ABS/VDC CAN DIAGNOSIS INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Nissan Versa brakes problems
critical Owners of the 2013 Nissan Versa have filed 28 NHTSA complaints about the brakes, typically surfacing around 17,845 miles at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
28
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Versa | 9 |
| 2010 Versa | 3 |
| 2012 Versa | 18 |
| 2013 Versa (this page) | 28 |
| 2014 Versa | 19 |
| 2015 Versa | 11 |
| 2016 Versa | 6 |
| 2017 Versa | 4 |
6crashes
5injuries
1fatality
When does it fail?
Of the 28 brakes complaints filed for the 2013 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 11 model years of Nissan Versa we track for brakes problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 28.
Owners have filed 28 brakes complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes 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.
NISSAN; DTC P0456 CAUSED BY EVAP LEAK AT VENT CONTROL VALVE O-RING This bulletin has been amended. The APPLIED VEHICLES and CLAIMS INFORMATION sections have been revised. No other changes have been made. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗ADDITIONAL SERVICE WHEN REPLACING CONTROL VALVE OR TRANSAXLE ASSEMBLY SERVICE INFORMATION After a CVT assembly or control valve replacement, additional service must be completed with CONSULT-III plus (C-III plus). - The original calibration data must first be erased from the TCM and then newcalibration data written. - If the calibration data is not erased, the vehicle can experience drivability concernswhich may result in a CVT issue. Additional Service when Replacing Control Valve or Transaxle Assembly - The following procedures, starting on the next page, must be performed in thisorder. - Check off procedure as they are performed in the order listed below.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin has compiled Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS) and Low Tire Pressure Warning System (LTPWS) information for: - Basic diagnosing of TPMS/LTPWS systems - Radio frequency interference causing a "No Data" (C1708, C1709, C1710, C1711) condition - Sensor leaks - Moving TPMS/LTPWS wheel assemblies from one vehicle to another and TPMS/LTPWS sensor registration - Air pressure changes with altitude and ambient temperatures - Aftermarket tire sealers - Aftermarket wheels - Inflating/deflating tires with TPMS/LTPWS sensors See this bulletin for further detail.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SERVICE INFORMATION When servicing run flat tires or low profile tires: - Special equipment and procedures are required to avoid damage. - Specifically, Tire Pressure Monitor transmitters (TPMS sensors) can be damaged when improperly dismounting and mounting tires. - TPMS sensors becoming damaged during mounting or dismounting tires are not covered under warranty. - To avoid such damage, ensure that the tire changer being used and the operator of the tire changer is capable of servicing run flat and low profile tires. - Operator?s manuals for such tire changers must be followed. See this bulletin for further detail.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 Nissan Versa brake complaints center on hydraulic pressure loss, primarily traced to master cylinder failure. Owners report the brake pedal abruptly going to the floor or requiring excessive travel before engagement, with no warning lights in many cases. Some failures happen at highway speeds (65–75 mph) with no braking response until the pedal is pressed all the way down; others occur at low speed or while stopped. The failures are intermittent—brakes may work normally for miles, then fail again without pattern. One owner at 50,512 miles crashed into another vehicle; another at 57,000 miles hit a fence. Several owners note the master cylinder was diagnosed or replaced, but in at least one case the pedal-to-floor problem persisted even after replacement and ABS chip replacement.
Separately, owners report rear brake pads wearing out and producing squealing or crunching noises as early as 6,300 miles on nearly new cars, requiring pad and rotor service. Some describe a brake pedal that sinks to the floor when pressed hard, despite normal fluid levels, which dealers attribute to ABS modulation—though owners dispute this explanation. One owner notes the brakes feel disengaged or the car surges forward when stopped with the AC on, requiring heavy pedal pressure.
An NHTSA campaign (15V507000) for service brakes is referenced in at least one complaint, and owners mention an ongoing investigation into this model year.
Same Nissan Versa brakes reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Master cylinder failure with loss of braking pressure
Master cylinder internal seals fail, causing brake fluid leakage and loss of hydraulic pressure. The pedal requires excessive travel or goes to the floor, with brakes failing to respond during normal driving or stopping. Intermittent in nature, with normal function sometimes resuming briefly.
