Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2016 Nissan Versa owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from a complete stop at a traffic light, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle responded as needed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to drive back to the residence, where the vehicle stalled. The vehicle failed to restart and was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the CVT transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the repair could not be covered because the vehicle was not previously serviced at the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 78,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at undisclosed speeds, the vehicle lost motive power, and started jerking while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the RPM needled was fluctuating erratically. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 84,000.
While merging onto [redacted] toward [redacted] , my 2016 Nissan Versa suffered a total loss of power while crossing active railroad tracks. The car stuttered and jerked before completely stalling and stopped responding. I was stranded in a high-traffic zone around [redacted] PM. I was worried that the vehicles coming behind me would not see my small car right away, as I was positioned past the railroad tracks and partway down the middle of the downhill slope. Because of the crest of the hill behind me, I lost sight of approaching traffic in my rearview mirror, which meant drivers coming over the top of the hill wouldn't see my stalled car until they were already descending toward me. I was fortunately able to get it restarted and drove it immediately to a Nissan dealership. A diagnostic scan confirmed Code P0746. …
0 The vehicle has a CVT transmission failure causing severe shuddering, jerking, and progressive loss of acceleration. Initially the vehicle would not exceed 20 mph, then worsened to 15 mph, then 10 mph, and now will not exceed 5 mph. The issue consistently occurs after the vehicle has been driven for more than approximately 2 minutes. There are no warning lights or alerts prior to the failure. The vehicle has completely lost power while driving and has stopped in the middle of the road with no ability to accelerate or restart the vehicle, creating an extremely dangerous situation and risk of collision. This appears to be a known and common defect with the CVT transmission on this vehicle model and year. The condition has progressively worsened and makes the vehicle unsafe to operate.
Since buying car used last summer ive have numerous scares for the car stalling jerking and shutting off while driving or slowing down and taking off. I drove over train tracks on my way home and the car jerked stalled and died luckily i made it over the tracks and there was no train. Had a mechanic look at it and said the Cvt transmission more than likely blame for this problem. After researching more this particular make model and year had numerous of the same complaints and saftey is my main concern here. Thanks
My engine light has always been on in my car contacted the dealership and they never cared to take care of the situation. My car has a problem with picking up speed and turning corners. Took it to a mechanic and said it's my transmission and that it was never good especially the cvt transmission in my 2016 Nisan versa that it was recalled and no one contacted me. I would like it fixed I'm a single parent and I need my car
The transmission completely went on my vehicle at 87,015 miles. I regularly drive on a major highway and had this happened while on the highway it could have been catastrophic as speeds generally exceed 70MPH on this road. The problem has been confirmed by my dealer. Nissan will not back the repair as I am 3,015 miles out of warranty. There were no warning lights prior to the failure.
Air bag red signal on and off. It is very loose. AC compressor needs repair that cause Belt broken, pulley isn't working and AC condenser needed to be repair. Power Train catalyst issues. Exhaust leaking at manifold, catalyst too exhaust as exhaust connections. Oxygen sensors too slow to respond. Replace sensors with exhaust repairs.
Air bag red signal on and off it is very loose. AC Compressor is locked that cause belt broken and pulley is not working that AC Condenser had to be fixed Power Train Catalyst issues Exhaust leaking at manifold and catalyst too exhaust as Exhaust connections. Oxygen sensors too slow to respond. Need to repair sensors with exhaust.
Vehicle hesitates when accelerating jerks car when getting speed when going at highway speeds car wanders back and forth hard to keep it on the road , clunking noise comes from CVT transmission when changing gears also produces severe vibrations when car is in motion getting worse and worse have been having these problems since I purchased car 1 year ago at 27,000 miles now have 70,000 miles and car is not very safe to be on the road I have replaced struts hub bearings control arms and tie rod ends along with motor and transmission mounts but the problem keeps getting worse and worse every day. Took it to local dealer and was told they couldn't do anything about it because it was out of warranty. …
Transmission complaints in other Versa years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2016 Nissan Versa?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2016 Nissan Versa, 25% of the model year's 81 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission › internal › cvt (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2016 Nissan Versa transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2016 Nissan Versa. 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 2016 Nissan Versa transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 79,000 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.