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Nissan Versa misfire problems

13 of the 3,330 owner complaints about the Nissan Versa describe misfire or rough idle, most of them for the 2012 model year.

owner complaints
13
worst model year
2012
typical mileage
88,000
Is there a fix? No recall or service bulletin covers this area of the car yet.

By model year

  • 2023
    1
  • 2021
    1
  • 2020
    2
  • 2018
    1
  • 2015
    1
  • 2014
    2
  • 2013
    1
  • 2012
    2
  • 2010
    1
  • 2009
    1

What owners say

Filed Oct 4, 2026 · Engine · OH

Check engine light came on. Took car to auto shop and had them use the code reader. The code thrown was for cylinder 1 misfiring. Under further investigation it was found to the valve cover gasket needed replaced. After replacing the valve cover gasket the torque strut mount plugs and engine coils the car seemed to run fine. About 3 hours later the car started having trouble accelerating and the engine started to shake bad. And hour later while at a red light the car stalled out and wouldn't start again. Had to have the car towed. Noticed a good amount of oil leaked in the bottom of the engine.

Filed Aug 15, 2025 · Electrical · CA

Car runs rough at idle and has difficulty accelerating. Check engine lights comes on intermittently. CODE p0101 points at MAF sensor. Replaced multiple times. Cleaned air system, ie filter, hoses and throttle body. Same issues. Car feels unpredictable and unsafe. Can’t accelerate through intersections and does not respond well went issue is present.

Filed Feb 24, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · TX

I am writing to report a potential safety and design defect in my vehicle that I have also noticed affecting many other owners of the same make and model. The issue involves the rubber seal at the edge of the windshield, which is supposed to prevent water from entering the engine bay. However, the rubber is not properly secured—it merely sits in place—allowing water to pass underneath it. As a result, water accumulates on the valve cover near the ignition coil, creating a risk of electrical problems, including misfires or potential engine failure. Over time, this could lead to serious mechanical and safety issues. After researching, I have found that many other owners of the same vehicle have experienced this same problem. I believe this issue poses a safety concern and should be investigated further. Please advise on any next steps or potential recalls regarding this matter. Thank you for your time and attention.

Filed Jun 21, 2024 · Engine, Seat belts · 20,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2015 Nissan Versa. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously taken to the dealer, where the fuel pump assembly, the lower control arm, and the electronic parking switch were replaced. Additionally, the contact stated while starting the vehicle, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that cylinder #1 had misfired, and the dealer determined that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to a transmission specialist, where the catalytic converter was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the catalytic converter was replaced for a second time. Additionally, the contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the vehicle failed to shift to first gear. The vehicle was towed to another dealer, Classic Nissan Newport News (12925 Jefferson Ave, Newport News, VA 23608), where the transmission assembly, the ignition coil, and spark plug #1 were replaced. The contact stated while driving after the repair, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that while her grandson was occupying the rear passenger's side seat, the seat belt locked and failed to unbuckle. The contact stated that her daughter cut the seat belt and released her grandson. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

Filed Mar 22, 2024 · Airbags, Engine · NY

Horn issues horn isn't working Car shuts off constantly Multiple misfire codes reading permanent Codes won't clear on code reader Air bag light keeps blinking

Filed Feb 8, 2024 · CT

Water collects on spark plug coils and the car does not exceed 50 mpg, check engine light comes on. This has happened twice so far, the first time was 1/04/2024. I actually didn't drive the car for two weeks after the first repair, it just sat in the driveway in the rain and snow. The first time I drove it after the first repair, the exact same thing happened. "The water is diverting improperly through the windshield wiper cowl, collecting on cylinder and bypassing seal causing misfire." This is a serious problem that can lead to completely destroying the engine. I joined a few Nissan/Versa forums and this seems to be a common, ongoing problem for 3rd generation Versa owners. I have ordered a 2024 Versa SR and am hoping this issue has already been corrected.

Filed Oct 24, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · GA

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 some component in rear break light area. The Service Advisor never sent the completed paperwork to my email. I asked for a copy on site, but he "had to review papers". The problems arised again in March/April of 2022. I asked same Service Advisor for a new transmission. The vehicle was still within 60,000 miles warranty He said he could not do it without code and Nissan Corp. Approval. Losing acceleration when left turn signal on, fear getting stuck in intersection. I was fed up. Now dealing with a 3rd Nissan dealership for the extended warranty (84,000 miles) with 300-400 miles left . Warranty letter came July, 2023. I spoke to a Nissan Corp. Customer Service Rep. who stated that "Nissan would not tell the dealerships what to do". Yet when you go to the dealerships, they state "we can't complete any work without computer code and Corporate Approval." Nissan's Warranty Settlement is a gimmick. They lose nothing. Customers have to take vehicle to their dealerships with no satisfaction of their grievance. I know how to drive and purchased enough new and used vehicles to know when it has problem. I have not ever had transmission issue until dealing with Nissan. I did not go to work on 10-12 hours shifts, to pay over $21,000 for a Lemon. I never saw any warning posted at the purchasing dealer in relations to the CVT issues. I didn't see anything at the other two Nissan Dealers either. I need a new transmission or check. That's what customers deserve and should get. Please issue recalls before innocent lives are lost. I will never buy Nissan again.

Filed Aug 21, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · WV

Car is 4 months old 12,000 miles. 3 intermittent episodes upon startup car has only 20% power even with gas pedal to the floor like it’s in limp home mode. All episodes so far on cold start up 60-80 degree weather. No CEL lights, no misfire, no odd smells. YouTube poster has same problem and ran obd scan tool showing crank position sensor malfunction. Others suspect problem is software issue associated with Nissan removing the push button start from Versa S trim level only cars in 2022/2023 model years and possibly in manual transmission cars only. Car is extremely unsafe to drive in this condition and the female owner is reluctant to drive it 50 miles to work and be stranded. Nissan dealer examined the car and found no issues on first attempt. Car going to the repair shop for a second time.

Filed Jun 16, 2021 · Engine · 130,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2013 Nissan Versa. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 mph, the vehicle hesitated before the loss of motive power. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the #3 cylinder misfired. The coils and spark plugs were replaced however, the failure recurred. Additionally, it was determined that the PCM was faulty and needed to be replaced or reprogrammed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer and the local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

Filed Mar 8, 2021 · Transmission · 88,000 miles · CA

Nissan versa is tugging/misfiring during normal driving. The transmission does not shift properly, RPM gets stuck at around 3500-4500 at about 35-40 MPH. Once unstuck, the transmission shifts hard like a crunching sound, which sounds like metal grinding metal, not properly engaging shifting. The mileage is currently at 90k. The issue started around a month ago. The issue has gotten to the point that the vehicle is not safe to drive.

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Questions about the Nissan Versa misfire

Which Nissan Versa years have misfire or rough idle problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2012 (2 complaints), 2014 (2 complaints) and 2020 (2 complaints).

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