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2020 Nissan Versa

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2020 Nissan Versa do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 95.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 17 of 64 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Forward Collision Avoidance. Review the 16 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 16 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 14 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

5 crash reports0 fire reports4 injury reports

Electrical System complaints

12 reports
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Mileage unknown · Apr 1, 2026
Electrical SystemExterior LightingStructure

several recalls but dealer my did not have any

NHTSA ODI #11728626

Mileage unknown · Nov 3, 2025
Electrical SystemForward Collision AvoidancePower Train

I am reporting a chronic and dangerous defect in my 2020 Nissan Versa that results in an unpredictable, sudden, and complete loss of acceleration (motive power) while driving. This defect has been present since shortly after purchase and remains unresolved, posing a severe safety risk on public roads. Specific Safety Incident D…

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I am reporting a chronic and dangerous defect in my 2020 Nissan Versa that results in an unpredictable, sudden, and complete loss of acceleration (motive power) while driving. This defect has been present since shortly after purchase and remains unresolved, posing a severe safety risk on public roads. Specific Safety Incident Details: Symptoms: The failure begins with the illumination of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light), simultaneously accompanied by dashboard messages like "Malfunction See Owner’s Manual" and "Key System Error." The Critical Safety Hazard (Loss of Power): Immediately following the dash warning, the vehicle experiences a major, sudden loss of acceleration. This is not a gradual deceleration—the throttle becomes unresponsive, and the vehicle will not accelerate for approximately 4 to 5 seconds. Driving Conditions: This failure occurs randomly, including during critical maneuvers such as accelerating from a stop, merging into traffic, or attempting to accelerate on a highway. Consequence: When the vehicle unexpectedly fails to accelerate (especially in high-speed or high-traffic situations), it creates a high risk of being struck from behind or being unable to clear an intersection or merging lane safely. Initial Report (In-Warranty): The problem was first reported on March 31, 2021 (Mileage 25,404) to Central Houston Nissan (Invoice # NICS309560) and again on July 29, 2021 (Mileage 32,229) to Sterling McCall Nissan (Invoice # 2373806). Engineering Investigation: On both occasions, the dealerships specifically noted that the issue (DTC P0101 and associated warnings/power loss) was "under investigation under Nissan Engineers." Technical Service Bulletin (TSB): Nissan has acknowledged this widespread issue by releasing TSB NTB21-049 (June 8, 2021), which addresses the "MIL ON WITH DTC P0101" for the 2020-2021 Versa model.

NHTSA ODI #11697255

Mileage unknown · Aug 29, 2025
Air BagsElectrical SystemPower Train

I have replaced the mass airflow sensor multiple times also transmission is starting to slipping,not responding correctly, when this starts all the lights on my dash come on and also does not accelerate or respond as it should very dissatisfied when they saw me would never recommend to buy another one

NHTSA ODI #11683812

Mileage unknown · Aug 15, 2025
Electrical System

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 w…

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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.

NHTSA ODI #11681003

Mileage unknown · Apr 6, 2025
Electrical SystemUnknown Or OtherVehicle Speed Control

All the dash lights come on car acceleration will either speed up or slow down on its own the transmission slips shakes and stalls at red lights

NHTSA ODI #11653022

Mileage unknown · Feb 24, 2025
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

I am writing to formally report ongoing and unresolved issues with my vehicle that have significantly impacted its safety and reliability. The persistent problems include: Multiple simultaneous dashboard warning indicator illuminations Recurring "See Owner's Manual" malfunction notifications Intermittent Key System Error messag…

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I am writing to formally report ongoing and unresolved issues with my vehicle that have significantly impacted its safety and reliability. The persistent problems include: Multiple simultaneous dashboard warning indicator illuminations Recurring "See Owner's Manual" malfunction notifications Intermittent Key System Error messages Continuous presence of diagnostic Code P0101 A representative from the dealership management informed me that Code P0101 is a known and widespread issue affecting multiple Nissan models, including the Versa, Sentra, and Altima. Despite this acknowledgment, I have been repeatedly told that these concerns are "under engineering review," yet no progress has been made, nor have I received any meaningful updates regarding the investigation. This lack of resolution raises serious safety concerns, and I urge the NHTSA to investigate this matter further. I appreciate your attention to this issue and any guidance you can provide on the next steps to ensure the safety and functionality of my vehicle. Sincerely,

NHTSA ODI #11644569

Mileage unknown · Feb 24, 2025
Electrical SystemEngineUnknown Or Other

I am writing to report a potential safety and design defect in my vehicle that I have also noticed affecting many other owners of the same make and model. The issue involves the rubber seal at the edge of the windshield, which is supposed to prevent water from entering the engine bay. However, the rubber is not properly secured—…

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I am writing to report a potential safety and design defect in my vehicle that I have also noticed affecting many other owners of the same make and model. The issue involves the rubber seal at the edge of the windshield, which is supposed to prevent water from entering the engine bay. However, the rubber is not properly secured—it merely sits in place—allowing water to pass underneath it. As a result, water accumulates on the valve cover near the ignition coil, creating a risk of electrical problems, including misfires or potential engine failure. Over time, this could lead to serious mechanical and safety issues. After researching, I have found that many other owners of the same vehicle have experienced this same problem. I believe this issue poses a safety concern and should be investigated further. Please advise on any next steps or potential recalls regarding this matter. Thank you for your time and attention.

NHTSA ODI #11644562

Mileage unknown · Nov 28, 2023
Electrical SystemEngineForward Collision Avoidance

Safety is at risk for multiple reasons one because a month upon receiving this brand new vehicle with 40 miles on it I’ve been experiencing malfunctioning problems. I am not able to receive a forward collision warning at times. I’m not sure if these electrical problems also caused my battery to die a few weeks later. In these mo…

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Safety is at risk for multiple reasons one because a month upon receiving this brand new vehicle with 40 miles on it I’ve been experiencing malfunctioning problems. I am not able to receive a forward collision warning at times. I’m not sure if these electrical problems also caused my battery to die a few weeks later. In these moments is the start of when the malfunction notification would appear daily. Two— The transmission has been having issues for a long time as well. My drives no longer have a smooth transition when I press the gas it stutters and will not accelerate immediately. The problem has been confirmed by an independent service center. I brought my car new once again so am very disappointed at how much needs to be worked on and do not want to purchase from Nissan ever again.

NHTSA ODI #11557235

Mileage unknown · May 11, 2023
Electrical SystemEngine

The mass air flow sensor need to be replaced. There is also a camshaft position sensor circuit malfunction.

NHTSA ODI #11521610

Mileage unknown · Mar 20, 2022
Back Over PreventionElectrical SystemForward Collision Avoidance

Everytime I turn my car on, there’s a chance that some lights will turn on my dash for absolutely no reason..the car could be parked and getting warmed up and the traction control light,parking collision warning, and front collision light all turn on simultaneously. I have included a photo to get a Better picture! only way for m…

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Everytime I turn my car on, there’s a chance that some lights will turn on my dash for absolutely no reason..the car could be parked and getting warmed up and the traction control light,parking collision warning, and front collision light all turn on simultaneously. I have included a photo to get a Better picture! only way for me to get rid of them is by turning my car off for 5 minutes then turning it back on again. It been a real inconvenience. Not to mention when those lights turn on it means I can’t Parallel park anywhere because my rear parking assist prevents me from backing up, because it “thinks” something is in the way…ugh! Not only that but everytime I play music my Nissan Connect shuts of in the middle of my drive then resets and starts playing music again. If you guys have any answers for me please let me know I bought this car in August of 2021

NHTSA ODI #11457534

Official recalls

2

21V471000 · Exterior Lighting:turn Signal:bulbs

Jun 23, 2021

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Inoperable front turn signals cannot alert on-coming drivers and/or pedestrians that the vehicle will be turning, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

20V112000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

Feb 26, 2020

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If a small hole is present, a fuel leak may occur if the operator fills the tank over half full, increasing the risk of a fire.

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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.