What are the most common problems with the 2011 Nissan Versa?

Air bags lead the complaint list, followed by suspension and steering. See the problems section above for what owners describe.

Does the 2011 Nissan Versa have recalls?

Yes. The recall count is in the by-year fact, and each recall is listed in the Recalls section of this page.

What gas mileage does the 2011 Nissan Versa get?

See the fuel economy section of this page for the EPA figures.

Is the 2011 Nissan Versa reliable?

Owners filed 269 complaints with NHTSA. Read the problems and recalls sections to weigh them.

Is 2011 the best year for the Nissan Versa?

See the by-year comparison on this page, which is built from the same complaint and recall data.

2011 Nissan Versa Problems, Recalls and MPG

NHTSA has 269 owner complaints on file for the 2011 Nissan Versa^[1]. Air bags come up more than any other group, with 152 complaints^[2].

269owner complaints^[1]

6recalls^[3]

27–30MPG combined (EPA)^[4]

2★NHTSA overall rating^[5]

Problems
Recalls
Fuel economy
Safety
Engine and size
By year
Verdict
FAQ

Most reported problems

Here are the groups owners report most often, biggest first.

Air bags. 152 complaints^[2]. In the stories we read, owners describe air bags that stayed shut after a hit, an air bag that went off after a light door slam, and a warning light that keeps blinking and leaves them worried.
Suspension. 46 complaints^[6]. Owners describe knocking noises when turning, worn strut mounts, and coil springs that snapped, sometimes while the car sat still.
Steering. 21 complaints^[7]. Owners describe the wheel locking up, power assist cutting out, and clunking or popping in turns.
Unknown or other. 21 complaints^[8]. These reports do not fit a single named part.
Electrical system. 17 complaints^[9]. Owners describe the car shutting off while driving, headlights going dark, and a speedometer that reads off.
Engine. 11 complaints^[10].
Power train. 8 complaints^[11].
Structure. 8 complaints^[12].

These are unverified reports sent to NHTSA, and one complaint can name more than one part.

Recalls

Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2011 Versa is necessarily included.

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (20V008), January 2020. About 307,962 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: explosion, injury, death. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[13]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (18V401), June 2018. About 104,762 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: explosion, injury, death. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[14]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (18V044), January 2018. About 52,614 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: explosion, injury, death. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[15]
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module (17V449), July 2017. About 515,394 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: injury, death. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[16]
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module (16V349), May 2016. About 413,852 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: injury, death. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[17]
Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs (15V573), September 2015. About 218,019 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: a crash. Dealers do the repair free of charge.^[18]

Fuel economy

EPA ratings depend on the engine and drive. Annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Version	City / highway / combined MPG	Annual fuel cost
Versa, 1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[4]	28 / 33 / 30	$2,250
Versa, 1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[19]	24 / 31 / 27	$2,500
Versa, 1.8L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[20]	26 / 31 / 28	$2,400
Versa, 1.6L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[21]	25 / 32 / 28	$2,400
Versa, 1.6L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive^[22]	26 / 33 / 28	$2,400

Safety ratings

Version	Overall	Frontal	Side	Rollover	Rollover risk
5 HB FWD^[5]	2	3	2	4	14.0%
4 DR FWD^[23]	2	3	2	4	14.0%

Engine and size

These are Canadian-market specifications from Transport Canada, so US models can differ slightly.

Version	Length	Width	Height	Wheelbase	Curb weight
VERSA 4DR HATCH FWD 1.8S/1.8SL^[24]	169 in	67 in	61 in	102 in	2,723 lb
VERSA 4DR SEDAN 1.6 FWD^[25]	176 in	67 in	61 in	102 in	2,535 lb

How 2011 compares with other years

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Versa model year. The 2011 is highlighted^[3].

Show the numbers

Model year	Complaints	Recalls
2007	354	8
2008	381	7
2009	504	7
2010	269	7
2011	269	6
2012	486	10
2013	204	1
2014	343	4
2015	254	2
2016	110	0
2017	72	3
2018	60	3
2019	25	1
2020	64	2
2021	32	3
2022	20	0
2023	37	1
2024	96	1
2025	12	0

NHTSA's counts for the Versa show 269 complaints and 6 recalls for 2011^[3]. Among the 19 model years listed, 12 have fewer complaints than 2011 and 5 have more^[3]. The fewest complaints are for 2025 (12) and the most are for 2009 (504)^[3]. These counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide. The chart above shows every year.

