TransmissionHigh
CVT judder and failure.
- Typically appears
- 60,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Feel for shudder; confirm CVT fluid service.
- Typical repair
- Significant repair · £400–£1,400
Is the 2012–2019 Nissan Versa reliable?
Scored from 8 documented faults · reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
5.2/ 10
MixedOn our documented-fault scoring the Nissan Versa rates 5.2 out of 10 · mixed. We hold 8 known faults for it and 2 are rated high severity, so the risk is real but contained. The weak points cluster around transmission, hvac and suspension. A well-serviced example with evidence for the big-ticket items is usually a safe buy; the score describes the model, not the specific car in front of you.
Verdict · Negotiate · budget for the known faults
What the score is built from
- Critical
- 0
- High
- 2
- Medium
- 4
- Low
- 2
Weak points cluster around transmission, hvac, suspension, body.
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Check this carThe faults that decide it
Engine CoolingHigh
Engine overheating at idle or the air conditioning blowing warm when stationary due to radiator cooling fan motor failure.
- Typically appears
- 70,000-100,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Start the engine, switch the air conditioning to its coldest setting and maximum blower speed. Open the bonnet and verify the radiator cooling fan engages within 30 seconds.
- Typical repair
- Head gasket / cooling system repair · £900–£2,600
HVACMedium
AC performance drop.
- Typically appears
- 70,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Confirm cold AC output.
- Typical repair
- Routine repair · £180–£700
Exhaust SystemMedium
Blowing exhaust note or rattling from the centre section underneath the vehicle due to severe flange corrosion.
- Typically appears
- 50,000-80,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Start the engine from cold. Kneel by the rear nearside door and listen for a blowing sound, or briefly block the tailpipe with a rag to listen for hissing from the mid-pipe flange.
- Typical repair
- Exhaust / emissions component · £200–£950
Electrical / SteeringMedium
SRS (airbag) warning light illuminated on the dashboard and/or the horn failing to operate due to a broken clock spring.
- Typically appears
- 60,000-90,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Turn the ignition on to check the SRS light extinguishes. Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock whilst pressing the horn pad to ensure consistent operation without electrical dropouts.
- Typical repair
- Suspension refresh (per axle) · £250–£1,100
Costs are indicative UK independent-garage bands for budgeting and negotiation · never a quote.
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