Went out to start car push in clutch and car rolled out into street had brake on but did not hold and after starting motor the brakes worked ok with engine running.. Everytime I start the car if you are on a slope the car will roll and hit something. I checked threw out the day and found that when car is not running you have no brakes. You do not have any power brakes when engine stops they…
2014 Nissan Versa engine problems
moderate 24 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
24
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
What stands out
No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 12 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2014 Versa has serious engine stalling and transmission issues reported across the board—stalls in traffic at low speeds, CVT jerking at highway speeds, and acceleration failures. Factor in brake issues (loss of power assist when the engine stops) and you're looking at a vehicle with genuine safety problems that dealers struggled to diagnose or fix.
The 2014 Versa has a documented pattern of engine stalls that catch owners off guard in traffic. Multiple owners describe the engine dying at low speeds or in stop-and-go conditions, with some stalls lasting only a few minutes before restart, others requiring 15+ minutes. At least one owner received a Nissan recall notice for this exact issue in 2018; others reported their VIN wasn't included even though they experienced identical symptoms. Nissan blamed fuel grade or hot weather in one case, which the owner rejected.
CVT transmission trouble is equally significant. One owner at 95,000 miles needed a complete replacement the dealer quoted at $3,496; the mechanic said Nissan's CVT units are defective. Owners describe jerking, slipping, especially on hills, that started around 60,000 miles.
Brake system design is questionable: the brake booster loses power assist immediately when the engine shuts off, so the car rolls forward on slopes with no reserve braking (unlike other cars that offer 2–3 pedal applications). Nissan called this normal.
Other complaints include acceleration hesitation when starting from a stop, failure to warm the cabin in winter (takes 15–20 minutes), engine overheating with coolant loss, and cracking exhaust systems at 43,000 miles that require full replacement as a single unit. One owner's AC vent sprayed debris into their eyes.
Same Nissan Versa engine reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stalling during low-speed or stop-and-go traffic
Engine unexpectedly cuts out while driving at low speeds, in stop-and-go traffic, or after slowing to a stop. Vehicle typically restarts after waiting a few minutes or restarting the ignition. Occurs sporadically and dealers often cannot reproduce the condition. One narrative notes the issue intensifies in high-heat conditions.
When: Various mileages from 6,000 to 95,000 miles; multiple incidents reported from new purchase through later years
Symptoms owners cite: Engine dies without warning at low speeds; Vehicle shudders or sputters before stalling; Hesitation when accelerating from a stop; All dashboard warning lights illuminate; Loss of power steering when engine dies; Vehicle may restart after 5-15 minutes or several restart attempts
Codes mentioned: P0757 (Transmission Range Sensor Circuit Malfunction), P0705 (Park/Neutral Switch)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports Nissan replaced oxygen sensor under warranty a year after purchase. Dealers typically find nothing wrong or cannot reproduce issue; one narrative mentions a TSB was received in 2018 for sudden stops.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan issued a recall notice in 2018 regarding sudden stops. Owner in narrative #3 reports Nissan blamed gas grade and extreme temperatures (Nissan rep claimed similar cases resolved by changing fuel grade). Some owners report receiving recall notifications; others report their VIN was not included in available recall lists.
CVT transmission slipping, jerking, and loss of power
CVT transmission slips, jerks, or refuses to deliver full power, especially when driving uphill or accelerating. Owner in narrative #4 reports transmission became serious at 60,000 miles; by 95,000 miles it required complete replacement. Transmission may feel like it is misfiring or shuddering during acceleration.
When: Problem becomes serious around 60,000 miles; reported at 95,000 miles when replacement was necessary
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission slips and jerks when driving uphill; Loss of power during acceleration; Vehicle shudders as if misfiring; Hesitation during low-speed driving
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports Ted Russell Nissan quoted $3,496 for complete CVT transmission replacement at 95,000 miles. Dealer mechanic stated the transmissions are defective.
Failure to accelerate when pressing gas pedal
Vehicle fails to accelerate despite pressing the gas pedal, occurring intermittently. Poses hazard when attempting to merge or accelerate into traffic. Dealers report difficulty diagnosing the issue due to its intermittent nature.
