2018 Nissan Versa Safety Report
2018 NISSAN VERSA Safety and Reliability Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2018 Nissan Versa
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2018 Nissan Versa. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (2) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | Moderate (52) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 11 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Air Bags | Compare air bags issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2019 | Compare against the 2019 Nissan Versa with 22 complaints and 1 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2015 | Check the 2015 Nissan Versa before buying across this generation. |
Nissan Versa Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Nissan Versa years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Nissan Versa | 22 | 1 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Nissan Versa | 61 | 3 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Nissan Versa | 58 | 2 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2016 Nissan Versa | 79 | 0 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2021 Nissan Versa | 29 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Nissan Versa | 166 | 1 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2018 Nissan Versa Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2018 Nissan Versa, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Air Bags
10 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Nissan onlyUnknown Or Other
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Nissan onlyElectrical System,Engine
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Engine issues Nissan onlyPower Train
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Nissan onlyElectrical System
4 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Nissan onlyEngine
3 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Nissan onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2018 Nissan Versa
Reliability Score
The 2018 Nissan Versa receives a reliability score of 45 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.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2018 Nissan Versa
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
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:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbags Airbag lights have been reported to blink, indicating potential issues with the airbag system. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System Issues with the electrical system, including ignition problems, have been frequently reported. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Transmission Transmission stalling and RPM revving have been reported, affecting the vehicle's performance. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Brakes Brake issues, including grinding and squealing, have been reported, especially with new parts. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k 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:
Airbags have been a common issue, with multiple recalls affecting this component.
Electrical system issues, including ignition problems, have been frequently reported.
Transmission stalling and RPM revving have been reported, affecting the vehicle's performance.
Brake issues, including grinding and squealing, have been reported, especially with new parts.
Recall Details for the 2018 Nissan Versa
The following 2 recalls have been issued for the 2018 Nissan Versa by NHTSA:
Summary: 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 an...
Consequence: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Summary: 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.
Consequence: If the vehicle stalls, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2018 Nissan Versa
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2018 Nissan Versa with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 11 complaints involved crashes. 7 reported injuries or fatalities.
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 taken to an independent mechanic, but the technician was unable to duplicate the failure. The failure reoccurred. While st...
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 with that. No one seems to know what to do.
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 failed and needed to be replaced.i had no warning light or any other problem and I could have been hurt really bad if th...
loss of power when using turn signal on highway changing lanes and making left or right turn on city streets. Once the signal is off I can accelerate. Left turn signal becomes more rapid as well. The Versa has a manual transmission. recurring issue for a month.
Has an issue with the mass flow air sensor. I had this car for 7 months with 84,000 miles on it and noticed instantly that it had poor mileage and stalled a lot. Check engine came on the first time and I took it to have a diagnostic test and a P101 code came on, a couple of days later the car wouldn't start. Replaced the mass flow air sensor and the car was driveable but it had the same poor gas m...
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 but the car wouldn’t move forward. The car started rolling backward and I almost collided with the car behind me. I had t...
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.
Brake's grind and squeal at a slow stop even with new brakes and rotors and electric problems like it's blowing headlights with in weeks of installing and tag lights as well.
Purchased New in January, 2019, with 10-20 miles on it. In February/March of 2020 it started lurching forward, giving rough idles. It would rumble, and you could hear the engine move around. This reported to Nissan dealership, the Tech. could not find code, simply reset computer. In 2021, I took it back to dealership of purchase, they could not diagnose any problems, they claimed to repair s...
TRANSMISSION ISSUES , STALLING, RPM REVVING.
Car stalls, I’ve contacted Nissan regarding electrical issues with ignition how it’s not reading the ecu. Another things is the recalls that comes up. Here it is Recall #19V654000 BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA Defect Description: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rog...
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Versa. The contact stated while driving 32 MPH, the vehicle shut off without warning. The contact was able to pull over on the side of the road and restarted the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and stated that the vehicle was not under recall and that the vehicle needed to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and sta...
