2019 Nissan Versa Safety Report

2019 Nissan Versa: Good crash ratings, but significant powertrain and electrical complaints raise reliability concerns.

22Complaints
1Recalls
★★★★☆Safety Rating
55/100Reliability Score
2Crash Reports
1Injuries
Most reported components: Power Train (4)Power Train,Electrical System,Service Brakes (2)Electrical System (1)Engine,Electrical System (1)Unknown Or Other (1)Vehicle Speed Control,Engine,Forward Collision Avoidance (1)Exterior Lighting (1)Electrical System,Structure,Engine (1)Service Brakes, Hydraulic (1)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Nissan Versa

The 2019 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, the complaint data reveals significant concerns, particularly with the powertrain. With 22 total complaints, 2 crashes, and 1 injury reported, there are patterns suggesting potential real-world safety issues beyond crashworthiness. The most frequent complaints revolve around the POWER TRAIN, accounting for 4 reports, and POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES, which collectively received 2 reports. Several complaints specifically detail CVT transmission failures, including loss of motive power, jerking, shuddering, and inability to accelerate, which could pose serious safety risks on the road. Recall history for this model includes one recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V645000) related to the 'BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA'. This recall addresses a critical safety defect where the back-up camera display may not show an image, increasing the risk of a crash. While this recall is important, it does not address the more prevalent powertrain issues highlighted in consumer complaints. The presence of complaints regarding brake issues, such as the pedal going to the floorboard or the vehicle not stopping on icy roads despite VDC engagement, also raises concerns about braking system reliability. Overall, while the 2019 Nissan Versa performs adequately in crash tests, the high number of powertrain-related complaints, specifically concerning the CVT transmission, suggests a potential reliability and safety concern that is not reflected in the crash ratings. The recall for the back-up camera is a positive step in addressing a specific defect, but the underlying transmission issues appear to be a more systemic problem based on consumer feedback. Buyers should be aware of these reported mechanical vulnerabilities.

Reliability Score

The 2019 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 2019 Nissan Versa

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Nissan Versa:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Cvt Transmission Failure
Multiple reports of the CVT transmission failing, causing loss of motive power, jerking, shuddering, and inability to accelerate, often leading to costly repairs or vehicle immobility.		 High Common 30000-60000 miles
Electrical System Malfunctions
Reports of sudden loss of all electrical power (display, interior/dash lights) while driving, and issues with turn signals affecting motive power.		 Medium Occasional 9000-45000 miles
Brake System Issues
Complaints of brake pedal going to the floorboard and vehicle failing to stop or slow on minor icy/snowy roads despite VDC engagement.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Back-Up Camera Malfunction (Recall)
Recall for the back-up camera display not showing an image, increasing the risk of a crash when reversing.		 Medium Common all miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Nissan Versa:

Power Train 18% of complaints

Frequent complaints about CVT transmission issues including failure, jerking, shuddering, and loss of acceleration.

Electrical System 14% of complaints

Reports of sudden power loss, turn signal interference with motive power, and general electrical malfunctions.

Service Brakes 9% of complaints

Issues with brake pedal going to the floor and vehicle not stopping effectively in certain conditions.

Engine 9% of complaints

Some complaints related to engine performance, often intertwined with transmission issues.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Nissan Versa

Is the 2019 Nissan Versa safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2019 Nissan Versa received solid 4-star ratings in all crash tests (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover), indicating good crashworthiness. However, consumer complaints highlight significant safety concerns, particularly with the powertrain (CVT transmission failures) and electrical system, which are not reflected in crash test scores. There is also one recall for the back-up camera.

What are common problems with the 2019 Nissan Versa?

The most reported issues for the 2019 Nissan Versa are related to the POWER TRAIN (4 complaints), specifically CVT transmission failures leading to loss of power, jerking, and inability to accelerate. Other common problems include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM malfunctions (1 complaint specifically, but also combined with powertrain/brakes), and SERVICE BRAKES issues (1 complaint specifically, but also combined with powertrain/electrical).

Are there any recalls for the 2019 Nissan Versa?

Yes, there is one recall for the 2019 Nissan Versa (NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V645000) concerning the 'BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA'. This recall addresses a defect where the back-up camera display may not show an image, increasing the risk of a crash.

How does the 2019 Nissan Versa perform in crash tests?

The 2019 Nissan Versa performed well in NHTSA crash tests, receiving a 4-star Overall Safety Rating, 4 stars for Frontal Crash, 4 stars for Side Crash, and 4 stars for Rollover. This indicates good protection for occupants in various crash scenarios.

Should I be concerned about the transmission in a 2019 Nissan Versa?

Yes, based on the NHTSA complaint data, there are significant concerns regarding the CVT transmission in the 2019 Nissan Versa. Multiple complaints detail failures, loss of motive power, jerking, and inability to accelerate, which are serious safety and reliability issues. This aligns with Nissan's broader history of CVT problems.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While the 2019 Nissan Versa has good crash test ratings, potential buyers should be highly cautious due to numerous reported CVT transmission failures and electrical issues; a thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially of the powertrain, is strongly recommended.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Nissan Versa

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Nissan Versa. The data includes 22 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 2 reported crashes, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2019 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.