Nissan Versa are typically reliable cars. However, they did have their fair share of problems throughout the years. In this article, we wrote an extensive article about all the common problems you´ll run into with a Nissan Versa. Today, we´ll look specifically at the door lock problem. Here is a quick summary:
If the door lock on a Nissan Versa doesn´t work anymore, it´s most likely caused by problems with the door lock assembly, which can be damaged, have loose connectors, or needs to be lubricated. 2015 model years had a service bulletin because of faulty door lock assembly units.
However, that certainly doesn´t tell us everything about the door lock problems on a Nissan Versa. Below, we´ll give you a detailed look at the potential issues, what caused them and how you can fix them. Read on!
Potential Issues
First of all, it´s good to know that there are two problems with the door lock of the Nissan Versa:
- The door won´t open at all
- The door won´t close and will sometimes open during driving, causing hazardous situations.
If you own a 2015 model of the Versa, it´s wise to check the TSB below. These model years did have some problems that needed to be addressed urgently. However, if you own a vehicle that´s older or younger, there can also be some additional issues we will look at further down the article.
2015 Door Lock Technical Service Bulletin
The 2015 model years did have an official TSB for this issue under number NTB15-065. This was called a ´voluntary´ recall and involved model years made in 2015 only (although it also involved the Nissan Sentra and Rogue).
The technical service bulletin calls for inspecting the front and rear left side doors (driver side) on the Versa. Specifically, dealers first needed to address if the date code was indeed the one associated with the TSB. This required to be date code 154-160 and could be found as shown in the image below.
Then, dealers needed to identify whether the door lock code had cavity code B. They did this by taking the door lock out and inspecting it, as shown in the image below.
If both of these points were confirmed, there was a significant chance the vehicle was part of the recall. In this case, the door lock assembly needed to be replaced. How to do this was also documented by Nissan in this document. If you´re going to let a mechanic do this outside of the recall (which probably already expired), expect to pay between $200 – $300.
Other Potential Door Lock Problems
If you own a model year that´s not a 2015 Versa, then other potential problems can cause the door lock not to open. Below, we´ll look at the most common ones:
Debris And Dirt
If the key gets stuck in the door’s keyhole, or if it won´t go in, there´s most likely a build-up of debris and dirt in the keyhole and/or the door lock assembly. In this case, you´ll need to buy some WD-40 and spray it into the keyhole. Let it sit for 30 seconds, and try to put the key in again.
Broken Connectors
If debris is not what´s causing the issue, then it could be that broken connectors are going to the door lock assembly. The door lock assembly uses cables and attaches these to other parts of the mechanism with metal rods or plastic parts. These metal rods or plastic parts can break or become loose, preventing the door from opening.
To inspect the connectors, you´ll need to open up the door panel of the Versa and the door you´re having problems with. Then, you´ll need to check for any parts that seem broken or detached, and you´ll need to bind them together. If you don´t know how to do this or what to look for, this is the point to get an automotive specialist involved.
Replacing The Door Lock Assembly
If no broken connectors prevent you from opening the door, the problem is likely with the door lock assembly itself. If this part is damaged or broken, there´s very little else you can do than replace it entirely. For this, follow the instructions in the technical service bulletin document we linked earlier on since this explains how to replace a door lock assembly. Otherwise, a mechanic can do this for you as well.
Did you know that Nissan Versa have also had problems with its electric power steering and the shifter locking in place? Click on the links to read detailed articles about these problems.
Hi! My name is Stefan; I’m the owner and lead writer at TheDriverAdviser.com.
I’m an active writer on this blog myself, as well as a novice car mechanic. For the really technical stuff, I find writers with experience as a mechanic or who have studied mechanical engineering.
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