2013 Nissan Versa problems
The 2013 Nissan Versa has 204 NHTSA owner complaints and no active recalls. Here's where owners say it breaks.
The 2013 Nissan Versa has 204 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is powertrain at 70 complaints, typically surfacing around 86,086 miles (~$2,500 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 Versa | 267 | 1 |
| 2011 Versa | 268 | 2 |
| 2012 Versa | 485 | 10 |
| 2013 Versa (this page) | 204 | 0 |
| 2014 Versa | 336 | 1 |
| 2015 Versa | 168 | 1 |
| 2016 Versa | 79 | 0 |
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.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings 4 / 5 overall
Driver-assist features on the tested model: Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: No · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2013 Nissan Versa 4 DR FWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2013 Nissan Versa? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- powertrain — 70 owner reports · tends to show around 86,086 mi · ~$2,500 to fix
- brakes — 28 owner reports · tends to show around 40,286 mi · ~$450 to fix
- airbags — 21 owner reports · tends to show around 59,913 mi · ~$1,100 to fix
- cruise control — 15 owner reports · tends to show around 51,579 mi · ~$600 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: brakes is flagged critical on this model , showing up around 40,286 mi. Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 7.4/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2013 Nissan Versa
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints
Your road ahead on this 2013 Nissan Versa
When owners report each system failing, in actual miles — so you can see what's likely behind you, what's due around now, and what to budget for next. Enter your mileage to mark where you are.
- ~17,845 mibrakes~$450
- ~21,220 mibody~$1,500
- ~37,000 micruise control~$600
- ~50,000 miairbags~$1,100
- ~85,904 mipowertrain~$2,500
"Typical" = median owner-reported failure mileage from the NHTSA complaint record for this exact year and model. Not a maintenance schedule — a heads-up on where this model's failures cluster.
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 should I check before buying a used 2013 Nissan Versa?
Inspect the powertrain first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 70 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 86,086 miles. Average repair cost runs about $2,500 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2013 Nissan Versa a good used car to buy?
It scores 7.4 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 204 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is powertrain. Typical failure occurs around 86,086 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
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.