When: Reported at 18,000 miles; occurred 4 times in the first ownership period
Symptoms owners cite: No engine response when pressing gas pedal; Vehicle fails to move when commanded to accelerate; Intermittent behavior makes diagnosis difficult
Extended engine warm-up time in cold weather
Engine takes excessively long to produce cabin heat during winter months. Owners report 15–20 minutes to reach warm air, even on short commutes. Defroster does not function adequately in very cold conditions, causing interior frost. Owners cite two thermostats and an oil cooler as potential causes.
When: Winter driving conditions; persistent issue for affected owners
Symptoms owners cite: Cabin air remains cold for 15–20 minutes in winter; Defroster produces insufficient heat; Interior windshield frost in cold weather; Temperature gauge reads very low or absent after 6–15 miles of driving
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports a similarly-equipped Mitsubishi Mirage with the same engine size warms up in approximately 5 minutes, suggesting the Versa design is inadequate.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan dealerships report the slow warm-up is normal for this model.
Engine overheating and loss of coolant
Engine overheats while driving or idling at traffic stops. Owner reports no antifreeze present in the vehicle. One narrative indicates the AC compressor required replacement; another mentions the air conditioner compressor needing service in relation to overheating.
When: At 83,000 miles (narrative #9); other mileages not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheats while driving; Engine overheats while idling at stops; No coolant in reservoir; Temperature gauge rises excessively
Repairs/costs cited: One mechanic stated AC compressor needed replacement but repair was not completed. Dealer quoted over $1,600 for repair. Another owner purchased coolant and had system checked at auto parts store.
Check engine light without clear diagnosis
Check engine warning light illuminates but dealers cannot diagnose or reproduce the fault. Owners report taking vehicles to dealers multiple times without resolution.
When: Various mileages including 57,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated on dashboard
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs performed due to inability to diagnose.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in at least one case but provided no further assistance.
Brake failure after engine shut-off
Brake system loses power assist immediately when engine stops. Vehicle rolls forward on slopes despite being in park or with foot brake applied. Unlike other vehicles, there is no reserve power for 2–3 brake applications after engine shutdown. Owner reports Nissan stated this is normal and has no solution.
When: Occurs every time the engine is shut off
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes become hard and lose power assist immediately after engine stops; Vehicle rolls down slope when parked and engine is off; No reserve braking power; Brakes work normally when engine is running
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan dealership stated they have no solution. Nissan headquarters stated the condition is normal and acceptable.
Intermittent brake light malfunction
Brake lights fail to illuminate intermittently during braking. Owner was warned by other driver that lights were not working. Lights functioned when checked at repair shop, suggesting an intermittent electrical issue.
When: At 31,290 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake lights do not illuminate when braking; Lights work at some times but not others
Repairs/costs cited: Shop indicated possible electrical short.
Exhaust system cracking
Exhaust connections crack and require replacement of the entire exhaust system as one piece. The pipe forward of the initial crack also begins to crack. Nissan made this section as a single non-serviceable component. Problem occurs at relatively low mileage for the component lifespan.
When: At 43,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Cracks in exhaust connections; Entire exhaust system must be replaced as single unit
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost exceeds $400. Nissan muffler and pipe must be ordered from Nissan; no aftermarket alternatives available. Owner notes multiple complaints about this same issue.
Particles and debris from air vents
Particles (described as resembling grass seeds) discharge from air vents when AC is turned on. Particles blew into owner's eyes, temporarily blinding them while driving. Vehicle has no cabin air filter, though there is a space for one to be installed.
When: Shortly after purchase from dealer
Symptoms owners cite: Particles and debris discharge from air vents; Particles blow into driver's eyes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer installed aftermarket cabin air filter for approximately $60.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan confirmed the vehicle is not equipped with a cabin air filter as standard.
Synthesized from 24 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Had engine trouble with your 2014 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 engine problem on the 2014 Nissan Versa?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 24 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 17 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 6,000 and 57,000 miles, with the median around 31,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 6,000; 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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/2014/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.