DTC P17F4 STORED IN TCM IF YOU CONFIRM The customer reports transmission vibration when accelerating, HINT: Vibration occurs during quick reacceleration after braking, during a 2-1 downshift of the auxiliary gearbox. AND DTC P17F4 for âAUXILIARY GEARBOX (CL JUDDER)â is stored in the TCM. ï· If DTCs other than P17F4 are stored, this bulletin does not apply. Refer to the ESM for further diagnostic information. ACTION Refer to the Repair Overview on page 2 to determine if this bulletin applies.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2020 Nissan Versa powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2020 Nissan Versa have filed 15 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain 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 →
Complaints
15
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 Versa | 17 |
| 2017 Versa | 8 |
| 2018 Versa | 9 |
| 2019 Versa | 9 |
| 2020 Versa (this page) | 15 |
| 2021 Versa | 8 |
| 2022 Versa | 7 |
| 2023 Versa | 15 |
| 2024 Versa | 34 |
What stands out
Powertrain accounts for 23% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 5 categories tracked.
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.
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 ↗DTC P0746, P0776, P0841, P0965, P17F0 AND/OR P17F1 STORED IN THE TCM This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2020 Nissan Versa powertrain shows a pattern of critical failures across the fleet. The most dangerous: sudden, complete loss of acceleration while driving. Owners report throttle becomes unresponsive for 4–5 seconds during merging, highway driving, or stop-and-go traffic—serious collision risk. This failure pairs with a Check Engine light, transmission warning light, and error codes like P0101 (mass air flow). Two in-warranty complaints from March and July 2021 note the issue was "under investigation by Nissan Engineers," and Nissan released TSB NTB21-049 in June 2021 addressing this exact problem. Yet no recall followed.
The second major issue: CVT transmission shuddering, jerking, and grinding that worsens over time, progressing to full slippage by 100,000 miles. Vehicle may stall when shifting into gear. Dealers have quoted $7,000–$12,000 for transaxle replacement and often tell owners the behavior is "normal." Multiple shops confirmed internal transmission slippage requiring complete transaxle replacement.
A subset of failures involves mass air flow sensor malfunction requiring repeated resets. One owner replaced the MAF sensor multiple times. Related: Forward Collision Warning, ABS, and Parking Collision Warning lights illuminate simultaneously in some cases, accompanied by loss of acceleration. Nissan has declined warranty coverage on out-of-warranty complaints and directed owners to pay for diagnosis and repair out-of-pocket.
Same Nissan Versa powertrain reports on nearby years: 2023
Failure modes owners describe
Power loss / loss of acceleration (unresponsive throttle)
Vehicle experiences sudden, complete loss of acceleration and throttle responsiveness lasting 4–5 seconds or longer. Occurs randomly during critical driving situations (merging, highway acceleration, stop-and-go traffic). Creates high risk of rear-end collision or inability to clear intersections safely.
When: Early in ownership (25k–32k miles) through 60k+ miles; occurs unpredictably during driving
Symptoms owners cite: Throttle becomes unresponsive; vehicle will not accelerate despite pedal depression; Vehicle moves very slowly or not at all after shifting into Drive or Reverse; Occurs randomly during critical maneuvers (acceleration from stop, merging, highway driving); RPM drops suddenly, then increases sharply (surge)
Codes mentioned: P0101 (Mass Air Flow / Air Intake), Check Engine Light / Malfunction Indicator Lamp illumination, Transmission warning light, Some complaints report no codes detected despite failure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to replicate failure on test drives; some quoted transmission replacement at $7,000–$12,000. No repairs completed in reported cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB NTB21-049 (June 8, 2021) acknowledges 'MIL ON WITH DTC P0101' for 2020–2021 Versa. Two in-warranty reports noted issue 'under investigation by Nissan Engineers.' No recalls issued; Nissan referred owners to NHTSA Hotline; some claims denied outside warranty.
CVT transmission shuddering, jerking, grinding (internal slippage / failure)
CVT transmission shudders, jerks, grinds, or hesitates, particularly in stop-and-go traffic. Vehicle may stall or move sluggishly. Symptoms occur randomly and progressively worsen. Condition suggests internal CVT slippage and eventual complete transaxle failure.
