The Lemon Index2017 Nissan Versa.
The 2017 Nissan Versa is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 41 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 34, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 3 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 72 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Nissan Versa year. 2017 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 59K miles on the car (40 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 3
- electrical 2018
In these models, over time, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
- airbags 2017
The ring plate that secures the air bag cushion to the passenger frontal air bag assembly may fail, possibly causing the air bag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.
- airbags 2016
A seam in the fabric section of the side curtain air bags may tear during side curtain air bag deployment, potentially affecting the performance of the air bag.
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 114 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- "all model year 2012 and newer nissan vehicles; evap leak dtc p0442, p0455, p0456 information…
- CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been…
- Engine turns off or hesitates when accelerating from a stop during hot ambient temperatures…
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 | not rated | ★★★★☆ | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
| Nissan Versa Note 5 HB FWD | not rated | ★★★☆☆ | not rated | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1900–2200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.6L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
When I first got my car it was feeling like it was going in and out of gears (still do). My brakes aren't good and when I start my car from not driving for hours it make a loud noise.
2017 Nissan Versa owner · NHTSA complaint 11307231
More owner reports
Air bag alert signal will not go off. Seat belt light indicator will not go out.
NHTSA complaint 11307222
Airbag light is lit and blinking will not go out. Tires have made the car shake since day one.
NHTSA complaint 11100748
Quick answers
Is the 2017 Nissan Versa reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.9× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 34; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Nissan Versa year by this measure is 2019.
What are the most common 2017 Nissan Versa problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (32%), brakes (20%) and seat belts (15%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2017 Nissan Versa have?
3 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Nissan Versa get?
29 to 34 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2017 Nissan Versa problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 9,300 and 59,000 miles. The middle report was at 31,100 miles, from 40 complaints.
Does the 2017 Nissan Versa have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 15% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2017 Nissan Versa cost in fuel a year?
About $1900 to $2200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2017 Nissan Versa have?
1.6L 4-cyl.
What Nissan Versa year is better than the 2017?
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