The 2021 Nissan Versa lasts around 200,000 miles with some average wheel noise and check engine light issues. At $12,995 to $17,350, it’s a decent value for a compact car, but there are some more expensive problems that show up as it ages.
Is the 2021 Nissan Versa a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 8/10 – 2021 is a great year for the Nissan Versa since it has a lot of safety features and an affordable price. Owner reviews praise the smooth suspension, low fuel costs, and the nice stereo.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 7/10 – Interior materials are fairly basic, the seats are supportive on long drives, and cargo space is great in the trunk.
- Reliability 8/10 – There are no major problems found on the 2021 Versa. Models from 2009–2016 have a lot of transmission problems, while 2017–2022 are more reliable.
- Performance 6/10 – The four-cylinder engine is very weak, but it’s built to be efficient rather than strong.
- Safety 8/10 – The 2021 Versa is safe, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. It comes standard with automatic emergency braking, while adaptive cruise control is available as an optional upgrade.
- Gas Mileage 9/10 – Fuel economy is great at up to 35 MPG, giving 378 miles of range from the 10.8 gallon tank. Gas costs are $39 cheaper than average at $135 per month.
- Value 9/10 – The 2021 Nissan Versa is one of the cheapest compact cars on the market, with average depreciation rates, making it a good value.
What Do Critics Say About the Nissan Versa?
- Consumer Reports says the 2021 Nissan Versa is much less spartan than in earlier years, with good owner satisfaction scores as it ages.
- Edmunds rates the Nissan Versa at 4.1/5, enjoying the easy-to-use infotainment system, but doesn’t like the limited interior storage room for small items.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Versa a 4/5, praising the excellent fuel economy for a small car, but owners don’t like the old-school drum brakes on the rear wheels.
What Common Problems Does the 2021 Nissan Versa Have?
Common problems found on the 2021 Nissan Versa include excessive wheel noise, check engine lights, along with rapid brake wear. Overall, these problems are a bit worse than other compact cars on the market, leading to some more expensive repair costs as a Versa ages.
Excessive wheel noise is the most widespread complaint from 2021 Versa owners, showing up within the first 15,000 miles. Usually, the problem is caused by a worn-out wheel bearing, which has to be replaced. Changing out the bearing costs around $400, depending on local labor rates.
Check engine lights have also been reported on the 2021 Nissan Versa at around 5,000 miles. Usually, the problem is simply caused by a sensor error. You will need to use an OBD-II scan tool to read the ECU for codes to diagnose the source of the problem. Once you have found the issue, fixing it can cost $20 to $250.
Rapid brake wear is another problem found on some Versa models at around 10,000 miles. The front brake pads, in particular, tend to wear out quickly, and have to be replaced. A new set of brake pads is around $150, while rotors are an additional $250 if they have been scored or damaged.
There are three recalls on the 2021 Nissan Versa, which is worse than some other small sedans from the same year. The most serious recalls both cover a loss of power steering, which increases the risk of a crash. Nissan will replace the power steering components for free on affected models. The third recall covers turn signal bulbs, which Nissan will also replace.
How Long Will the 2021 Nissan Versa Last?
A well-maintained 2021 Nissan Versa can last around 200,000 miles, which is shorter than the long-lasting Toyota Corolla. Regular annual maintenance costs are more expensive than other compact cars, according to data provided by Repair Pal, at $446 per year.
As a used 2021 Versa reaches 100,000 miles, and depending on the vehicle history report, owners should be prepared to replace the windshield washer pump for $150, door lock actuators costing $300, along with the knock sensor, which costs $400.
How Is the Technology?
The standard entertainment technology is good, and includes a 7-inch touchscreen. Optional upgrades include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, along with a more powerful six-speaker sound system.
Standard safety technology is great, and features:
- Forward collision warning
- Pedestrian detection
- Lane-departure warning
- Forward and reverse automatic emergency braking
- Rearview camera
- Automatic high-beam headlights
Optional driver assistance features include:
- Blind spot monitoring
- Driver-attention monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Adaptive cruise control
Is the 2021 Nissan Versa a Good Value?
Yes, the 2021 Nissan Versa is a good value since it’s cheaper than most other small cars on the market. The blue book fair purchase price ranges from $12,995 to $17,350, making it less than a Honda Civic or Mazda 3. When new, the price range was $14,980 to $18,390. Depreciation is similar to other small cars, losing about 7% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Nissan Versa?
There are three main models of the 2021 Nissan Versa offered, from the entry-level S through to the more luxurious SR. All Versa models come standard with front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive is not available.
Nissan Versa S is the entry-level model with:
- Entry-level trim
- Standard cloth upholstery
- 7-inch touchscreen display
- Four-speaker stereo system
- USB port
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Siri Eyes Free compatibility
- Forward collision warning
- Forward and reverse automatic emergency braking
- Pedestrian detection feature
- Rearview camera
- Split-folding rear seats (CVT models only)
Nissan Versa SV is a step up, adding:
- CVT transmission standard
- Upgraded cloth upholstery
- Satellite radio included
- Android Auto compatibility
- Apple CarPlay support
- Driver-attention monitoring system
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Rear-seat reminder feature
- Alloy wheels
Nissan Versa SR is the flagship model with:
- Includes CVT transmission
- Sport cloth upholstery with fabric inserts
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Fog lights for enhanced visibility
- Rear spoiler for improved aesthetics
- Proximity keyless entry
- Remote start system
- Six-speaker stereo setup
- Exclusive availability of heated front seats
- Automatic climate control system
- Adaptive cruise control for added convenience
What Engines Come In the Nissan Versa?
The 2021 Nissan Versa is powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 122 horsepower. It offers a choice between a five-speed manual transmission and a Xtronic CVT, with the CVT variant achieving a combined fuel economy of 35 MPG and a 0-60 MPH time of around 9-10 seconds. The manual version has slightly lower fuel efficiency, around 30 MPG combined.
What Colors Does the Nissan Versa Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Nissan Versa?
The 2021 Nissan Versa, a compact sedan in the automotive market, is recognized for its comfort, which is impressive considering its entry-level status. The Versa’s interior is thoughtfully designed to maximize comfort for both the driver and passengers. The seats, upholstered in quality materials, offer a pleasant level of support and cushioning. This makes the Versa suitable for both short city drives and longer highway journeys. The front seats, in particular, provide adequate head and legroom, catering well to taller individuals. Additionally, the driver’s seat comes with an adjustable feature, allowing for an optimal driving position, which is a significant factor in driving comfort.
The ride quality in the 2021 Nissan Versa is another aspect that contributes to its overall comfort. The vehicle’s suspension is tuned to absorb most road imperfections, providing a smooth and stable ride even on less than ideal surfaces. This smoothness is maintained across various speeds, making it a reliable choice for diverse driving conditions. The cabin’s noise insulation is also noteworthy. It effectively minimizes road and wind noise, contributing to a serene driving environment, which is particularly appreciated during longer trips.
While the rear seating space in the Versa is somewhat compact, it remains comfortable for average-sized adults and is more than adequate for children. The car’s climate control system is efficient, maintaining a pleasant temperature inside the cabin regardless of external weather conditions. Overall, the 2021 Nissan Versa strikes a commendable balance between comfort, practicality, and affordability, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious consumers looking for a comfortable and reliable vehicle for daily use.
How Much Storage Space Does the Nissan Versa Have?
The 2021 Nissan Versa, a compact sedan known for its affordability and efficiency, offers a reasonable amount of storage space that is well-suited for daily commuting and moderate travel needs. The trunk space of the Versa is adequately sized for the car’s class, providing 14.7 cubic feet of room. This space is large enough to comfortably fit items like a couple of medium-sized suitcases, a stroller, or several grocery bags. The trunk’s well-proportioned design allows for easy loading and unloading of goods, making it convenient for shopping trips or weekend getaways.
In addition to the trunk, the Nissan Versa features various small interior storage spaces designed to enhance overall convenience for the driver and passengers. The cabin includes a glove compartment, door pockets, and a center console bin, which are perfect for storing smaller items like wallets, mobile phones, and sunglasses. Cup holders and a small tray in the center console are also available, offering additional space for drinks and miscellaneous items. The back seat of the Versa includes a fold-down armrest with cup holders, adding to the comfort and utility for rear passengers. Although not overly spacious, these small storage areas are thoughtfully placed within the vehicle’s interior, guaranteeing that essential items are always within easy reach.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The third generation of the Nissan Versa was launched for the 2020 model year.
2015: Minor exterior styling changes, Bluetooth is standard on all models, and the cabin has upgraded materials.
2016: All new four speaker stereo system and body-colored mirrors added to all models.
2017: Improved interior panels found in the SV Special Edition package.
2018: SL model removed from the lineup, Base model only offered with a manual transmission.
2019: The SV Special Edition model has more features than earlier years.
2020: Fully redesigned for the third generation with new engines, styling, technology, and additional safety features.
2021: No updates after the full redesign last year.
How Does the Nissan Versa Compare to the Competition?
The 2021 Nissan Versa is a decent small car built for shoppers on a budget, although it does have more problems than some competitors as it ages and reaches over 100,000 miles.
The Nissan Sentra is another compact car from Nissan, which costs around $2,000 more. Passenger room is better in the Nissan Sentra, while the Nissan Versa offers more responsive steering. We recommend the Nissan Sentra for most people since the added practicality is worth the extra money.
The Toyota Corolla is another popular small car, which costs about $5,500 more. Long-term reliability ratings are better in the Toyota Corolla, while the Nissan Versa offers more comfortable seats. We recommend the Toyota Corolla since ownership costs are much lower as it ages.
