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Nissan · Supermini · 2020–2025 Custom Search

Nissan Versa N18

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 1 engine variants

Generations


Engine Overview

The Nissan Versa N18 is available with one engine variant at 94 hp.

Versa · Petrol· 122 PS
2020 2025
Be Careful 6 weaknesses

The Nissan Versa (Petrol, 122 PS) has the HR16DE (1.6L) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

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Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
Automatic emergency braking triggers without obstacle — N18

The N18 Versa's Forward Emergency Braking system generates false-positive detections, triggering abrupt hard stops. Nissan has not issued a recall. Class action lawsuits were filed; a federal appeals court decertified the national class in 2024.

Symptoms: Sudden hard braking with no obstacle present; 'Front Radar Unavailable' dashboard message; system self-deactivates; particularly frequent on bridges and in rain
Medium
Infotainment system freezes or becomes unresponsive

The 8-inch touchscreen in the N18 Versa occasionally freezes or fails to respond to inputs. Holding the power button to force-reboot the system usually provides a temporary fix. Nissan offers software updates.

Symptoms: Touchscreen becomes unresponsive; display shows garbled graphics or freezes on boot screen; Bluetooth drops mid-drive
Low

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 12 weaknesses have been documented for the Nissan Versa N18 (2020–2025) — 6 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Electronics, Gearbox, Steering, Brakes.

Versa (HR16DE, 2020–2025) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretched, Elevated oil consumption from piston rings, Valve clearances require regular adjustment. Power: 122 PS.

What to watch out for with the Nissan Versa? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Nissan Versa N18 have? +
The Nissan Versa N18 has 6 known engine weaknesses and 6 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Nissan Versa N18? +
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Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: HR16DE (1.6L). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the HR16DE (1.6L).
Which Nissan Versa N18 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Nissan Versa N18 — rated: "Decent". {description} More power than the predecessor, more modern design. Still no sports car, but finally contemporary.
Is the Nissan Versa N18 worth buying used? +
The Nissan Versa N18 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Nissan Versa N18? +
The Nissan Versa N18 is available with engine variants from 94 to 117 hp. Petrol: HR16DE (1.6L).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee