Nissan Versa holds an excellent reputation in the market for providing the most affordable products. Even in 2021, their pricing starts with $14,730 making it the cheapest vehicle brand.
Connect with a verified mechanic in minutes. No appointments. No high fees. No waiting. Get back on the road and enjoy the ride.
The budget-friendly product does not mean they are reliable even some of their models’ years that you should avoid buying for significant problems in them.
So, in this article, we are going to explore the significant 2008 Nissan Versa problems.
Most Common 2008 Nissan Versa Problems
According to Carcomplaints, this model received various car transmission complaints, engine, fuel pump, brakes failure, and many more. Let’s discuss them in detail.
2008 Nissan Versa Transmission Problems
Nissan Versa has the most common transmission failure problem. When the trouble begins, you notice leaking transmission fluid, noises coming from your car, and hard shifts. So, it would help if you repaired them when these symptoms appear.
Sometimes the shifter slips, and cables get wrapped around that need to be unwrapped. The gears and mechanical parts inside the transmission are closely linked.
Connect with a verified mechanic in minutes. No appointments. No high fees. No waiting. Get back on the road and enjoy the ride.
So, the damage in one region can create a detrimental chain reaction inside the transmission. This reaction will damage the whole transmission.
So your mechanics will replace most of the parts inside the transmission and remove debris. Replacing a car’s transmission is the most expensive thing, and its average cost ranges between $2000 to $4000.
Starting Problems
The most common Nissan Versa problem is hindering in starting operations. It happens due to multiple reasons like a dead battery, corrosion on the battery terminals, clogged fuel filters, empty gas tank, errors in the electrical system, and broken starter.
Mostly corrosion on car battery losses the contact and reduce current flow. So, the engine can no longer start properly and create problems.
In the 2008 model, there is a significant defect in alternators. They are the generators that produce electricity. If battery repair or replacement does not solve your issue, then it must be broken alternators.
The car alternators break down after the use of 200000 miles, but you can replace it with a new one; it’s costly. So better to avoid buying Nissan Versa, 2008 model.
Fuel Pump Failure
Pump failure is another prime issue in Nissan Versa 2008. Your engine won’t start when the pump is failing to pump fuel. So, your engine starts jerking, and its performance drops.
There are multiple reasons behind fuel pump failure. It must be the pump is leaking, the pump lever is broken, and the power contact is broken. However, you can replace the defective pump to solve the issue.
2008 Nissan Versa Engine Problems
A vehicle can perform well if its engine is working efficiently. Nissan Versa owners reported various complaints about the faulty engine. While its new models are updated, and the engine issues are minimized to the lowest possible levels.
The main problem with the machine is traction control turns off, and the engine light turns on. Sometimes the motor fails, so nothing works anymore. The most common engine failure causes are timing belts, incorrect fueling, hydra lock, overheating, and insufficient fuel.
Moreover, continuous driving at high speed also causes engine failure. Apart from this, losing power while driving is another major problem throughout the year 2008.
Replacing and repairing an engine cost a lot, and only an experienced mechanic can diagnose this issue. That’s why user tends to sell their purchased item and company end up losing a customer.
Tire Pressure Warning System
The primary function of TPMS is to alert when the tire pressure is too low. Various complaints were reported about the Tire Pressure Warning system. When their light is illuminated, it indicates the tired could be underinflated. This condition will lead to tire failure.
The TPMS light turns on only when the tire pressure is low. The light is coming out randomly. It’s a malfunction with the monitoring system. It means the tire sensor goes wrong, and the rare defroster may stop working due to an inadequate control module.
Faulty Brakes
brake failures are the most frightening thing that can make a car unsuitable for driving. Many complaints have been reported about the brakes suddenly stopping working in Nissan Versa.
Reports of brake failure include unintended acceleration and water problems. Also, issues related to electronic dynamic control that fall under the same category are considered.
Airbags and Seatbelt Complaints
NHTSA received 35 complaints regarding seatbelts and airbags. However, airbags and seatbelts are the primary safety equipment and your first line of defense. Airbags reduce the chances of your upper-body injury and the designed to work with seat belts.
But in Nissan Versa, various complaints reported the airbags fails to deploy during a crash. The driver faces severe injuries like a shoulder, backbone, and significant concussion.
So, Nissan Versa model 2008 airbags may or may not deploy in various conditions. Perhaps airbags do not deploy at moderate speed when the person wearing a seat belt is not at risk of a severe injury.
But this model has the defect of not opening the airbag even at 80mph speed.
Exhaust Flange Rusting Out
Exhaust not only helps keep your vehicle quiet but also eliminates fumes away from your vehicle cabin for the proper working of your engine. It also reduces emissions by maintaining optimal fuel efficiency.
Unfortunately, the Nissan Versa exhaust system rusting out quickly. Whenever you park your car at the corner of a store, the moisture in your exhaust system turns into a liquid and creates a corrosive effect. So, you will hear more engine noise than the average days.
In comparison, this problem leads to substantial gasket leakage. This leak allows hot gases to escape and damage other engine parts, plus negatively affect the engine performance.
Besides, these owners also complained about Clogged catalytic convertors leading to the apparent loss of power. A heated, clogged catalytic convertor can heat your car’s floorboard and create a strong sulfur smell. It means they need to be replaced.
Is 2008 Nissan Versa A Reliable Car?
Nissan Versa is undoubtedly the most affordable brand, but you should not buy the 2008 model as it is loaded with problems. We already discussed the 2008 Nissan Versa problems.
The company puts a great effort into eliminating the issues but could not stop them entirely. Various problems are neglectable, but the significant issues are frightening, especially airbag issues making the vehicle unsafe for the ride. Plus, repairing and replacing the cost of the defective component is too expensive. So, it’s better not to buy this model and go with another one.
Max Anthony
Max is a gizmo-savvy guy, who has a tendency to get pulled into the nitty gritty details of technology and cars. He attended UT Austin, where he studied Information Science. He’s married and has three kids, one dog and a GMC truck and a Porsche 911. With a large family, he still finds time to share tips and tricks on cars, trucks and more.
Review engine, brake issues, error codes and more with a Mechanic Online in just minutes.
Ask a Mechanic Live Now