The 2015 Nissan Versa only lasts around 150,000 miles with serious transmission and brake system issues. At $7,785 to $8,400, it’s cheap, but not worth the money when a sudden transmission failure can mechanically total out the car.
Is the 2015 Nissan Versa a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 4/10 – 2015 is a bad year for the Nissan Versa since there are still widespread transmission failures. Owner reviews complain about it being uncomfortable to drive, frequent breakdowns, along with rust issues.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 5/10 – Interior materials feel thin and cheap, the seats are similar to other budget-friendly cars, while cargo space is better than average in the trunk.
- Reliability 4/10 – There are still a lot of transmission problems on the 2015 Versa. Avoid models from 2012–2017, which all suffer from the same mechanical problems.
- Performance 4/10 – Power from the 4-cylinder engine is weak, making the Versa almost dangerous at highway speeds.
- Safety 4/10 – The Versa is not very safe, earning an overall rating of 4 stars, although it only gets 3-stars in the frontal crash test. There’s an optional rearview camera available.
- Gas Mileage 8/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 35 MPG, giving 378 miles of range from the 10.8 gallon tank. Gas costs are $58 cheaper than average at $163 per month.
- Value 5/10 – The 2015 Versa has a lot of expensive problems, making it a bad long-term value even though it’s cheaper than some competitors.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Nissan Versa?
- Consumer Reports says the latest Vera is one of the worst compact cars on the market with low owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Versa at 3/5, praising the spacious interior, but doesn’t like the noisy engine.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the 2015 Versa a 3.9/5 enjoying the efficient engine, however, owners don’t like the boring driving experience.
What Common Problems Does the 2015 Nissan Versa Have?
Common problems found on the 2015 Nissan Versa include transmission failures, anti-lock brake system issues, as well as a loose suspension. Overall, these problems are more severe than other compact cars, which leads to higher repair costs as well as the Versa ages.
Transmission failures are a widespread problem reported by owners at around 50,000 miles. There are widespread problems with the CVT transmission found on all Nissan models. The transmission is extremely difficult to fix, so it has to be replaced if it breaks. A new transmission costs around $3,400 to install, depending on local labor rates.
Anti-lock brake system issues are another complaint in the first 40,000 miles. Owners report the brakes feel jerky, leading to them locking up. The problem is caused by an issue with the ABS system, which costs around $2,300 to change out if it does fail.
A loose suspension, leading to an unstable driving experience, shows up on some Versa models at around 20,000 miles. The shocks and struts both become loose while driving on rough roads. When they become loose, the Versa feels like it’s wandering or floating down the road. Changing out the suspension components costs around $1,800.
There’s only one minor recall on the 2015 Nissan Versa for a lower trim panel which can block the brake pedal. Nissan will modify the panel on affected models so it doesn’t get in the way.
How Long Will the 2015 Nissan Versa Last?
A well-maintained 2015 Nissan Versa may last around 150,000 miles before it becomes too expensive to repair. This is only half as long as top-rated competitors like the Toyota Corolla. Regular annual maintenance costs are slightly higher than average, according to data from Repair Pal, at $476 per year.
Since nearly all 2015 Versa models for sale will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace the timing chain tensioner for $750, the thermostat costing $350, as well as the sunroof motor, which costs around $1,200.
Yes it is very reliable. I have never had any problems with it. The only work it has needed is routine engine maintenance.
The door lock mechanism does not always work - it seems to get stuck. There seem to be blind spots that make it difficult when I am trying to pass.
This vehicle is very reliable. Zero problems. This has been my main vehicle for five years with no issues whatsoever.
This car is reliable. I do not have any problems but I also take care of it. This definitely is not a car for aggressive drivers.
I have had no problems with my car. It the mountains it is slower going up hill. I maintain the car following the manufacturers schedule.
It has not died on me yet. I have had Nissan's in the past and have always had luck with them. My car does what I need it to do, so that is what's important to me right now.
This Nissan is totally reliable. I have had this car for going on 8 months and have not had a single problem yet. If you are looking for reliability, you are looking for Nissan.
So far I didn't encounter a problem with it. We bought it as second hand and I didn't see any problem just very few scratches but above all it looks brand new!
