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2012 Nissan Versa: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2012 Nissan Versa has 10 recalls on file, more than any other Versa model year[1]. Owners also filed 486 complaints with NHTSA, so check every recall on the exact car before you buy or keep it[2].
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 486 owner complaints for the 2012 Versa[2]. 40 mention a crash, 6 a fire and 31 an injury, and 1 reports a death[2]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name several parts. The counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold.
Here are the biggest groups:
- Air bags, 167 complaints[5]. 28 mention a crash and 26 an injury, the most of any group[5]. In a sample of 12 complaint texts we read, 7 describe air bags that did not go off in a crash and 3 describe a warning light or sensor repairs[5].
- Power train, 163 complaints[6]. Median mileage at failure is 70,000[6]. In a sample of 12 texts, 5 describe the car slipping out of park, rolling, or a key that would not come out, and 4 describe a failing transmission[6].
- Engine, 56 complaints[7]. In a sample of 12 texts, 5 describe the engine stalling or losing power while driving[7].
- Electrical system, 34 complaints[8]. In a sample of 12 texts, 5 describe lights, signals or gauges that dim, flicker or fail, and 3 describe a fire or a burning smell[8].
Smaller groups are unknown or other with 51 complaints[9], speed control with 33[10], brakes with 32[11] and suspension with 28[12].
Recalls
NHTSA lists 10 recalls for the 2012 Versa[1]. Some also cover other models, and several apply only to certain states, build dates or body styles. Ask Nissan or a dealer to check the exact car. Newest first:
- Passenger air bag inflator (18V401). Filed June 15, 2018, with 104,762 potentially affected vehicles listed[13]. It covers 2011 sedans and 2011 to 2012 hatchbacks registered in certain states[13]. In a crash, the passenger inflator may explode as its propellant breaks down over time, and metal fragments could cause serious injury or death[13]. Dealers replace the inflator with an alternate one, free of charge[13].
- Passenger air bag inflator (18V044). Filed January 10, 2018, with 52,614 potentially affected vehicles[14]. The 2012 vehicles covered are hatchbacks registered in certain states and territories[14]. The defect and risk match 18V401, and dealers replace the inflator free of charge[14].
- Front coil springs (17V637). Filed October 11, 2017, with 1,119 potentially affected vehicles[15]. It covers 2012 hatchbacks sold or registered in certain states[15]. Road salt may corrode the springs until one breaks, and a broken spring could puncture the tire and raise the risk of a crash[15]. Dealers replace both front springs free of charge, and the recall expands 15V573[15].
- Driver air bag inflator (17V449). Filed July 17, 2017, with 515,394 potentially affected vehicles[16]. It covers 2007 to 2011 sedans and 2007 to 2012 hatchbacks[16]. The driver inflator may rupture as its propellant breaks down, and metal fragments could cause serious injury or death[16]. Dealers replace it with a new inflator from a different supplier, free of charge[16].
- Side air bag sensors (17V144). Filed March 6, 2017, with 54,751 potentially affected vehicles[17]. Worn sensor connector pins may make the curtain and seat-mounted air bags go off if a door is slammed, which could raise the risk of injury[17]. Dealers install a new jumper harness and replace the side impact sensors, free of charge[17].
- Remedy pending
Passenger air bag inflator (17V028). Filed January 10, 2017, with 152,554 potentially affected vehicles[18]. The 2012 vehicles covered are hatchbacks sold or registered in certain states and territories[18]. The passenger inflator may rupture in a crash and metal fragments could cause serious injury or death[18]. Remedy not yet available: the record says owners get a second notice when parts become available[18]. The planned fix is to replace the inflators free of charge[18]. - Front coil springs (15V573). Filed September 14, 2015, with 218,019 potentially affected vehicles[19]. It covers 2007 to 2012 Versas built from May 8, 2006 to November 12, 2012 and sold or registered in certain states[19]. The risk is the same salt corrosion and broken spring described in 17V637, and dealers replace both front springs free of charge[19].
- Console trim panel (15V507). Filed August 12, 2015, with 298,747 potentially affected vehicles[20]. It covers 2012 to 2015 Versa sedans built from June 9, 2011 to March 11, 2015[20]. The panel may catch the driver's shoe and delay the move from gas pedal to brake, which lengthens stopping distance[20]. Dealers modify the panel free of charge[20].
- Side curtain air bags (12V055). Filed February 14, 2012, with 976 potentially affected vehicles, covering certain 2012 Altima and Versa cars[21]. The curtain air bags may have an incorrect propellant mixture and may not go off, which raises the risk of injury[21]. Dealers replace one or both curtain modules as needed, free of charge[21].
- Shifting out of park (12V032). Filed February 1, 2012, with 36,608 potentially affected vehicles[22]. It covers 2012 Versas with an automatic transmission built from June 9, 2011 to January 13, 2012[22]. Interference between the shifter rod and shift knob can let the car be shifted out of park without pressing the brake, which raises the risk of a crash or a pedestrian injury[22]. Dealers inspect the car and replace the knob or shifter assembly as needed, free of charge[22].
