The Nissan Versa Note spans 2014–2020 with 13 recorded NHTSA recalls and a 4.0/5 ForCar reliability score. The years to approach with caution are 2014, 2015, 2016 (most owner complaints); the cleanest are 2020, 2019, 2018. It delivers up to 22 mpg combined and 4-star NHTSA safety.
How we score: NHTSA crash-test safety (40%), recall frequency across all years (25%) and the share of owner complaints involving a crash, fire or injury (35%). Based on NHTSA & EPA data — not user reviews.
Overview
The Nissan Versa Note is one of the most popular vehicles in its class, produced from 2014 to 2020 across multiple generations.
How to read a Nissan Versa Note VIN — every digit explained
Every Nissan Versa Note carries a unique 17-character VIN stamped at the factory. Each position is a code — together they spell out where, when and how your car was built. Here's exactly what every digit means.
- WMI (1–3) — country & manufacturer. Tells you it's a Nissan and the country it was built in (real Nissan codes below).
- VDS (4–8) — model, body style, engine, trim & restraints. The 8th digit is the engine code.
- Check digit (9) — a math check that proves the VIN is genuine.
- Model year (10) — the year it was built (e.g. R = 2024, S = 2025).
- Plant (11) — which factory assembled this Versa Note.
- Serial (12–17) — the unique sequential production number.
- USA1N4 · 1N6 · 5BZ · 5N1
- Mexico3N1 · 3N6 · 3N8 · 3PC
- JapanJN1 · JN6 · JN8
- UKSJK
Digits 4–17 — the engine code (8th), model-year letter (10th) and plant — follow the universal SAE standard, identical on every car. For the full year-code table (2001–2026), country codes and where the VIN is stamped on your Versa Note, see the complete guide to reading a VIN.
How many recalls does the Nissan Versa Note have?
The Nissan Versa Note has 13 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2014–2020. Pick a year below to see its recalls — then verify open recalls against your specific VIN.
2019 Nissan Versa Note recalls 1
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
What's wrong. Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk. The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Fix. Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
2018 Nissan Versa Note recalls 3
Air Bags:side/window
What's wrong. Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018 Nissan Versa Note vehicles. During deployment of the side curtain air bag, a component of the air bag inflator may detach. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) number 214, "Side Impact Protection," and 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
Risk. If the component detaches during deployment, it may enter the passenger compartment and be a projectile within the vehicle cabin, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix. Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall began February 13, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera
What's wrong. Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk. The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Fix. Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
Electrical System:ignition
What's wrong. Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Nissan NV200, Sentra, NV3500 Van, NV3500 Bus, NV200 Taxi, NV1500, NV2500 Van, Chevrolet City Express, 2017-2018 Frontier, Versa Note, and Versa Sedan vehicles that have a mechanical (physical) key ignition system. In these models, over time, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
Risk. If the vehicle stalls, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix. Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the production information on the ignition switch, and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
2017 Nissan Versa Note recalls 2
Air Bags:frontal:passenger Side:inflator Module
What's wrong. Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Versa, and Versa Note vehicles. The ring plate that secures the air bag cushion to the passenger frontal air bag assembly may fail, possibly causing the air bag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.
Risk. In the event of a crash, if the passenger frontal air bag does not deploy as intended, it can increase the risk of injury.
Fix. Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began June 12, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Electrical System:ignition
What's wrong. Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Nissan NV200, Sentra, NV3500 Van, NV3500 Bus, NV200 Taxi, NV1500, NV2500 Van, Chevrolet City Express, 2017-2018 Frontier, Versa Note, and Versa Sedan vehicles that have a mechanical (physical) key ignition system. In these models, over time, the weight on the key ring and road conditions or some other jarring event may cause the ignition switch to move out of the run position to the accessory position, turning off the engine.
Risk. If the vehicle stalls, it can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix. Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the production information on the ignition switch, and replace it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 1, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
2015 Nissan Versa Note recalls 2
Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal
What's wrong. Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Nissan Versa sedan vehicles manufactured June 9, 2011, to March 11, 2015, and 2014-2015 Nissan Versa Note vehicles manufactured April 23, 2013, to March 11, 2015. The affected vehicles have a center console trim panel that may catch the driver's shoe and delay the transition from the accelerator pedal to the brake pedal.
Risk. A delay in the application of the brake pedal would lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix. Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will modify the console trim panel, free of charge. The recall began on September 14, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Latches/locks/linkages
What's wrong. Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2015 Nissan Rogue vehicles manufactured June 9, 2015, to June 10, 2015, and 2015 Nissan Sentra and Versa Note vehicles manufactured June 5, 2015, to June 13, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the driver side front and rear doors may not fully latch. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
Risk. A door that does not fully latch may result in the door opening while the car is moving. The distraction may increase the risk of a crash and/or a vehicle occupant may fall out of the vehicle if they are not wearing a seatbelt, increasing their risk of injury.
Fix. Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the date, lot number, and cavity code on the left front and rear door latches, and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
2014 Nissan Versa Note recalls 3
Structure:body
What's wrong. Nissan is recalling certain model year 2014 Versa Note vehicles manufactured April 23, 2013, through July 3, 2013. The lower body sill bolts may be missing or incorrectly torqued.
Risk. Missing lower body bolts may affect the vehicle's integrity in the event of a rear impact, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix. Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will install and tighten to specification the lower body sill bolts, as needed, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin August 19, 2013. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Seats:mid/rear Assembly
What's wrong. Nissan is recalling certain model year 2014 Versa Note vehicles manufactured April 23, 2013, through July 5, 2013. The rear seat latch bolts may have been manufactured incorrectly, reducing their strength.
Risk. If the rear seat latch bolts break, the rear seats may not perform as designed in a crash, increasing the risk of injury to back seat occupants.
Fix. Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear seat latch bolts, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin August 19, 2013. Owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal
What's wrong. Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Nissan Versa sedan vehicles manufactured June 9, 2011, to March 11, 2015, and 2014-2015 Nissan Versa Note vehicles manufactured April 23, 2013, to March 11, 2015. The affected vehicles have a center console trim panel that may catch the driver's shoe and delay the transition from the accelerator pedal to the brake pedal.
Risk. A delay in the application of the brake pedal would lengthen the distance needed to stop the vehicle and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix. Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will modify the console trim panel, free of charge. The recall began on September 14, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Best and worst years for the Nissan Versa Note
Based on NHTSA owner-complaint volume across 7 tracked years, the worst years are 2014, 2015, 2016 and the best (fewest complaints) are 2020, 2019, 2018.
ForCar aggregate — our own analysis of complaint volume, not published by NHTSA.
| Year | Owner complaints | Top issue | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Versa Note | Power Train | Avoid | |
| 2015 Versa Note | Power Train | Avoid | |
| 2016 Versa Note | Power Train | Avoid | |
| 2017 Versa Note | Air Bags | Average | |
| 2018 Versa Note | Power Train | Best | |
| 2019 Versa Note | Electrical System | Best | |
| 2020 Versa Note | — | Best |
What are the most common Nissan Versa Note problems?
The most-reported Nissan Versa Note problems are Seats (5 reports), Tires (7 reports) and Engine (117 reports) — out of 769 owner complaints NHTSA holds for the model. Here's how they break down:
Most-reported components — tap a category to read what owners actually experienced:
Source: NHTSA owner complaints, all model years. Bar = share of total complaints. Full reports searchable on NHTSA.gov.
Nissan Versa Note specifications & dimensions
The 2014–2017 Nissan Versa Note measures 163″ long on a 102″ wheelbase, with a curb weight near 2,485 lb. Full dimensions below — engine, horsepower and trim decode from your VIN. For the original factory build — MSRP, trim and standard equipment — rebuild the Nissan Versa Note window sticker.
| Years | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Curb weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014–2017 | 163″ | 67″ | 61″ | 102″ | 2,485 lb |
Source: NHTSA vPIC / Transport Canada vehicle specifications. Metric values converted to imperial; generation ranges approximate.
Nissan Versa Note cargo space, seating & interior room
How much the Versa Note holds — passengers and cargo. EPA measures its interior at 52 cu ft of passenger volume and 7 cu ft of cargo. Seating capacity and legroom vary by trim.
