Most common 2016 Nissan Versa Note problems
Share of the 29 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Nissan Versa Note complaints by model year
Best Versa Note years: 2018, 2017, 2016. Years to avoid: 2014, 2015. Compare all years →
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2016 Nissan Versa Note:
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
What 2016 Nissan Versa Note owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Versa Note. The contact stated while driving at 70 mph, the vehicle would inadvertently decrease in speed to 30 MPH. The contact stated that the RPMs would fluctuate while driving. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but could not be diagnosed by an unauthorized dealer. The vehicle was not repaired but the contact had an oil change. The vehicle was then taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with nothing to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact then stated two days later, the contact heard a loud scraping noise coming from the engine compartment. The contact then took the vehicle back to the same dealer for a second time where it was diagnosed with the transmission needing to be replaced due to metal shards being found in the transmission pan. …
Car has had problems since day one when it was purchased for lack of power going up hills, and when changing lanes it shutters. Also since day one door latches have a problem working in cold weather.....Now at 46,ooo miles the right front passenger door does not want to open from outside, and sometimes will not open from inside, and the rear hatch will not open at all. The drivers door you have a 50/50 chance of it..may or may not open. This is a long term problem with Nissan cars and is a major safety problem if you cannot get out of a car. It is also problem that effects the safety of those who ride in Nissan Cars.....This has been a service bulletin and should be a major recall... It needs to be address...just look at the youtube video's its a common problems..
Brakes
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Versa Note. The contact stated that the exhaust became loose and was melting the brake line, which affected the braking system. The vehicle was driven 5 MPH to an independent mechanic, who discovered the failure. The exhaust was repaired. The independent mechanic advised the contact to replace the brake lines due to the damage caused by the exhaust system. The contact stated that the brake pedal was mushy and had to be depressed almost to the floorboard to stop the vehicle, and the stopping distance was extended. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
On December 12, 2016, buy the Nissan Versa Note, on January 7 2017 2.30 pm, crash at 30 or 35 MPH, brake, but only when I hit the other car, on February 28 I crash again in full stop 8 am to 20mph, haboa lot of traffic and I had a car of separation, they all advance and brake suddenly, no one crashed, only me that for more brake that I put no pair until finding the other, the service Nissan puerto rico says the brakes are well, but also this shock at 20mph broke mask, condenser, I double radiator focus, as if it were xe pastio. I feel my english because I had to use a translator, thank you
Air bags
The contact owned a 2016 Nissan Versa Note. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH in a parking lot, the vehicle failed to stop as needed while the brake pedal was depressed. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure caused the vehicle to crash into a nearby wall, which was not damaged. The driver's side steering wheel air bag deployed, and the front windshield fractured on the passenger's side of the vehicle. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed away to a local tow yard and deemed a total loss by the insurance provider. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The air bag deployed and struck the contact in the face, causing her front teeth to become loose and her mouth to bleed. …
After arriving home, I stopped in my driveway and waited for the front passenger to exit. The vehicle was still running and may not have been in park. Immediately after the passenger exited and closed the door, the passenger curtain airbag and passenger seat airbag deployed unexpectedly. The vehicle was stationary and had not been involved in any collision. This sudden deployment posed a serious safety risk - anyone still inside or near the vehicle could have been injured. I brought the vehicle to a Nissan dealership, where technicians scanned the airbag system. I am awaiting additional diagnostic results or a written report. The manufacturer has indicated the situation is considered "out of warranty," though I believe it represents a safety defect. The issue has not been reproduced or confirmed as a known defect by the dealer or manufacturer. …
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 Nissan Versa Note a good car?
Based on 29 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2016 Versa Note rates better than average: 67% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Versa Note at the same age. It is one of the best Versa Note years by this measure. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2016 Nissan Versa Note?
The transmission & drivetrain — 10 complaints, 34% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the brakes (6) and air bags (5).
How many recalls does the 2016 Nissan Versa Note have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2016 Nissan Versa Note. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Nissan Versa Note?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2018, 2017 and 2016. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2014 and 2015. See the full Nissan Versa Note years comparison.
At what mileage do 2016 Nissan Versa Note problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 50,000 miles; 50% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.