PROBLEM GUIDE

2007–2012 Nissan Versa Common Problems

Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.

Last updated August 2026

503

complaints filed for the 2009 model year

2007–2012

Model years affected

$200 – $760

Typical repair cost, by problem

The most notable organic (non-recall) issue we found is fuel pressure regulator failure — reported independently at least 3 times, including one striking case of 4 replacements within 6,000 miles, suggesting a persistent underlying issue rather than a one-off bad part. Separately, roughly 16% of this generation's repair volume in our suspension data ties to a confirmed formal recall (coil spring corrosion and fracture) — that's excluded from the list above and covered in the recall notice below instead.

Quick Scan: 6 Issues

Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.

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PROBLEM DETAILS

Fuel pressure regulator failure — recurring, some very early-life

extended cranking before the engine catches, or hard starts especially in warm weather

Check engine light: On

The most notable non-recall problem for this generation is fuel pressure regulator failure, reported independently at least 3 times. One case is striking — 4 replacements within 6,000 miles on the same vehicle, starting from just 6,000 miles — an unusually fast recurrence that suggests a persistent underlying design issue rather than a single defective part. All documented cases were handled under warranty, so we don't have an owner-paid cost figure. A failing fuel pressure regulator commonly causes lean or rich fuel conditions, which typically trigger a check-engine light.

2,460–27,500 mi

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Fuel pump issues

extended crank time at startup, or hard starting

Check engine light: On

Fuel pump issues causing extended crank time were documented at $690 at 164,000 miles (higher mileage, more expected wear), which we've widened into a $550 - $760 range. A separate, notably early-life case (hard starting at just 18,000 miles) was warranty-covered and isn't reflected in that range. Fuel delivery faults like this typically trigger a check-engine light.

$550 – $76018,000–164,000 mi

the $690 figure (164,000 mi) is widened into the range shown; a separate warranty-covered early-life case (18,000 mi) has no owner-paid cost.

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EVAP canister vent control valve failure

a check engine light

Check engine light: On

One documented EVAP canister vent control valve failure at $430, reported at just 5,000 miles — notably early and notably expensive for that mileage. It was initially misdiagnosed as a loose fuel cap before the actual cause was found. We've widened the $430 figure into a $344-$473 range. The check-engine light here is directly sourced from the owner report, not a judgment call.

$344 – $4735,000 mi

check-engine-light status is directly sourced from the owner report; initially misdiagnosed as a loose fuel cap before the EVAP valve was identified as the cause.

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Throttle body issues

the car not starting in extreme cold, or a failure serious enough to require a tow

Check engine light: On

Throttle body issues showed up in two distinct forms: a no-start in extreme cold (-30°C) at 85,000 miles with no cost given, and a throttle body failure following an accelerator pedal sensor repair, requiring a tow, at a combined $600 at 181,000 miles. We're not presenting the $600 figure as a clean single-item range since it covers two repairs together. Throttle body faults commonly trigger a check-engine light.

85,000–181,000 mi

the $600 figure covers a combined repair (throttle body plus a separate accelerator pedal sensor) rather than one isolated cost — not presented as a clean range.

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Rough running, addressed by spark plug replacement or fuel system cleaning

rough running, in one documented case with no warning light present at all

Check engine light: Off

Two closely-related cases of rough running at similar mileage: an iridium spark plug replacement for $228 at 99,000 miles, and a fuel system cleaning for $200 at 98,800 miles — the latter specifically noted as occurring with no warning light present. We're using the two real documented figures directly as a range. Since at least one case explicitly had no warning light, we have this marked Off rather than assuming a check-engine light.

$200 – $22898,800–99,000 mi

check-engine-light status is directly sourced — one case explicitly noted no warning light was present.

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AC condenser damage from road debris

AC condenser damaged by road debris, a costly repair

Check engine light: Off

AC condenser damaged by road debris, a costly repair. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 13 owner reports on file.

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This generation is tied to Campaign 15V573000 (Suspension — coil spring corrosion and fracture), a confirmed formal recall referenced in roughly 80 of the 503 NHTSA complaints we sampled — including one report of a front-end part fracturing while exiting a parking lot. We also found Campaign 16V349000, 17V449000, and 22E066000 (airbags), plus the industry-wide Takata inflator recalls (PM657/PM685). Enter your VIN to get the confirmed, current recall picture for your specific car.

The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.

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