Exact seating capacity, third-row availability, legroom and headroom decode from your VIN or vary by trim — the original factory equipment & options list shows what each trim included.
Passenger & cargo volume from EPA fueleconomy.gov (largest configuration). Seats, legroom and headroom from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
Nissan Versa Note tire size, oil type & owner specs
The fitment owners look up most — tires, wheels, oil and batteries. Exact wheel and tire sizes decode from your VIN or the driver's door-jamb placard; the universal items are listed below.
Exact tire, wheel, oil grade, capacity and battery group are added per trim and model year — decode your VIN above for the factory fitment. Universal items shown as-is.
What MPG does the Nissan Versa Note get?
The Nissan Versa Note returns up to 22 combined MPG (EPA), which works out to roughly $3,500/yr in fuel. Pick an engine to see MPG, annual running cost and CO₂ by year:
The 2020 Nissan Versa Note (3.7L 6-cyl) gets 22 mpg combined and costs about $3,500/yr to fuel, emitting 406 g/mi CO₂ (GHG 4/10, smog 3/10) — about $6,500 more than the average new vehicle over 5 years.
| Year | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Smog | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Versa Note | 19 | 26 | $3,500 | 406 | 3/10 | 3.7L 6-cyl | |
| 2019 Versa Note | 19 | 26 | $3,500 | 409 | 3/10 | 3.7L 6-cyl | |
| 2018 Versa Note | 19 | 26 | $3,500 | 411 | 3/10 | 3.7L 6-cyl | |
| 2017 Versa Note | 19 | 26 | $3,500 | 411 | 6/10 | 3.7L 6-cyl | |
| 2016 Versa Note | 19 | 26 | $3,650 | 418 | 6/10 | 3.7L 6-cyl | |
| 2015 Versa Note | 19 | 26 | $3,650 | 418 | 6/10 | 3.7L 6-cyl | |
| 2014 Versa Note | 19 | 26 | $3,650 | 414 | 6/10 | 3.7L 6-cyl |
Source: EPA fuel-economy database (ForCar-hosted, 1986–2027) — best combined rating per engine & year, with EPA annual fuel cost and tailpipe CO₂. Trim & drivetrain vary slightly; decode your VIN for the exact figure.
See how the Versa Note stacks up against the most fuel-efficient two-seaters, or calculate this Versa Note's real yearly fuel cost.
What engines does the Nissan Versa Note have? Power & range
The Nissan Versa Note is offered with 1 powertrain — 3.7L 6-cyl. Here's the lineup by engine, transmission and drivetrain.
| Engine | Displacement | Transmission | Drive | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| V6 | 3.7L · 6-cyl | Automatic (S7) | RWD | Premium |
Horsepower, torque and fuel-tank size decode from your VIN — exact figures vary by engine and trim.
Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov (engines, drivetrain, range, charge time). Horsepower & torque from NHTSA vPIC on VIN decode.
How much does a Nissan Versa Note cost to own?
A used Nissan Versa Note sells for a median of about $7,995 for a 2019 — most listed between $3,800 and $7,995, from 201 real US listings we track. That real market price is what depreciation eats into, so it's the true anchor of the cost to own:
| Year | Typical price | Market range | Listings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Versa Note | $3,800–$7,995 | 5 | |
| 2018 Versa Note | $6,990–$12,999 | 4 | |
| 2017 Versa Note | $3,100–$11,500 | 7 | |
| 2016 Versa Note | $3,895–$7,499 | 47 | |
| 2015 Versa Note | $2,000–$6,995 | 78 | |
| 2014 Versa Note | $2,700–$6,995 | 60 |
For every model year mileage-adjusted, trade-in vs private-party vs dealer pricing and a good-deal check, see what a Versa Note is worth today, or browse used-market prices across all models.
A Nissan Versa Note tends to depreciate faster than average. A typical example keeps roughly 37% of its value after five years — losing about 63% to depreciation. Fuel, maintenance and insurance add to the total cost to own.
| Age | Value retained | Est. resale value | Lost to depreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 75% | $22,500 | −$7,500 |
| Year 2 | 63% | $18,900 | −$11,100 |
| Year 3 | 53% | $15,900 | −$14,100 |
| Year 4 | 44% | $13,200 | −$16,800 |
| Year 5 | 37% | $11,100 | −$18,900 |
What goes into the five-year cost to own:
- Depreciation — the biggest cost: this Versa Note loses about 63% of its value over five years. See the full depreciation curve by age.
