Nissan Versa are typically reliable cars. However, they did have their fair share of problems throughout the years. In this article, we wrote extensively about all the common problems you´ll run into with a Nissan Versa. Today, we´ll look specifically at the electrical power steering problem. Here is a quick summary:
2021 Nissan Versa had a recall for a malfunctioning EPS torque sensor. 2012 – 2016 Nissan Versa are known for having problems with malfunctioning of the electronic power steering. Possible causes are blown power steering fuses, steering column sensor failure, or a defect in the electronic power steering control module or motor.
However, that certainly doesn´t tell us everything about the power steering 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, it´s good to know that most electronic power steering problems in the Nissan Versa occurred in the 2014 – 2015 model years, with some 2012 – 2016 model years also experiencing issues, as well as the 2021 model year, which had a separate recall. In most cases, the EPS shuts off without warning, which makes turning the vehicle very difficult. However, if you have a different model year of the Versa, the troubleshooting is largely the same.
2021 Nissan Versa
On the 15th of September, 2022, Nissan issued a recall (22V693000) stating the following:
An intermittent electrical connection in the electric power steering (EPS) torque sensor can disable the power steering assist.
Source
The problems were fixed by dealers by identifying the torque sensor lot code and replacing the column if the torque sensor was indeed part of the recall. All of this was done free of charge.
2012 – 2016 Nissan Versa
Typically, the problem is resolved when the driver turns the car off and on again. However, the problem will return randomly at some point. Furthermore, OBD-II scanners don´t show any codes, making tracking down the problem much harder. Also, driving without power steering is almost impossible, adding to the annoyance of the problem.
One 2015 Versa owner described his experience as follows:
While driving on the freeway this morning I heard a click and then the power steering light turned on. (…) When exiting the freeway, it was clear that the electric power steering had turned off. (…) When I started the car to go to lunch, the PS light was off again, and the power steering was functioning. When pulling into a parking lot for lunch the power steering suddenly cut out and the PS turned back on again. (…)
Source
Other Potential Solutions
Nissan never issued an official recall for the 2012 – 2016 problem, nor did they provide guidance in a technical service bulletin. Owners and mechanics also didn´t seem to be able to get to a general conclusion. However, when electric power steering fails, there are always a couple of things you should look out for. We´ve mentioned these below.
Blown Fuses
If you only have a power steering light on the dashboard and nothing else, it´s very likely that one of the power steering fuses is blown. We check this first because power steering fuses are easy to find and cheap to replace, and they´re also one of the most common malfunctions.
In the video below, you can see how to find the fuses for a 2012 – 2019 Nissan Versa, which is the exact model year that had the power steering problems. Buying a fuse only costs $10 – $20, and replacing it is something you can do yourself.
Steering Column Sensor Failure
Steering column sensor failure is another problem that often comes up with electrical power steering failure. If your power steering light comes on together with a check engine light, you likely have a steering column sensor failure.
To diagnose this problem, it´s best to insert an OBD-II scanner into your vehicle. These scanners will give you warning codes that have been saved in the power steering control module, and a quick search on the internet will tell you what´s wrong exactly.
The problem with power steering column sensors is that they´re part of the complete power steering column, and replacing them means replacing the entire power steering column. You can expect to pay between $1,000 – $1,500 for this because this is a very labor-intensive task and a power steering column isn´t cheap.
Electric Power Steering Control Module Or Motor Malfunction
If the solutions mentioned above don´t help, you´re most likely looking at a problem with the power steering control module (the computer that takes the signals from the sensors and activates the electric power steering motor) or a failure of the electric power steering motor.
Again, an OBD-II scanner is probably the best starting point here. However, replacing either of these parts isn´t going to be cheap, and the OBD-II scanner will only provide you with initial clues. Expect to pay around $800 – $1,000 to replace a power steering control module, and about $500 – $700 to replace the EPS motor.
Did you know that Nissan Versa have also had problems with its door locks and the ignition switch? 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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