Should you buy a used 2011 Versa?

The complaint record for this Versa is led by air bags, with suspension and steering well behind^[2]^[6]^[7]. Some reports involve crashes, fires or injuries, so those stories deserve a close read^[1]. The model also has recalls on file, listed in the Recalls section^[3]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a guide and not a verdict. Check the air bag warning light and the front suspension before you buy.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2011 Nissan Versa?: Air bags lead the complaint list, followed by suspension and steering^[2]^[6]^[7]. See the problems section above for what owners describe.
Does the 2011 Nissan Versa have recalls?: Yes. The recall count is in the by-year fact^[3], and each recall is listed in the Recalls section of this page.
What gas mileage does the 2011 Nissan Versa get?: See the fuel economy section of this page for the EPA figures.
Is the 2011 Nissan Versa reliable?: Owners filed 269 complaints with NHTSA^[1]. Read the problems and recalls sections to weigh them.
Is 2011 the best year for the Nissan Versa?: See the by-year comparison on this page, which is built from the same complaint and recall data^[3].

Keep exploring

Other model years of the Nissan Versa

2011 this page
2012 486 complaints, 10 recalls
2014 343 complaints, 4 recalls
2015 254 complaints, 2 recalls
2016 110 complaints, 0 recalls
2017 72 complaints, 3 recalls
2018 60 complaints, 3 recalls
2020 64 complaints, 2 recalls
2025 12 complaints, 0 recalls

Compare all model years of the Nissan Versa

Other Nissan models from 2011

2011 Nissan Maxima 106 complaints, 0 recalls
2011 Nissan Murano 148 complaints, 0 recalls
2011 Nissan Titan 26 complaints, 1 recall

All Nissan models

Similar cars from 2011: midsize cars

2011 Ford Fusion 2,926 complaints, 7 recalls
2011 Lincoln MKZ 185 complaints, 5 recalls
2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class 284 complaints, 5 recalls
2011 Mitsubishi Galant 3 complaints, 0 recalls
2011 Subaru Legacy/Outback 819 complaints, 16 recalls
2011 Buick Regal 280 complaints, 4 recalls

All midsize cars we cover

Facts and sources

NHTSA has 269 owner complaints on file for the 2011 Nissan Versa (19 mention a crash, 6 a fire, 23 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
152 complaints name the air bags component group (12 crashes, 2 fires, 18 injuries, median mileage at failure 74,215). NHTSA vehicle records
Owner complaints and recalls for every Nissan Versa model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Versa, 1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 28 city / 33 highway / 30 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,250. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 5 HB FWD: overall 2 stars, frontal 3 stars, side 2 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 14.0%. NHTSA vehicle records
46 complaints name the suspension component group (3 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,100). NHTSA vehicle records
21 complaints name the steering component group (6 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 35,000). NHTSA vehicle records
21 complaints name the unknown or other component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 57,000). NHTSA vehicle records
17 complaints name the electrical system component group (2 crashes, 2 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 52,500). NHTSA vehicle records
11 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,000). NHTSA vehicle records
8 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 68,784). NHTSA vehicle records
8 complaints name the structure component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 80,000). NHTSA vehicle records
Recall 20V008, filed January 9, 2020: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 18V401, filed June 15, 2018: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 18V044, filed January 10, 2018: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 17V449, filed July 17, 2017: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 16V349, filed May 24, 2016: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
Recall 15V573, filed September 14, 2015: Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs. NHTSA recall database
EPA rating for Versa, 1.8L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 24 city / 31 highway / 27 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,500. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Versa, 1.8L 4-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 26 city / 31 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Versa, 1.6L 4-cyl, Automatic 4-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 25 city / 32 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
EPA rating for Versa, 1.6L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 26 city / 33 highway / 28 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,400. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 2 stars, frontal 3 stars, side 2 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 14.0%. NHTSA vehicle records
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, VERSA 4DR HATCH FWD 1.8S/1.8SL: length 169 in, width 67 in, height 61 in, wheelbase 102 in, curb weight 2,723 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, VERSA 4DR SEDAN 1.6 FWD: length 176 in, width 67 in, height 61 in, wheelbase 102 in, curb weight 2,535 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

2011 Nissan Versa: problems, recalls and fuel economy