Fuel economy
EPA lists five versions of the 2012 Versa. All use regular fuel and front-wheel drive[23]. The best combined rating is 33 mpg, from the 1.6L with an automatic (variable gear ratios)[3]. The lowest is 27 mpg, from the 1.8L with a 4-speed automatic[24].
| Engine and transmission | City / highway / combined mpg | EPA yearly fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1.6L, Automatic (variable gear ratios)[3] | 30 / 37 / 33 | $2,050 |
| 1.6L, Manual 5-spd[25] | 27 / 35 / 30 | $2,250 |
| 1.8L, Automatic (variable gear ratios)[23] | 28 / 33 / 30 | $2,250 |
| 1.8L, Manual 6-spd[26] | 26 / 31 / 28 | $2,400 |
| 1.8L, Automatic 4-spd[24] | 24 / 31 / 27 | $2,500 |
EPA's yearly cost uses its current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives the 4-door front-wheel-drive Versa 4 stars overall, with 3 stars for frontal crashes, 4 for side crashes and 4 for rollover[4]. Its rollover risk is 14.7%[4]. The 5-door hatchback gets 3 stars for frontal crashes and 4 for rollover, with a rollover risk of 14.0%[27]. No overall rating is listed for the hatchback.
Engine and size
The only horsepower figure we have is 109 hp for the 1.6L 4-cylinder, as rated for the EPA test car[28]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.
How 2012 compares with other years
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 has data on 19 Versa model years[1]. The 2012 model has 486 complaints and 10 recalls[1]. Only 2009 has more complaints, at 504[1]. No year has more recalls, and the next highest is 2007 with 8[1]. For comparison, 2013 has 204 complaints and 1 recall, and 2011 has 269 complaints and 6 recalls[1].
These counts are not adjusted for sales. They are fair to compare across years of the same model, but they do not tell you how likely any one car is to have a problem.
Should you buy a used 2012 Versa?
The 2012 Versa has a heavy recall history, and 6 of its 10 recalls involve air bags[13][14][16][17][18][21]. If you are looking at one, confirm that every recall that applies to that exact car has been done. Recall 17V028 is a special case, because its record says remedy parts were still to come[18]. Owners also describe stalling, shifting and air bag problems in the sample of complaints we read[5][6][7]. The 2013 model has fewer complaints and recalls on file, though sales are not factored in[1]. If fuel cost matters, the ratings run from 27 to 33 mpg combined depending on the version[24][3].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most reported problems with the 2012 Nissan Versa?
- NHTSA has 486 owner complaints, which are unverified reports[2]. The largest groups are air bags with 167 complaints and power train with 163[5][6].
- Does the 2012 Nissan Versa have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 10[1]. Six involve air bags, and recall 17V028 says remedy parts were still to come[13][14][16][17][18][21].
- What is the gas mileage of the 2012 Nissan Versa?
- EPA combined ratings run from 27 mpg for the 1.8L 4-speed automatic to 33 mpg for the 1.6L automatic (variable gear ratios)[24][3].
- How safe is the 2012 Nissan Versa?
- The 4-door front-wheel-drive version gets 4 stars overall from NHTSA, with 3 stars for frontal crashes[4]. The hatchback also gets 3 stars for frontal crashes[27].
- Is 2012 a bad year for the Nissan Versa?
- It has the most recalls of any Versa year, 10, and the second-most complaints, 486[1]. Counts are not adjusted for sales.
Facts and sources
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Nissan Versa model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- NHTSA has 486 owner complaints on file for the 2012 Nissan Versa (40 mention a crash, 6 a fire, 31 injuries, 1 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for Versa, 1.6L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 30 city / 37 highway / 33 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 3 stars, side 4 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 14.7%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 167 complaints name the air bags component group (28 crashes, 1 fires, 26 injuries, median mileage at failure 44,357). NHTSA vehicle records
- 163 complaints name the power train component group (4 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 70,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 56 complaints name the engine component group (2 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 63,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 34 complaints name the electrical system component group (3 crashes, 3 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 35,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 51 complaints name the unknown or other component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 60,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 33 complaints name the speed control component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 51,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 32 complaints name the brakes component group (6 crashes, 1 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 34,500). NHTSA vehicle records
- 28 complaints name the suspension component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 56,876). NHTSA vehicle records
- 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 17V637, filed October 11, 2017: Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V449, filed July 17, 2017: Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V144, filed March 6, 2017: Air Bags › Side / Window. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V028, filed January 10, 2017: Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V573, filed September 14, 2015: Suspension › Front › Springs › Coil Springs. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 15V507, filed August 12, 2015: Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 12V055, filed February 14, 2012: Air Bags › Side / Window. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 12V032, filed February 1, 2012: Power Train › Manual Transmission › Shift Pattern Indicator. 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
- 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, 1.6L 4-cyl, Manual 5-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 27 city / 35 highway / 30 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,250. 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
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 5 HB FWD: frontal 3 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 14.0%. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2012 Nissan Versa with 1.6L 4-cylinder: rated 109 hp. www.epa.gov
- 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 S/1.6 SV/1.6 SL: length 176 in, width 67 in, height 59 in, wheelbase 102 in, curb weight 2,297 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov