DecodedCars2021 Nissan Versa
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 35 combined · 32 city / 40 hwy
- Length
- 176.8 in
- Curb weight
- 2,632 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 3 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 35 MPG combined — 27% better than the average 2021 compact car (27.5 MPG).
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Nissan Versa is a compact car offered with a 1.6L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 177 inches long and 69 inches wide on a 103-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,632 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 35 MPG combined (32 city / 40 highway), 27% better than the 2021 compact car average of 27.5 MPG, for an estimated $1,900 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
It has 3 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 32 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 Versa — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Versa →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Sedan | 176.8 in | 68.5 in | 57.5 in | 103.1 in | 59.8 / 60.2 in | 2,632 lb | 61/39 |
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 | 32 / 40 / 35 | +27% | $1,900 | 254 |
| Versa | 1.6L 4-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 27 / 35 / 30 | +9% | $2,250 | 296 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Nissan Versa 4 DR FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 4★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 11.8% |
Similar 2021 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Nissan Versa (this car) | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 3 |
| 2021 Toyota Corolla | 52 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
| 2021 Honda Civic | 36 MPG | ★★★★★ | 4 |
| 2021 Nissan GT-R | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Toyota Prius | 56 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda 3 | 31 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Volkswagen Golf/GTI | 33 MPG | ★★★★★ | 1 |
Recalls (3)
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Jul 18, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V496000 · 11,824 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Versa and Kicks vehicles. An intermittent electrical connection in the electric power steering (EPS) torque sensor can disable the power steering assist.
- Risk
- Loss of power steering assist can increase the steering effort required, especially at low speeds, and increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the steering column torque sensor lot code and replace the steering column assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PMA26. This recall involves vehicles that were previously inspected, but did not receive a steering column replacement, under recall number 22V-693. These vehicles will need to be reinspected for this recall.
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Sep 15, 2022
NHTSA campaign 22V693000 · 20,040 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Versa and Kicks vehicles. An intermittent electrical connection in the electric power steering (EPS) torque sensor can disable the power steering assist.
- Risk
- Loss of power steering assist can increase the steering effort required, especially at low speeds, and increase the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect the steering column torque sensor lot code, and replace the column, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 9, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PMA10 / PMA25.
Exterior Lighting › Turn Signal › Bulbs · Jun 23, 2021
NHTSA campaign 21V471000 · 30,799 vehicles
- Problem
- Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Titan, Titan XD, and Versa vehicles. The front right and/or left turn signal bulb can crack and fail to illuminate.
- Risk
- Inoperable front turn signals cannot alert on-coming drivers and/or pedestrians that the vehicle will be turning, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will inspect and replace the bulbs as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 20, 2021. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PM986 and PC811.
Not every 2021 Nissan Versa is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2021 Nissan Versa buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 3 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 9 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 6 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Engine — 5 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 6,000 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 2021 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 |
| 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 |
| 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 →