The Lemon Index2011 Nissan Versa.
The 2011 Nissan Versa is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 39 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 33, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 7 recalls, and it gets 27 to 30 mpg combined. The best Nissan Versa year is 2019.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 269 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Nissan Versa year. 2011 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 35K to 95K miles on the car (145 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- airbags complaints mostly came at 55K–117K miles
- suspension complaints mostly came at 44K–110K miles
- steering complaints mostly came at 15K–75K miles
Recalls 7
- airbags 2022
Please see Nissan's recall report for the specific part numbers.
- airbags 2020
The vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated, frontal passenger air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls.
- airbags 2018
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Show all 7 recalls
- airbags 2018
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- airbags 2017
The affected vehicles have a driver frontal air bag inflator that may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to moderate absolute humidity, temperatures, and temperature cycling.
- airbags 2016
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- suspension 2015
Road salt may corrode the front coil springs, possibly resulting in the coil springs fracturing.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Nissan told dealers about
Nissan sent dealers 108 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Affecting all nissan with abs or abs/vdc
- NISSAN; DTC P0456 CAUSED BY EVAP LEAK AT VENT CONTROL VALVE O-RING This bulletin does NOT…
- SERVICE INFORMATION Starting with 2010 Model Year, Nissan vehicles have been gradually…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
- ClosedFront coil spring fracture2015
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Versa 5 HB FWD | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Nissan Versa 4 DR FWD | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★☆☆☆ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2150–2400 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.6L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
The most recent date has been 10/21/12. It has also happened in june and april. While driving, the car will completely turn off. Once pulled over, I am able to re-start it. The dealership can not find the problem.
2011 Nissan Versa owner · NHTSA complaint 10481997
More owner reports
Nissan Versa 1.6 base sedan, speedometer problem. Showing a speed higher then the actual so I am getting more miles then actual and might result in the earlier expiration of warranty.
NHTSA complaint 10413519
Quick answers
Is the 2011 Nissan Versa reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 3× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 33; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Nissan Versa year by this measure is 2019.
What are the most common 2011 Nissan Versa problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (18%), engine (18%) and airbags (18%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2011 Nissan Versa have?
7 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2011 Nissan Versa get?
27 to 30 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2011 Nissan Versa safe?
NHTSA gave it 2 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2011 Nissan Versa problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 35,000 and 95,000 miles. The middle report was at 64,000 miles, from 145 complaints.
Does the 2011 Nissan Versa have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2011 Nissan Versa cost in fuel a year?
About $2150 to $2400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2011 Nissan Versa have?
1.6L 4-cyl, 1.8L 4-cyl.
What Nissan Versa year is better than the 2011?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2019, 2010 and 2011.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works