DecodedCars2013 Nissan Versa
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Hatchback FWD 1.8s/1.8sl, 4dr Sedan 1.6 S/1.6 Sv/1.6 Sl
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 35 combined · 31 city / 40 hwy
- Length
- 169.3–175.6 in
- Curb weight
- 2,379–2,723 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 35 MPG combined — 35% better than the average 2013 compact car (25.9 MPG).
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 Nissan Versa is a compact car offered with a 1.6L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 169 inches long and 67 inches wide on a 102-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,723 lb (4dr Hatchback FWD 1.8s/1.8sl).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 35 MPG combined (31 city / 40 highway), 35% better than the 2013 compact car average of 25.9 MPG, for an estimated $1,900 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 167 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2013
- Engine dropped: 1.8L 4-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 33 to 35
Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 Versa →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Hatchback FWD 1.8s/1.8sl | 169.3 in | 66.9 in | 60.6 in | 102.4 in | 57.5 / 58.7 in | 2,723 lb | 60/40 |
| 4dr Sedan 1.6 S/1.6 Sv/1.6 Sl | 175.6 in | 66.9 in | 59.4 in | 102.4 in | 58.3 / 58.3 in | 2,379 lb | 59/41 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Versa | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 31 / 40 / 35 | +35% | $1,900 | 262 |
| Versa | 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 35 / 30 | +16% | $2,250 | 296 |
| Versa | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 35 / 30 | +16% | $2,250 | 307 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 Nissan Versa.
Similar 2013 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 Nissan Versa (this car) | 35 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2013 Toyota Corolla | 29 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2013 Honda Civic | 44 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Toyota Prius | 50 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2013 Mazda 3 | 32 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 32 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2013 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal · Aug 12, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V507000 · 298,747 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
Not every 2013 Nissan Versa is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 Nissan Versa buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 71 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 23 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Vehicle Speed Control — 20 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 77,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 Nissan Versa. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Versa years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Versa | 35 | 176.8 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 12 |
| 2024 Versa | 35 | 176.8 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 96 |
| 2023 Versa | 35 | 176.8 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 37 |
| 2022 Versa | 35 | 176.8 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 20 |
| 2021 Versa | 35 | 176.8 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 32 |
| 2020 Versa | 35 | – | ★★★★★ | 2 | 64 |
| 2019 Versa | 34 | 163.4 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 25 |
| 2018 Versa | 34 | 163.4 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 60 |
| 2017 Versa | 34 | 163.4 in | Not rated | 3 | 72 |
| 2016 Versa | 34 | 163.4 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 110 |
| 2015 Versa | 34 | 163.4 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 249 |
| 2014 Versa | 35 | 175.6 in | ★★★★★ | 4 | 296 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →