The Lemon Index2018 Nissan Versa.
The 2018 Nissan Versa is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 38 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 44, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 2 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 60 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Nissan Versa year. 2018 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 10K to 62K miles on the car (29 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 2
- back over prevention 2019
Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles.
- 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.
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 92 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Sentra, versa sedan, and versa note; cvt fluid leak service information service information…
- ALL MODEL YEAR 2012 AND NEWER NISSAN VEHICLES; EVAP LEAK DTC P0442, P0455, P0456 INFORMATION…
- NISSAN; DTC P0456 CAUSED BY EVAP LEAK AT VENT CONTROL VALVE O-RING This bulletin does NOT…
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 | 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
Unknown! Repeatedly spent thousands of dollars on repairs but car never fixes. Check engine light on every month and car stalls often.
2018 Nissan Versa owner · NHTSA complaint 11438755
More owner reports
Airbags recall. I was in a side front accident and no air bags came out.
NHTSA complaint 11166396
On Nissan motors usa website, the lower trims levels of the Versa sedan do not include backup cameras! Wasn't that made mandatory!?
NHTSA complaint 11057510
Quick answers
Is the 2018 Nissan Versa reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.3× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 44; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Nissan Versa year by this measure is 2019.
What are the most common 2018 Nissan Versa problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (24%), electrical (21%) and engine (18%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2018 Nissan Versa have?
2 safety recalls (latest: back over prevention). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2018 Nissan Versa get?
29 to 34 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2018 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 2018 Nissan Versa problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 10,200 and 62,900 miles. The middle report was at 27,000 miles, from 29 complaints.
Does the 2018 Nissan Versa have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 13% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2018 Nissan Versa cost in fuel a year?
About $1900 to $2200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2018 Nissan Versa have?
1.6L 4-cyl.
What Nissan Versa year is better than the 2018?
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