Summary
The Nissan Versa has 28 recalls covering the 2007-2020 model years, with the most serious being Takata airbag inflator defects on 2007-2012 models where the driver or passenger frontal airbag inflator can rupture and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
The Takata inflator issue is the dominant safety concern across this model's history. Both driver and passenger side inflators on 2007-2012 vehicles are affected, with degradation accelerated by prolonged exposure to heat and humidity. Vehicles registered in high-humidity regions face elevated risk on the passenger side. Separately, 2007-2010 models have a related concern where the passenger frontal airbag can deploy with excessive force even without rupturing outright. The 2020 model year has a fuel tank with a potentially thin seam wall that can develop a small hole and leak fuel when the tank is filled above half, raising a fire risk.
On the 2017 model, the ring plate securing the passenger frontal airbag cushion can fail, preventing proper deployment in a crash. That same year also has a curtain airbag fabric seam that can tear during deployment, again reducing protection in a side impact.
The 2012 model year carries a notable cluster of issues. The automatic transmission shifter can be moved out of park without pressing the brake pedal, allowing unintended vehicle movement. The center console trim panel edge can catch the driver's shoe and delay the foot from moving from the accelerator to the brake. Front coil springs on 2012 models, particularly those registered in northern states, can fracture and puncture a tire. Side airbag sensor connector corrosion on 2012 vehicles can cause the curtain and seat-mounted airbags to fire unexpectedly when a door is slammed hard. The 2012-2015 Versa sedan and 2014-2015 Versa Note share an accelerator pedal issue where a floor mat or panel interference can delay brake pedal application.
Going back to 2007-2012 models more broadly, front coil springs can fracture and contact the tire. On 2007 models specifically, a damaged passenger seat belt tension sensor connector can disable the passenger seat occupant detection system, causing the airbag warning light to illuminate and suppressing the passenger frontal airbag in a crash. The 2007 model also had daytime running light relays that could fail and leave the lights dark while driving. Compliance-related recalls on the 2007 model cover an odometer calibrated in miles instead of kilometres on CVT-equipped vehicles, and a missing warning statement on the brake fluid reservoir cap.
