The Nissan Versa is an affordable subcompact sedan. The car is available at a bargain price of $ 10,750 for the base trim and goes all the way up to $ 17,410 for the top trim. The 2011 Nissan Versa is available in 6 trims and 2 engine configurations. The car's overall crash rating is disappointing with just 2 stars, performing well only in the rollover test. We have observed that the Nissan Versa is a reliable car compared to its competitor but slightly below the Toyota Yaris. It has around 257 complaints registered and 6 recalls to date. Most complaints relate to the airbags. It competes against the likes of the Chevrolet Aveo, the Kia Rio, and the Toyota Yaris.
2011 Nissan Versa User Complaints and Problems
Safety Complaints
- Airbags not deploying/deploying at minor impacts: Few users have complained that the airbags didn't deploy in the event of a crash. Some also reported that the airbag was deployed without any impacts. This could result in serious injuries to the users.
Engine and Mechanical Complaints
- Engine knocking: Few users have complained that the engine makes a knocking sound and shuts down abruptly.
- Transmission issue: Few users have reported that the transmission fails at times.
- Locking steering wheel: Few users have also complained about the steering wheel locking rendering the user difficult to take turns.
Electrical Complaints
- Horn not working: Few users have reported the horn doesn’t work at times. This could be a result of issues with the clock spring or a loose wire connection.
2011 Nissan Versa Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
9th January 2020 |
20V008000 |
Frontal passenger airbag inflator may explode. |
The vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated, frontal passenger air bag inflators containing phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that was used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation. |
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators with alternate desiccated inflators, free of charge. |
|
2. |
15th June 2018 |
18V401000 |
Frontal passenger airbag inflator may explode. |
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger airbag inflators may explode due to propellant degradation. |
Dealers will replace the front passenger airbag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. |
|
3. |
10th January 2018 |
18V044000 |
Frontal passenger airbag inflator may explode. |
In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflators may explode due to propellant degradation. |
Dealers will replace the front passenger airbag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. |
|
4. |
17th July 2017 |
17V449000 |
Driver frontal airbag inflator may explode. |
The affected vehicles have a driver frontal air bag inflator that may rupture due to propellant degradation. |
Dealers will replace the subject inflator with a new one manufactured by a different supplier, free of charge. |
|
5. |
24th May 2016 |
16V349000 |
Frontal passenger airbag inflator may rupture. |
These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation. |
Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. |
|
6. |
14th September 2015 |
15V573000 |
Front coil spring may corrode. |
Road salt may corrode the front coil springs, possibly resulting in the coil springs fracturing. |
Dealers will replace both front coil springs, free of charge. |
Should you buy the 2011 Nissan Versa?
The 2011 Nissan Versa base trim is one of the most affordable cars compared to its competitors. The plus points of the 2011 Versa are its affordability, spacious cabin, and large trunk. It falls behind in many aspects compared to its competitors. However, the car has fewer complaints, as most of the issues registered have been related to the TAKATA airbag recalls. We would recommend the 2011 Nissan Versa only if you are short on budget and need a basic car to move around. If you are looking for better performance and better ride quality, the Toyota Yaris can be considered.
