NHTSA has 64 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Nissan Versa[1]. The biggest groups are the forward collision avoidance system and the power train, with 16 complaints each[2][3].
Most reported problems
Here are the complaint groups owners name most often, biggest first.
- Forward Collision Avoidance. 16 complaints[2]. In the stories we read, owners describe warning lights that come on for no clear reason and automatic braking that applies suddenly. Some say the system stopped the car at a bad moment. This group also includes 3 crashes and 3 injuries[2].
- Power Train. 16 complaints[3]. Owners describe the car hesitating, jerking, or barely moving when they press the gas, sometimes in stop and go traffic. Some of these reports came early in ownership. The median mileage at failure is 25,000[3].
- Engine. 14 complaints[7]. Owners describe a car that will not start, a check engine light, and sensor trouble. Some say the problems showed up when the car was almost new[7].
- Unknown Or Other. 14 complaints do not fit a clear component group[8].
- Electrical System. 12 complaints[9]. Owners describe a dash screen that will not light up, warning lights that appear at startup, and a fuse that burned out[9].
- Brakes. 6 complaints[10].
- Air Bags. 5 complaints[11]. This group includes 3 crashes and 3 injuries[11].
- Fuel/Propulsion System. 5 complaints[12].
Recalls
Newest first. Each recall covers only certain vehicles, so not every 2020 Versa is necessarily included.
- Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal › Bulbs (21V471), June 2021. About 30,799 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.[13]
- Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly (20V112), February 2020. About 46 vehicles are potentially affected across every model and year the recall names. The recall names these risks: fire. Dealers do the repair free of charge.[14]
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.
Safety ratings
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 DR FWD[6] | 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 11.8% |
Engine and size
Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles.
| Engine | Horsepower |
|---|---|
| 2020 Nissan Versa with 1.6L 4-cylinder[16] | 122 hp |
How 2020 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's counts for the Versa show 64 complaints and 2 recalls for 2020[4]. Among the 19 model years listed, 6 have fewer complaints than 2020 and 12 have more[4]. The fewest complaints are for 2025 (12) and the most are for 2009 (504)[4]. 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 2020 Versa?
These are unverified reports sent to NHTSA by owners, so they show what people ran into and not how often it happens. The forward collision avoidance and power train groups lead the list[2][3]. The crash reports sit in the forward collision avoidance and air bag groups[2][11]. The page also lists 2 recalls for this year[4]. If you are shopping for a 2020 Versa, check the recall section above and ask a seller for service records.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2020 Nissan Versa?
- Owners name the forward collision avoidance system and the power train most often, with 16 complaints each[2][3]. Engine and electrical issues follow[7][9].
- Has the 2020 Nissan Versa been recalled?
- Yes, this model year has 2 recalls on file[4]. The Recalls section on this page lists them.
- How many complaints does the 2020 Nissan Versa have?
- NHTSA has 64 owner complaints on file for this model year[1].
- What is the gas mileage of the 2020 Nissan Versa?
- See the Fuel economy section on this page for the EPA ratings and yearly fuel cost.
- Is the 2020 Nissan Versa reliable?
- Complaints are unverified and not adjusted for sales, so they are only one signal[1]. Read the problem groups above and check the Recalls and By year sections.
Keep exploring
Other model years of the Nissan Versa
Compare all model years of the Nissan Versa
Other Nissan models from 2020
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 64 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Nissan Versa (5 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 5 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 16 complaints name the forward collision avoidance component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 16 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 25,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Nissan Versa model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Versa, 1.6L 4-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 32 city / 40 highway / 35 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $1,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 11.8%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 14 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 14 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 12 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 6 complaints name the brakes component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the air bags component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- 5 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 21V471, filed June 23, 2021: Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal › Bulbs. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V112, filed February 26, 2020: Fuel System, Gasoline › Storage › Tank Assembly. NHTSA recall database
- 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 Test Car List, 2020 Nissan Versa with 1.6L 4-cylinder: rated 122 hp. www.epa.gov