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 2012 Nissan Versa owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owned a 2012 Nissan Versa. While driving 35 MPH, the contact was distracted and swerved to gain control of the vehicle. The brake pedal was applied but failed to stop the vehicle. The contact crashed into a telephone pole. The air bags deployed and the brakes and steering wheel locked up. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries to the chest and left arm, which required medical attention. The vehicle was destroyed and towed. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 67,000.
I was getting ready to back my Versa into a parking space. I had my foot on the brake when I shifted the car into reverse the car engine revved up, brakes failed, and the car flew backwards into a wall causing considerable damage to the back end of the car. This could have been deadly if I was backing out of the parking space and not into it. Once I hit the wall the brakes came back on. Since the dealer was unable to replicate the incident they said it never happened. They also told me that it was impossible for the brakes to fail as they are a cable system. I also contacted Nissan motor corp directly and was told this was not a warranty issue and I would have to go through my insurance and pay the deductible. …
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.
This vehicle had an electrical problem. The entire electrical system would randomly shut down, killing all gauges, lighting, power steering and etc. Multiple visits to the dealership brought "unable to duplicate" responses and no attempt to repair. Nissan dealership recommended to drive the vehicle until the stated problem could be displayed at the dealership (note that a car cannot drive without a working electrical system). When vehicles electrical system shut down the final time a fire was ignited under the hood. The car was soon engulfed in flames. It is a total loss. Video of burning car can be seen here: http://youtu.be/0_pfv4cesps.
Salesman/dealer did not disclose vehicle maintenance report when requested. Was told that the vehicle was not involved in any accidents. 1) vehicle rolls back after it is put in park. May have been associated with previous recall. 2) when putting car in gear, can feel tugging in the floor board of driver side. Called recall.gov and was told that there were 4 recalls on the vehicle in which 2 had already been performed. Called Nissan dealer and scheduled an appointment for service for 12/31 to rectify those issues.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Nissan Versa. While attempting to park the vehicle, the steering wheel was turning, but the wheels were not registering with the steering wheel movement. The vehicle was towed to the contacts residence. An independent mechanic came to the contacts residence and stated that the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 112,000.
The car suddenly stopped while I was driving. I had no control of brakes or steering. It coasted to a stop. I contacted ktnv channel 13 investigative news and they filmed me and my story. The episode aired last night and today. I have two 2012 Versa's; the other one did not do this. They are my twins cars; I try to drive one every two weeks to make sure everything is OK. The vehicle was definitely in motion when this happened; had just exited the interstate.
My car will not move when the gas is pressed, it stutters and vibrates then jerks. The transmission catches then RPM hit 7500 very unsafe. This happens every time I stop and go. Took it to Nissan they said that they could not replicate the problem therefore could not fix it. This is ( bs ) cause it happens all the time. Also when I turn my steering wheel I feel something moving and hear popping noise on the driver side floor board.
Vehicle has been in 2 collisions over 2 year span. Once t-boned by another car, second time front end collision. First time passenger side door received severe damage, second time major front end damage. Never or neither time did any airbags deploy. Vehicle was doing 35 MPH at least each time. Have children and family whom are in vehicle often. Worried about all our safety. Thank you very much , with regards.
Something making noise in the steering wheel inside when making turns ... And pass airbag sometimes off sometimes on when driving... And the last one the brake pedal is not smooth as other cars and also you can hear a crack on it when pressing on it.
Steering complaints in other Versa years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2012 Nissan Versa?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the steering of the 2012 Nissan Versa, 5% of the model year's 486 complaints. The component named most often is rack and pinion (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Nissan Versa steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 28,000 miles, and 50% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury 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.