- Fuel — ≈ $17,500 over five years at roughly 15,000 miles a year.
- Maintenance & repairs — routine service, tires and wear items as the Versa Note ages.
- Insurance — varies by driver, state and trim; get a quote for your exact figure.
Resale & depreciation are ForCar estimates from typical segment value-retention curves — not a live market quote. Fuel from EPA fueleconomy.gov at ~15k mi/yr.
How much is a Nissan Versa Note to insure?
A Nissan Versa Note costs about $1,576 a year to insure for a typical driver on full coverage — roughly 10% above the average car. That's from its real HLDI insurance-loss index (110, where 100 = average car); your own rate moves with state, age, record and coverage.
Estimate = US-average premium × the Versa Note's HLDI loss index. See Nissan insurance cost by model, cost by state, or compare any car.
Is the Nissan Versa Note safe?
The Nissan Versa Note earns up to 4-star NHTSA overall safety — real government crash-test data. Ratings by year:
| Year | Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Versa Note | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2015 Versa Note | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2014 Versa Note | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested model years.
Want the safest pick? Compare crash-test scores across the safest cars.
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How many miles does a Nissan Versa Note last?
A well-maintained Nissan Versa Note typically lasts 250,000–300,000+ miles. It's exceptionally durable — with routine maintenance many owners report 250k+ on the original powertrain. Its ForCar Reliability Score is 4.0/5.
Check your Nissan Versa Note’s VIN — history, recalls & specs
Title records, open recalls, build details and paint code — straight from the VIN. Free.
Check this Versa Note’s VIN free →All Nissan Versa Note model years
A year-by-year snapshot of the Nissan Versa Note — recalls, best EPA fuel economy and NHTSA safety. Tap a year for full details.
| Year | Recalls | Best MPG | Safety |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Versa Note | 0 | — | |
| 2019 Versa Note | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2018 Versa Note | 3 recalls | — | |
| 2017 Versa Note | 2 recalls | — | |
| 2016 Versa Note | 1 recall | ★★★★☆ | |
| 2015 Versa Note | 2 recalls | ★★★★☆ | |
| 2014 Versa Note | 3 recalls | ★★★★☆ |
Recalls = NHTSA campaigns that year · MPG = best EPA combined · Safety = NHTSA overall stars (tested years).
Frequently asked questions
What are the worst years for the Versa Note?
By owner-complaint volume, 2014, 2015, 2016 drew the most reports. 2020, 2019, 2018 have the cleanest records.
How many recalls does the Versa Note have?
13 recorded NHTSA recalls across 2014–2020. Always check open recalls by your VIN. See all Nissan recalls and reliability across every model.
What MPG does the Versa Note get?
Up to 22 combined MPG (EPA), depending on engine — from the base 4-cylinder to the hybrid.
Is the Versa Note safe?
The Versa Note earns up to 4-star NHTSA overall crash-test safety; ratings vary by model year.
How many miles does a Versa Note last?
A well-maintained Versa Note typically reaches 200,000–300,000 miles with regular maintenance.
Is the Versa Note reliable?
Our ForCar Reliability Score for the Versa Note is 4.0/5, based on NHTSA safety, recall history and complaint severity.
What's the Nissan Versa Note warranty?
New Nissan models carry a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic (bumper-to-bumper) warranty and a 5 years / 60,000 miles powertrain warranty. Coverage can vary by model year and market — confirm with a Nissan dealer.
Where is the Nissan Versa Note made?
The assembly plant is encoded in the VIN — the 11th character. Decode your Versa Note's VIN above to see exactly where it was built; Nissan may build it at more than one plant depending on the year.
How much ground clearance does the Versa Note have?
Ground clearance varies by trim and drivetrain — AWD/4WD versions often sit higher. Decode your VIN or check the specific trim for the exact figure.