Last updated on October 4th, 2023 at 11:15 am
The Versa is a subcompact line of vehicles launched in 2006, manufactured by Nissan’s Japanese manufacturer in America.
Three generations of the Versa have been produced since 2006 up to 2020.
The Nissan Versa is popular for being affordable and long lifespan amongst other cars, for which some questions about its reliability arises.
Keep reading to find out almost everything you need to know about the Versa’s longevity.
How Long Does Nissan Versa Last?
The Nissan Versa is expected to last up to 200,000 miles without any issues and can even exceed if taken good care of.
If annually you drive up to 15,000-miles, then the Versa can be expected to last for about 13 to 15 years.
In 2020, Business Insider found Nissan in the 10th place out of 18 for the longest-lasting car brands.
Manufacturers’ maintenance instructions will help get most miles out of the vehicle.
The Versa is not only affordable but also has good longevity.
Thoughts on High-Mileage Nissan Versa
It is safe to purchase a Versa with 150,000 miles on the odometer as Nissan vehicles are very reliable.
As long as the car’s service history shows that it has been maintained correctly and did not miss any oil changes, the car is pretty much good to go.
A vehicle’s mileage should not be only taken into consideration to determine whether the car is a safe choice or not. Take the car to a mechanic who can identify any maintenance items missing.
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Does the Nissan Versa Rust Easily?
Based on reports from several owners, the Versa is good to go for about 2 years before rust starts forming in its compartments.
In 2015, Nissan announced a recall voluntarily of 218,000 Versas of the models from 2017 to 2012 because of rust issues. On the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report, the cars suffered corrosion problems, putting the tires at risk.
How Long Does the Nissan Versa Last Compared to Other Similar Subcompact Cars?
The Versa has been on the market since 2006, and by now, it has gained some competitors.
Nissan Versa vs. Kia Rio
The Rio is a subcompact car, now in its fourth generation, manufactured by Kia since November of 1999.
Both Rio and Versa can last on an average of 200,000 miles and surpass that with regular maintenance.
The annual maintenance cost difference between the two cars is very low, the cost for Versa is $456, and for Rio, it is $434.
Repairpal rates both cars 4 out of 5 for reliability, but the Rio is higher than Versa for subcompact cars.
J.D. Power scores the Rio 82 out of 100 and Versa gets 81 out of 100 in consumer ratings.
Both cars are similar, but the Rio is more spacious than the Versa.
Nissan Versa vs. Ford Fiesta
The Fiesta is a supermini that has been in the market since 1967, over seven generations, marketed by Ford.
The Ford Fiesta is expected to last up to 200,000 miles on average and exceed the same as Nissan Versa.
The maintenance cost for the Fiesta is a bit higher than that for Versa. Ford Fiesta costs $525 and for Versa, it is $456 annually.
In terms of reliability, both cars have a Repairpal rating of 4 out of 5. But the Versa ranks over Fiesta.
According to J.D. Power, Fiesta secured a place at 74 out of 100, and Versa is 81 out of 100 in consumer ratings.
The two cars share equal qualities. However, Versa offers more leg-room than Fiesta.
Nissan Versa vs. Hyundai Accent
The Accent is a subcompact car launched in 1994 manufactured by the South Korean multinational automotive manufacturer Hyundai.
The Hyundai accent is expected to last for about 200,000 miles or more, tying up with Versa.
The average maintenance cost for both cars is very similar, Accent is $444, and for Versa, it is $456.
Repairpal rates both Versa and Accent 4 out of 5 in terms of reliability.
According to J.D. Power, Accent has been placed at 80 out of 100 and Versa at 81 out of 100 for Consumer Ratings.
The cars are noticeably similar in profile without a couple of inches of legroom here and a bit of cargo capacity there.
Comparison Table
| Car Brands | Nissan Versa | Kia Rio | Ford Fiesta | Hyundai Accent |
| Miles | Average 200,000 miles | Average 200,000 miles | Average 200,000 miles | Average 200,000 miles |
| Annual Maintenance Cost | $456 | $434 | $552 | $444 |
| Repairpal Ratings | 4 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 | 4 out of 5 |
| J.D. Power Scores | 81 out of 100 | 82 out of 100 | 74 out of 100 | 80 out of 100 |
| Price Range | Starts from $15,930 | Starts from $16,150 | Starts from $14,260 | Starts from $15,500 |
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Are Nissan Versa Reliable?
Are Nissan Versas Reliable? That question has been on the minds of many buyers for quite some time. The current models do not have nearly as many problems
The most common problem with the Nissan Versa is the transmission system. The car’s 145 defects are in the transmission system, and 708 owners reported problems with the vehicle. The average warranty period for a new Nissan Versa is seven years. Fortunately, Nissan dealers are available to repair the vehicle if it breaks down.
The 2014 model has experienced a few problems, including drivetrain issues. While there are no major crashes, owners of this car often complain of transmission problems, particularly when shifting into gear. The typical repair for the 2014 Versa costs approximately $3,600, and comes when the vehicle has only covered 81,000 miles.
Although the 2009 Nissan Versa has suffered from the most problems. The 2009 model has seven hundred and thirty complaints and 150 problems. About 30% of the issues are related to the suspension system, including broken coil springs. A repair on this model costs an average of $600 and most issues start showing up at about 71,000 miles. So, the Nissan Versa is not without its share of complaints and issues.
Best and Worst Years of the Nissan Versa
The Versa is a car known for being affordable but consists of its issues and factory errors.
Best Years
2007 model focused mainly on usability and comfort in a compact size and received other features. Consumers Digest gave the 2007 Nissan Versa “Best Buy Aware”.
The 2019 model seems to have rectified most of the issues related to transmission and others and has almost zero to no cons.
The 2020 model has plenty of safety features and offers a high fuel economy at a reasonable price. It also has a 7.1 out of 10 expert rating.
Worst Years
The 2009 versa recorded the highest number of user complaints due to many issues.
2012 model Versa received almost 08 complaints and 148 issues after release, making it the worst year for Versa.
There were some positive sides of the 2016 Versa, such as great fuel economy and spacious interior. Still, some complaints started coming in reporting how the car often tended to fly or drift off into opposite lanes.
Model Years and Number of Complaints
| Model Years | Number of recalls |
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2017 | 3 |
| 2016 | 0 |
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2014 | 2 |
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2012 | 10 |
| 2011 | 6 |
| 2010 | 7 |
| 2009 | 7 |
| 2008 | 7 |
| 2007 | 8 |
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Is Nissan Versa A Good Car?
The Nissan Versa is a great car. The Nissan Versa comes with a 122-hp four-cylinder engine and a five-speed manual transmission. The latter is optional and standard on higher trim levels. The CVT mimics real gearchanges and is easy to use. You can isolate road imperfections, but the car still has an excellent handling experience. The steering is responsive. The brake pedals feel consistent.
Though it is a good car, it does have its share of problems. These problems vary by model, but knowing what to look for will help you keep your vehicle in top shape.
The Nissan Versa has a choppy ride and an unresponsive touchscreen. There’s enough storage in the car, but the cup holders are small and awkward. The interior is spacious, but tall teenagers will have trouble fitting in the back. And the price is right at $15,000 – so it could be a great buy. But the downside is that you won’t have much money to spare for other expenses, so it’s better to buy used.
Is the Nissan Versa Expensive to Maintain?
The average maintenance cost for all vehicle models is $652 per year, whereas it costs $456 annually for the Versa.
Versa has an unscheduled visit of 0.4 times per year annually.
It also has a low repair severity percentage of 10%, while for all vehicle models, it is 12%.
Below are listed some of the common repairs and their corresponding cost range for the Nissan Versa:
| AC recharge | $123-$155 |
| Power steering system leak inspection | $44-$56 |
| Oil pump replacement | $646-$743 |
| Engine coolant temperature sensor replacement | $83-$96 |
| Fuel tank replacement | $881-$938 |
| Wheel hub assembly replacement | $408-$453 |
How Long Do the Transmissions Last?
The Nissan Versa transmission can last between 130,000 to 180,000 miles on average. However, it is recommended that transmission fluids be changed every 45,000 miles.
The overall lifespan of a versa transmission depends mostly on how well it was cared for.
Cost for transmissions can range from $700 to $3,357, depending on the generation of the car model.
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How Long Do the Engines Last?
Every Versa runs with a 122-hp four-cylinder engine that provides the front wheels power. The Versa needs 5W-30 mineral oil which is not costly.
Nissan recommends changing oil every 3,750 to 5,000 kilometers.
Engines can be pretty costly, depending on the type.
How Long Do The Batteries Last?
The Nissan Versa battery is expected to last between 3 to 5 years, but this varies depending on driving habits, type of battery, weather conditions and much more.
Battery replacement costs as low as $169.95 and additional labor will cost you $20 to $40 depending on the market.
Maximum genuine OEM Nissan batteries are covered under a type of warranty for up to 24 months.
Tips to Increase the Lifespan of Your Nissan Versa
- Rotate tires at every 5,000 miles or while servicing the vehicle.
- Change engine oil every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
- Replace the air filter at every 3,000 miles.
- Follow maintenance schedules and service the car regularly.
- Flush, drain, and refill the coolant system at every 75,000 miles.
- We hope this article has helped you with any questions regarding a Nissan Versa.
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