2016 Nissan Versa: problems, recalls and what it’s worth
NHTSA has 1 open defect investigation (not a recall). Known weak spot on this generation: CVT transmission (Jatco).
Cold test drive: hesitation off the line, judder under light throttle at 30–45 mph, a whine that rises with speed, or the tach flaring without acceleration. Look for a CVT replacement or reprogram in the service history.
Known problems on the 2016 Nissan Versa
CVT transmission (Jatco) $3,300–$5,000 to fix
The Jatco CVT on this generation is a documented failure point — shudder around 30–45 mph, RPM flare, whining, then failure, frequently 60k–120k mi. Nissan extended the powertrain warranty to 84 mo / 84k mi on many of these and settled class actions.
Check for: Cold test drive: hesitation off the line, judder under light throttle at 30–45 mph, a whine that rises with speed, or the tach flaring without acceleration. Look for a CVT replacement or reprogram in the service history.
Basis: NHTSA complaint clusters; Nissan CVT extended-warranty program; multiple class-action settlements
Known patterns for this year and model, not findings about one car. A well-kept example may already have had the fix. Costs are rough US shop prices.
2016 Nissan Versa recalls
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2016 Nissan Versa.
2016 Nissan Versa safety investigations and free repairs
Under investigation (not a recall):
- Desiccated air bag inflator rupture since Sep 2021
Ask the seller if the car has had this problem.
Free repairs to ask about (warranty extensions):
- Transmission: CVT Class Action Owner Notification Attention: Dealer Principal, Sales, Service & Parts Managers In early November, current and former owners and…
- Exhaust and emissions: OBD II EVAP Tube Warranty Enhancement The update below was sent out to Regions and Dealers in August of this year.
A dealer for the brand can check these by VIN.
Source: NHTSA, Sep 24, 2026.
2016 Nissan Versa safety and fuel
From NHTSA’s crash tests and the EPA’s fueleconomy.gov.
What owners complain about
80 complaints filed with NHTSA for this year and model, about average.
Share of complaints that mention each area. One complaint can mention several.
Other Nissan Versa years
2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
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