2021 Nissan Versa Safety Report
2021 Nissan Versa: Strong Crash Ratings, but CVT Transmission Failures and Steering Recalls Raise Concerns
AI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Nissan Versa
Reliability Score
The 2021 Nissan Versa receives a reliability score of 65 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 2021 Nissan Versa
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Nissan Versa:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cvt Transmission Failure Sudden loss of forward drive, jerking, whining, smoke, and complete vehicle inoperability reported by multiple owners, often without warning lights. |
High | Common | unknown-68000 miles |
| Loss Of Electric Power Steering Assist Intermittent electrical connection in the EPS torque sensor can disable power steering, increasing steering effort and crash risk (subject of two recalls). |
High | Occasional | N/A miles |
| Front Turn Signal Bulb Failure Front turn signal bulbs can crack and fail to illuminate, increasing the risk of a crash (subject of a recall). |
Medium | Occasional | N/A miles |
| Electrical System Malfunctions Reports of car shutting off, warning lights, battery dying, and radio cutting in/out. |
Medium | Occasional | unknown miles |
| Rear Windshield Distortion/Refraction Dealer-installed tinting causes severe distortion at night, making it difficult to determine positions of cars behind. |
Medium | Occasional | new miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2021 Nissan Versa:
Multiple complaints regarding CVT transmission failure, loss of forward drive, jerking, and vehicle stalling.
Issues with power steering assist (recalled) and other steering anomalies like 'tug' or 'brakes fight and lock'.
Problems with rear windshield distortion from tinting and high-beam headlight failures.
Reports of battery drain, radio malfunctions, and general electrical system failures.
Complaints about engine stalling, loss of power, and issues related to spark plug coils.
Concerns about airbag non-deployment in crashes and proper functioning.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Nissan Versa
Is the 2021 Nissan Versa safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 Nissan Versa received excellent crash test ratings, including a 5-star overall rating. However, it has 29 total complaints, with 5 crashes and 3 injuries reported. There are significant concerns regarding CVT transmission failures and three safety recalls, two for electric power steering and one for turn signal bulbs, which could compromise real-world safety.
What are common problems with the 2021 Nissan Versa?
The most reported issues for the 2021 Nissan Versa are related to the POWER TRAIN (3 complaints directly, with others describing similar symptoms), particularly the CVT transmission failing, followed by VISIBILITY/WIPER (3 complaints) and UNKNOWN OR OTHER (3 complaints). Other notable problems include ENGINE (2 complaints), AIR BAGS (2 complaints), and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues.
Are there any recalls for the 2021 Nissan Versa?
Yes, the 2021 Nissan Versa has 3 recalls. Two recalls (NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V496000) address an intermittent electrical connection in the electric power steering (EPS) torque sensor that can disable power steering. The third recall (NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V497000) is for front turn signal bulbs that can crack and fail to illuminate.
How does the 2021 Nissan Versa perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Nissan Versa performed well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a 5-star overall safety rating. It received 4 stars for frontal crash, 5 stars for side crash, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.
What should I know about the 2021 Nissan Versa's transmission?
The 2021 Nissan Versa uses a CVT transmission, which is a significant area of concern. Multiple complaints describe sudden failures, loss of forward drive, jerking, and even smoke, sometimes without warning. This issue has led to dangerous situations for drivers.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the recurring CVT transmission issues and ensure all three safety recalls, especially those for power steering, have been addressed before purchase.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Nissan Versa
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Nissan Versa. The data includes 29 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 3 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 5 reported crashes, 3 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2021 Nissan Versa an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 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.