DecodedCars2015 Nissan Versa
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2015 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- Note 4dr Hatchback S/Sv/Sr/Sl
- 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
- 2,416 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 34 MPG combined — 29% better than the average 2015 compact car (26.3 MPG).
Watch out for
- Many owner complaints249 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 70 for similar models — most often about the power train.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 14 similar 2015 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2015 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 2,416 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 34 MPG combined (31 city / 39 highway), 29% better than the 2015 compact car average of 26.3 MPG, for an estimated $1,950 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 249 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2015
- New body dimensions: 12.2 in shorter — most likely a redesign or new generation
Compared with 2014; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2014 Versa →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note 4dr Hatchback S/Sv/Sr/Sl | 163.4 in | 66.9 in | 60.6 in | 102.4 in | 58.3 / 57.5 in | 2,416 lb | 60/40 |
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 / 39 / 34 | +29% | $1,950 | 261 |
| Versa | 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 36 / 30 | +14% | $2,250 | 296 |
| Versa | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 35 / 29 | +10% | $2,300 | 306 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2015 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2015 Nissan Versa.
Similar 2015 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 Nissan Versa (this car) | 34 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2015 Mazda 3 | 33 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2015 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 35 MPG | Not rated | 12 |
| 2015 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2015 Toyota Yaris | 33 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2015 Ford Focus | 34 MPG | Not rated | 11 |
| 2015 Ford Fiesta | 35 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (2)
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.
Latches/Locks/Linkages · Jul 21, 2015
NHTSA campaign 15V453000 · 6,595 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2015 Nissan Rogue vehicles manufactured June 9, 2015, to June 10, 2015, and 2015 Nissan Sentra and Versa Note vehicles manufactured June 5, 2015, to June 13, 2015. In the affected vehicles, the driver side front and rear doors may not fully latch. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
- Risk
- A door that does not fully latch may result in the door opening while the car is moving. The distraction may increase the risk of a crash and/or a vehicle occupant may fall out of the vehicle if they are not wearing a seatbelt, increasing their risk of injury.
- Fix
- Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the date, lot number, and cavity code on the left front and rear door latches, and replace them, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on August 31, 2015. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Not every 2015 Nissan Versa is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2015 Nissan Versa buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 67 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 37 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Air Bags — 35 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 47,550 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 2015 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 | Not rated | 0 | 110 |
| 2014 Versa | 35 | 175.6 in | Not rated | 4 | 296 |
| 2013 Versa | 35 | 169.3 in | Not rated | 1 | 167 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →