Is the Nissan Versa reliable?
59% of the 27 we inspected scored 60/100 or higher, with an average of 61/100 — it scores about average.
27
Cars inspectedreal pre-purchase inspections61/100
Average conditionall cars we check: 61/10059%
In good shape (60+)all cars we check: 56%Across 27 used Nissan Versas we inspected, this model scores about average — average condition 61/100 vs 61 for all cars we check. Every number on this page comes from real pre-purchase inspections — cars people were about to buy and paid an independent inspector to go through point by point, engine to underbody, paint depth to error codes. Not owner surveys, not warranty statistics, not forum lore: what we actually found.
What we found
Most common faults
Oil leaks · Engine
52%
Active error codes · Electronic equipment
37%
Cracked or torn suspension bushings · Suspension
33%
Tires condition & wear · Brakes and tires
33%
Abnormal noise · Engine
22%
Share of inspected Nissan Versas where each item was flagged.
How they score
Excellent 26%
Good 33%
Mediocre 26%
Poor 15%
Hidden history
What the seller might not mention — how often we find it on this model.
56%had a repainted or replaced panelall cars: 75%
15%showed structural repairall cars: 4%
30%had fault codes recently clearedall cars: 24%
More on Nissan
Other Nissan models we've inspected — or see the full Nissan profile.
Straight from recent Nissan Versa reports
2017 Nissan Versa · 177k mi — flagged: smoothness, oil leaks, oil sludge. Inspected Aug 18.
2019 Nissan Versa · 115k mi — flagged: fault codes recently cleared, smoothness, laser/radar module. Inspected Jul 28.
The bottom line
The Versa’s real trap isn’t the paint — it’s prior structural work. Those repairs show up far more often than on a typical used car, so start every look with the frame and underbody and walk if anything looks patched. After that, the engine decides the deal: oil leaks show up on more than half of them, with abnormal noise as another warning, so chase a dry quiet motor and treat a wet or noisy one as a walk or a steep discount. Scan for live codes, check the suspension bushings, and don’t skip the tires before you negotiate.
FAQ
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What are the most common problems on a used Nissan Versa?
The items we flag most often are oil leaks (52%), active error codes (37%), cracked or torn suspension bushings (33%). Have these checked before buying.
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Should I worry about cleared fault codes?
On 30% of these cars the ECU codes had been erased shortly before sale, which can hide active faults. Ask for a diagnostic scan and start the engine from cold.
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Based on 27 inspections · updated Sep 20, 2026
