Nissan Versa Note Reliability and Common Problems

Buyers on a budget choose the Nissan Versa Note over rival hatchbacks because it offers solid safety features and good fuel economy at an attractively low price. The pint-sized Versa Note has a surprisingly roomy interior and versatile rear seatbacks that flip forward to provide more luggage space. However, despite being an affordable hatchback, the Nissan Versa has failed to entice American buyers, most of whom preferred crossovers. This prompted Nissan to discontinue the Versa Note for the U.S. market in 2020. A used 2019 Nissan Versa Note today can cost as little as $10,000. Not bad for a car model with a slow depreciation rate. AutoPadre says the 2019 model has a 5-year depreciation rate of 44%.

Is the Nissan Versa Note Reliable?

The Nissan Versa Note has received respectable reliability scores from major review sites. RepairPal gave the Versa Note a solid 4.0 out of 5.0, ranking it 11th out of 21 subcompact cars tested. Scoring this high in the competitive subcompact car segment means the Nissan Versa Note is an excellent choice. The car’s low frequency of repairs can cost as little as $445 per year. If you’re looking for an economical hatchback, you can’t go wrong with a used Nissan Versa Note.

Common Nissan Versa Note Problems

The Nissan Versa Note is a fairly reliable vehicle, but some model years have their share of issues. Here are some of the Nissan Versa Note’s most commonly reported problems:

Clogged EVAP Causes Gas Spills

Nissan Versa Notes have evaporative emission control systems (EVAP) that prevent fuel vapors from escaping the fuel tank and fuel system. The vent tubes located between the fuel tank and the vapor canister can clog up over time, causing gas to spill out of the tank when you try to fill it up. Many owners have experienced this problem with first and second generation Nissan Versa Notes (2007 to 2019). After years of customer complaints, Nissan announced that it will cover Nissan EVAP canisters and emissions vapor vent tubes under the EVAP Emission Warranty Policy Enhancement, which extends the original warranty to 15 years or 150,000 miles. Reports about the defective Nissan EVAP have remained consistent throughout numerous owners’ testimonies, calling into question the Versa Notes’ reliability. A clogged EVAP can cause the engine to idle, run rough, or fail altogether. The fuel vapors from clogged EVAP tubes can result in a failed emissions test. Nissan has notified owners about the program and assured them that these vehicles are safe to drive. However, you should still exercise caution when buying a used Versa Note, as some of them can have defective EVAPs. Don’t be afraid to ask your seller about the vehicle’s history to avoid unplanned repairs.

Sunroof Glass Explodes

Persistent problems with factory-installed glass sunroofs led to another lawsuit for the company. A distressed plaintiff described her experience of being in the car with her husband and four children when the glass roof suddenly shattered, causing her husband to pull over. She accused Nissan of using thin glass in their larger sunroof to save weight and improve fuel economy. Because thin glass can be difficult to temper correctly, it has a higher chance of breaking or exploding. The lawsuit covers Nissan and Infiniti models from 2008 to 2019, which includes the first and second generation Versa Note (2007 to 2019). Despite the outrage, Nissan has yet to announce a recall for this part. For now, Versa Note owners will have to shoulder the expenses of replacing their sunroof when it breaks. Drivers and passengers can be injured by shattered glass, so we recommend taking your Nissan Versa Note to a reputable mechanic for a thorough inspection.

CVT Failure

The CVT or continuously variable transmission is a transmission system designed to deliver better fuel economy compared to traditional transmissions. Nissan’s CVT uses a steel chain or belt, as well as a pulley system, instead of physical gears, to create a smoother gear shift capacity. The result is a powerful transmission system that adjusts to your driving needs. That’s the idea anyway. Unfortunately, the CVT installed on certain Nissan vehicles from 2012 to 2018 were prone to failure. Multiple class-action lawsuits due to defective CVTs were filed against the Japanese automaker. These lawsuits alleged that Nissan’s CVTs jerked, slipped, hesitated, or suddenly lost power, which caused expensive transmission replacements. Many Nissan models were named in the lawsuit, including the 2012 to 2017 Versa Note. Nissan extended its limited warranty for the transmission assembly and automatic transmission control unit by 24 months or 24,000 miles and offered owners who had two or more replacements or repairs a $1000 voucher to either purchase or lease a new Nissan or Infiniti vehicle. The mileage limitation in the settlement might be a problem for those looking to buy used Nissan Versa Note models from 2012 to 2017 with high mileage. If you’re looking to buy a Nissan Versa Note, make sure to ask the seller about the vehicle’s transmission and mileage.

Engine Dies While Driving

Some 2015 Nissan Versa Note owners have reported engine problems at an average mileage of 16,000 miles. Several factors can cause an engine to die while driving. For example, if your fuel pump fails, the engine won’t get enough fuel to properly run. A stalling engine can also be the result of a bad alternator or a dead battery. The alternator is responsible for charging your car’s battery while the engine is turned on. If your alternator fails, you may lose your engine’s essential functions. It’s possible for the alternator to become overworked due to a dying battery. This is just an example. You’ll still have to perform a complete inspection of the engine to rule out any potential problems.

Despite its problems, the Nissan Versa Note remains a strong choice for buyers who are looking for a reliable and economical hatchback. With proper maintenance, the Versa Note can be an excellent commuter because it can fit into spaces that large sedans or SUVs can’t. It also takes up less parking space. If you’re looking to buy a used Versa Note, you should probably steer clear of its most problematic model years. Feel free to return to this article if you need a refresher.

Find the Right Nissan Versa Note Alternator For Your Car

Your Nissan Versa Note depends on the alternator to charge its battery and power many electronic parts while driving your car. If the alternator cannot top off the battery, you might face various problems that potentially require costly repairs. Fortunately, you can easily find a replacement Nissan Versa Note alternator here at CarParts.com.

Need a Nissan Versa Note alternator that fits your needs and budget? CarParts.com is the place to go. Plug your car’s details into our website’s vehicle selector, and you’ll find the products in our extensive catalog that fit the bill. With a few taps on your mobile device’s screen, you can order a new Nissan Versa Note alternator delivered to your doorstep. Your order can arrive in as little as two (2) business days if you live in the continental US and place your order before noon ET.

Look no further than CarParts.com when you need a Nissan Versa Note alternator that delivers the performance you can depend on. Check out our Nissan Versa Note alternators and order today!