TransmissionHigh
CVT judder and failure.
- Typically appears
- 60,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Feel for shudder; confirm CVT fluid service.
2012 Nissan Versa problems
A 2012 Nissan Versa is now 14 years old, so an average example has covered around 189,000 miles. This is the first model year of the generation · early-build cars carry the highest share of teething faults and the most recall activity, so check the service history for completed recall work. Check the state safety inspection and service history alongside the documented faults below, which are sorted by whether a 2012 car has usually reached the mileage where they appear.
Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
The 2012 Nissan Versa is 14 years old, so an average example has covered roughly 189,000 miles. At that mileage 3 of the documented faults are already due, so check those first.
Faults a 2012 example has usually reached
Documented onset mileage is at or below the ~189k miles an average 2012 car has covered.
HVACMedium
AC performance drop.
- Typically appears
- 70,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Confirm cold AC output.
SuspensionLow
Front suspension knocks and bushing wear.
- Typically appears
- 70,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Listen for clunks over bumps.
Faults that appear at any mileage
Age, electronics and build-related issues that are not mileage-driven.
BodyLow
Thin paint and easy chipping.
- Typically appears
- Age-related
- What to inspect
- Inspect front-end paint.
Inspecting a 2012 Nissan Versa?
Generate a tickable pre-purchase checklist for this exact year, mileage and variant · add photos and notes as you inspect.
Check this exact carNissan Versa · frequently asked questions
Is the Versa reliable?
It's cheap to run but the CVT is the main long-term risk.
Should I buy a manual Versa?
The manual avoids the CVT issues and is more durable if you can find one.
Is the Versa good value?
Yes as basic transport, provided the CVT checks out.