2020 Nissan VERSA
Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report
Quick Summary
The 2020 Nissan VERSA has 117 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 117. The most common issue is driver assist/cameras problems (21% of all complaints), specifically: i had an accident where i struck a deer. the floor airbag deployed and injured me. my leg has a bad hemotoma from it.. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year.
117
Total Complaints
2
Recalls Issued
—/5
Safety Stars
1.0x
vs Segment Avg
Known Problems(top 5 of 8)
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS
24 complaints- • I HAD AN ACCIDENT WHERE I STRUCK A DEER. THE FLOOR AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND INJURED ME. MY LEG HAS A BAD HEMOTOMA FROM IT.
- • This issue has been going on for 6 months. On three different occasions I have taken my car to Fred Hass Nissan due to the sensor lights coming on as if someone is going to hit me from the back and side of my car. It is still not fixed and they tell me it is safe to drive but I feel unsafe. You can
- • This issue has been going on for 6 months. On three different occasions I have taken my car to Fred Hass Nissan due to the sensor lights coming on as if someone is going to hit me from the back and side of my car. It is still not fixed and they tell me it is safe to drive but I feel unsafe. You can
“I HAD AN ACCIDENT WHERE I STRUCK A DEER. THE FLOOR AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND INJURED ME. MY LEG HAS A BAD HEMOTOMA FROM IT.”
— NHTSA complaint filing
When Problems Appear on the 2020 Nissan VERSA
Based on 29 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 12K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.
TRANSMISSION
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)
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.
Risk: Inoperable front turn signals cannot alert on-coming drivers and/or pedestrians that the vehicle will be turning, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PM986 and PC811.
Fuel Cost Calculator for 2020 Nissan VERSA
Live EIA pricesBased 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 → todaySource: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.
Estimated Insurance Cost for 2020 Nissan VERSA
How this estimate is calculated
Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.
Maintenance & Warranty
Recommended Nissan VERSA Service Intervals
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
These are the terms for a new Nissan. If you're buying a used 2020 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
Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.
🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Based on 117 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:
- ☐DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: I HAD AN ACCIDENT WHERE I STRUCK A DEER. THE FLOOR AIRBAG DEPLOYED AND INJURED ME. MY LEG HAS A BAD HEMOTOMA FROM IT.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐TRANSMISSION: ALREADY HAVING TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS. CAR JERKS AND SLOWS ME DOW AND THE STEERING HAS GOTTEN ALMOST UNMANAGEABLE IN LESS THAN 200 MILES. THE WHEELS ALREADY NEED ALIGNMENT AND I'VE HIT NO CURBS. THIS CAR IS ANOTHER DISASTER FROM NISSAN. THE CVT WAS A TERRIBLE THING THAT HAS HAPPENED TO VEHICLES
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐ENGINE: THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, IT WILL NOT START, IT WILL NOT TURN ON. NONE OF MY LIGHTS HAVE BEEN LEFT ON, NOTHING HAS BEEN PLUGGED IN. THE FIRST TIME I HAD IT JUMPED IT STARTED AND TURNED ON. THE BELT WAS MAKING A HIGH PITCHED SQUEALING NOISE. AFTER IT WAS INITIALLY JUMPED AND AFTER IT WAS ON & DROVE
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
- ☐OTHER: Natural wind and/or velocity from surrounding moving vehicles, and/or speeds above 55mph forces random uncontrollable car movement, at times forcing the car to cross lane markers. I do not feel safe driving on the freeway, highway, or two way streets.
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)
Nissan VERSA — Year Comparison
How does 2020 compare to other years? Fewer complaints = more reliable.
NHTSA Safety Rating
No NHTSA safety rating available
At a Glance
- Complaints
- 117
- Recalls
- 2
- Fire reports
- 0
- Crash reports
- 7
- Injury reports
- 6
- Segment avg
- 117
Check a Specific VIN
See recalls for YOUR 2020 Nissan VERSA