Makes›Nissan›Versa›2018

2018 Nissan Versa

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.

Class
Compact Cars
Body styles
Note 4dr Hatchback
Engines
1.6L 4-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
34 combined · 31 city / 39 hwy
Length
163.4 in
Curb weight
2,456 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
3 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 34 MPG combined — 26% better than the average 2018 compact car (27 MPG).

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 13 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2018 Nissan Versa is a compact car offered with a 1.6L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 163 inches long and 67 inches wide on a 102-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,456 lb.

EPA rates its most efficient version at 34 MPG combined (31 city / 39 highway), 26% better than the 2018 compact car average of 27 MPG, for an estimated $1,950 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned a 4-star overall rating.

It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 60 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2018

  • Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 4 stars overall

Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 Versa →

Trims, performance & features

Engine–3.5L 6-cyl

Trims

LT (2FL)

Built in: Oshawa #2, Ontario

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 1 2018 Versa configuration; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Note 4dr Hatchback163.4 in66.9 in60.6 in102.4 in58.3 / 58.3 in2,456 lb60/40

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Versa1.6L 4-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive31 / 39 / 34+26%$1,950260
Versa1.6L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive27 / 36 / 30+11%$2,250296
Versa1.6L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive26 / 35 / 29+7%$2,300306
8/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
8/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $2,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
27 MPG2018 Compact Cars average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2018 Nissan Versa 4 DR FWD★★★★★★★★★★4★ / 3★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★14.3%
StandardElectronic stability control
Not availableForward collision warning
Not availableLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2018 Nissan Versa 4 DR FWD
Frontal crash test — 2018 Nissan Versa 4 DR FWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2018 Nissan Versa 4 DR FWD
Side crash test — 2018 Nissan Versa 4 DR FWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2018 compact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2018 Nissan Versa (this car)34 MPG★★★★★3
2018 Volkswagen Golf/GTI29 MPG★★★★★6
2018 Toyota Yaris35 MPGNot rated1
2018 Ford Focus34 MPG★★★★★7
2018 Ford Fiesta31 MPG★★★★★0
2018 Volkswagen Jetta33 MPG★★★★★2
2018 Mazda 235 MPGNot rated0

Recalls (3)

Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Sep 12, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V654000 · 1,228,830 vehicles

Problem
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 · Aug 21, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V551000 · 153,047 vehicles

Problem
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.
Air Bags › Side/Window · Dec 20, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V837000 · 111 vehicles

Problem
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.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2018 Nissan Versa is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

60Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
14Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
12Injuries reported
27,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System16
Air Bags15
Engine14
Unknown Or Other14
Power Train12
Service Brakes7
Vehicle Speed Control4
Visibility/Wiper2
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
20/10: 321/01: 121/06: 121/07: 221/10: 321/12: 222/01: 122/09: 122/11: 123/02: 123/04: 123/07: 223/10: 224/06: 124/12: 125/01: 125/03: 125/08: 125/09: 126/01: 126/03: 126/05: 226/08: 126/10: 220/1021/0722/0123/0223/1025/0125/0926/05max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2018 Nissan Versa buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 16 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Air Bags — 15 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  4. Engine — 14 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 27,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2018 Nissan Versa. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Versa years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2025 Versa35176.8 in★★★★★012
2024 Versa35176.8 in★★★★★196
2023 Versa35176.8 in★★★★★137
2022 Versa35176.8 in★★★★★020
2021 Versa35176.8 in★★★★★332
2020 Versa35–★★★★★264
2019 Versa34163.4 in★★★★★125
2017 Versa34163.4 inNot rated372
2016 Versa34163.4 inNot rated0110
2015 Versa34163.4 inNot rated2249
2014 Versa35175.6 inNot rated4296
2013 Versa35169.3 inNot rated1167

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →