For budget-conscious buyers, the subcompact sedan class comes as a delightful respite. The options are affordably priced, adequately equipped, and promise a comfortable ride experience. While all these strengths are available in the Nissan Versaas well, the Japanese option adds a capacious cabin and high frugality to the mix. It is one of the class leaders, thanks to its ample trunk volume that ensures top-notch utility. With no major changes, even the 2014 iteration of the vehicle continues to be an impressive choice. Its ownership experience is rather refined, with the sedan registering 301 complaints and 2 recalls to its name. Most of the issues are concerned with the vehicle’s mechanical components, however, there are several other niggles that buyers have registered on the NHTSA website as well. A 2014 Nissan Versa for sale is available at $15,420 and in its segment, it competes with the likes of the Ford Fiesta, the Hyundai Accent, and the Chevrolet Sonic.
2014 Nissan Versa User Complaints and Problems
Safety Complaints
- Illumination of sensor warning light: Buyers of the 2014 Versa have reported the passenger airbag sensor warning light illuminating, unexpectedly. Despite the seat being occupied by an adult, complainants have recorded the passenger airbag remaining disabled, which can possibly happen due to a malfunctioning Occupant Detection System. As a result, the airbag deployment might be compromised. While it is a common complaint, there is currently no solution available for the buyers.
- Improper deployment of airbags: The problems with Nissan Versa’s airbag system also deal with its deployment. In several cases, buyers have either reported the failure of the airbags to deploy in a crash or activate randomly without any impact or incidence. Both situations result in injuries to buyers and in a couple of listed instances, occupants were required to seek medical attention due to the malfunction.
Mechanical Complaints
- Stalling of engine: The Nissan Versa problems list also includes issues with its engine. In several cases, complainants have recorded the vehicle unexpectedly losing motive power and stalling inadvertently. It increases the risk of a collision and while no definitive reason has yet been attributed to the problem, the overheating of the engine or a faltering transmission unit can result in such adversities.
- Issues with the transmission unit: The Nissan Versa transmission problems are related to its CVT unit. In an unbelievably high number of cases, buyers have reported the transmission hesitating while shifting between gears and slipping more often than not. Additionally, the vehicle also fails to engage in a specified gear, which causes the vehicle to perform erratically and stall. Consequently, the transmission requires replacement, however, for some users, even the replaced unit has failed and Nissanshould work towards introducing a recall for the issue.
- Service brake failure: The Nissan Versa issues also include a problem with the subcompact sedan’s braking system. In distinct cases, complainants have reportedthe pedal becoming extremely soft and failing to bring the vehicle to a halt, despite being floored. In other cases, users have also recorded difficulty in reaching for the brake pedal, due to a plastic intrusion on the floorboard. Both cases have resulted in a crash, which has caused injuries to the occupants. Currently, there is no solution available for reduced braking capabilities of the vehicle, however, Nissan has introduced a recall to deal with the structural intrusion that affects braking, referenced by NHTSA ID 15V507000.
Structural Complaints
- Cracking windshield: Buyers of the 2014 Versa sedan have reported the vehicle’s windshield cracking without any impact or incidence. In most cases, the windshield starts cracking from the lower passenger end and continues to grow significantly. As a result, visibility is compromised and the only available solution to the buyers is the replacement of the windshield unit.
2014 Nissan Versa Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
12th Aug 2015 |
15V507000 |
Compromised pedal operation |
Due to a central console trim panel, there might be a delay in the transition from the accelerator to the brake pedal. |
Dealers will modify the console trim panel, free of cost. |
|
2. |
1st July 2015 |
15V418000 |
Sticking engine start/stop button |
The engine start/stop button might stick inside the housing due to exposure to high temperatures. |
Dealers will modify the start/stop switch housing, free of cost. |
Should you buy the 2014 Nissan Versa?
The 2014 Nissan Versa sedan is a comprehensive option for first-time buyers. Its performance potential is unmatched and in almost all aspects, it gains ascendancy over its competitors. While it suffers from flaws like substandard material quality and a noisy engine, its reliability remains uncompromised as always. Compared to its sales figures of 140,000 units, the number of complaints does not seem blown out proportions. Even the 2014 Nissan Versa recalls list is restricted, and though there are 4 callbacks mentioned on the NHTSA website, two of them are specific to the Nissan Versa hatchback. So, with respectable safety scores and an inch-perfect ownership experience, the 2014 MY of the Japanese subcompact sedan is a delightful option.
