Most common 2013 Nissan Versa problems
Share of the 204 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Nissan Versa complaints by model year
Best Versa years: 2019, 2017, 2018. Years to avoid: 2024, 2012, 2009, 2008. Compare all years →
2013 Nissan Versa recalls (1)
Vehicle speed control › Accelerator pedal
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Nissan Versa sedan vehicles manufactured June 9, 2011, to March 11, 2015, and 2014-2015 Nissan Versa Note vehicles manufactured April 23, 2013, to March 11, 2015.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will modify the console trim panel, free of charge. The recall began on September 14, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into 4 possible defects involving the 2013 Nissan Versa:
Pedal Operation Interference
On June 24, 2014, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE14-018 to investigate allegations that the tunnel carpet cover trim panel on model year (MY) 2012 through 2014 Nissan Versa, Versa Sedan and Versa Note vehicles has, in certain situations, interfered with the driver's ability to promptly release the accelerator pedal and transition to the brake pedal.
Excessive Brake Pedal Travel
On May 20, 2014, ODI opened PE14-014 based on eight complaints alleging incidents of excessive brake pedal travel in model year (MY) 2013 through 2014 Nissan Sentra, Versa Sedan and Versa Note passenger cars (Figure 1) and information in Early Warning Reporting field reports indicating issues with master cylinder internal seals.In response to an information request letter sent by ODI, Nissan identified a condition…
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
Pedal Operation Interference
On August 11, 2015, Nissan North America, Inc., submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) describing a condition that may impede the driver's ability to transition quickly and smoothly from the accelerator pedal to the brake pedal in certain model year (MY) 2012 through 2015 Nissan Versa Sedans and MY 2014 through 2015 Nissan Versa Note vehicles (NHTSA Recall No.
What 2013 Nissan Versa owners say
Transmission & drivetrain all 73 →
The contact owns 2013 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission warning light illuminated, and the vehicle hesitated and stalled. The vehicle was taken to a transmission specialist where it was diagnosed that an unknown sensor needed to be replaced. The sensor was replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the transmission specialist where it was diagnosed that an unknown sensor needed to be replace. The unknown sensor and battery were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The contact then stated that her son had to jump start the vehicle multiple times before the vehicle started. The contact stated that she notified the mechanic at the transmission specialist where it was determined to be an electrical failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. …
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Versa. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering and the transmission slipped out of gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence where an independent mechanic diagnosed that the turbine input sensor circuit B, pressure control solenoids including solenoid B had failed. The output, input, transmission, and primary speed sensors were replaced. Additionally, the CVT transmission fluid was flushed and refilled; however, the failure persisted. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to bring the vehicle to their location for diagnostic test. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
Brakes all 34 →
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Versa. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle started shuddering and the transmission slipped out of gear. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact veered to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the residence where an independent mechanic diagnosed that the turbine input sensor circuit B, pressure control solenoids including solenoid B had failed. The output, input, transmission, and primary speed sensors were replaced. Additionally, the CVT transmission fluid was flushed and refilled; however, the failure persisted. An unknown dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to bring the vehicle to their location for diagnostic test. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
For ten days my car suddenly loses 90% or more braking power-after moving at above 40 miles per hour for five minutes or more. Incredibly dangerous and no war I g lights and hard to diagnose. We are replacing master cylinder as they were investigated on this year and model. I want them to reopen that investigation and I want compensation.
Engine & cooling all 28 →
The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Versa. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle hesitated before the loss of motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the #3 cylinder misfired. The coils and spark plugs were replaced however, the failure recurred. Additionally, it was determined that the PCM was faulty and needed to be replaced or reprogrammed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer and the local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
my car is 7 years old but has only 57,000 miles on it. i had an older car so used that most of the time and saved this car. i have had endless problems with this car with its electrical system, the headlights go out all of the time and now the undercarriage is costing me alot of repair costs. dont know if i am being ripped off because i am a female senior citizen or the car is really fallingj apart at 57,000 miles. i paid well over $600 for repairs on exhaust system. now they tell me i owe almost $2,000 for repairs on something called abushing and a control arm and if i dont fix it the car will fall apart into two pieces. i have no way to get under the car for this kind of thing. i can so easily be ripped off. i need help. does the govt ever give any help to people. i need help b adly becuase i am so vulnerable tocrooked dealerships wanting to make money in this bad economy. …
2013 Nissan Versa engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl | CVT | FWD | 31 / 40 / 35 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 27 / 35 / 30 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 26 / 35 / 30 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2013 Nissan Versa a good car?
Based on 204 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 Versa rates average: 17% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Versa at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2013 Nissan Versa?
The transmission & drivetrain — 73 complaints, 36% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission › internal › cvt. Next are the brakes (34) and engine & cooling (28).
How many recalls does the 2013 Nissan Versa have?
There is 1 recall for the 2013 Nissan Versa, the most recent from August 12, 2015 (accelerator pedal). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Nissan Versa?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2019, 2017 and 2018. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2024, 2012, 2009 and 2008. See the full Nissan Versa years comparison.
At what mileage do 2013 Nissan Versa problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 52,000 miles; 45% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.