When: Various mileages: 50,512 mi., 103,000 mi., 110 mi., 11,752 mi., 135 mi., 57,000 mi., and unknown
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal goes to the floor with no response; Excessive brake pedal travel required before brakes engage; Loss of braking pressure; brakes fail completely; Intermittent brake failure followed by temporary normal function; Brake fluid detected (smell) during driving; Failure occurs without warning lights in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: Master cylinder replacement performed in at least two cases (narratives #10, #12); one replacement did not resolve the issue (#10); brake fluid flush attempted without success (#7)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA campaign 15V507000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Vehicle Speed Control); investigation mentioned by some owners (#7, #19); some owners report manufacturer claims vehicle is operating as designed (#8)
Brake pedal sinking or excessive travel without fluid loss
Brake pedal sinks to the floor or travels abnormally when pressed hard, yet brake fluid level remains normal and the vehicle is not in active braking failure. Dealers attribute some cases to ABS modulation, though owners report the pedal behavior differs from normal ABS operation.
When: Reported at various mileages including 7,000 mi. and unknown
Symptoms owners cite: Pedal sinks to floor when pressed hard and held; Excessive pedal travel during firm application; Pedal feels loose; Brake fluid level normal despite pedal travel; Intermittent; pedal works fine then doesn't without clear pattern
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented in narratives describing this specific behavior; owners dispute dealer claims about ABS modulation (#21)
Brake engagement surge or loss of hold during idle
When stopped or coming to a stop with the air conditioner on, the brakes feel disengaged or the car surges forward slightly. The driver must maintain heavy foot pressure to prevent forward motion. Brake pedal feels loose. Occurs sporadically.
When: Intermittent; timing not specified by mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle surges forward while brakes are applied, particularly when AC is on; Feeling of brakes becoming disengaged at stop; Requires heavy foot pressure to prevent forward roll; Pedal feels loose; Brakes feel like they disengage momentarily
Rear brake noise and premature wear
Rear brake pads wear prematurely and produce squealing or crunching noises within the first 10,000 miles of ownership. Dealers perform pad replacement and rotor turning on new vehicles with low mileage.
When: 6,300–9,000 miles on new vehicles
Symptoms owners cite: Rear brake squealing, not consistent; Loud crunching and clunking noises when braking; Clunking noise also occurs when accelerating after braking; Smell of brake fluid during noise episodes; Noise suddenly stops after 30 minutes of driving in one case
Repairs/costs cited: Rear brake pads and rotor turning performed at dealer; one owner reports squealing on a car with 8 months age and 9,000 miles, requiring pad replacement (#9, #18); another case involved pad/shoe replacement 10,000 miles prior with subsequent clunking (#3)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers attributed noise to dust, rust, or vehicle storage; one dealer downplayed wear as normal; some owners found similar complaints on Nissan forums (#9, #18)
ABS system malfunction
ABS component failure, including ABS chip malfunction. One case involved replacement of ABS chip; however, the underlying brake issue (pedal to floor) persisted and required master cylinder replacement as well.
When: 11,752 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Braking system malfunction at highway speed (60 mph); ABS chip failure; No ABS lights in some failure events
Codes mentioned: Turbine input sensor circuit B (from narrative #4, though this is transmission-related and may have been mislabeled in complaint)
Repairs/costs cited: ABS chip replaced; master cylinder subsequently replaced; neither repair alone resolved the pedal-to-floor issue (#10)
Synthesized from 28 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 2013 Nissan versa. The contact stated that while attempting to decelerate, the brakes failed to engage properly. The contact was able to stop the vehicle after multiple braking attempts. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was determined that the master cylinder failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure and…
Tl* the contact owned a 2013 Nissan versa. While driving 30 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but failed to respond. As a result, the contact crashed into the rear of another vehicle. A police report was filed. The contact was rendered unconscious from the air bag deployment. The contact was transported to the hospital for injuries that required medical attention. The front and rear seat…
Had brakes trouble with your 2013 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 brakes problem on the 2013 Nissan Versa?
It's a serious issue. 28 complaints have been filed, including 6 reports involving a crash and 1 fatality(ies). We've classified it as critical based on NHTSA's reported outcomes.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 23 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 9,500 and 57,000 miles, with the median around 17,845. A quarter of owners report trouble before 9,500; a quarter make it past 57,000. 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 $450 for brakes 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 brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes 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/2013/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.