2020 Nissan Versa: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 64 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is forward collision avoidance (21% of complaints); the 2019 and 2021 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 2 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Jun 2021
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 64 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“Driving home heard loud metallic sounding"pop" sound at entering driveway in reverse. Found broken spring piece in driveway.”Owner report · Suspension · Jul 2026
“My 2020 Nissan versa kept hesitating when being put in reverse the engine light kept coming on every few months I kept being told it was other issues until the transmission went out. I got it checked on multiple occasions because of the way it was hesitating and seemed like it was heating up.”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2026
“I am constantly getting a malfunction for P0101 despite changing my air flow system. It creates acceleration problems everytime.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Apr 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“On the interstate from [XXX] to [XXX] the Nissan Versa's License Plate reflected light so bright that it blinded my ride and we had to slow down and wait for them to get farther away from us. This is not random, they have a spray fixative on their license plate designed to block cameras from clocking their license plate or their numbers being recorded. This was easy to see whenever a light is shined onto it, you can see the thin film of camera block spray that is extremely reflective. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Mar 2026
“The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle unexpectedly jerked and stalled with the transmission warning light and the malfunction indicator warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for additional assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 155,146.”Owner report · Power Train · Mar 2026
“Recently out 2020 Nissan Versa started "Shuddering" when accelerating at low speeds. I took it to the Nissan Dealership and they quoted me $7,000 saying the transmission had to be replaced. I conducted online reviews and found Nissan customers experience this same issue in concerning numbers. I found multiple Nissan Technical Bulletins about this very issue, with this vehicle. Not only is it concerning they are allowing the safety of our loved ones to be at risk, but then do not have the loyalty to the customers to fix the problem with a recall.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jan 2026
“Unknown: overwhelming smell of fuel (fumes) inside the cabin. Dealer "repaired" the issue when newer. Car has same issue again but the Dealer has NO records of what was done to fix the problem. Exposed to these fumes cannot be good for driver nor passengers.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jan 2026
“Stalls when accelerating after temporary stopping. Particularly when pulling out onto a main road. Wheels not registering psi properly.”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2025
“Car runs rough at idle and has difficulty accelerating. Check engine lights comes on intermittently. CODE p0101 points at MAF sensor. Replaced multiple times. Cleaned air system, ie filter, hoses and throttle body. Same issues. Car feels unpredictable and unsafe. Can't accelerate through intersections and does not respond well went issue is present.”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2025
“The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Versa. The contact stated while driving 30 MPH, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was purchased with a cracked windshield. After investigating the failure, the contact determined that the cracked windshield was interfering with the Forward Collision Avoidance sensor and the Rear Collision sensor. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 45,000.”Owner report · Forward Collision Avoidance · Mar 2025
When filing, owners marked a crash in 5 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Titan, Titan XD, and Versa vehicles. The front right and/or left turn signal bulb can crack and fail to illuminate.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the bulbs as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 20, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PM986 and PC811.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Versa vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the fuel tank wall thickness may be insufficient, potentially causing a small hole in the tank seam area.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began April 6, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2020 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Versa by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2020 Nissan Versa reliable?
NHTSA has 64 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2020 Nissan Versa. The most complained-about area is forward collision avoidance (21% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2020 Nissan Versa problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 20,500 miles or less.
Does the 2020 Nissan Versa have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning exterior lighting:turn signal:bulbs. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.