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is average in the 2015 Nissan Versa with standard Bluetooth as well as an optional 5.8-inch touchscreen stereo system. Safety technology is bad for its age, with a rearview camera being the only option available.
Is the 2015 Nissan Versa a Good Value?
No, the 2015 Nissan Versa is a bad value since there are some very expensive mechanical problems. Blue book prices range from $7,875 to $8,400, making it cheaper than a Honda Civic or Ford Focus. When new, the price range was $11,990 to $16,890. Depreciation is worse than average, losing around 12% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Nissan Versa?
There are four models of the Nissan Versa available for 2015, from the base S all the way up to the well-equipped SL.
S is the entry-level model with:
- 15-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- 2-Speaker Stereo System
- Manual Transmission
S Plus is a step up, adding:
- CVT Transmission
- Cruise Control
- Rear Spoiler
- 4-Speaker Stereo System
SV is next in the lineup, with:
- Power Windows & Locks
- Keyless Entry
- Premium Cloth Seating
- USB Connectivity
SL is the top-of-the-line model which has:
- 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Fog Lights
- Keyless Ignition
- 5-Inch Display
- Optional 5.8-Inch Touchscreen Navigation System
What Engines Come In the Nissan Versa?
The engine found in the 2015 Nissan Versa is a weak 1.6L 4-cylinder which makes 109 horsepower while getting up to 35 MPG. Performance is slow, taking 10.4 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Nissan Versa Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Nissan Versa?
The 2015 Nissan Versa is more comfortable than other compact cars, with seating for up to 5 people. Seating throughout the cabin is surprisingly comfortable with decently supportive cushions.
Passenger room is better than average as well, with enough room for taller adults in the back seats.
How Much Storage Space Does the Nissan Versa Have?
Cargo space is better than average in the trunk, with enough room for 4 to 6 full size suitcases.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The second generation of the Nissan Versa was introduced in 2012 and replaced by the third generation in 2020.
2013: CVT transmission added, hatchback model discontinued.
2014: No major changes.
2015: Minor exterior styling changes, more modern interior, Bluetooth standard on all models.
2016: Standard 4-speaker stereo system on all models.
2017: new SV Special Edition package with upgraded interior.
2018: SL model discontinued, base model only offers manual transmission.
2019: More features added to SV Special Edition model.
2020: Fully redesigned for the third generation with new interior, exterior, and engine.
How Does the Nissan Versa Compare to the Competition?
The Nissan Versa is one of the worst compact cars you can buy from 2015 since there are so many widespread problems which are expensive to repair.
The Chevy Spark is another small car available which costs around $800 more. Cargo space is better with the hatchback design of the Chevy Spark, while the Nissan Versa has higher-quality interior materials. We recommend the Chevy Spark, since they have fewer complaints from owners.
The Nissan Sentra is a small sedan made by Nissan as well which is about $200 more. Performance is better in the Nissan Sentra while the Nissan Versa has a more comfortable interior. We recommend avoiding both cars for 2015, since they both suffer from the same transmission problems.
Do Owners Recommend the Nissan Versa?
Yes. It is a good size for what I need. There is enough cargo space in the back. I love the color and trim options.
Yes, it is reliable and good on gas mileage it was very reasonably priced. Not much luxury. It is a hatchback and I appreciate that the seats are easy to put down when I need to haul things.
This is an amazing vehicle. I have used this as my primary vehicle since 2015 and have had zero issues with it. I now have almost 100,000 miles on this vehicle and still runs well, a.C. Works, no issues whatsoever.
It was inexpensive and good for someone like me who travels back and forth from school, work, and home. Plus I feel safe in it.
It is a very good car. I get great mileage and the car has leg room in the front and back. It has a smaller trunk but I have worked it out for travelling.
It is a decent car. Great gas mileage, however, have had some problems with the muffler. It makes a growling sound, even though I have had it looked at two different times. Front wheel drive is not good in the snow.
I do think this model Nissan is a good vehicle. This an is an economical car that is perfect for anyone traveling frequently that packs light. The gas mileage is great on the Hwy.
Aside from I like how the vehicle looks, I like how it works. It's easy to use when you are used to driving a manual vehicle. What I like about manuals is that I kind of feel safer with it coz I can control it better.