DecodedCars2017 Nissan Versa
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2017 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- Note 4dr Hatchback
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl
- Horsepower
- 109 hp
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Seats
- 5
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 34 combined · 31 city / 39 hwy
- Length
- 163.4 in
- Curb weight
- 2,456 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 34 MPG combined — 26% better than the average 2017 compact car (26.9 MPG).
Watch out for
- Modest powerUp to 109 hp, versus about 160 hp for similar 2017 models.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 14 similar 2017 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2017 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 2017 compact car average of 26.9 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 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 72 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.
What changed for 2017
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2016 Versa — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2016; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2016 Versa →
Trims, performance & features
Safety & driver-assist features
Built in: Aguascalientes, Aguascalientes
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 1 2017 Versa configuration; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note 4dr Hatchback | 163.4 in | 66.9 in | 60.6 in | 102.4 in | 58.3 / 58.3 in | 2,456 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 | +26% | $1,950 | 260 |
| Versa | 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 36 / 30 | +12% | $2,250 | 296 |
| Versa | 1.6L 4-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 26 / 35 / 29 | +8% | $2,300 | 302 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2017 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2017 Nissan Versa.
Similar 2017 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Nissan Versa (this car) | 34 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2017 Mazda 3 | 32 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2017 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 29 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2017 Toyota Yaris | 35 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2017 Ford Focus | 34 MPG | ★★★★★ | 10 |
| 2017 Ford Fiesta | 35 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2017 Mazda 2 | 35 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (3)
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 › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Apr 26, 2017
NHTSA campaign 17V275000 · 509 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017 Versa, and Versa Note vehicles. The ring plate that secures the air bag cushion to the passenger frontal air bag assembly may fail, possibly causing the air bag to deploy improperly in the event of a crash.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash, if the passenger frontal air bag does not deploy as intended, it can increase the risk of injury.
- Fix
- Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag module, free of charge. The recall began June 12, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Air Bags › Side/Window · Oct 11, 2016
NHTSA campaign 16V724000 · 1,754 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2017 Versa vehicles manufactured August 1, 2016, to August 16, 2016. A seam in the fabric section of the side curtain air bags may tear during side curtain air bag deployment, potentially affecting the performance of the air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, "Ejection Mitigation", and number 214, "Side Impact Protection."
- Risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating side curtain air bag deployment, if the side curtain air bags do not deploy as intended there would be an increased risk of injury.
- Fix
- Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left and right side curtain air bags, free of charge. The recall began on December 2, 2016. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
Not every 2017 Nissan Versa is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2017 Nissan Versa buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Air Bags — 17 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Power Train — 13 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 13 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 32,225 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 2017 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 |
| 2016 Versa | 34 | 163.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 110 |
| 2015 Versa | 34 | 163.4 in | Not rated | 2 | 249 |
| 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 →