The 2012 Versa only lasts around 150,000 miles with a lot of drivetrain failures reported. At $5,812 – 6,787, it’s not worth the money with the high ownership costs.
Is the 2012 Nissan Versa a Good Used Car?
- No, 2012 is a bad year. Owners complain about the interior falling apart, electrical sensor failures, and mechanical breakdowns.
- Reliability ratings are poor. Avoid models from 2012-2014 and go with a 2015 or newer which have fewer transmission failures.
- Performance is weak from the 4-cylinder engines.
- The Versa is a safe sedan getting 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests and a Top Safety Pick Award.
- Fuel economy is great at up to 33 MPG combined.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Versa?
- Consumer Reports finds the Versa to be slow and clumsy with low owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Versa 3.0/5 and likes the roomy interior, but does not like the bland driving experience.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Versa a 3.9/5 and say it’s comfortable, but there are many mechanical problems.
What Common Problems Does the 2012 Nissan Versa Have?
Very serious problems found in the 2012 Versa include transmission failures, stalling engines, and getting stuck in park.
Transmission failures are extremely widespread at around 70,000 miles. Replacing the transmission for over $3,500 is the only solution when it fails.
Stalling engines are another common complaint that shows up at nearly 40,000 miles. The source of the problem is usually fuel delivery including the fuel pump and injectors. Replacing the pump costs about $1,000 and new injectors are around $750.
Being stuck in park is a frequent issue in the first 50,000 miles. The transmission linkage cable is a weak spot and replacing it for $400 fixes the issue.
There are 10 recalls with the most serious being for springs corroding which increases the risk of a crash if they snap. Most of the other recalls are for air bags and are not a concern when replaced.
How Long Will the 2012 Nissan Versa Last?
A 2012 Versa can last about 150,000 miles when properly cared for, only half as long as more reliable competitors including the Corolla. Regular annual maintenance costs are expensive, according to Repair Pal, at $519 per year.
As a Versa reaches 100,000 miles owners should prepare to replace the A/C compressor for $900, timing chain tensioner costing $750, and transmission mount which costs $165.
Yes it is been very reliable. The only things that have needed to be fixed were very minor, such as a small crack in the exhaust from driving on icy uneven roads.
It is a reliable car but there has been some problems with the transmission. I receive something in the mail stating that it is a recall on the transmission and they are suing Nissan.
It is reliable. The only mechanical issues I have had is a dead battery once. After I replaced the battery it had no other issues. It did get new airbags because they were recalled.
I have had a few problems with the emission control system. It is not very quiet when driving at higher speeds.
Not at all, I'm very happy with it. Very low maintenance costs and hardly any issues with the car itself
It is reliable. It is a bit of a rough ride, I liken it to a go-kart but, all in all it is a decent car.
Very reliable. I have not had any problems since I got the car. Just recently I needed to change the breaks because they’re screeching but that is normal use. I've driven this car from Sacramento to San Diego more than a dozen times and I've had zero issues.
No problems so far. After six years I have a few repairs but nothing major. My only criticism is that the supports on each side of the windshield are very thick and impair visibility.
How Much Is the 2012 Nissan Versa Worth?
Blue book values range from $5,812 – 6,787, making the Versa over $2,000 cheaper than a Civic or Mazda3. When new, the price range was $10,990 to $15,990. Depreciation is similar to other compact cars losing about 10% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Versa?
There are three models of the 2012 Versa available. The technology is poor even though it was redesigned for 2012. There’s a better infotainment system added for the 2015 model.
S is the entry-level model with:
- 15-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Air Conditioning
- Two Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo System With 3.5mm Jack
SV is a step up adding:
- Cruise Control
- Premium Cloth Seating
- Power Windows And Locks
- Keyless Entry
- 4-Speaker Stereo System
SL is the flagship model and has:
- 15-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Fog Lights
- Folding Rear Seats
- Navigation System With Satellite Radio
What Engines Come In the Versa?
- The Versa sedan comes with a very weak 1.6L 4-cylinder with only 109 horsepower.
- The hatchback has a weak 1.8L 4-cylinder making 122 horsepower, which takes 9.4 seconds to reach 60 miles per hour.
What Colors Does the Versa Come In?
How Big Is the Versa?
The Versa is an average sized subcompact car available as a coupe and hatchback similar to the Honda Fit or Toyota Yaris. Passenger room is surprisingly good throughout the cabin with plenty of room for adults even in the backseats.
Cargo space is excellent for a sedan with 14.8 cubic feet of room in the trunk, and the hatchback has a maximum of 50 cubic feet with the seats folded flat.
How Does the Versa Compare to the Competition?
The Nissan Sentra is a close rival costing about $1,000 more. Where the Sentra stands out is with more powerful engines, but the cabin is more comfortable in the Versa. Avoid both cars due to serious transmission issues.
The Toyota Corolla is another competitor, which costs about $3,000 more. Reliability ratings and ownership costs are significantly better in the Corolla, but the Versa is more spacious. We recommend the Corolla since they last longer with fewer problems.
Do Owners Recommend the Nissan Versa?
Yes, it gets good gas mileage and it has been very reliable. I also like the value for the price and I like the design.
Yes the car is good for people who has a small family. It would be a good for a first car. When I first got the car back in 2014 I loved it but since than our family have grown and it is time for a bigger car.
It runs well with regular maintenance. It does have some wiring issues and fuse issues. The electric window button no longer rolls down the passenger side window, the radio most often does not work but will randomly turn on sometimes and the check engine and low tire lights come on and off frequently on the dashboard.
It is ok, I like it. I would probably not buy it again. It is small but not too small. It is not very fancy.
Yes. Great mileage, durable, low maintenance cost, maintains frame while in car accidents, looks nice
It is a basic vehicle without any add-ons. It has been very reliable during my ownership. I would like there to be a few enhancements or features but, it gets the job done.
Yes it is. Very reliable, comfortable and smooth. I have had the car since college and have had zero issues with it. It’s small size makes it easy to take anywhere yet very spacious on the inside. The gas mileage is great. It takes about 35 dollars to fill up the take and will last ,me about a week and a half depending on the driving I do.
Yes. It gets excellent gas mileage. Has a zippy engine. And is small enough to handle and maneuver easily.