NissanVersa2011Overview/nissan/versa/2011/base/

2011 Nissan Versa

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2011 Versa.

Body PASSENGER CAR

The 2011 Nissan Versa is a passenger car powered by a gasoline engine requiring 3.2 quarts of 5W-30 API-certified motor oil, representing a model year that falls within a broader Versa production span spanning 2007 to 2025; in this era, the Versa served as Nissan's entry-level subcompact offering. With 268 owner complaints recorded for the 2011 model—a figure notably lower than the model's peak of 502 complaints in 2009 yet substantially higher than its lowest point of just 11 complaints in 2025—the vehicle occupies a middle position in its reliability trajectory, though its 7 recalls and airbag-related concerns as the top complaint area indicate persistent quality issues that potential owners and researchers should consider when evaluating this model year within the Versa's historical performance context.

Model year202520242023202220212017201620132011

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity3.2 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque83 ft-lbsOEM · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 51R · 410 CCA battery, OE oil filter 1520865F0E. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 51R · 410 CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP195-55R16OEM · verified
Wheel / rim5 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter1520865F0E
Engine air filter16546ED000
Spark plug22401JD01B alt 22401ED71B
Battery24410ZW40A
Front wiper blades28890ZN90A alt 28890EL000
Serpentine belt11720ED00C alt 11720EL00A
Thermostat21200ED00A alt 212306N20A
Cabin air filter27277EL00A

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length169.3 in
Overall width66.9 in
Overall height60.6 in
Wheelbase102.4 in
Curb weight2723 lb
Track (front / rear)57.5 / 58.7 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)60/40

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Versa of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

8.9–11.3 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 8.90 sec — 2009 1.6 Sedan
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
20101.8 SL Hatchback 1.8L I-49.10 sec17.10 sec122 hpFWD
20101.8 SL Hatchback 1.8L I-49.10 sec17.00 sec122 hpFWD
20121.6 SL Pure Drive Sedan 1.6L I-49.80 sec17.50 sec109 hpFWD
20121.6 SL Pure Drive Sedan 1.6L I-49.80 sec17.50 sec109 hpFWD
20121.6 SL Pure Drive Sedan 1.6L I-410.20 sec17.60 sec109 hpFWD
20121.6 SV Pure Drive Sedan 1.6L I-410.70 sec18.10 sec109 hpFWD
20091.6 Sedan 1.6L I-48.90 sec16.80 sec107 hpFWD
20091.6 Sedan 1.6L I-49.10 sec17.00 sec107 hpFWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 3.2 qt of 5W-30 API engine oil. Torque lug nuts to 83 ft-lbs, the oil drain plug to 25.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-3-4-2. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidNissan Matic-S
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity8.1
Automatic Transmission FluidNissan Matic-S
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity8.3
Automatic Transmission FluidNissan CVT fluid NS-2
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity7.3-7.8
Engine Oil5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity3.2 qt

Engine torques

Engine Flywheel Bolts80 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts80 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts20 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts25 ft-lbs
Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts20 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts25 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug25.0 ft-lbs
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs18 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts83 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub83 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Ignition Coil Primary ResistanceExcept 0 or Between terminals 1 and 2 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary ResistanceExcept 0 Between terminals 1 and 3
Ignition Timing13, Not adjustable degrees
Ignition Timing Acceptable Variance5 degrees
Ignition Timing Reference RPMIdle rpm

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Refrigerant Capacity.88-1.10 lbs
Oil TypePAG
Oil CapacityCalsonic Kansei CR-10, 4.10; Calsonic Kansei CSV511, 3.40. oz
Standard BCI Group Number51R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance410 cca
Standard BCI Group Number51r
Standard BCI Cranking Performance410 cca

Service checks

Radiator Cap Pressure ReliefRadiator leak pressure testing, 5 psi.
Pressure Test23 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief11-14 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature177-182 °F
Injector Primary Resistance1.44-1.73 ohms
Engine Compression172-226 psi. 14.5 maximum variation psi.
Engine Compression174-217 psi. 15 maximum variation psi.
Engine Oil Pressure9 psi @ Idle, 39 psi @ 2000 rpm psi

