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 ↗2023 Nissan Versa powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2023 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 |
|---|---|
| 2019 Versa | 9 |
| 2020 Versa | 15 |
| 2021 Versa | 8 |
| 2022 Versa | 7 |
| 2023 Versa (this page) | 15 |
| 2024 Versa | 34 |
| 2025 Versa | 3 |
What stands out
Powertrain accounts for 41% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 4 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.
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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The overwhelming pattern across these 15 complaints is a dangerous power-loss condition affecting 2023–2024 Versa manual transmission models. Owners describe the vehicle entering a limp-mode state—typically triggered after a stall event or, in some cases, on cold start. Once triggered, the car refuses to accelerate above 20–40 mph regardless of throttle input, with RPM rising but no corresponding speed gain. The condition resolves only after the engine is shut off, the car sits briefly, and the engine restarts.
Most owners report no warning lights or check-engine messages before the event. One owner's OBD scan identified a crankshaft position sensor malfunction; another diagnostic reference cites P2615-00. Multiple owners have documented the issue on video and presented it to dealers, who consistently fail to replicate the problem during service visits and refuse warranty repairs.
A community consensus has emerged among owners: the software controlling the manual transmission may have been improperly coded when Nissan removed the push-to-start button from certain 2022–2023 trim levels. One owner experienced a distinct structural failure—a snap sound while accelerating, transmission and drive axle replaced under warranty—suggesting at least one case involves mechanical rather than software fault. One driving school employee reports students affected by the malfunction. All owners emphasize the acute safety risk: power loss during highway merges, interstate entries, and busy intersections.
Same Nissan Versa powertrain reports on nearby years: 2020 · 2024
Failure modes owners describe
Limp-mode power loss after stall events
After the vehicle stalls (whether intentionally or from user error), restarting triggers a severe loss of power. The car enters a limp-mode state where acceleration is severely restricted, typically limiting speed to 20–40 mph regardless of throttle input. The condition persists until the engine is shut off, allowed to sit, and restarted—then normal power returns. This occurs sporadically across multiple owners.
When: Typically within minutes after a stall event; occurs at 5,000–12,000 miles on new vehicles
Symptoms owners cite: Severe power loss after restart following stall; Unable to accelerate above 20–40 mph; High RPM with no corresponding speed gain; Vehicle behaves as if stuck in low gear; No warning lights or check-engine light (in most cases); Condition clears after engine shutdown and restart
Codes mentioned: P2615-00 (Crankshaft Position Sensor code)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to replicate issue during diagnostic visits; no repairs documented. One instance reports transmission and left drive axle replacement under warranty, but context suggests different failure mode.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan dealers have been unable to diagnose or replicate the malfunction despite multiple service visits and owner-provided video documentation. One owner report states Nissan confirmed a malfunction event via video but could not identify the cause. Community discussion suggests the issue may be related to improper software coding for removal of push-to-start button in 2022–2023 manual transmission models, particularly Versa S trim level.
Loss of power on cold start-up
Vehicle exhibits limp-mode behavior on initial cold start, especially in 60–80 degree weather. Owner reports 20% power output even with full throttle application, resembling limp-home mode. No warning lights present. Condition has occurred on multiple cold-start episodes within the first 4 months of ownership.
When: Cold start-up in 60–80 degree weather; first 4 months / 12,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: 20% power output on cold start; Full throttle does not improve acceleration; Limp-home mode behavior; No check-engine light or warning indicators
Codes mentioned: Crank position sensor malfunction (identified by owner using OBD scan tool)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer examined vehicle and found no issues on first diagnostic attempt. Vehicle returned to repair shop for second attempt.
Structural/drivetrain failure on acceleration from stop
One owner reports hearing a snap sound while accelerating from a stop sign on a hill, followed by the car rolling backward. The vehicle was towed to the dealership and the transmission and left drive axle were replaced under warranty. This represents a distinct mechanical failure mode rather than the limp-mode software issue.
When: While accelerating from a stop sign on a hill
Symptoms owners cite: Audible snap sound from front end; Vehicle rolls backward after failed acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission and left drive axle replaced under warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty repair completed at Nissan dealership
Check-engine light with power-loss and slow starting
One owner reports check-engine light illumination while driving city streets, accompanied by inability to accelerate or maintain speeds above 30 mph and slow response at traffic signals. This represents a case where warning diagnostics were present, unlike the majority of other reports.
When: While driving on city streets
Symptoms owners cite: Check-engine light illumination; Unable to accelerate above 30 mph; Slow start response at traffic signals; Unable to maintain posted speed limits
Synthesized from 15 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 9 most recent
I'm an employee at a driving school in Colorado and have experienced numerous occasion when loss of power is experienced. The most recent was in 10/05/2025 at 02:10pm. No warning light came on. The car was not accelerating more then 18mph. This issue is concerning. We have students driving for the first time that are affected by this Nissan Versa 2024 malfunction. Please have this issue reviewed…
I stalled my vehicle (5-speed manual) in a drive through. I quickly restarted the vehicle and proceeded through. When I pulled out onto the main road my car had no power. There was nowhere safe to pull over so I had to continue. My car would not accelerate above 20mph and even that was extremely hard. I had to downshift to 1st gear to proceed up the hill. Finally, I was able to pull off and…
Car stalled on highway. Car would not push pass 20 mph no matter how much I pressed on the gas. Eventually car stopped moving and this happened on the highway while I was driving normally and then it slowed down and then stopped. This happened before about 5 months ago and I turned car off and it drove again so didn't think of an issue until today when it happened again and didn't move. I had to…
Car is 4 months old 12,000 miles. 3 intermittent episodes upon startup car has only 20% power even with gas pedal to the floor like it’s in limp home mode. All episodes so far on cold start up 60-80 degree weather. No CEL lights, no misfire, no odd smells. YouTube poster has same problem and ran obd scan tool showing crank position sensor malfunction. Others suspect problem is software issue…
My car stalled while backing up in heavy gravel. I started out and did not notice that my car was not accelerating. I pulled out into a 65 mph road and began shifting and realized my car was not accelerating. It was a road where pulling over was dangerous. I found an area and turn the car off. I restarted (fixed it when 1st occurrence happened). Got back on the road and again my car was not…
While driving on city streets the check engine light came on and I was unable to accelerate or maintain speeds above 30mph. Because the car couldn’t operate at posted speed limits, other vehicles were stuck behind me or had to go around. It was also slow to start at traffic signals. I will be taking the vehicle to the dealer shortly for further diagnosis.
I had stalled my car and after I restarted it my car had a significant loss of power. I shifted and car would not accelerate at all top speed was 25-30 mph. I had my gas pedal depressed and no change in speed/ I limped to a dealership turned car off and restarted and car was back to normal. This vehicle was 2 days from purchase and less than 500 miles on it. I reported to dealer and was never…
The car lost power and would not go over 40 MPH. This made for a dangerous situation on the road. P2615-00 A Crankshaft Position Sensor code was thrown, but when I took it to the dealer they could not replicate the problem. I have video documentation of the problem I can provide. Since I posted my video, several other people have come forward with the same issue. It seems as if when the…
I was taking my 23 versa M/T to the dealer for its 10.000 mile service and upon driving the vehicle while pulling away from a stop sign I stall the vehicle and after that there was a significant loss of power, restarting the engine did not help. When I got to the dealership I did not shut the engine off and told them about the issue and said it was a safety issue and did not have the power to get…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2023 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 2023 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?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
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/2023/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.