2017 Nissan Versa Note

The 2017 Nissan Versa Note is a subcompact hatchback known for its affordability and spacious interior for its class. It comes standard with a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine producing 109 horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque, paired with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Some owners appreciate its fuel efficiency and ease of parking, while others find the acceleration and overall driving experience lacking. Common complaints include the performance of the CVT transmission and the relatively basic interior features.

Engine

1.6L I4

• Excessive Oil Consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported higher-than-normal oil consumption, requiring them to add oil between scheduled oil changes. Symptoms include the low oil pressure light illuminating, engine knocking, or visible blue smoke from the exhaust.
  • Solution: There is not a known solution, though a compression test may be recommended to check engine health.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix:
• Engine Mount Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive vibration, knocking noises from the engine bay.
  • Solution: Replacement of the engine mount(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500

Transmission

CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)

• CVT Transmission Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Hesitation upon acceleration, jerky movements, whining noises, slipping, or complete transmission failure.
  • Solution: Replacement of the CVT transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• CVT Juddering/Shaking
  • Description/Symptoms: Shaking or juddering sensation during acceleration, especially at lower speeds. This can be more pronounced when the transmission is cold.
  • Solution: CVT fluid change may temporarily alleviate the issue. If that doesn’t work, a new CVT may be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150+ (Fluid Change), $3,000 - $5,000+ (Replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Strut/Shock Absorber Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises coming from the front suspension, bouncy ride, poor handling, and uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacement of the struts/shock absorbers.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800 (per pair)

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The vehicle battery dies prematurely, often requiring frequent jump starts or replacement. Diagnosing parasitic draw is needed to find the culprit.
  • Solution: Identify the source of the excessive battery drain (e.g., faulty sensor, improperly closing trunk light, failing body control module) and repair or replace the affected component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the cause)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Power Window Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Power windows stop working, either intermittently or completely. This can affect one or more windows.
  • Solution: Replace the power window motor or regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400 per window

Exterior

• Door Handle Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door handles break or become difficult to use, making it hard to open the doors. This is more common on exterior door handles.
  • Solution: Replacement of the door handle.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300

Interior

• Air Conditioning Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The air conditioning system blows warm air or doesn’t cool effectively. This can be due to a refrigerant leak, compressor failure, or a faulty blend door actuator.
  • Solution: Diagnose the A/C system and repair the specific issue. This may involve recharging the refrigerant, replacing the compressor, or replacing the blend door actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ (depending on the cause)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2017 Nissan Versa Note has several potential issues, with the most significant relating to the CVT transmission. Transmission problems can be costly to repair or replace, and can impact the driving experience severely. Other issues like engine mount failure, battery drain, and AC issues are less common, but can still be inconvenient. When considering a 2017 Versa Note, it is important to have it inspected, paying close attention to the condition of the transmission.