Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
2017 Nissan Versa Note 1.6 L 1598 CC L4 DOHC 16 Valve Odometer: 43408 COMPLAINT: Customer states, while driving vehicle will jerk and then engine light came on. Customer added oil. Technician confirmed customers concern. Technician scanned for trouble codes and found P285A. Technician performed P285A diagnostic procedure and confirmed transmission will need to be replaced. The above is the report from the auto shop. My car started jerking while driving on a slope, in heavy traffic which obviously made me very worried especially when you have no lane to exit. I specifically wanted to buy a newish pre-owned car to avoid expensive issues such as the one above. The odometer is only at +40000 miles, the car has been used only for 3-4 years. Please address.
Tl* the contact owns a 2017 Nissan Versa Note. While driving 40 MPH, the vehicle stopped accelerating. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal to the floorboard and the engine revved; however, the vehicle would not move forward. The contact coasted to the side of the road. When the vehicle was turned off and restarted, the vehicle finally moved forward. The failure occurred six times before the contact finally made it to the exit ramp off the highway. The contact had to call the police to make a turn off the street. The vehicle was towed to atlanta best used cars (5141 buford hwy, peachtree corners, ga 30071, [phone]). The dealer was still in the process of diagnosing the failure and had not yet called back. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 105,000.
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..
The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Versa Note. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently decelerated and was jerking. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the dealer could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic and diagnosed with transmission failure. The mechanic replaced the transmission; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,102. The VIN was unavailable.
I was in my car sleeping with the ignition off when I woke up there was flames on the driver side of the hood. You can see where the fire started on the ground wire by the battery circuit box. My safety was at risk because I could have not been able to make it out of my car if didn't wake up in time and could have been severely injured or even dead.
The contact owns a 2014 Nissan Versa Note. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle stopped after depressing the brake pedal to the floor. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the service brakes needed to be bled. The service was performed; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly stalled in the middle of a busy road and failed to drive forward or reverse as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the failure descriptions were consistent with a potential transmission failure. …
Over the past 4 years I have delt with my 2014 Nissan Versa Note SV constantly stalling in the middle of the road. I have replaced the transmission, TCM, and brake light wiring harness. I have had the Nissan dealership assess my vehicle three different times for 3+ days. They have completed wiring diagnostics and determined that the brake light wiring harness is getting water into the wiring causing a short and blowing the #49 fuse under the hood that also operates the transmission CVT/TCM. Their solution was to replace the wiring harness. This was completed last week. It rained again the last couple days off and on. The fuse has blown again. This causes the vehicle to stall in the middle of the road. There is no advanced warning or messages that appear. The check engine light does not come on either. It is way too hot out for my new baby for the vehicle to stall and not be able to run. …
Frequently asked questions
Which Nissan Versa Note years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2014 (55), 2015 (21) and 2016 (10) model years. Transmission complaints make up 40% of all complaints for the 2014.
Is there a recall for Nissan Versa Note transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for any Nissan Versa Note model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Nissan Versa Note transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 68,000 miles; 36% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (2 mentions).
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.