Since its introduction in 2007, the Nissan Versahas managed to carve a niche for itself. It is one of the most affordable propositions available in the market that promises to deliver an experience above its class. In the 2012 iteration as well, the sedan upholds its core values. Though it has been completely redesigned, the Japanese vehicle remains a true family offering with its capacious cabin and simplistic ride quality. However, its reliability does lie in the gray. The newest MY has over 450 complaints listed to its name, most of which deal with the airbags and the powertrain of the vehicle. Additionally, it has 10 recalls and 7 investigations, which do seem worrisome, despite the high sales volume status. A 2012 Nissan Versa sedan price starts at $10,990 and it competes with the likes of the Hyundai Accent, the Kia Rio, and the Ford Fiesta.
2012 Nissan Versa User Complaints and Problems
Safety Complaints
- Issues with the airbag system: In the 2012 Nissan Versa problems list, issues with the airbags are manifold. In the current iteration, the most common issue deals with the airbag sensors, which fail to identify a driver or passenger seated in the front seats. As a result, the warning light remains illuminated, signifying an interference in the proper deployment of the airbags. In the other cases, buyers have also reported the airbags deploying inadvertently without an impact or failing to deploy in a crash, both of which have resulted in injuries to the buyers. Considering the multiplicity of issues and their widespread impact, there have been several recalls introduced by Nissanto eliminate all safety concerns.
Mechanical Complaints
- Engine stalling: The 2012 Versa buyers have also complained about the engine losing its power and stalling inadvertently. In almost all listed cases, users have recorded the warning lights illuminating and the vehicle lagging acceleration, which is followed by a total shut down. Currently, there is no reason known for the issue.
- Substandard braking performance: In the current iteration of the sedan, complainants have recorded the brake pedal flooring to the board, without any significant speed reduction. As a result, the halting time and distance have increased considerably, which has caused accidents in a couple of instances. While a confirmation regarding the underlying cause is yet to be received, failed brake pads and reduced brake fluid are widely regarded as troubling components.
- Swerving steering wheel: The Nissan Versa steering problems are not highly recurring. Yet, in several cases, buyers have reported the steering wheel swaying from left to right, without any input from the driver. As a result, the vehicle becomes difficult to control and requires constant correction to avoid the possibility of a crash.
- Failed coil springs: Due to corrosion, several buyers of the 2012 Versa sedan have reported the coil springs failing. Consequently, the vehicle makes thumping noises when being driven over uneven surfaces or in cold weather conditions. To deal with the issue, the Japanese brand has introduced two separate recalls, referenced by NHTSA IDs 17V637000 and 15V573000.
- Issues with the transmission unit: The 2012 Nissan Versa transmission slipping issue is its most commonly recurring concern. Thanks to its CVT unit, buyers have reported the transmission slipping between gears, which results in the vehicle losing acceleration and delivering erratic performance. In some cases, the transmission has also been reported shuddering excessively as it fails to find the correct gear corresponding to the speed. While the reasons for the problems are not known, several complainants have had to replace their transmission units due to failures.
Electric System Complaints
- Malfunctioning exterior lights: Among the Nissan Versa issues listed on NHTSA, a handful of buyers have reported the head and taillights of the subcompact sedanfailing consistently and burning out. While there is no known reason for the failure of the headlamps, seepage of water into the taillight assemblies results in the malfunctioning of the rear brake lights. Currently, the replacement of the light assemblies is the only solution available to the owners.
Structural Complaints
- Problem with the driver’s door: In a handful of cases, buyers of the 2012 Nissan Versa have also recorded the inability of the driver’s door to open from the inside. As a result, the driver either has to roll down the window to open the door from the outside or exit the vehicle through the passenger door. In most cases, where a diagnosis has been conducted, a broken handle has been attributed as the cause of concern.
2012 Nissan Versa Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
15th June 2018 |
18V401000 |
Explosion of passenger frontal airbag inflator |
In select states, due to propellant degradation caused by exposure to humidity, the passenger frontal airbag inflator may explode upon deployment |
Dealers will replace the passenger airbag inflator with an alternate one, free of cost. |
|
2. |
10th Jan 2018 |
18V044000 |
Explosion of passenger frontal airbag inflator |
In select states, due to propellant degradation caused by exposure to humidity, the passenger frontal airbag inflator may explode upon deployment |
Dealers will replace the passenger airbag inflator, free of cost. |
|
3. |
11th Oct 2017 |
17V637000 |
Corrosion of front coil springs |
Exposure to road salts may result in the front coil springs fracturing. |
Dealers will replace both front coil springs, free of cost. |
|
4. |
17th June 2017 |
17V449000 |
Ruptured driver frontal airbag inflators |
Due to propellant degradation caused by exposure to humidity, the driver’s frontal airbag inflator may explode upon deployment |
Dealers will replace the driver’s frontal airbag inflator with an alternate one, free of cost. |
|
5. |
6th Mar 2017 |
17V144000 |
Unexpected deployment of side airbags |
Upon the door being slammed, the side airbags may deploy unexpectedly due to the degradation of the side impact sensor connector pins. |
Dealers will install a new jumper harness and replace the side impact satellite sensors, free of cost. |
|
6. |
10th Jan 2017 |
17V028000 |
Explosion of passenger frontal airbag inflator |
In select states, due to propellant degradation caused by exposure to humidity, the passenger frontal airbag inflator may explode upon deployment |
Dealers will replace the passenger airbag inflator with an alternate one, free of cost. |
|
7. |
14th Sept 2015 |
15V573000 |
Corrosion of front coil springs |
Exposure to road salts may result in the front coil springs fracturing. |
Dealers will replace both front coil springs, free of cost. |
|
8. |
12th Aug 2015 |
15V507000 |
Improper interior build |
A panel in the central console trim may cause intrusion, which can delay the transition from the accelerator to the brake pedal. |
Dealers will modify the console panel, free of cost. |
|
9. |
14th Feb 2012 |
12V055000 |
Malfunctioning curtain airbags |
Due to an improper propellant mixture, the curtain airbags might not deploy. |
Dealers will replace one or both curtain airbag modules |
|
10. |
1st Feb 2012 |
12V032000 |
Substandard transmission unit |
In vehicles equipped with an automatic transmission, the vehicle might be shifted out of “Park” without depressing the brake pedal, due to interference between the shifter rod and shift knob. As a result, the affected units fail to comply with federal laws. |
Upon inspection, dealers will replace the shifter knob or shift assembly, free of cost. |
Should you buy the 2012 Nissan Versa?
The Nissan Versa is an absolute steal deal. For the price it commands, values such as affordability, efficiency, and comfort set the tone for the vehicle’s success. It is amply equipped and promises to be an all-around option that is best suited for daily drives. The safety scores are class-competing and even the reliability feels impressive. Considering the sedan’s sales volume of 125,000 units, its complaints feel restricted. Even the 2012 Nissan Versa recalls list is sensible and deals with the most recurring concerns in an effective manner. So, for us, the Japanese subcompact option makes for a logical choice. However, if you want to keep your options open, the 2012 Kia Riois an enticing alternative.
