The Lemon Index2021 Nissan Versa.
The 2021 Nissan Versa is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 21 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 36, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 3 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 32 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Nissan Versa year. 2021 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.
Recalls 3
- steering 2023
An intermittent electrical connection in the electric power steering (EPS) torque sensor can disable the power steering assist.
- steering 2022
An intermittent electrical connection in the electric power steering (EPS) torque sensor can disable the power steering assist.
- lights 2021
The front right and/or left turn signal bulb can crack and fail to illuminate.
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:
- AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING WARNING LIGHT BLINKING APPLIED SYSTEMS: Vehicles equipped with a…
- DTC B12A3-72 FOR FUEL PUMP RELAY STUCK OPEN SERVICE INFORMATION DTC B12A3-72 (Fuel Pump Relay…
- MIL ON WITH DTC P062F AND/OR P0603 STORED IF YOU CONFIRM The MIL is ON and DTC P062F (EEPROM)…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- ClosedReduced power after engine stall2024–2025
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 | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1850–2150 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.6L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Rear window tinting - dealer installed. Causes severe distortion/refraction on rear windshield during night driving making it impossible to determine where the cars are behind me.
2021 Nissan Versa owner · NHTSA complaint 11443085
Quick answers
Is the 2021 Nissan Versa reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.8× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 36; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Nissan Versa year by this measure is 2019.
What are the most common 2021 Nissan Versa problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (19%), engine (19%) and electrical (19%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Nissan Versa have?
3 safety recalls (latest: steering). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Nissan Versa get?
30 to 35 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 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 2021 Nissan Versa have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2021 Nissan Versa cost in fuel a year?
About $1850 to $2150 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Nissan Versa have?
1.6L 4-cyl.
What Nissan Versa year is better than the 2021?
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