repaired · 2025 Q3
Steering: electric power assist system
Risk. Loss of power steering assist can increase the steering effort required, especially at low speeds, and increase the risk of a crash.
2021 Nissan VersaProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 32 owner complaints about the 2021 Nissan Versa, most often about the power train. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 21V-471 the manufacturer reports only 80% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 14, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: SsmIntrigue, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Nissan Versa has problems
32 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
9Power train1 crash/fire/injury
8Electrical system
5Air bags3 crash/fire/injury
5Engine
4Steering2 crash/fire/injury
3Exterior lighting
3Visibility/wiper
2Service brakes
2Fuel/propulsion system
76 other systems3 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 9 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 8 | 0 |
| Air bags | 5 | 3 |
| Engine | 5 | 0 |
| Steering | 4 | 2 |
| Exterior lighting | 3 | 0 |
| Visibility/wiper | 3 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 2 | 2 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 2 | 0 |
| 6 other systems | 7 | 3 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
3 recalls
2021 Nissan Versa recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2025 Q1
Steering: electric power assist system
Risk. Loss of power steering assist can increase the steering effort required, especially at low speeds, and increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2023 Q2
Turn signal: bulbs
Risk. Inoperable front turn signals cannot alert on-coming drivers and/or pedestrians that the vehicle will be turning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Nissan.
Best & worst years
2021 vs. every other Versa year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Versa median. How we score
'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2021 Nissan Versa safety ratings
2021 Nissan Versa 4 DR FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (11.8% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Standard
1 investigation
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2021 Nissan Versa, and the recalls they led to.
- Reduced Power After Engine StallNo recall
In owners' words
What Versa owners report
Recent power train complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
Automatic CVT failure confirmed by Future Nissan of Roseville CA. No warning prior to failure. Replaced by Kirkwood Autoworx Mechanical since Nissan Corporate denied a good-will replacement. Reason: 15k miles over warranty - 75081odometer reading at replacement on 5/27/26. CVT failed while on a…
Hi, My name is [XXX] and I live in [XXX]. In October 2023 I purchased a used Nissan Versa 2021 from a dealership. It only had 30k miles on it when I bought it. On May 9, 2026 I was driving to work when my car experienced acceleration failure. It had 80,600 miles on it. When the acceleration failed,…
I got into the car and started it up. Put in reverse car shuts off. Re started and put in reverse. Was able to drive out of apartment parking lot then no power to speed and car was a little jerky and on dashboard it said warning malfunction see owners manual with a few pictures on dashboard
Own a 2021 Versa?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.