Nissan Versa: common problems & condition

Cars inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections

62/100

Average conditionall cars we check: 61/100

62%

In good shape (60+)all cars we check: 55%

Across 26 used Nissan Versas we inspected, this model scores about average — average condition 62/100 vs 61 for all cars we check. Every number on this page comes from real pre-purchase inspections — cars people were about to buy and paid an independent inspector to go through point by point, engine to underbody, paint depth to error codes. Not owner surveys, not warranty statistics, not forum lore: what we actually found.

Most common faults

Oil leaks · Engine

50%

Active error codes · Electronic equipment

38%

Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires

35%

Cracked or torn suspension bushings · Suspension

31%

Abnormal noise · Engine

23%

Share of inspected Nissan Versas where each item was flagged.

How they score

Excellent 27% Good 35% Mediocre 23% Poor 15%

Hidden history

What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on this model.

54%had a repainted or replaced panelall cars: 75%

15%showed structural repairall cars: 4%

27%had fault codes recently clearedall cars: 23%

What else does ~$10k buy? A used Nissan Versa typically sells for around $10,272 — compare the odds of getting a good car across every make at that budget. Compare →

Rogue 34 cars · 70% good Sentra 34 cars · 62% good Altima 48 cars · 42% good

Other Nissan models we've inspected — or see the full Nissan profile.

Straight from recent Nissan Versa reports

2019 Nissan Versa · 115k mi — flagged: fault codes recently cleared, smoothness, laser/radar module. Inspected Jul 28.

2024 Nissan Versa · 24k mi — flagged: oil leaks, signs of airbag deployment, supplemental restraint system. Inspected Jul 24.

Structural repairs hit 15 percent of these Versas, so make a frame and unibody check your absolute first move on any example. Oil leaks show up on half of them and often come with active codes or engine noise, which means insist on a full diagnostic scan and a dry, quiet powertrain before you negotiate. Cracked suspension bushings and tired tires round out the usual wear list, so factor those costs in. Walk if you find crash damage or seepage; otherwise use the findings to knock the price down and you can still end up with a workable daily driver.

Is the Nissan Versa reliable?

62% of the 26 we inspected scored 60/100 or higher, with an average of 62/100 — it scores about average.

What are the most common problems on a used Nissan Versa?

The items we flag most often are oil leaks (50%), active error codes (38%), tires condition & wear (35%). Have these checked before buying.

Should I worry about cleared fault codes?

On 27% of these cars the ECU codes had been erased shortly before sale, which can hide active faults. Ask for a diagnostic scan and start the engine from cold.

Thinking of buying a Nissan Versa? Get the exact car inspected before you pay.

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Based on 26 inspections · updated Aug 8, 2026