Most common 2020 Nissan Versa problems
Share of the 64 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 →
2020 Nissan Versa recalls (2)
Exterior lighting › Turn signal › Bulbs
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Titan, Titan XD, and Versa vehicles. The front right and/or left turn signal bulb can crack and fail to illuminate.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the bulbs as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 20, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Versa vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the fuel tank wall thickness may be insufficient, potentially causing a small hole in the tank seam area.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel tank, free of charge. The recall began April 6, 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
What 2020 Nissan Versa owners say
Driver assistance
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking; went to auto service center to fix rest of accident body damage, unsure if they addressed these specific issues until I pick up the car this weekend --- How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - Myself and one other passenger (child) were safely secured while driving, as was the other driver as reported; Safety did feel even more assuring prior to impact, as we were under the impression that FCW and AEB features were going to activate --- Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? …
After I crossed a bridge between 55 and 60 mph the aeb gave a collision warning and almost immediately applied full braking power. This caused a 3 car collision that resulted in moderate injuries. Before the incident there were no recalls or other repairs needed on the car. After the incident the car was inspected for potential issues by a team of lawyers the insurance company and the repair shop and no non crash damage related issues were found. Since the vehicle was repaired the problem has occurred on 3 separate occasions during normal daily use.
Transmission & drivetrain
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the Chevrolet dealer where the vehicle was purchased, and the vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Versa. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the RPM dropped, and the vehicle was unable to accelerate. The contact stated that the RPM then suddenly increased and the vehicle quickly accelerated. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure after several test drives. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 5,600.
Engine & cooling
I've read other other complaints about this make/ model car and my car does ALL of those things. First the acceleration at Rand times my car will not accelerate whether it be pulling out of a parking space, sitting at a red light, making a turn etc. have took to a mechanic because this issue and my check engine light was on due to the mass air flow sensor or filter got that fixed and car still does the same thing. Second when playing music through Bluetooth the radio just randomly restarts after playing approx 3 songs. Next the forward and back collision , abs system lights make an appearance on the dash whenever they feel like it. The emergency breaking system forward and back breaks for me when nothing is behind my car or I'm a great deal behind another car. The car now cuts off while driving. …
I am writing to report a potential safety and design defect in my vehicle that I have also noticed affecting many other owners of the same make and model. The issue involves the rubber seal at the edge of the windshield, which is supposed to prevent water from entering the engine bay. However, the rubber is not properly secured-it merely sits in place-allowing water to pass underneath it. As a result, water accumulates on the valve cover near the ignition coil, creating a risk of electrical problems, including misfires or potential engine failure. Over time, this could lead to serious mechanical and safety issues. After researching, I have found that many other owners of the same vehicle have experienced this same problem. I believe this issue poses a safety concern and should be investigated further. Please advise on any next steps or potential recalls regarding this matter. …
2020 Nissan Versa engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl | CVT | FWD | 32 / 40 / 35 |
| 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | FWD | 27 / 35 / 30 |
EPA ratings. Class: Compact car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2020 Nissan Versa a good car?
Based on 64 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2020 Versa rates better than average: 50% 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 2020 Nissan Versa?
The driver assistance — 16 complaints, 25% of all complaints for this model year, most often about warnings. Next are the transmission & drivetrain (16) and engine & cooling (14).
How many recalls does the 2020 Nissan Versa have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2020 Nissan Versa, the most recent from June 23, 2021 (bulbs). 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 2020 Nissan Versa problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 15,000 miles; 82% 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.