Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Nissan Versa owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that occasionally while driving at various speeds, the horn failed to function while needed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who advised the contact to reach out to the local dealer because the failure might be due to a possible air bag failure. The local dealer advised the contact to reach out to the manufacturer for assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the manufacturer related the failure to an unknown NHTSA Campaign that was possibly associated with the VIN in the past. The failure mileage was approximately 136,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Versa. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway and restart the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with an unstated wiring harness. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 45,000.
I stopped at an atm when I backed out of space cruise control lights started flashing horn going off air bag light flashing passenger door clicking. Made it to store parked car got horn to stop. When I backed up out of space and turned wheel air bag deployed. Lights flashing horn sounding alarms. Turned off vehicle call 911 fire department came to see if no danger of fire and if I was ok. Called ins company set up CV claim because air bag deployed for no apparent reason hit me in the chest possibly due to electrical something malfunctioned.police also came but said I did not need to report anything because I did not hit anything. Called geico had vehicle towed and because air bag deployed they created a claim. Had vehicle towed to firestone but they were closed today adjuster from insurance company coming out tomorrow 892021 to assess damage and repairs needed.
11587629 does not explain the issue I Reported 2012 Nissan Versa SV made July 2011, purchased Sep. 2011. 2022 45000 miles check engine light. o2, crankshaft position codes. A pig tail connected up stream o2 to crankshaft pos. sensor. Pig tail wires not togather, only taped' These two sensors were not connected to main wire harness.. Nissan new harness and labor $1100.+ , for what they didn't make right when built. How many people have been charged for this repair? That was Nissan's fault.
Nissan Versa 2012 has a engine problem with the mass air sensor and also the electrical probelm.my car shut off on the road while I was driving.I sent to the mechanist but they could not find the exact problem.I also sent to a Nissan dealership but the problem still remain it. I one time almost got a accident because of it.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Nissan Versa. While the vehicle was in drive, the power door locks unlocked. Also, the gears independently shifted out of drive, reverse, and neutral without warning. The contact stated that there were three manufacturer recalls that needed to be performed, but the dealer indicated that the parts May not be available until mid spring of 2018. The dealer (mcgavock Nissan wichita, 10625 e kellogg dr, wichita, ks 67207, [phone]) was notified several times and had not diagnosed the failures. The manufacturer was notified of the failures. The recall details and failure mileage were not available. Updated 12/13/2017 the consumer stated the air bag light illuminated, the radio would change on it's own, and the navigation system operates on it's own as well as gives incorrect directions. The vehicle lunged into another vehicle after inadvertently jumping into drive.
I pulled up to a pump at a gas station, got out and went in the store to get a drink. Came back out and my car had locked up. The steering and brakes were both locked. Thank god I wasn't in motion when this happened. The car would not accelerate. I cut the car off and let it sit there before trying to start it again. It cranks but never turns over. There is a battery light, brake light, ps light and oil light on the dash. I researched it and everything indicated a bad alternator. I bought a Nissan alternator and put it on. Still never turned over. The fuel pump runs and I put some starting fluid into the throttle body and it started but died after a five seconds. Every Nissan dealership tells me they don't know what the problem is. Its my only car, I'm flat broke and I am walking 2 hours to work every day so I don't lose my job. I need to know what's wrong.
January 2nd I was asked to jumpstart a vehicle in my driveway. Approximately 5 minutes later my Nissan Versa, with less than 32000 miles, caught on fire. The cables were hooked up correctly. Prior to this incident and at least three times, I had complained of a burning smell after highway driving. I was told by my insurance company, I should bring it to a Nissan dealer where a licensed Nissan mechanic could determine the cause of the fire. When the dealer neglected to do so, Nissan north America was called in to do an inspection. They completed their inspection and would not cover the expense or release the report to me or the Nissan dealer. They opted to keep the information undercover. I am assuming it is was an electrical issue or some type of leak judging by the 250,000 Nissan vehicles recalled in 2012.
U.s/ department of transportationmay 24, 2016 national highway traffic safety administration 1200 new jersey ave. S.e. Washington dc 20590 gentlemen/ladies: I had sent a letter to the california doj, district attorney's office with supporting information. The attached letter has all the information pertaining to this matter. The california department of justice, district attorney referred me to you. (the letter and information are attachments.) I believe the ignition switch malfunction is a safety issue and I would like my money refunded. Your prompt attention to this matter would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, [redacted] attachments:
On 8 March 2017, my battery died and I had it replaced at tj automatics & services. I drove the car for a few days before going on vacation. On 21 March 2017, as I'm driving home on the far (fast) left lane, on I-85n, atlanta, ga.at approximately 3:30 pm, the car shuts-down. I was able to coast over to the emergency lane without incident. I had the car towed to the above mentioned shop and they performed a diagnostic test that showed ECM no communication. They replaced a maxi fuse 20a and reprogramed key. On 23 March 2017, I pick up the car from the shop, drove about 5 miles and car shuts-down again. As of 9 April 2017, the car is still in the shop. They can not figure out what is causing this issue.
Electrical complaints in other Versa years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2012 Nissan Versa?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the electrical system of the 2012 Nissan Versa, 7% of the model year's 486 complaints. The component named most often is instrument cluster/panel (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Nissan Versa electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2012 Nissan Versa, though it has 10 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 2012 Nissan Versa electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 37,000 miles, and 35% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 3 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.