Is the 2018 Nissan VERSA reliable?

The 2018 Nissan VERSA has 86 complaints filed with NHTSA (0.7x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: above-average. Most common issue: ELECTRICAL problems.

What are common problems with the 2018 Nissan VERSA?

Top problems: ELECTRICAL (16 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (14 complaints, avg repair $500); AIR BAGS (13 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2018 Nissan VERSA?

Yes, there are 2 recall(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION, BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA. Contact any Nissan dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2018 Nissan VERSA?

The 2018 Nissan VERSA gets 31 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1548. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2018 Nissan VERSA?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2018 Nissan VERSA is approximately $1,607/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2018 Nissan VERSA

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Above Average

Quick Summary

The 2018 Nissan VERSA has 86 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 0.7x the segment average of 117. The most common issue is electrical problems (19% of all complaints), specifically: backup camera is not standard in this vehicle. you have to go to the highest trim level to get one. this is against the 2018 regulations.. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year.

15 crash reports 12 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

0.7x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ELECTRICAL

16 complaints

19%

• BACKUP CAMERA IS NOT STANDARD IN THIS VEHICLE. YOU HAVE TO GO TO THE HIGHEST TRIM LEVEL TO GET ONE. THIS IS AGAINST THE 2018 REGULATIONS.
• ON NISSAN MOTORS USA WEBSITE, THE LOWER TRIMS LEVELS OF THE VERSA SEDAN DO NOT INCLUDE BACKUP CAMERAS! WASN'T THAT MADE MANDATORY!?
• VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND IGNITION SWITCH WOULDN'T MOVE.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“BACKUP CAMERA IS NOT STANDARD IN THIS VEHICLE. YOU HAVE TO GO TO THE HIGHEST TRIM LEVEL TO GET ONE. THIS IS AGAINST THE 2018 REGULATIONS.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2018 Nissan VERSA

Based on 38 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 32K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 38K mi · 8 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

In line with typicalmedian 27K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

AIR BAGS

In line with typicalmedian 17K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 40K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

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 (2)

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 2018 Nissan VERSA

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,549

Per month

$129

Per mile

12.9¢

MPG

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

Show:

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 2018 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.

Your state (affects local premium average)

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 2018 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

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~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 86 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ELECTRICAL: BACKUP CAMERA IS NOT STANDARD IN THIS VEHICLE. YOU HAVE TO GO TO THE HIGHEST TRIM LEVEL TO GET ONE. THIS IS AGAINST THE 2018 REGULATIONS.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: MY CAR WILL TURN OFF COMPLETELY WHILE I'M DRIVING. IT IS VERY UNSAFE, I PURCHASED THE CAR NEW AND DON'T KNOW WHY IT'S HAPPENING. HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES NOW.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
AIR BAGS: AIRBAGS DID NOT INFLACT WHEN CAR HAD A HARD IMPACK HIT TO FRONT OF CAR. I WAS GOING 40MPH OR MORE WHEN A CAR COME INTO MY LINE. INODER TO AVOID THE HEAD ON COLISION I SHRIVED TO THE RIGHT AND HIT A IN GROUND BRICK THAT WERE BOUNDED INTO THE GROUND. THE FRONT END AND ENGINE WAS DAMAGE. THE CAR IS NOW
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: I WAS PERFORMING A MONTHLY INSPECTION UNDERNEATH MY 2018 NISSAN VERSA IN AUGUST 2018 TO INSURE THERE WAS NOT ANY VISIBLE LEAKS. UPON MY INSPECTION I OBSERVED WHAT APPEARED TO BE A SMALL AMOUNT OF OIL LOCATED ON THE AREA WHERE THE ENGINE MEETS THE TRANSMISSION. I BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP WHE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Nissan dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)