2008 Nissan Versa Reliability ReportKeepScore 68/100 · top failure points · buy or avoid
Quick Facts · 2008 Nissan Versa
- Scores 10 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2009 Nissan Versa earns a 78.
- The system most likely to surface first: continuously variable transmission (cvt) (critical severity).
- Has 8 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module.
2008 Nissan Versa: Buy or Avoid?
The 2008 Nissan Versa presents as an economical and spacious compact car, but its reliability is significantly hampered by the notorious Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). While the engine and basic components are generally robust, the high failure rate and costly repairs associated with the CVT necessitate a 'proceed with caution' approach for potential buyers, especially those considering automatic models.
Biggest Strengths
- Generally robust engine (1.8L MR18DE)
- Spacious and comfortable interior for its class
- Affordable parts and maintenance for non-CVT issues
2008 Nissan Versa — Known Trouble Spots
The systems that break first on the 2008 Nissan Versa. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
Safety Recalls on the 2008 Nissan Versa
8 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2001-2003 Maxima, 2002-2006 Sentra, 2002-2004 Pathfinder, 2007-2011 Versa Sedan and Versa Hatchback, 2001-2004 Infiniti I30 and I35, 2002-2003 Inifiniti QX4, 2003-2008 Infiniti FX35 and FX45 and 2006-2010 M35 and M45 vehicles. The vehicles are equipped with non-desiccated, frontal passenger air bag inflators containing phase stabilized ammonium nitrate (PSAN) propellant that were used as interim remedy parts for previous Takata recalls. These inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, high temperatures, and high temperature cycling.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2007-2008 Nissan Versa sedan and Versa hatchback vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The passenger air bag inflators may explode due to propellant degradation due to exposure to humidity and temperature cycling.
What breaks on the 2008 Nissan Versa?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Nissan Versa — Year-by-Year Comparison
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Nissan Versa. Click any year for its full report.
Competing 2008s Worth a Look
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2008 Nissan Versa
Parts and accessories matched to your 2008 Nissan Versa
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Frequently Asked Questions
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