Wrench.Pro

2017 Nissan Versa Note Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2017 Nissan Versa Note carries 2 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering ignition and inflator module. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “CVT transmission failure or slipping.” 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.

2 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: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 Note.

Reported to NHTSA

CVT transmission failure or slipping

POWER TRAIN

10 NHTSA complaints · 2019-10 → 2023-12

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11497292
“I HAVE A 2017 NISSAN VERSA NOTE SV AND I'M HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE CVT TRANSMISSIONS SLIPPING, AND ALSO IM BEEN HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THE REAR WHEEL BEARINGS ONE WAS AT AROUND 59,000 AND THE NEXT TIME IT HAPPENED IT WAS AROUND 86,000”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11398817
“I OWN A 2017 NISSAN VERSA NOTE AND THE CVT TRANSMISSION FEELS SLUGGISH AND ACTS AS IF IT IS SLIPPING”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11267786

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Cowl drain water intrusion into cabin

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

5 NHTSA complaints · 2020-09 → 2025-05

“On May 14, 2025, my grandson was driving to school in the rain. All of a sudden, water starts gushing out of the glove compartment. The whole interior was flooded including the backseat”
— 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”
— 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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11435550

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Door lock actuator malfunction trapping occupants

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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”
— 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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11418816

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stalling or loss of power while driving

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

12 NHTSA complaints · 2018-11 → 2024-10

“The car turn off while driving at 45mph and then check engine light came on and some other sensors”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11592297
“WAS DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AND ENGINE CUT OFF. COULD NOT TURN KEY FOR 5 MINUTES AFTER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11244088
“WHEN IT IS COLD OUTSIDE THE ENGINE STALLS OR LOSE POWER DURING ACCELERATION”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11154861

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bags failing to deploy in a crash

AIR BAGS

6 NHTSA complaints · 2017-08 → 2023-04

“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11104515
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 NISSAN VERSA NOTE. WHILE AT A STOP, THE DRIVER MADE A TURN, FAILED TO YIELD TO AN ONCOMING VEHICLE, AND CRASHED INTO THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11021455
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11399182

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Service brake pedal failing to stop the vehicle

SERVICE BRAKES

7 NHTSA complaints · 2017-09 → 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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11423880
“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”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11182486
“2017 NISSAN VERSA SEDAN FWD. BRAKES ARE GOING TO FLOOR WHEN PEDAL IS PRESSED. IT SLOWLY FLOATS TO THE FLOOR BUT IS NOT A REPRODUCIBLE ACT EVERY TIME”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11030255

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.

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 Note 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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