When: Early in ownership through 100k+ miles; worsens over time
Symptoms owners cite: CVT shudders, jolts, or grinds, especially in stop-and-go traffic; Vehicle jerks or runs with inconsistent power (reduced or erratic); Transmission hesitates or fails to respond correctly; Vehicle may stall when shifting into gear or accelerating from complete stop; One case: vehicle stalled once; multiple others report near-stalls and jittery driving at 40–55 MPH
Codes mentioned: No Check Engine codes detected in some cases despite transmission failure, Some cases report transmission warning light illumination
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanics found transmission slipping and determined 'transaxle assembly needs replacement' (cost $8,000–$12,000). One dealer quoted $7,000 for transmission replacement. Most vehicles not repaired; owners reported dealer dismissal ('normal behavior') or refusal to diagnose under warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific recalls issued. TSB references exist (owners mention finding 'multiple Nissan Technical Bulletins about this very issue'). Nissan Consumer Affairs declined resolution; owners advised to pay out-of-pocket for diagnosis and repair.
Mass air flow sensor malfunction / fuel-air ratio sensor issue
Owner reports repeated mass airflow (MAF) sensor failures and fuel-air intake ratio imbalance, requiring manual resets by turning engine off and on in specific sequences. Related to power loss and transmission symptoms. One owner replaced MAF sensor multiple times.
When: During ownership; occurs repeatedly
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel-oxygen intake ratio constantly requires manual reset; Owner must cycle ignition (off/on/neutral shifts) repeatedly to stabilize engine sound; Mass airflow sensor failures (replaced multiple times by one owner); All dashboard lights illumination when sensor malfunction occurs
Codes mentioned: P0101 (Mass Air Flow / Air Intake) inferred from TSB reference, Dashboard malfunction messages ('Malfunction See Owner's Manual', 'Key System Error')
Repairs/costs cited: One owner replaced MAF sensor multiple times out-of-pocket; no Nissan assistance noted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB NTB21-049 addresses MAF sensor and P0101 codes for 2020–2021 Versa; no evidence of proactive recalls or warranty extensions for recurring failures.
Unwanted acceleration / unintended braking (drive-by-wire malfunction)
Vehicle accelerates on its own while driving, and brakes engage unexpectedly without driver input. Creates immediate collision hazard during turning or normal driving.
When: During driving; frequency not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle accelerates on its own without throttle input; Vehicle brakes unexpectedly without brake pedal depression; Occurs while driving, especially during turns; Dangerous interference with intended vehicle control
Forward Collision Warning / Parking Collision Warning system malfunction (associated with drivetrain failure)
ABS, Forward Collision Warning, and Parking Collision Warning lights illuminate unexpectedly. When these lights appear, vehicle also fails to accelerate or moves very slowly. Suggests electronic control module or sensor cascade failure affecting both safety systems and drivetrain.
When: Random occurrence during startup and driving
Symptoms owners cite: All three warning lights (ABS, Forward Collision Warning, Parking Collision Warning) illuminate simultaneously; Vehicle will not move or moves very slowly when accelerator applied; Occurs in both Drive and Reverse; Unpredictable timing creates safety hazard
Codes mentioned: ABS warning, Forward Collision Warning, Parking Collision Warning
Synthesized from 15 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
I am reporting a chronic and dangerous defect in my 2020 Nissan Versa that results in an unpredictable, sudden, and complete loss of acceleration (motive power) while driving. This defect has been present since shortly after purchase and remains unresolved, posing a severe safety risk on public roads. Specific Safety Incident Details: Symptoms: The failure begins with the illumination of the…
Cvt transmission shutter hesitating and failing in places that could cause an accident several times the car has come to a stop with the emergency assistance system and errors out often
My car while driving accelerates on its own and while driving it brakes on its own making it dangerous when driving because when you go to make a turn the car just brakes while you're trying to accelerate
I have replaced the mass airflow sensor multiple times also transmission is starting to slipping,not responding correctly, when this starts all the lights on my dash come on and also does not accelerate or respond as it should very dissatisfied when they saw me would never recommend to buy another one
Had powertrain trouble with your 2020 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 2020 Nissan Versa?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 15 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?
Based on the 15 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 61,437 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2020/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.