The Lemon Index2023 Nissan Versa.
The 2023 Nissan Versa is so far worse than average by owner complaints: 37 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 126, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 1 recall, and it gets 30 to 35 mpg combined. The best Nissan Versa year is 2019.
Early read
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 37 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Nissan Versa year. 2023 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 1
- airbags 2024
Due to a manufacturing issue, the driver's air bag inflator may absorb moisture, and cause the air bag to deploy improperly.
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 50 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- DRIVE SHAFT BOOT SERVICE INFORMATION SERVICE INFORMATION If a Drive Shaft (Axle Shaft) Boot on…
- CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been…
- AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING WARNING LIGHT BLINKING APPLIED SYSTEMS: Vehicles equipped with a…
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
When starting my car it started for a second and stalled and when I restarted the car the car started accelerating extremely slow and wouldnt go past 20 mph.
2023 Nissan Versa owner · NHTSA complaint 11592533
Quick answers
Is the 2023 Nissan Versa reliable?
It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn 1.3× the average car's complaints per car sold, against other 2023 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 126; 100 is average). The best Nissan Versa year by this measure is 2019.
What are the most common 2023 Nissan Versa problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (62%), transmission & drivetrain (41%) and speed control (35%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2023 Nissan Versa have?
1 safety recall (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2023 Nissan Versa get?
30 to 35 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2023 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 2023 Nissan Versa have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 41% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2023 Nissan Versa cost in fuel a year?
About $1850 to $2150 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2023 Nissan Versa have?
1.6L 4-cyl.
What Nissan Versa year is better than the 2023?
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