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2017 Nissan Versa Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2017 Nissan Versa carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering ignition and side/window. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “CVT transmission failure and shift hesitation.” Nissan owner's manuals split service into Schedule 1 (severe) and Schedule 2 (normal). Most US drivers fall under Schedule 1. The biggest preventable failure on Nissan vehicles is CVT transmission damage from extended fluid intervals — owners of Altima, Rogue, Sentra, Pathfinder, and Murano with CVT should not skip it.

3 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION

Campaign #18V551000 · Aug 22, 2018

Issue: 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.

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW

Campaign #16V724000 · Nov 10, 2016

Issue: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2017 Versa vehicles manufactured August 1, 2016, to August 16, 2016. A seam in the fabric section of the side curtain air bags may tear during side curtain air bag deployment, potentially affecting the performance of the air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, "Ejection Mitigation", and number 214, "Side Impact Protection."

Risk: In the event of a crash necessitating side curtain air bag deployment, if the side curtain air bags do not deploy as intended there would be an increased risk of injury.

Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left and right side curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #17V275000 · Apr 26, 2017

Issue: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Versa, and Versa Note vehicles. The ring plate that secures the air bag cushion to the passenger frontal air bag assembly may fail, possibly causing the air bag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.

Risk: In the event of a crash, if the passenger frontal air bag does not deploy as intended, it can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began June 12, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2017 Nissan Versa.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

  • Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

    Action #EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021

    From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 200…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

CVT transmission failure and shift hesitation

POWER TRAIN

12 NHTSA complaints · 2018-11 → 2025-05

“The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Versa. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the transmission downshifted, and the vehicle decelerated to 5 MPH. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to pull to the side of the roadway. The vehicle was towed to the”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11557873
“Transmission failed 2x within 6 months extended warranty was 5k miles past 130k max mileage coverage 2nd transmission went out going 20 mph and revved up to 25mph and transmission failed. 1st time it went out I was in Cleveland on a busy road making a turn and transmission went”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11497292
“On Oct 29, 2021 at 4:30pm I got into my car and had no gears. The car went into drive but the car would not shift into gear. The drivetran would not engage for any gear even if shifted to the gear. The car shifted gears and drove without issue this morning”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11438681

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Cowl drain water intrusion into cabin

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

5 NHTSA complaints · 2020-09 → 2025-05

“Car was purchased September 2024 for my grandson. This car was garaged until mid-March when my grandson received his driver's license. End of March 2025, car was in the dealership for service and a complimentary multipoint inspection was done. On May 14, 2025, my grandson was”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11663122
“These vehicles have a cowl drain located on the passenger side under the wiper blades. The drain is really small so it clogs easily. When there are heavy rains, my car floods. It has happened on several occasions, including Monday 7/8/2024. It happened while driving in June”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11600998
“When it rains, water flows through the filter cabin water to collect below the windshield and, when the collected water doesn't drain, it flows into the car on the front passenger side floor. The water trough runs under the windshield wipers runs from one side of the car to the”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11435550

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power door lock actuator failure

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 NHTSA complaints · 2021-05 → 2023-11

“Passenger door lock/unlocked, not working. Buzz noise when operating key fob; actuator malfunction. Can't open door manually”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11554701
“When door assembly went out the door was stuck in the locked position the drivers door couldn’t be opened from inside or outside with or without the key. even if you manually opened the lock from the inside you couldn’t get out”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11533514
“The driver side door lock was frozen and would not open with the use of electrical button inside of car, the remote, or manually with key outside of the car. I was trapped inside of the car and could not get out of the car through the driver's side door and had to climb out of”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11418816

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag non-deployment in crash

AIR BAGS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2017-08 → 2026-03

“The vehicle was involved in a side impact collision at a high rate of speed. The vehicle was deemed a total loss after the accident, as the side impact was the drivers side door and wheel well. The air bags never deployed, despite the high rate of speed and the entire front”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11727553
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 NISSAN VERSA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, THE SUN'S GLARE BLINDED HER EYES WHICH CAUSED HER TO HIT THE ROAD RAILINGS AND BARRIERS. THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED SIDEWAYS AND THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT'S CHEST HIT THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11399182
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 NISSAN VERSA. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE CONTACT REAR ENDED THE PRECEDING VEHICLE. NONE OF THE FRONTAL AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT WAS UNCONSCIOUS AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO THE HOSPITAL BY AMBULANCE. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11104515

