BestCarRank
Nissan

2017 Nissan VERSA

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2017 Nissan VERSA has 94 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.8x the segment average of 117. The most common issue is air bags problems (16% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owned a 2017 nissan versa. while driving 35 mph, the vehicle was involved in a chain reaction crash. the contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to slow down. the contact crashed into the rear of another vehicle, which then crashed into the preceding. There are 3 recalls issued for this model year.

12 crash reports 8 injuries

94

Total Complaints

3

Recalls Issued

/5

Safety Stars

0.8x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

AIR BAGS

15 complaints
16%
  • TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 NISSAN VERSA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CHAIN REACTION CRASH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE, WHICH THEN CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING
  • TAKATA RECALL - NISSAN DEALER IN GLENDALE HEIGHTS, IL HAS REPEATEDLY STATED THAT THEY WILL CALL ME WHEN THE PART/S HAVE ARRIVED. IT HAS BEEN OVER SIX MONTHS
  • 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
Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 6 crashes

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 NISSAN VERSA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CHAIN REACTION CRASH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE, WHICH THEN CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2017 Nissan VERSA

Based on 56 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 29K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage
0-30K
28
30-60K
19
60-100K
7
100-150K
2
150-200K
0
200K+
0

AIR BAGS

In line with typicalmedian 10K mi · 10 reports
0-30K
7
30-60K
1
60-100K
2
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

BRAKES

In line with typicalmedian 19K mi · 8 reports
0-30K
6
30-60K
2
60-100K
0
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 27K mi · 6 reports
0-30K
3
30-60K
1
60-100K
1
100-150K
1
150-200K
0
200K+
0

FUEL SYSTEM

In line with typicalmedian 22K mi · 5 reports
0-30K
3
30-60K
1
60-100K
1
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

OTHER

Later than typicalmedian 40K mi · 5 reports
0-30K
1
30-60K
3
60-100K
1
100-150K
0
150-200K
0
200K+
0

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (3)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION21/08/2018

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. In these models, over time, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.

Risk: If the vehicle stalls, it can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2017 Nissan VERSA

Live EIA prices
Per year
$1,549
Per month
$129
Per mile
12.9¢
MPG
31
City driving (worst-case MPG)
$1,847/yr
Highway driving (best-case MPG)
$1,231/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today
Current
$4.00
5-year low
$2.78
5-year high
$5.01
Since 2021
+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2017 Nissan VERSA

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.
Full coverage / year
$1,607
Full coverage / month
$134
Liability only / year
$611
vs US avg
-4%
How this estimate is calculated
US base full-coverage premium$1674
× state (US)1.00x
× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x
× theft risk1.00x
× safety rating1.00x
× vehicle age1.00x
= Full coverage estimate$1607

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Nissan VERSA Service Intervals

Oil change
5K mi / 6 mo
Tire rotation
5K mi
Brake fluid
24 months
Transmission fluid
60K mi
Engine coolant
105K mi
Spark plugs
105K mi
Cabin air filter
15K mi
Engine air filter
30K mi
Differential (AWD/4WD)
60K mi

CVT-equipped models (Altima, Sentra, Rogue, Pathfinder) MUST use Nissan NS-3 CVT fluid, not conventional ATF. Frequent CVT service extends life significantly.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Nissan New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)
3 yr / 36K mi
Powertrain
5 yr / 60K mi
Hybrid/EV battery
8 yr / 100K mi
Corrosion (rust perforation)
5 yr / unlimited mi
Roadside assistance
3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Nissan. If you're buying a used 2017 VERSA, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Nissan dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)
$500
OTHER(~50K mi)
$500
ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)
$500
BRAKES(~50K mi)
$500
TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)
$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 94 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

  • AIR BAGS: TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 NISSAN VERSA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CHAIN REACTION CRASH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE, WHICH THEN CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • OTHER: WHEN ENGINE IS COLD AND THEN STARTED. AIR CONDITIONER MAKING METAL SCRAPING OR COMPRESSOR MAKING SCRATCHING SOUND. METAL AGAINST METAL

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • ELECTRICAL: CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT CONTINUES TO FLASH RANDOMLY

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • BRAKES: TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 NISSAN VERSA. WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE WAS INVOLVED IN A CHAIN REACTION CRASH. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO SLOW DOWN. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE, WHICH THEN CRASHED INTO THE PRECEDING

    Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500

  • RECALLS: Verify all 3 recalls have been completed — free at any Nissan dealer
  • General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)

NHTSA Safety Rating

No NHTSA safety rating available

At a Glance

Complaints
94
Recalls
3
Fire reports
0
Crash reports
12
Injury reports
8
Segment avg
117

Check a Specific VIN

See recalls for YOUR 2017 Nissan VERSA