The most noted problems with the 2013 Nissan Versa include various transmission and brake issues alongside powertrain engine problems. The 2013 Versa is amongst numerous models that use a CVT transmission, which sparked similar complaints.

When it comes to subcompact sedans, the Nissan Versa is amid a number of five-seaters that rise in popularity each year. With four-wheel drive, spacious back seats, and a competitively-sized trunk, the 2013 Nissa Versa is equipped with standard sedan features at a low cost.

In a segment with cars like the Toyota Corolla and the Honda Civic, the Nissan Versa stands out as an economically-friendly option and was ranked number 13 within the 2013 subcompact sedan category by U.S. News & World Report.

Additionally, compared to the 2012 hatchback model, the 2013 Nissan Versa has an improved fuel economy of 32 mpg compared to 27 mpg. The 2013 model features a four-speed automatic continuous variable transmission (CVT) that works alongside a four-cylinder engine with 109 horsepower.

Although the price and specs of the 2013 Nissan Versa are comparable to similar sedans of that year, it also presents some unforgiving issues.

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The most common 2013 Nissan Versa problems

Ringing in the new year with a 2013 Versa may have seemed like a good idea at the time, but even back then, drivers had a lot to say about the car's interior and performance. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported numerous complaints within the first 90 days of ownership. Many drivers claimed to dislike the dashboard composition and encountered issues with accelerating and handling curves.

Flash forward, the 2013 Nissan Versa accumulated 186 complaints to the NHTSA, with 66 complaints related to the powertrain, 30 complaints related to the service brakes, and 24 complaints about the engine.

Owners reported inconsistent transmission behavior concerning the gas pedal, where deceleration and acceleration abruptly occurred. Drivers described a quick fall in speed upon releasing the gas pedal, and many disclosed cases of inconsistent momentum while driving on the highway.

Shuddering and shaking were also reported as large issues when the transmission was in park or when the car was shifted to reverse. Many of these complaints came after approximately 50,000 miles of driving, ultimately leading to a response from Nissan.

Although they could not pinpoint a specific issue with the CVT, Nissan acknowledged transmission issues with several of its vehicles as complaints continued to pour in.

To combat transmission dissatisfaction, Nissan decided to include a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty on its cars. Shortly after introducing this warranty, Nissan increased the conditions to ten years or 120,000 miles after realizing just how common the CVT issues actually were.

But the transmission wasn’t the only problem. Numerous 2013 Versa owners experienced issues with the brake system, including a delay in the brake pedal resistance due to the lower trim panel. The pedal delay increased the distance required to stop the vehicle, and some drivers even reported brake failure. The 2013 model was ultimately recalled due to this brake issue.

To top it off, the NHTSA also reported numerous complaints about the 2013 Versa’s engine performance. Engine stalling, engine overheating, and limited engine power on highways were the most significant problems. Many owners also disclosed issues with starting their vehicles in the morning due to the fuel pressure regulator failing and bleeding off.

Other common complaints about the 2013 Nissan Versa include the following:

Loud when in ‘Park’ or ‘Drive’

Transmission gets stuck in higher gears

Airbag failure to deploy

Faulty airbag sensors

While there have been no reported injuries related to the 2013 Nissan Versa’s transmission, brakes, or engine, these issues do pose a threat to drivers as they could lead to dangerous malfunctions. Nissan’s brake recall and the powertrain warranty are the only current responses to problems with the 2013 Versa.

MORE:

Does the Nissan Versa have Apple CarPlay?

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Is the 2013 Nissan Versa reliable?

Although complications may arise with the 2013 Nissan Versa, the subcompact sedan received a 4 out of 5-star rating from

RepairPal

, putting it at the top of the sedan segment with the Honda Civic, the Hyundai Elantra, and the Toyota Corolla.

If you’re on the hunt for a reliable, fast, and fuel-efficient car, the 2013 Nissan Versa may not be the one, as it only consistently checks off one of these boxes. For example, the 2013 Honda Civic received a 4.5-star rating from RepairPal with an average yearly maintenance cost of $387. On the other hand, the 2013 Nissan Versa received a 4-star rating with an estimated annual maintenance cost of $522.

How to simplify car insurance shopping (and still optimize coverage!)

The 2013 Nissan Versa is a subcompact sedan that suits the needs of hundreds of drivers across the country, year by year. So whether you’re driving the 2012 hatchback, the 2013 fuel preserver, or the new 2022 model, your Nissan Versa deserves the best car insurance. That’s why we created

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