The Lemon Index2016 Nissan Versa.
The 2016 Nissan Versa is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 52 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 38, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 0 recalls, and it gets 29 to 34 mpg combined. The best Nissan Versa year is 2019.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 110 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Nissan Versa year. 2016 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 9K to 62K miles on the car (66 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 0
No safety recalls on record.
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 146 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- PLASTIC INTERIOR TRIM PROTECTIVE COVERING REMOVAL SERVICE INFORMATION Vehicles are delivered…
- DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended
- SERVICE INFORMATION If the configuration of the Audio/Navigation unit has not been completed…
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
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 4 DR FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ |
| Nissan Versa Note 5 HB FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1900–2200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.6L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Brake issues reported not a good vehicle to have repaired several time- bought brand new - still suffering from multiple visits to dealership and company
2016 Nissan Versa owner · NHTSA complaint 11043785
More owner reports
When I step on the brake pedal for a street light or anywhere I need to use the break, my car makes a noise similar to a loose fan, and once I release the brake the noise stops.
NHTSA complaint 11082292
Received written notification of airbag recall Nissan Versa sv also owned a 2016 Versa that was wrecked
NHTSA complaint 11044271
Quick answers
Is the 2016 Nissan Versa reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.6× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 38; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Nissan Versa year by this measure is 2019.
What are the most common 2016 Nissan Versa problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (27%), brakes (19%) and steering (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2016 Nissan Versa have?
None: NHTSA has no safety recalls on record for it.
What gas mileage does the 2016 Nissan Versa get?
29 to 34 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2016 Nissan Versa safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 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 2016 Nissan Versa problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 9,800 and 62,000 miles. The middle report was at 34,300 miles, from 66 complaints.
Does the 2016 Nissan Versa have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 10% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2016 Nissan Versa cost in fuel a year?
About $1900 to $2200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2016 Nissan Versa have?
1.6L 4-cyl.
What Nissan Versa year is better than the 2016?
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