2018 Nissan Versa Safety Report

2018 Nissan Versa: Solid crash test scores, but concerning real-world complaints about airbags, stalling, and transmission issues.

52Complaints
2Recalls
★★★★☆Safety Rating
55/100Reliability Score
11Crash Reports
10Injuries
Most reported components: Air Bags (10)Unknown Or Other (6)Electrical System,Engine (4)Power Train (4)Electrical System (4)Engine (3)Unknown Or Other,Engine (2)Steering,Electrical System (2)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other,Service Brakes (1)Exterior Lighting,Service Brakes (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Nissan Versa

The 2018 Nissan Versa presents a mixed safety picture. While it achieved respectable 4-star ratings across all NHTSA crash tests (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover), indicating solid performance in controlled crash scenarios, its real-world complaint data reveals several concerning patterns. With 52 total complaints, including 11 crashes and 10 injuries, there are notable issues that buyers should be aware of. The most frequently reported component is 'AIR BAGS' with 10 complaints, many detailing non-deployment in crashes or persistent warning lights, which directly contradicts the positive crash test ratings. This suggests a potential discrepancy between controlled test environments and actual incident performance regarding airbag reliability. Beyond airbags, the 'POWER TRAIN' and 'ENGINE' components are also significant sources of complaints, with 4 and 3 complaints respectively, often describing sudden stalling, loss of power, and transmission failures, including CVT issues. These types of failures, especially when occurring at speed or in traffic, pose a direct risk of a crash, as evidenced by some of the reported incidents. The 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' also features prominently with 4 complaints, frequently linked to stalling, warning lights, and issues with exterior lighting. The vehicle has been subject to two recalls. One recall addresses a 'BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA' issue, where a lack of a back-up camera image increases crash risk. The second recall pertains to 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION' which could lead to the vehicle stalling, increasing the risk of a crash. While these recalls address specific safety concerns, the ongoing complaints about stalling and electrical issues suggest that not all underlying problems may have been fully resolved or are covered by these specific recalls. The high number of airbag-related complaints, despite the 4-star crash rating, is particularly noteworthy and warrants careful consideration.

Reliability Score

The 2018 Nissan Versa receives a reliability score of 55 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2018 Nissan Versa

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2018 Nissan Versa:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Airbag System Malfunction/Non-Deployment
Multiple complaints (10) detail airbag warning lights, system failures, and non-deployment during crashes, despite 4-star crash ratings.		 High Common unknown miles
Cvt Transmission Failure/Stalling
Several complaints describe the vehicle stalling, juddering, high RPMs without acceleration, and complete transmission failure, often requiring replacement.		 High Occasional 30000-80000 miles
Sudden Engine Stall/Loss Of Power
Reports indicate the vehicle suddenly shuts off while driving, sometimes at highway speeds, increasing crash risk. This is also covered by a recall for ignition issues.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Electrical System Problems
Issues include flickering lights, loss of power when using turn signals, and general electrical malfunctions leading to stalling or warning lights.		 Medium Occasional unknown miles
Brake System Issues
Complaints mention grinding/squealing brakes, resistant brake pedal, and intermittent loss of brake lights.		 Medium Rare unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2018 Nissan Versa:

Air Bags 19% of complaints

Frequent reports of airbag warning lights, system malfunctions, and failure to deploy in crashes (10 complaints).

Power Train 8% of complaints

Issues include CVT transmission failure, slipping gears, high RPMs, and stalling (4 complaints).

Engine 6% of complaints

Complaints of sudden stalling, loss of power, and rough idling (3 complaints).

Electrical System 8% of complaints

Problems with stalling, warning lights, and exterior lighting (4 complaints).

Unknown Or Other 12% of complaints

General issues not categorized, often related to stalling or check engine lights (6 complaints).

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Nissan Versa

Is the 2018 Nissan Versa safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 Nissan Versa received 4-star ratings in all crash tests (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover), indicating good crash protection. However, real-world complaint data shows significant concerns, particularly with 10 airbag-related complaints (including non-deployment in crashes), 4 power train complaints (stalling/transmission failure), and 3 engine complaints (stalling), which could compromise safety in certain situations. There have been 11 crashes and 10 injuries reported.

What are common problems with the 2018 Nissan Versa?

The most reported issues for the 2018 Nissan Versa are related to the AIR BAGS (10 complaints), often involving warning lights or non-deployment. Other common problems include POWER TRAIN issues (4 complaints) such as CVT transmission failure and stalling, ENGINE problems (3 complaints) like sudden shutdowns, and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM malfunctions (4 complaints) which can also lead to stalling or lighting issues.

Are there any recalls for the 2018 Nissan Versa?

Yes, the 2018 Nissan Versa has two recalls. One recall (19V654000) addresses a 'BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA' issue, where the back-up camera may not display an image. The second recall (19V655000) is for 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION' which can cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

How does the 2018 Nissan Versa perform in crash tests?

The 2018 Nissan Versa performed well in NHTSA crash tests, receiving a 4-star rating for Overall Safety, Frontal Crash, Side Crash, and Rollover. This indicates a good level of protection for occupants in controlled crash scenarios.

What should I look out for when buying a used 2018 Nissan Versa?

When considering a used 2018 Nissan Versa, pay close attention to any persistent airbag warning lights, check for smooth transmission operation (especially the CVT for signs of juddering or slipping), and ensure there are no signs of sudden stalling or electrical issues. Verify that both recalls (back-up camera and ignition system) have been addressed.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While the 2018 Nissan Versa has good crash test ratings, be aware of significant real-world complaints regarding airbag malfunctions, transmission failures, and sudden stalling; thoroughly inspect these areas and ensure all recalls are completed before purchase.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2018 Nissan Versa

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2018 Nissan Versa. The data includes 52 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 11 reported crashes, 10 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2018 Nissan Versa an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 4 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.