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 ↗2016 Nissan Versa powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2016 Nissan Versa have filed 17 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 83,000 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
17
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 Versa | 153 |
| 2013 Versa | 70 |
| 2014 Versa | 129 |
| 2015 Versa | 45 |
| 2016 Versa (this page) | 17 |
| 2017 Versa | 8 |
| 2018 Versa | 9 |
| 2019 Versa | 9 |
| 2020 Versa | 15 |
When does it fail?
Of the 17 powertrain complaints filed for the 2016 Nissan Versa, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 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
Powertrain accounts for 22% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 7 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
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.
DRIVE SHAFT BOOT SERVICE INFORMATION SERVICE INFORMATION If a Drive Shaft (Axle Shaft) Boot on an APPLIED VEHICLE is found to be leaking grease, AND There is no abnormal noise or obvious CV Joint risk due to water intrusion and/or complete grease loss, check for REPAIR KIT-DUST BOOT (CV Joint Boot Kit) availability. ï· If there is a REPAIR KIT-DUST BOOT (CV Joint Boot Kit) available for the vehicle being repaired, do NOT replace the axle. Install a new boot kit following the procedure in the ESM. o Refer to the ESM: TRANSMISSION & DRIVELINE > FRONT AXLE > REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION > FRONT DRIVE SHAFT BOOT o If the complete axle (drive shaft) is replaced when only a new boot is required, the
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 ↗ENHANCED DIAGNOSTIC LOGIC FOR CVT 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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The CVT transmission in 2016 Nissan Versa models is failing catastrophically, leaving owners stranded. Complaints describe sudden, complete stalling with no warning lights—sometimes while merging onto highways, crossing railroad tracks, or approaching traffic lights. One owner's transmission was declared "internally destroyed" at 50,484 miles. Others report progressive loss of acceleration (capped at 20 mph, then 10 mph, then 5 mph) or complete inability to restart after stalling. Diagnostic codes P0746 and P0705 appear in multiple reports.
Failures cluster around 50,000 to 87,000 miles, though hesitation and burnt-smell warning signs sometimes appear earlier around 60,000 miles. Owners report regular maintenance and the vehicle running fine until the transmission simply quit. In one case, a vehicle purchased used developed transmission trouble within 16 months of ownership.
Repair requires full transmission replacement, costing well over $2,000. Nissan issued recalls for transmission problems but has denied coverage citing non-dealer service history, expired warranty (roughly 84,000 miles), or mileage slightly exceeding coverage. One owner at 80,000 miles asked Nissan to cover a free CVT inspection under a pending class-action settlement; Nissan refused, stating the settlement had not been finalized.
Same Nissan Versa powertrain reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
CVT transmission internal failure and complete loss of power
The CVT assembly suffers catastrophic internal destruction requiring full replacement. Owners report sudden complete stalling and loss of motive power while driving, with no ability to restart or accelerate. In one case, the transmission was described as 'tooted' (internally destroyed) by a dealer technician. The failure creates hazardous situations where the vehicle stops in traffic or on highways with no warning.
When: Failures reported between 50,484 miles and 87,015 miles; issues with acceleration and hesitation appearing around 60,000-84,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete stalling while driving; Sudden loss of power and inability to move; Vehicle stopped in middle of road with no ability to accelerate; Initial hesitation and sluggishness before failure; RPM fluctuation and erratic needle movement; Jerking and shuddering; Progressive loss of acceleration (vehicle speed capped at 20 mph, then 15 mph, 10 mph, 5 mph)
Repairs/costs cited: Full CVT transmission replacement required. Owners report repair costs around $2,000 and up; one owner was 3,015 miles out of warranty and denied coverage
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan recalled transmission issues for some 2016 Versa models, but dealers have denied coverage citing vehicle service history, warranty expiration (powertrain warranty ~84,000 miles), and non-dealer maintenance. One owner contacted Nissan at 80K-84K miles asking for free CVT inspection under pending class-action settlement; Nissan stated settlement had not been resolved
Transmission range sensor failure
The transmission range sensor circuit malfunctions, causing transmission slipping sensations and check engine light illumination. Owner received a recall notice for transmission problem but dealer denied coverage.
When: Not specified in narrative
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Quick thunking sensation indicating transmission slipping; Vehicle sluggishness after restart
Codes mentioned: P0705
Repairs/costs cited: Owner quoted $2,000 for repair; stated recall notice was issued but not covered by dealer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall notice issued; however dealer denied coverage when owner brought vehicle in
Transmission slipping and acceleration loss
The transmission slips or fails to engage properly, causing reduced acceleration, bogging down, and inability to maintain speed. One owner described the transmission as 'shot' after inspection. Vehicle will not accelerate properly in city driving and cannot be driven safely on highways.
When: Around 60,000-90,000 miles; one case at approximately 78,000-79,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission will not accelerate properly; Vehicle bogging down and sluggish response; Inability to maintain speed uphill (vehicle rolled backwards); Hesitation while driving; Burnt smell from transmission; Loss of motive power while depressing accelerator
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission repair or replacement needed; one shop estimated transmission was 'shot'; owners report costs over $2,000
Synthesized from 17 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Was coming to a stop at a red light when my car suddenly stalled out. Re started it then it was sluggish and my check engine light came on, when I came to a stop again I felt a quick thunk like the transmission was slipping. Finally got it home when put it on code reader it came up with code p0705 transmission range sensor circuit malfunction. I received a notice of recall for the transmission…
The transmission completely went on my vehicle at 87,015 miles. I regularly drive on a major highway and had this happened while on the highway it could have been catastrophic as speeds generally exceed 70MPH on this road. The problem has been confirmed by my dealer. Nissan will not back the repair as I am 3,015 miles out of warranty. There were no warning lights prior to the failure.
Air bag red signal on and off it is very loose. AC Compressor is locked that cause belt broken and pulley is not working that AC Condenser had to be fixed Power Train Catalyst issues Exhaust leaking at manifold and catalyst too exhaust as Exhaust connections. Oxygen sensors too slow to respond. Need to repair sensors with exhaust.
Air bag red signal on and off. It is very loose. AC compressor needs repair that cause Belt broken, pulley isn’t working and AC condenser needed to be repair. Power Train catalyst issues. Exhaust leaking at manifold, catalyst too exhaust as exhaust connections. Oxygen sensors too slow to respond. Replace sensors with exhaust repairs.
Had powertrain trouble with your 2016 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 2016 Nissan Versa?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 17 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 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 78,000 and 87,000 miles, with the median around 83,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 78,000; a quarter make it past 87,000. 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/2016/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.