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Brake pedal failure and premature pad wear

SERVICE BRAKES

6 NHTSA complaints · 2017-11 → 2021-07

“The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 mph, the braking system malfunctioned while depressing the brake pedal and the vehicle did not immediately stop, nearly causing the vehicle to crash. The cause of the failure was not yet”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11423880
“I PURCHASED MY 2017 NISSAN VERSA IN JULY OF 2017, WITH 10 MILES ON IT AND THAT WAS THE 10 MILES THAT I PUT ON IT DURING THE TEST DRIVE. MARCH OF 2019 MY BRAKES START TO MAKE THIS HIGH PITCH SOUND WHEN I BREAK. MY CAR DOES NOT HAVE 28,000 MILES ON IT YET. TOOK IT TO MIDAS”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11196625
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 NISSAN VERSA. WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 35 MPH, AN ONCOMING VEHICLE CUT ACROSS IN FRONT OF HER VEHICLE. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED, BUT FAILED TO OPERATE AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A SIGN POST, RAN OFF OF THE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11182486

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Takata air bag recall repair delay

AIR BAGS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2017-04 → 2018-01

“2017-12-20 I WENT TO NISSAN SUNNYVALE WHERE I PURCHASED FOR RECALL SERVICE (PM662 / 16V-724). THEY SAID IT WILL BE DONE SAME DAY WITH OIL CHANGE. BUT END OF THE DAY, THEY SAID THEY JUST CHECK THE CAR AND ORDER PARTS. RECALL SERVICE NEED TO WAIT FOR PARTS COME IN. THEY SAID IT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11061387
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11040943

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bag warning light malfunction

AIR BAGS

3 NHTSA complaints · 2018-06 → 2020-02

“AIR BAG ALERT SIGNAL WILL NOT GO OFF. SEAT BELT LIGHT INDICATOR WILL NOT GO OUT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11307222
“AIRBAG LIGHT KEEPS COMING ON AND OFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11048570
“AIRBAG LIGHT IS LIT AND BLINKING WILL NOT GO OUT. TIRES HAVE MADE THE CAR SHAKE SINCE DAY ONE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11100748

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 5,000 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic oil every 5,000 miles under Schedule 1. Schedule 2: 7,500 miles. VR30DDTT (3.0L twin-turbo): full synthetic only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 5,000 mi

Rotate tires every 5,000 miles. Front-wheel-drive Nissans (Altima, Sentra, Versa) wear front tires fast — don't skip rotations.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

CVT Fluid (NS-3)

Every 60,000 mi

Nissan officially calls CVT fluid 'lifetime,' but independent technicians and Nissan TSBs recommend replacement every 60,000 miles to prevent CVT failure. Use Nissan NS-3 fluid only — substitutes destroy the belt-and-pulley system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$360–$500

Shop

~$255–$355

DIY

~$80–$180

CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Rogue and Pathfinder front pads typically last 35,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 2 years. Dark or amber fluid indicates moisture contamination.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles, sooner if driving on dusty unpaved roads.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium-tipped spark plugs are rated 105,000 miles on QR25, MR20, and VQ35 engines. VR30DDTT: 60,000 miles due to higher cylinder pressures.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Long-Life Coolant

Every 75,000 mi

Nissan Long-Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue/green): first change at 105,000 miles, then every 75,000. Do not mix with other coolant chemistries.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Transfer Case / Rear Diff (AWD models)

Every 60,000 mi

Rogue AWD, Murano AWD, Pathfinder 4WD: replace transfer case fluid and rear differential fluid every 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Located behind the glove box on Altima, Rogue, and Sentra.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

104 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

9

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2017 Nissan Versa reflects Nissan's published service intervals and the Maintenance Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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