Common Failures Of The Nissan Versa Note: Breakdowns, Problems And More!
Budget shoppers choose the Nissan Versa Note over competing hatchbacks because it offers strong safety features and good fuel economy at an attractive price. But not everything is good, it can also present breakdowns and problems, for this reason we list the common faults of the Nissan Versa Note , so that you are aware in case any occur.
The Versa Note has a surprisingly spacious interior and versatile rear seatbacks that fold forward to provide more luggage space. However, despite being an affordable hatchback, the Nissan Versa has failed to attract American buyers, who mostly prefer crossovers.
This prompted Nissan to discontinue the Versa Note for the US market in 2020. A used 2019 Nissan Versa Note can today start at $10,000. Not bad for a car model with a slow depreciation rate. The 2019 model is said to have a 5-year depreciation rate of 44%.
How good is the Nissan Versa Note?
The Nissan Versa Note has received respectable reliability scores from major review sites. Some users gave the Versa Note a solid 4.0 out of 5.0, ranking it 11th out of 21 subcompact cars tested.
Such a high score in the competitive subcompact segment means the Nissan Versa Note is an excellent choice. Infrequent car repairs can cost as little as $445 a year . If you’re looking for an inexpensive hatchback, you can’t go wrong with a used Nissan Versa Note.
Common failures of the Nissan Versa Note
The Nissan Versa Note is a fairly reliable vehicle, but some model years have their share of problems. These are some of the common failures of the Nissan Versa Note:
1- EVAP obstruction problems
Nissan Versa Notes have Evaporative Emission Control (EVAP) systems that prevent fuel vapors from escaping from the tank and fuel system. The vent tubes located between the fuel tank and the vapor canister can clog over time, causing gasoline to spill out of the tank when you try to fill it.
Many owners have experienced this issue with first and second generation (2007 to 2019) Nissan Versa Note. After years of customer complaints, Nissan announced that it will cover Nissan EVAP canisters and emissions vapor vent tubes under the Enhanced EVAP Emissions Warranty Policy, which extends the original warranty to 15 years or 150,000 miles. .
Reports of faulty Nissan EVAP have remained consistent throughout numerous owner testimonials, casting doubt on the reliability of the Versa Notes. A clogged EVAP can cause the engine to idle, rough, or fail altogether . Fuel vapors from clogged EVAP tubes can cause you to fail your emissions test.
Nissan has notified owners of the program and has assured them that these vehicles are safe to drive. However, you should still be careful when buying a used Versa Note, as some of them may have faulty EVAPs. Don’t be afraid to ask the seller about the vehicle’s history to avoid unplanned repairs.
2- Problems with the sunroof glass
Persistent problems with factory-installed glass sunroofs led to another lawsuit against the company. One distraught plaintiff described her experience of being in the car with her husband and her four children when the glass ceiling suddenly shattered, causing her husband to turn away from her.
It accused Nissan of using thin glass in its larger sunroof to save weight and improve fuel economy. Because thin glass can be difficult to temper properly, it is more likely to break or explode. The lawsuit covers Nissan and Infiniti models from 2008 through 2019, including the first and second generation Versa Notes (2007 through 2019).
Despite the outrage, Nissan has yet to announce a recall for this part. For now, Versa Note owners will have to bear the cost of replacing their sunroof when it breaks. Drivers and passengers can be injured by broken glass, so we recommend taking your Nissan Versa Note to a trusted mechanic to have it checked out thoroughly.
3- CVT failure
The CVT or continuously variable transmission is a transmission system designed to offer greater 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 smoother gear-changing capability.
The result is a powerful drivetrain that adjusts to your driving needs. That’s the idea in any case. Unfortunately, the CVT fitted to certain 2012 to 2018 Nissan vehicles were prone to failure . Multiple class action lawsuits due to faulty CVTs were filed against the Japanese automaker.
These lawsuits alleged that Nissan’s CVTs suddenly jerked, slipped, hesitated, or lost power, leading to costly transmission replacements. Many Nissan models were named in the lawsuit, including the Versa Note from 2012 to 2017.
Nissan extended its limited warranty on the transmission assembly and automatic transmission control unit to 24 months or 24,000 miles and offered owners who had two or more replacements or repairs a $1,000 voucher toward the purchase or lease of a new vehicle Nissan or Infiniti.
The mileage limitation in the deal could be a problem for those looking to buy used 2012-2017 Nissan Versa Note models with high mileage. If you’re looking to buy a Nissan Versa Note, be sure to ask the seller about the transmission and mileage on the vehicle.
4- Engine shutdown failure
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 stall while driving. For example, if your fuel pump fails, the engine won’t get enough fuel to run properly.
A stalled engine can also be the result of a bad alternator or dead battery . The alternator is responsible for charging your car’s battery while the engine is running. If your alternator fails, you may lose essential engine functions.
It is possible for the alternator to be overworked by a dying battery. This is just an example. You’ll still need to perform a complete engine inspection to rule out any potential problems.
In summary
Despite its problems, the Nissan Versa Note remains a strong choice for buyers looking for a reliable and affordable hatchback. With proper maintenance, the Versa Note can be a great travel companion because it can fit into spaces that large sedans or SUVs can’t.
Also, it takes up less parking space. If you’re looking to buy a used Versa Note, you should probably steer clear of its more troublesome model years. Feel free to come back to this article if you need a refresher.