Brakes

Torque Caliper to Bracket32 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle62 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle62 ft-lbs
Torque Caliper to Bracket20 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle62 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.079; Rear: 0.059 in
Drum Nominal Diameter7.992 in
Drum Maximum Machining8.051 in

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs — tightening sequence 1 stages
11.4 ft. lbs., Step 2: 4.3 ft. lbs., Step 3: 7.01.4 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
114 ft. lbs., Step 2: 6014 ft. lbs
Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
120 ft. lbs., Step 2: Back off 360 degrees, Step 3: 14 ft. lbs., Step 4: 6020 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
122 ft. lbs., step 2: 6022 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
122 ft. lbs., step 2: 6022 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 6 stages
130 ft. lbs.30 ft. lbs
260 degrees.60 degrees
3Loosen all bolts in reverse order.
430 ft. lbs.30 ft. lbs
575 degrees.75 degrees
675 degrees.; Check diameter of bolts at two points, 10 mm and 40 mm from the end. Whenever the difference between these two points exceeds the limit of 0.15 mm, replace bolts. Apply new engine oil to bolt threads and seating surface.75 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 6 stages
130 ft. lbs.30 ft. lbs
2100 degrees.100 degrees
3Loosen all bolts in reverse order.
430 ft. lbs.30 ft. lbs
5100 degrees.100 degrees
6100 degrees.; Check diameter of bolts at two points, 11 mm and 45 mm from the end. Whenever the difference between these two points exceeds the limit of 0.15 mm, replace bolts. Apply new engine oil to bolt threads and seating surface.100 degrees
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
124 ft. lbs., Step 2: 6024 ft. lbs
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 1 stages
125 ft. lbs., Step 2: 6025 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 7,500 mi; spark plugs at 105,000 mi; coolant at 30,000 mi. The big-interval services (at 30,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 7,500 miEngine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Tire & Wheel Assembly (rotate)
Every 15,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect)
At 30,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 30,000 miBody Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · Drive Belt (replace) · Engine Air Filter Element (replace) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Exterior Lighting (inspect) · Fuel Line (inspect)
At 60,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect)
At 105,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Spark Plugs (replace)
At 180,000 miEngine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2011 Nissan Versa sits at a relative low point in the model's early federal complaint trajectory, with 268 complaints and 7 recalls following a 502-complaint peak in 2009 and a nearly identical 267 complaints in 2010. While 2012 saw a sharp resurgence to 485 complaints, 11 recalls, and 7 investigations, 2011 stayed comparatively quiet with just 2 investigations and 108 TSBs. Air Bags dominated the 2011 complaint record at 133 reports, with Suspension (36), Unknown or Other (12), and Steering (9) trailing far behind; the data does not specify root causes. The year also logged 19 crash-related complaints and 6 fire-related complaints. Against both the preceding 2007–2009 period and the 2012 spike, 2011 appears to be one of the calmer early-model years in this generation's federal record. For a used-car buyer weighing federal risk indicators alone, the 2011 Versa looks like a comparatively stable choice within this generation.

7
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
108
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
2
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
268
Owner complaints
19 involved a crash · 6 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 268 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Air Bags133
Suspension36
Unknown Or Other12
Steering9
Engine6
Electrical System5
Structure4
Suspension,Air Bags3

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 7 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

18V401000Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator ModuleReported 15/06/2018

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2011 Nissan Versa sedan vehicles and 2011-2012 Nissan Versa hatchback vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, the District of… Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began July 5, 2018. Owners may…

20V008000Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator ModuleReported 09/01/2020

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… Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflators with alternate desiccated inflators, free of charge. The recall began February 12, 2020…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 108 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
NTB09-131C2026-04-13StructureCERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision…
NTB09-131C2026-04-13StructureCERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision…
NTB13-107G2024-05-20Electrical SystemVEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been…
NTB13-027D2024-05-20Electrical SystemCAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See…
NTB10-066C2024-05-20Electrical SystemCAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Versa. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2011 Versa take?

3.2 qt of 5W-30 API, per the factory manual.

Does the 2011 Versa have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 7 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.