upon testing' but offered CVT transmission fluid service anyway; problem recurred within days.
Inadequate CVT transmission fluid maintenance guidance and delayed service warnings
Owners report not being informed that CVT transmission fluid requires service every 60,000 miles until after transmission failure. No warning light alerts owners to low or degraded fluid. Dealership at 63,000-mile service did not mention fluid change despite CVT being present in vehicle.
When: Issues emerge around 60,000–70,000 miles when transmission fails.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission failure after 60,000 miles; No check engine or warning light prior to failure; Owner unaware of fluid service requirement until after failure; Dealership did not advise on CVT fluid maintenance at routine service
Repairs/costs cited: Owner forced to pay $3,500–$4,004 for full transmission replacement on 3-year-old vehicle at 70,000 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan explained that CVT fluid should have been changed at 60,000 miles and that fluid degradation likely caused failure. However, Nissan did not warn owners beforehand and did not proactively schedule such service. Owner's manual lists first transmission-related maintenance (fluid check) at 60,000 miles, not a scheduled drain/fill. Nissan refused warranty coverage despite the lack of owner awareness.
Shifter assembly failure allowing unintended gear engagement without brake pedal
Shift selector mechanism fails, allowing vehicle to shift gears without depressing the brake pedal or shifting into unintended gears (e.g., Reverse while in Drive, or Park while driving) on its own.
When: Cases noted at 45,000 miles and 57,470 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shifts out of Drive into Neutral or Reverse without driver input; Vehicle shifts into Park while driving without driver action; Gear changes possible without pressing brake pedal (safety control bypass); Inadvertent bumping of shifter knob causes unintended shift without brake application
Repairs/costs cited: Shift selector assembly replacement needed; one owner noted under Recall 12V032000.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 12V032000 addresses shift selector safety issue. However, Nissan initially refused to repair outside recall period (one owner at 57,470 miles) or claimed vehicle was not on recall list despite matching the campaign criteria.
Excessive transmission metal shavings and internal wear
Internal transmission degradation indicated by presence of excessive metal shavings in transmission oil pan and inside transmission, indicating bearing wear and imminent or ongoing failure.
When: One case at 34,167 miles and 2 years 4 months of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive metal shavings found in CVT oil pan during inspection; Metal shavings visible inside transmission; Power loss and stalling (associated with metal debris)
Repairs/costs cited: Full CVT replacement required. However, replacement transmission carried only 12 months/12,000-mile warranty (compared to 5 years/60,000 miles for other Nissan powertrains), meaning new transmission had shorter coverage than original defective unit.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan explained CVT warranty as 20.5 months or 60,000 miles (whichever comes first) for Versa, significantly shorter than 6 years/120,000 miles offered on SUV models. Owner noted this meant replacement transmission would fail sooner than original and before car loan payoff.
Synthesized from 153 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Transmission is not changing gears like it is suppose to and stutters at stop signs and stop lights.
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.