Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2009 Nissan Versa owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Recently, I submitted a safety complaint here about a broken coil spring. At about 39K my right spring went and was replaced by a genuine Nissan replacement coil spring. At about 61K, my left spring broke. I ordered a replacement from Nissan and was going to replace it. Unfortunately, I noticed that the already broken spring had snapped some more and the newly replaced spring had snapped as well when the car was simply sitting on my driveway! The new right side spring only lasted about 22K miles or 15 months. Basically, I have experienced 3 broken coil springs from Nissan after only about 61K miles of driving. I have read the stories at the carcomplaints website and many are similar to mine. Please investigate this problem before someone gets seriously hurt.
My Nissan Versa has had an ongoing problem with the steering column. In 2011, while the vehicle was still under warranty, I complained about a popping sound in the front suspension of the car accompanied by a shifting sensation felt in the steering wheel. After checking the car over several times, the dealer discovered a problem with the steering shaft and replaced it. Two years later, the problem resurfaced and has gotten much worse over time. Now, my dealer is telling me I need to replace the steering shaft again - but I have to pay this time. I've not yet hit 70,000 miles and need a third steering shaft? Sounds like a parts or design problem to me! Nissan should replace it.
Vehicle experiences knocking in the steering column at low speeds/stationary when turning the steering wheel clockwise and counter clockwise. This knocking symptom is amplified when vehicle travels over uneven surface at any speed. When braking at speeds, the steering wheel shifts violently in operators hands. Rotors and pads as well as strut assembly was replaced in an attempt to correct the issue. Symptoms continued after these replacements. Tie rod ends and swing bars were later replaced with no positive results. This leave the assumption that the issue is related to the power steering system. Possible defect in the rack and pinion steering unit.
The coil spring broke on the passenger side of the car ripping into the tire, while I was driving. The car's steering was immediately affected and so were the brakes, since the broken spring ripped the brake line. I broke down in an underpass and had to call the police since we were placed in a dangerous spot with cars speeding by. I did not expect this for a car that is 6 years old! From what I have read so far this seems to be a prevalent problem with Nissan versus and it seems that the dealers are not taking any action.
Tl contact owned a 2009 Nissan Versa. While driving approximately 55 MPH entering the right lane the contact was forced to turn the steering wheel back in the opposite direction in order to center the vehicle. The vehicle did not respond to the change in steering and continued to drift to the right until it crashed. During the failure the brakes would not function. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to an insurance lot where they did not diagnose the failure. The failure and current mileages were 50,000.
Front coil spring shattered tearing up front tire this exact problem was noted for Versa in recall 15V573000 date 09/14/2015. My car was not included in the recall. It appears that the recall was to limited. After getting car repaired Nissan has refused to pay for my repair costs stating the car was not included in recall. Luckily I pulling out of my driveway when the spring exploded. I think the recall was to limited and I should be reimbursed to my expenses.
Driving along, heard a loud pop as I turned onto a major roadway. The car was pulling very badly to the left side and could barely stop the vehicle. Had to have the car towed home and the struts replaced on the car. After doing some research this seems to be a common and very costly issue. I was quoted $930 to have this issue resolved. Not a happy Nissan owner.
I'll have 65, 700 miles on my car is am a very safe driver, don't speed an takes care of my car. So why am I hearing clicking noises in the steering column ? My mechanical c says the bill will be over $600. I am 72 an have never had this problem in any of my cars in my 50 years of driving. I'll hear clicking noises in the steering shaft when it turn right.
Stirring is making a noise when backing up when wheels are turning. Wipers blades makes noise on drivers and doesn't clear view on passenger side. Having problems finding replacement parts. Cd player has a reading erra, want play at all. Tried cleaner but still doesn't work.
When vehicle is in motion upon turning either left or right popping noise coming from steering column . Also causing front end to creak . Gerald Nissan inspected and said it needs steering shaft u joint replaced . But they say it is safe to drive.
Steering complaints in other Versa years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2009 Nissan Versa?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the steering of the 2009 Nissan Versa, 6% of the model year's 504 complaints. The component named most often is linkages › tie rod assembly (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Nissan Versa steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2009 Nissan Versa, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2009 Nissan Versa steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 58,000 miles, and 19% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.