Nissan Versa problems
204 owner complaints with NHTSA, no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the brakes was repaired or replaced.
- 1 fatality report and 6 crash-related complaints on the brakes
- Reliability score 7.4/10 — around the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Nissan versa. While the contact's daughter was driving 20 MPH, the vehicle slid on ice and crashed into a telephone pole. The air bags did not deploy. The contact's daughter received a mild concussion after her face struck the steering wheel. Medical…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Nissan versa. When the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to have the fuel tank repaired, the contact was informed that the transmission software needed to be updated. The vehicle was taken to mossy Nissan chula vista (1885 auto park pl,…
Passenger airbag warning light (warning that the airbags are off) is constantly on; no matter if no one, an adult, or a child is is in the passenger seat. Occurs when vehicle is idle or in motion. Seat belt warning light (warning that seat belts are not being used by driver…
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Versa. The contact stated upon inspecting the vehicle, she noticed water intrusion in the tail lights and headlights. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the electrical system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Under investigation 1 open at NHTSA
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA21002 on NHTSA →
How NHTSA investigations work, and what's open now →
Common questions
Is the 2013 Nissan Versa reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.4 out of 10 based on 204 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 Nissan Versa is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2013 Nissan Versa?
On the NHTSA data, the 2013 Nissan Versa is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the brakes was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 1 fatality report and 6 crash-related complaints on the brakes; Reliability score 7.4/10 — around the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2013 Nissan Versa?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is powertrain, with 70 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 86,086 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The brakes is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $450 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 40,286 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Nissan Versa has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2013 Nissan Versa?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 204 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $450, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.