The Lemon Index2020 Nissan Versa.
The 2020 Nissan Versa is better than average by owner complaints: 30 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 62, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about automatic emergency braking, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 30 to 35 mpg combined. The best Nissan Versa year is 2019.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 64 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Nissan Versa year. 2020 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 2K to 41K miles on the car (17 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
- lights 2021
The front right and/or left turn signal bulb can crack and fail to illuminate.
- fuel system, gasoline 2020
Due to a manufacturing issue, the fuel tank wall thickness may be insufficient, potentially causing a small hole in the tank seam area.
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 130 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- KICKS, SENTRA, AND VERSA; CVT FLUID LEAK SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended
- PREVENT FRONT AXLE THREAD DAMAGE DURING NUT REMOVAL SERVICE INFORMATION If an Applied Vehicle…
- CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Versa 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1850–2150 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.6L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
I had an accident where I struck a deer. The floor airbag deployed and injured me. My leg has a bad hemotoma from it.
2020 Nissan Versa owner · NHTSA complaint 11375757
More owner reports
Cvt transmission shutter hesitating and failing in places that could cause an accident several times the car has come to a stop with the emergency assistance system and errors out often
NHTSA complaint 11437969
Quick answers
Is the 2020 Nissan Versa reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.6× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 62; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Nissan Versa year by this measure is 2019.
What are the most common 2020 Nissan Versa problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are automatic emergency braking (57%), transmission & drivetrain (20%) and electrical (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2020 Nissan Versa have?
2 safety recalls (latest: lights). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Nissan Versa get?
30 to 35 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2020 Nissan Versa safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2020 Nissan Versa have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 20% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2020 Nissan Versa cost in fuel a year?
About $1850 to $2150 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2020 Nissan Versa have?
1.6L 4-cyl.
What Nissan Versa year is better than the 2020?
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