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that on various occasions, after driving from a stop signal, the vehicle shuddered. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was provided with TSB’s that applied to the vehicle. The contact stated that the fail...
The check engine lamp light came on and vehicles current shift lamps not visible. Vehicle began to slip gears and Rev at high rpm. Risk of taking kids to school and myself to work was resolved by parking the car back in driveway. The car diagnostic machine put out code P0705 Transmission Range Sensor A Circuit. Also our vehicle is available for further inspection.
While driving the car airbag icon appeared on dashboard blinking
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 refuses to do anything about it at the dealer because it is not under the VIN covered vehicles
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 police were not called to the scene and a report was not filed. The contact had the vehicle towed to an independent mechan...
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 working again. 3) I have already had to replace the fuel pump twice with only 60k on miles on the car
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 on the passenger seat. I took this Nissan versa to the dealership in Columbia, MO (Joe Machens Nissan), and the staff tol...
Unknown! Repeatedly spent thousands of dollars on repairs but car never fixes. Check engine light on every month and car stalls often.
Showing 20 of 52 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2018 Nissan Versa
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Inflator Module
Opened 2021-09-17
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 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited. The rapid burning can cause the inflator to rupture during deployment, potentially causing serious or even fatal injury to vehicle occupants. See 20...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2018 Nissan Versa
Has the 2018 NISSAN VERSA been recalled?
Yes, the 2018 NISSAN VERSA has 2 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2018 NISSAN VERSA have?
The 2018 NISSAN VERSA has 52 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 11 involved crashes. 10 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2018 NISSAN VERSA?
The 2018 NISSAN VERSA received an overall NHTSA safety rating of good (4/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 4/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 NISSAN VERSA?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2018 NISSAN VERSA involve air bags (10 complaints), unknown or other (6 complaints), electrical system,engine (4 complaints). Other affected components include power train, electrical system, engine.
How many crash reports does the 2018 NISSAN VERSA have?
There are 11 crash reports associated with the 2018 NISSAN VERSA out of 52 total complaints (21.2% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2018 NISSAN VERSA have?
There are no fire reports for the 2018 NISSAN VERSA in the NHTSA database.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2018 NISSAN VERSA?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 NISSAN VERSA.
How many injuries are reported for the 2018 NISSAN VERSA?
10 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2018 NISSAN VERSA. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2018 NISSAN VERSA?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2018 NISSAN VERSA is acceptable with caveats. It has 52 complaints, 2 recalls, and a good (4/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2018 NISSAN VERSA?
The components with the most failures on the 2018 NISSAN VERSA are: 1. AIR BAGS (10 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (6 complaints), 3. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE (4 complaints), 4. POWER TRAIN (4 complaints), 5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4 complaints). AIR BAGS is the single most-reported problem area with 10 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2018 NISSAN VERSA?
Be cautious of airbag and electrical system issues, as well as transmission and brake problems. These can affect the safety and reliability of the vehicle. The 2018 NISSAN VERSA has 52 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it good (4/5).
How reliable is the 2018 NISSAN VERSA?
The 2018 NISSAN VERSA receives a reliability score of 45/100, indicating average reliability. This is based on 52 owner complaints, 2 recalls, and 11 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Airbags and Electrical System.
What are the known issues with the 2018 NISSAN VERSA?
Known issues with the 2018 NISSAN VERSA include: Airbags, Electrical System, Transmission, Brakes. These are based on patterns found across 52 NHTSA complaints. 2 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2018 Nissan Versa?
Yes, there are recalls related to airbags and electrical system issues.
What are some common issues with the 2018 Nissan Versa?
Common issues include airbag lights blinking, electrical system problems, transmission stalling, and brake issues.
Can the 2018 Nissan Versa suddenly shut off while driving?
Yes, some owners have reported the vehicle shutting off without warning while driving.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of airbag and electrical system issues, as well as transmission and brake problems. These can affect the safety and reliability of the vehicle.
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.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16