2020 NISSAN Versa

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

Expert Verdict
ℹ️Average Safety Profile

This 2020 model shows average reliability, primarily driven by 2 recalls affecting the exterior lighting system.

Key Factor:exterior lighting recalls

📋Why This Matters

Understanding recall history helps predict future ownership costs. Each unaddressed issue represents potential repair expenses.

Insurance companies review vehicle reliability data when setting premiums. Models with elevated recall rates often see adjusted pricing.

Focus Area:general reliability
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Expert Analysis

The 2020 Versa analysis highlights key safety metrics.

Safety & Reliability Score

81/100

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-16
Complaint Impact-2.7
Investigation Impact-0

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2020 NISSAN Versa

Model Year2020
MakeNISSAN
ModelVersa
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Jan20
NEWProduction
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan20
RECALLRecall Issued
Jul20
ISSUEFirst Report

Consumer Complaint Analysis

⚠️

Most Reported Issue

16 complaints (30% of total)
➡️

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 54 consumer complaints by severity level.

🟠High
2(4%)
🟡Medium
23(43%)
🟢Low
29(54%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

⚙️Engineering Insight

Based on consumer reports, issues for this vehicle tend to peak around the 0-20k mileage range. The average reported failure mileage is 26,510 miles.

📊 Mileage data extracted from 10 of 54 complaints (19% coverage)
0-20k
5 reports (50%)
20k-40k
2 reports (20%)
40k-60k
1 reports (10%)
60k-80k
2 reports (20%)
80k-100k
0 reports (0%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

🛠️ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

EXTERIOR LIGHTINGFUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

Official Safety Recalls (2)

Campaign: 21V471000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:BULBS

Summary

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Titan, Titan XD, and Versa vehicles. The front right and/or left turn signal bulb can crack and fail to illuminate.

Consequence

Inoperable front turn signals cannot alert on-coming drivers and/or pedestrians that the vehicle will be turning, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the bulbs as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 20, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PM986 and PC811.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.

Campaign: 20V112000

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

Summary

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Versa vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the fuel tank wall thickness may be insufficient, potentially causing a small hole in the tank seam area.

Consequence

If a small hole is present, a fuel leak may occur if the operator fills the tank over half full, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began April 6, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.

Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.

NHTSA Investigations

0 investigations

No active investigations for this vehicle.

Consumer Complaints

54 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2020 Versa.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Warning30%
Acceleration Issues28%
Check Engine Light15%
Accident13%
Crash/Accident11%
Stall7%
Jerk7%
Noise6%
Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE

I have had this happen numerous times in my car for absolutely no reason. I also just got my cars state inspection and nothing was noted, while other things unrelated to this issue were recommended by the mechanic. The car will start to stall in reverse AND in regular driving mode. Most recently it will come up with see manufacturers manual, and my engine light, traction control and crash sensors will appear on my dash board. Shutting the car on and off doesn't change the issue. Also this will happen sporadically sometime with check lights on and sometimes it's random and resolves itself. This is extremely dangerous when you're trying to drive and your car won't get "unstuck" and then randomly goes full speed. I drive 5,000 miles a year so I'm not using the car that hard.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

I am reporting a chronic and dangerous defect in my 2020 Nissan Versa that results in an unpredictable, sudden, and complete loss of acceleration (motive power) while driving. This defect has been present since shortly after purchase and remains unresolved, posing a severe safety risk on public roads. Specific Safety Incident Details: Symptoms: The failure begins with the illumination of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (Check Engine Light), simultaneously accompanied by dashboard messages like "Malfunction See Owner’s Manual" and "Key System Error." The Critical Safety Hazard (Loss of Power): Immediately following the dash warning, the vehicle experiences a major, sudden loss of acceleration. This is not a gradual deceleration—the throttle becomes unresponsive, and the vehicle will not accelerate for approximately 4 to 5 seconds. Driving Conditions: This failure occurs randomly, including during critical maneuvers such as accelerating from a stop, merging into traffic, or attempting to accelerate on a highway. Consequence: When the vehicle unexpectedly fails to accelerate (especially in high-speed or high-traffic situations), it creates a high risk of being struck from behind or being unable to clear an intersection or merging lane safely. Initial Report (In-Warranty): The problem was first reported on March 31, 2021 (Mileage 25,404) to Central Houston Nissan (Invoice # NICS309560) and again on July 29, 2021 (Mileage 32,229) to Sterling McCall Nissan (Invoice # 2373806). Engineering Investigation: On both occasions, the dealerships specifically noted that the issue (DTC P0101 and associated warnings/power loss) was "under investigation under Nissan Engineers." Technical Service Bulletin (TSB): Nissan has acknowledged this widespread issue by releasing TSB NTB21-049 (June 8, 2021), which addresses the "MIL ON WITH DTC P0101" for the 2020-2021 Versa model.

Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
WHEELS,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Stalls when accelerating after temporary stopping. Particularly when pulling out onto a main road. Wheels not registering psi properly.

Safety Systems🔶 Medium
AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while driving 25-30 MPH, another vehicle ran the stop sign and crashed into the front driver's side of the vehicle, and the entire front end of the vehicle was impacted and was significantly damaged. The contact stated that the front bumper separated and the headlights detached. The contact was occupying the front driver's seat while the contact's husband was occupying the front passenger's side seat. The contact stated that all the air bags deployed except the passenger's side curtain air bags, causing the contact's husband to hit his head against the window. Both the contact and her husband later went to the hospital, where the contact's husband was informed that he had sustained a concussion and a bump. The contact's husband also sustained burns and bruises on the legs from the air bags deployment. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS

I have replaced the mass airflow sensor multiple times also transmission is starting to slipping,not responding correctly, when this starts all the lights on my dash come on and also does not accelerate or respond as it should very dissatisfied when they saw me would never recommend to buy another one

Electrical🔵 Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Car runs rough at idle and has difficulty accelerating. Check engine lights comes on intermittently. CODE p0101 points at MAF sensor. Replaced multiple times. Cleaned air system, ie filter, hoses and throttle body. Same issues. Car feels unpredictable and unsafe. Can’t accelerate through intersections and does not respond well went issue is present.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the Chevrolet dealer where the vehicle was purchased, and the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Engine/Powertrain🔶 Medium
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE

I have serval codes from varies companies, O'Reilly's, Luther Nissan Dearlership from April to June 2025, the code is P0012, camshaft. The vehicle intermittently does not have power and I could easily be rear ended. Even thought Luther Nissan has had code P0012, camshaft they have not fixed it. I brought it to Luther Nissan 3 times since 4/22/25 to 6/2/25. Luther said,"Valvoline put transmission fluid in oil, said they drove it for 100 miles and found nothing, said old and current code on the same day and finally said you need a new battery. I bought a new battery. It happened again and I brought to a different certified shop on 7/11/25. Waiting to hear back. I have VERY detailed paperwork and many family/neighbors know. If I have an accident they know to sue Luther and Nissan.

Engine/Powertrain🔵 Low
ENGINE

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact also stated that while driving 40 MPH or exceeding 40 MPH, the vehicle started jerking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Other🔵 Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The transmission slips constantly. Car loses power. When they check the car they say nothing is wrong. CVT transmission

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any recalls for the 2020 NISSAN Versa?

Yes, the 2020 NISSAN Versa has 2 recorded recalls from NHTSA. These recalls cover various components including EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TURN SIGNAL:BULBS, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY.

Is the 2020 NISSAN Versa safe to drive?

The 2020 NISSAN Versa has 2 recalls. If you own this vehicle, check with your dealer to ensure all recall repairs have been completed. Most recalls have free remedies available.

Where can I check if my 2020 NISSAN Versa has open recalls?

You can check for open recalls by visiting NHTSA.gov and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), or by contacting your local NISSAN dealer.

🎯Risk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Exterior lighting

Issue: increases crash or loss-of-control risk

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm exterior lighting recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.

🔍

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all exterior lighting recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaign:21V471000
2

Fuel system, gasoline

Issue: presents fire risk under certain conditions

If you already own this vehicle: Contact your dealer immediately to confirm fuel system, gasoline recall is complete. Recall repairs are always free.

🔍

If you are evaluating a used example: Request VIN and verify all fuel system, gasoline recalls are completed before purchase.

Campaign:20V112000
💡Visit NHTSA.gov or contact your NISSAN dealer to verify recall completion status.

🧭What This Means for You

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

🔑

If You Own This Vehicle

  • Verify all 2 recalls have been completed using your VIN at NHTSA.gov or through your NISSAN dealer.
  • If any recalls are open, schedule service immediately—recall repairs are always free.
  • Consider setting up VIN-specific alerts to receive notification of future recalls.
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If You're Buying Used

  • Request documentation proving all recalls were addressed before finalizing purchase.
  • Factor potential recall-related service time into your ownership cost estimates.

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: January 10, 2026.