2018 Nissan Versa Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2018 Nissan Versa carries 2 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering ignition and camera. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Brake pedal resistance and diminished stopping power.” 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.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Campaign #19V654000 · Dec 9, 2019

Issue: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2018 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

Brake pedal resistance and diminished stopping power

SERVICE BRAKES

6 NHTSA complaints · 2019-11 → 2025-01

I pulled up to a stoplight that was on a hill and tried to put on the brake. The brake pedal was highly resistant and wouldn’t let me push down fully. At that moment, all of the warning lights on the dashboard turned on. When the light turned green, I tried to hit the gas pedal
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11638626
1) When at red light with car in drive and brake pedal pressed the car occasionally begins to roll forward and then the brakes suddenly depress even more. 2) All brake lights intermittently go out and if hit will come back on for an unknown time until u realize they're not
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11444958
THE VEHICLE HAS DIFFICULTY SLOWING DOWN WHILE DRIVING. AND BRAKES SEEM NOT TO STOP THE CAR (WEAKENED BRAKE PADS) IT FELT LIKE I WAS LOSING CONTROL OF THE CAR. ALSO THE CAR WOULD LOOSE POWER WHEN STATIONARY AT STOP LIGHTS. THIS COULD BE VERY DANGEROUS IF THIS OCCURRED ON A
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11280541

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Water intrusion behind the dashboard

STRUCTURE

2 NHTSA complaints · 2020-06 → 2021-07

On May 29th, there was a really heavy down pour of rain. The next day when I got into my car, it was flooded. It rained for the next 3-4 days. I could hear water sloshing around inside the car frame. Water gushed into the passenger floor board from behind the dashboard. By the
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11423125
THERE ARE SERIOUS DESIGN FLAWS ON THE 2018 NISSAN VERSA THAT ALLOW WATER (I.E RAIN) TO COLLECT BELOW THE WINDSHIELD AND WHEN THE COLLECTED WATER DOESN'T DRAIN IT FLOODS THE CAR ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. THERE IS A WATER GUTTER UNDER THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS THAT RUNS FROM EACH
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11331120

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Backup camera absent on base trim levels

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 NHTSA complaints · 2017-12 → 2018-10

MY 2018 NISSAN VERSA SV DOES NOT HAVE A BACKUP CAMERA. IS THIS SUPPOSED TO BE UPGRADED BY THE DEALER OR MANUFACTURER? ALSO IT HAS A MECHANICAL KEY SYSTEM WHICH I READ WAS GOING TO BE RECALLED ON OCT 19, 2018 DUE TO POSSIBLE FAILURE OF THE MECHANICAL KEY SYSTEM, IS IT TRUE THERE
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11143082
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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11057509
ON NISSAN MOTORS USA WEBSITE, THE LOWER TRIMS LEVELS OF THE VERSA SEDAN DO NOT INCLUDE BACKUP CAMERAS! WASN'T THAT MADE MANDATORY!?
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11057510

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Airbag non-deployment in crash impacts

AIR BAGS

7 NHTSA complaints · 2018-05 → 2022-01

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that she had collided with a deer that entered the roadway at 60 MPH. The airbags failed to deploy upon impact. The contact sustained sourness to her neck, back, and both shoulders but did not seek medical attention. The
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11447189
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2018 NISSAN VERSA. WHILE DRIVING 10 MPH THROUGH AN INTERSECTION, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE WAS T-BONED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING 55 MPH. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE CONTACT WAS IN AND OUT OF CONSCIOUSNESS AFTER THE CRASH AND WAS TRANSPORTED TO A LOCAL
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11256191
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2018 NISSAN VERSA. WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE CONTACT STRUCK A DEER ON THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER'S AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY UPON IMPACT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG DEPLOYED AFTER THE CRASH WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11152030

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Airbag warning light and sensor malfunction

AIR BAGS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2020-10 → 2026-01

Out of nowhere my airbag light start blinking, I ran the code and got a P2096 which apparently is not related to the airbag I took it to Firestone to get it checked out and they told me they cannot do anything about the airbag light I would have to go to my dealership for help
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11710587
I bought this new vehicle and I am the first owner. Two months ago, the airbag light is on and the system said the front passenger seat airbag is disabled even though my wife is siting on the front passenger seat. It seems that the airbag system cannot detect someone is siting
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11444280
AIRBAG LIGHT LIGHT CAME ON. TOKE IT TO GET CHECKED THE FIRST TIME WAS TOLD OLD CODES CAME UP BUT EVERYTHING LOOK GOOD THAT IF THE LIGHT CAME BACK ON I WOULD HAVE TO TAKE TO A NISSAN DEALERSHIP. ONE HOUR LATER LIGHT CAME ON AGAIN. TOOK TO A NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD IT
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11366452

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Transmission shudder, slipping, and stalling

POWER TRAIN

10 NHTSA complaints · 2019-02 → 2026-05

I was driving on the express way in rush hour traffic, and my car started to judder and rpm were reving high.i tried to accelerate and the car just stop in mid traffic, I had to have the car towed home,and from home to the nissan dealership. They told me that my transmission had
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11685820
My Versa appears to have the same transmission issues as other Nissan vehicles where it has a harsh downshift slow speed shutter and bump when when coming to a complete stop vehicle has loud wine coming from transmission and has a slipping feeling under hard acceleration Nissan
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11485279
I HAD ONLY HAD MY CAR FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS, WAS DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD GOING ABOUT 40 MPH, AND IT COMPLETELY STALLED OUT ON ME. I WAS ABLE TO GUIDE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. TO MY ASTONISHMENT, IT TURNED OUT TO BE MY TRANSMISSION. THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THEY HAD TO PUT
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11175890

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Unexpected engine stalling while driving

ENGINE

13 NHTSA complaints · 2018-08 → 2026-03

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that while driving approximately 4 MPH, the vehicle was shaking violently. There were no warning lights illuminated. When the heater was activated, there was a loud clanking sound coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11723880
While driving the car just shuts off and I have to stop the car turn the ignition off and then back on, this has happened multiple times and the dealer said there are no recalls on rhus vehicle
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11629880
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
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11121096

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Steering lock-up and ignition switch failure

STEERING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 NHTSA complaints · 2018-10 → 2019-12

I WAS SITTING STATIONARY AT A STOP LIGHT IN TRAFFIC ON A CITY STREET AND MY BRAKE LIGHT, BATTERY LIGHT, AND OIL LIGHT CAME ON AND I IMMEDIATELY LOST POWER STEERING. I HAD TO GUIDE MY VEHICLE OFF THE ROAD AND HAD IT TOWED TO NISSAN SOUTH MORROW FOR SERVICE. I HAD ALSO HAD SOME
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11253042
VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND IGNITION SWITCH WOULDN'T MOVE
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11207748
WE HAD LEASED THIS VEHICLE FROM HERTZ EARLIER IN THE DAY. THAT EVENING, I WAS DRIVING DOWN A HILL AND THE VEHICLE'S STEERING SYSTEM HAD SUDDENLY LOCKED UP. I WAS NOT ABLE TO STEER AND DROVE INTO A TREE AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. MY PASSENGER AND I BOTH SUFFERED SIGNIFICANT BODILY
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11140381

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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)

77 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.

11

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 2018 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.