2017 Nissan Versa Note Safety Report

The 2017 Nissan Versa Note presents a mixed safety picture, with notable concerns in specific areas despite a relatively low overall complaint volume. With 70 total complaints, 10 crashes, and 9 injuries reported to NHTSA, the vehicle has experienced real-world safety incidents. A significant concern is the 'AIR BAGS' component, which accounts for 11 complaints and is directly linked to one of the two recalls. Several complaints describe airbags failing to deploy in crashes, leading to injuries, which is a critical safety flaw. The vehicle's frontal crash test rating is 3 out of 5 stars, indicating average performance in this area, while rollover is 4 stars. Side impact ratings are not available. Beyond airbags, the 'POWER TRAIN' (7 complaints) and 'ENGINE' (4 complaints) categories show a pattern of transmission failures and engine stalls, some occurring at highway speeds. This is exacerbated by a recall for the 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION' that addresses vehicle stalling, which could increase crash risk. Other recurring issues include electrical system malfunctions (4 complaints), service brake problems (4 complaints), and structural issues like the hood flying open (3 complaints). The 'UNKNOWN OR OTHER' category also has 4 complaints, suggesting varied and potentially undiagnosed problems. The recall history includes two significant actions. One addresses a potential failure of the passenger frontal airbag assembly's ring plate, which could prevent proper deployment and increase injury risk. The other recall pertains to the ignition system, where a defect could cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash. These recalls directly correlate with some of the top reported complaint categories, indicating that Nissan has acknowledged and attempted to address known safety defects. However, the continued complaints about airbag non-deployment post-recall suggest that the issue may not be fully resolved for all vehicles or that other airbag-related failures exist. In summary, while the 2017 Nissan Versa Note has a decent rollover rating, its frontal crash test performance is only average, and the lack of side impact data is a gap. The high number of airbag complaints, including non-deployment in crashes, is a serious red flag, compounded by power train and engine issues that can lead to loss of control or stalling. The recalls address some of these concerns, but potential buyers should be aware of the persistent nature of these problems in owner reports.

Our recommendation: Given the significant concerns regarding airbag deployment failures, persistent CVT transmission issues, and engine stalling, potential buyers should proceed with caution. Thoroughly inspect service records, especially for recall completion, and consider an independent pre-purchase inspection focusing on the powertrain and electrical system.