Most common 2017 Nissan Versa problems
Share of the 62 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 →
2017 Nissan Versa recalls (3)
Electrical system › Ignition
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Nissan NV200, Sentra, NV3500 Van, NV3500 Bus, NV200 Taxi, NV1500, NV2500 Van, Chevrolet City Express, 2017-2018 Frontier, Versa Note, and Versa Sedan vehicles that have a mechanical (physical) key ignition system.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the production information on the ignition switch, and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2018.
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Versa, and Versa Note vehicles. The ring plate that secures the air bag cushion to the passenger frontal air bag assembly may fail, possibly causing the air bag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began June 12, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Air bags › Side/window
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2017 Versa vehicles manufactured August 1, 2016, to August 16, 2016. A seam in the fabric section of the side curtain air bags may tear during side curtain air bag deployment, potentially affecting the performance of the air bag.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left and right side curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2017 Nissan Versa:
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.
What 2017 Nissan Versa owners say
Air bags
The vehicle was involved in a side impact collision at a high rate of speed. The vehicle was deemed a total loss after the accident, as the side impact was the drivers side door and wheel well. The air bags never deployed, despite the high rate of speed and the entire front drivers side of the vehicle being affected.
I purchased my 2017 Nissan Versa in September 11th, 2017. Within 2 weeks, I began having brake issues. The car would screech when slowing down and make almost a grinding sound when making a hard brake. I took it to the dealer who I purchased the car from (abc Nissan) and they twice refused to fix it. Than I drove across town to another dealer (midway Nissan) who admitted that it was a known defect and said it simply needed more grease. About a week after being fixed, the problem continued. Two weeks later, I was on the freeway and attempting to slow down to stopped traffic when the brakes locked up and would not allow me to stop. I attempted to steer in the direction of the side lane, but was unable to avoid the collision with the car in front of me. …
Electrical system
The driver side door lock was frozen and would not open with the use of electrical button inside of car, the remote, or manually with key outside of the car. I was trapped inside of the car and could not get out of the car through the driver's side door and had to climb out of driver seat over to passenger door to get out of the car. If I was older and had health problems I would of not been able to get out of the car. Very dangerous and should not ever happen to any car door. When I took my car into my mechanics for repair, there was another Versa that was brought in for the exact same problem, unbelievable. I did write to Nissan and they had a consumer affairs person call me. I spoke to a women and she informed me that Nissan did not have any recalls for the door locks. I expressed my concern for the safety and she told me that I should of taken the car to the Nissan dealer. …
On 3/21/25 I was informed by Malik's Auto Repair that I need my transmission replaced after a diagnostic of my car making a vacuum noise. After researching, I found that many Nissan vehicles have been experiencing this problem. I contacted Nissan and they informed me that no recall has been made for my make and model. It is a safety issue because at any time the car could stop causing an accident or fatality. Also, I had to have my starter replaced on this car. My car would not start. I was out with my daughter and if it was not for me having AAA we would have been stranded. Nissan stated that this issue was fixed on my car prior to me purchasing it. There is no record of this issue being fixed on Carfax and I paid almost $600 to replace it. Nissan have not assisted me with anything. Now I have to try to come up with the funds for a transmission.
Brakes
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, the braking system malfunctioned while depressing the brake pedal and the vehicle did not immediately stop, nearly causing the vehicle to crash. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 20,000.
I purchased my 2017 Nissan Versa in September 11th, 2017. Within 2 weeks, I began having brake issues. The car would screech when slowing down and make almost a grinding sound when making a hard brake. I took it to the dealer who I purchased the car from (abc Nissan) and they twice refused to fix it. Than I drove across town to another dealer (midway Nissan) who admitted that it was a known defect and said it simply needed more grease. About a week after being fixed, the problem continued. Two weeks later, I was on the freeway and attempting to slow down to stopped traffic when the brakes locked up and would not allow me to stop. I attempted to steer in the direction of the side lane, but was unable to avoid the collision with the car in front of me. …
2017 Nissan Versa engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl | CVT | FWD | 31 / 39 / 34 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 27 / 36 / 30 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 26 / 35 / 29 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Nissan Versa a good car?
Based on 62 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2017 Versa rates better than average: 71% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Versa at the same age. It is one of the best Versa years by this measure. 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 2017 Nissan Versa?
The air bags — 15 complaints, 24% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the electrical system (11) and brakes (9).
How many recalls does the 2017 Nissan Versa have?
There are 3 recalls for the 2017 Nissan Versa, the most recent from August 21, 2018 (ignition). 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 2017 Nissan Versa problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 27,000 miles; 76% 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.