Nissan Versa Years to Avoid — Worst & Best Years to Buy
Every Nissan Versa model year (2012–2026) ranked by recall count, complaint volume, injuries, and deaths. Data sourced directly from NHTSA.
Nissan Versa Years to Avoid
11 recalls · 485 complaints
31 reported injuries
1 reported death
Top issue: AIR BAGS
Problem score: 585
2 recalls · 335 complaints
22 reported injuries
1 reported death
Top issue: POWER TRAIN
Problem score: 390
1 recall · 203 complaints
13 reported injuries
3 reported deaths
Top issue: POWER TRAIN
Problem score: 247
Best Nissan Versa Years to Buy
0 recalls · 0 complaints
Main area: No significant complaints
Problem score: 0
0 recalls · 6 complaints
Main area: ENGINE
Problem score: 6
0 recalls · 15 complaints
Main area: POWER TRAIN
Problem score: 17
Found the right year? Verify that specific Versa with a free VIN report.
Nissan Versa — Year-by-Year Problem Report
| Year | Recalls | Complaints | Problem Score | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 0 | 6 | 6 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 1 | 89 | 92 | Good |
| 2023 | 1 | 37 | 40 | Excellent |
| 2022 | 0 | 15 | 17 | Excellent |
| 2021 | 3 | 28 | 43 | Excellent |
| 2020 | 2 | 57 | 73 | Good |
| 2019 | 1 | 20 | 25 | Excellent |
| 2018 | 2 | 52 | 78 | Good |
| 2017 | 3 | 61 | 80 | Good |
| 2016 | 0 | 79 | 116 | Good |
| 2015 | 1 | 166 | 226 | Caution |
| 2014 | 2 | 335 | 390 | Avoid |
| 2013 | 1 | 203 | 247 | Caution |
| 2012 | 11 | 485 | 585 | Avoid |
Higher scores indicate more reported safety issues across recalls, complaints, and injury data.
Nissan Versa Shopping Guide by Era
2018–Present
Best: 2026Recent Versa models benefit from updated safety systems and revised engineering. Lower problem scores typically appear in this era. The 2026 stands out with just 0 problem points. Always request a pre-purchase inspection and VIN history report.
2013–2017
Best: 2017Mid-decade Versa units are entering high-mileage territory. Inspect carefully for powertrain wear and verify recall completion status. The 2017 shows the lowest problem count for this era.
Pre-2013
Proceed with CautionOlder Versa models have more accumulated wear and a larger recall history. These are higher-risk purchases without documented maintenance records and a clean VIN history report. Confirm all historical recalls have been completed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year Versa should I avoid?+
Avoid the 2012 Nissan Versa if possible. It has 11 recalls, 485 owner complaints, and the most common complaint category is AIR BAGS. The overall problem score is 585 — the highest in our dataset.
What is the best year Versa to buy?+
The 2026 Nissan Versa is the lowest-risk year in our analysis, with a problem score of 0. It has only 0 recalls and 0 complaints on record with NHTSA.
Which Versa has the fewest problems?+
The 2026, 2025, 2022 model years have the fewest documented problems across recall and complaint databases. Even for low-problem years, verifying a specific vehicle's history via its VIN is always recommended before purchase.
More Nissan Versa Research
Check a Specific Nissan Versa VIN
Model-year rankings show statistical risk. A VIN-specific report reveals the individual vehicle's full history — accidents, odometer rollbacks, auction records, and open recall status.
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