Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
My car keeps having sensors go out. Such as the tire pressure sensor and fuel compression sensor I think is what they called it anyways. They start to go up a hill. And my car loses all speed and slows way down my traction control. Don't turn on when it's supposed to. And needs to my cruise control, quit working when this went out. And my engines started sounding louder, which is weird because it's the one variable transmission. I love this car. I really. I'm tired of replacing sensors, though. Why do they keep going out? I kind of need those sensors to keep the carving good and the tire sensor lets me know if my tires are going flat or not. And I don't know now. I have to constantly be checking my tires with it. Pressure gauge also May I ask how to find out value? I found out the Carla. …
The contact owns 2012 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while the vehicle was idling or while driving at various speeds, the driver's side floor was significantly hot, and the contact could feel the heat on her feet. The contact stated that the front driver's side floor carpet was burned, and the metal was visible. Additionally, the contact stated that the front brake pads were wearing prematurely and were replaced several times. The contact stated that while an oil change was being performed at Express Oil, the technician informed the contact that he had burned his hand due to the exhaust and manifold being significantly hot. The contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where the contact was provided an estimate for a diagnostic test and the repair. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …
The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Versa. The contact stated while reversing into a parking spot, the vehicle began to hesitate and jerk before the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the check engine and brake warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that after several attempts the vehicle restarted. The contact stated she had experienced the failure six times. The contact called and notified the Used Car dealer where she purchased the vehicle of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
I carry my family with me and in traffic the traction control light would come on and the car would loose power and not accelerate almost causing accidents I was told it was the speed sensors malfunctioning and the brakes would not work properly when trying to stop
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. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while on an incline and randomly while driving on a roadway. The contact also mentioned that the transmission was slow to change gears between first and third gears. The contact had to constantly check the gears to ensure they were changed over. The service engine warning light also randomly illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop and the mechanic stated that there was a CVT transmission failure advised the contact to take the vehicle to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact was also experiencing a failure in which the distance between the accelerator pedal and brake pedal was causing his foot to become trapped between the two pedals. The contact had to maneuver his feet with the pedals to prevent a failure. …
I bought my car brand new with 18 miles on it. At approximately 25K I was doing a fluid check on my vehicle because while driving the car stutter while accelerating. When I popped the hood open I noticed the my coolant reservoir tank was bone dry. I found some coolant in my garage and immediately added it to the reservoir to get it down to the dealership with no issue. The following day I brought it into the dealership and was trying to explain my situation. The service tech looked at the car and kept saying that the tank was full and there was nothing wrong with it even though I explained that I added some to get it there. They finally took my car back and had it for 2 days. When I came down to pick it up that said they couldn't find anything wrong with it. …
I purchased a 2012 Nissan Versa from a private owner for my grandson to drive at college. A week after the purchase, my grandson was driving on i95 at 55 MPH and the engine started to slow down. He tried to accelerate, the car continued to slow down while making a horrible sound like it was stuck between gears. He coasted to the nearest exit, pulled onto the shoulder and turned the car off. He restarted the car and was able to make it home. I took the car to a Nissan dealer since it only had 18,000 miles and is under warranty. They were not able to duplicate the issue but did replace a "sensor". Two weeks later it happened again and Nissan again replaced a "sensor". The third time, my grandson was driving to the poconos and just made it to the lodge before the car shutdown completely. We had the car towed to the nearest dealer where it sits today. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Nissan Versa. While driving 45 MPH, the contact's vehicle inadvertently shifted from drive into neutral before stalling. The contact was able to restart the vehicle and it operated normally. The contact also stated that the vehicle shifted into park while driving. When the vehicle stalled, all the warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to southern 441 Nissan (9405 southern blvd, royal palm beach, fl 33411, [phone]) where it was diagnosed with a transmission failure, which caused the vehicle to shift without depressing the brake pedal. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched the failure online and found NHTSA campaign number: 12V032000 (power train). The contact was unsure if the vehicle was previously repaired per the recall. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.
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.
Engine complaints in other Versa years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2012 Nissan Versa?
NHTSA has 56 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2012 Nissan Versa, 12% of the model year's 486 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system › radiator assembly (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Nissan Versa engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles, and 18% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 2 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling 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.