NissanVersa2008Overview/nissan/versa/2008/base/

2008 Nissan Versa

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2008 Versa.

Body PASSENGER CARTransmission Automatic (variable gear ratios)

The 2008 Nissan Versa is a passenger car powered by a engine requiring 4.1 quarts of 5W-30 API oil, paired with a continuously variable automatic transmission and achieving EPA fuel economy ratings of 27 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 29 mpg combined; this model year falls within the first generation Versa production run and offers practical subcompact transportation with typical modern safety features. In terms of reliability, the 2008 Versa accumulated 381 owner complaints across its lifespan with airbags emerging as the most frequently cited concern, alongside eight total recalls issued for the model year—placing it below the peak complaint year of 2009 (502 complaints) but notably higher than the significantly improved complaint figures seen in more recent years, suggesting that while not the worst-performing model in the Versa's history, the 2008 represents a transitional year before Nissan addressed several of the quality issues that would later become less prevalent.

Model year202520242023202220212017201620132008

Quick specs

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

Engine oil capacity4.1 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type5W-30 APIOEM · verified
Lug nut torque83 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy27/33/29 mpgEPA · 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 sizeP185-65R15OEM · verified
Wheel / rim5 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter1520865F0E
Engine air filter16546ED000
Spark plug22401JD01B
Front wiper blades28890ZN90A alt 28890EM31A
Serpentine belt11720EL00A
Thermostat212306N20A alt 21200ET01A
Cabin air filter27277EL00A

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (variable gear ratios)

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

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined27 / 33 / 29 mpg
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume94 cu ft
Cargo volume14 cu ft
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

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.

9.0 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 9.00 sec — 2008 1.8 S Sedan
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
20081.8 S Sedan 1.8L I-49.00 sec16.90 sec122 hpFWD
20071.8 SL Hatchback 1.8L I-49.40 sec17.00 sec122 hpFWD
20071.8 SL Hatchback 1.8L I-49.70 sec17.40 sec122 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
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

Service quick specs OEM factory data

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

This engine holds 4.1 qt of 5W-30 API engine oil, DOT 3 brake fluid. 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 CVT fluid NS-2
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity8.8
Brake FluidDOT 3
Engine Oil5W-30 · API
Engine Oil Capacity4.1 qt
Power Steering FluidUSE NISSAN POWER STEERING FLUID

Engine torques

Engine Flywheel Bolts80 ft-lbs
Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug25.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts83 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub83 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Curb Idle Speed (No Load)700 rpm
Curb Idle Speed Variance (No Load)50 rpm
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

Pressure Test23 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief11-14 psi
Thermostat Opening Temperature177-183 °F
Injector Primary Resistance11.1-14.5 ohms
Engine Compression174-217 psi. 15 maximum variation psi.
Engine Oil Pressure9 psi @ Idle, 29 psi @ 2000 rpm psi
Intake Valve Lash0.010-0.013 in
Exhaust Valve Lash0.011-0.015 in

Brakes

Brake ApplicationWITH REAR DISC / WITH STANDARD
Torque Caliper to Bracket20 ft-lbs
Torque to Knuckle64 ft-lbs
Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.079; Rear: 0.059 in
Brake ApplicationWITH REAR DISC / WITH STANDARD
Rotor Nominal Thickness From0.945 in / 0.866 in
Rotor Nominal Thickness To0.945 in / 0.866 in
Rotor Max Parallel Variation0.0008 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
120 ft. lbs., Step 2: Back off 360 degrees, Step 3: 14 ft. lbs., Step 4: 6020 ft. lbs
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
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 3,750 mi; spark plugs at 105,000 mi; coolant every 3,750 mi. The big-interval services (every 3,750 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 3,750 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Brake Hydraulic System (inspect fluid level) · Clutch Master Cylinder (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 7,500 miBattery (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Drive Axle Assembly (inspect) · Exhaust System (Complete) (inspect) · Steering Linkage (inspect)
Every 15,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Air Conditioning System (inspect) · Axle Shaft Oil Seal (inspect) · Body Latches, Locks & Hinges (lubricate) · Brake Line (inspect) · Brake Linings (inspect)
Every 30,000 miDrive Belt (replace) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Fuel System (inspect) · Headlamp (inspect alignment) · Transmission Assembly (drain & refill)
At 60,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill)
Every 60,000 miRadiator Hose (replace)
At 105,000 miSpark Plugs (replace)

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 2008 Nissan Versa lands near the beginning of the federal record with 381 complaints, 8 recalls, 2 investigations, and 92 TSBs—a modest step up from the 2007 model's 354 complaints and 89 TSBs, but with one fewer recall. Across the arc, complaints climb to a 502-report peak in 2009, settle in 2010-2011, then spike sharply in 2012 at 485 complaints alongside 11 recalls and 7 investigations, meaning the 2008 model predates the generation's most troubled period. For 2008 specifically, air bags account for 154 complaints, suspension for 58, engine and engine cooling for 15, and fuel system for 12, with 24 crash-related and 8 fire-related complaints; the data does not specify root causes. Compared with the 2009 and 2012 highs, the 2008 Versa is a comparatively moderate early-year entry. A carefully inspected, recall-cleared 2008 Versa can be a viable used-car buy, though buyers should confirm the air-bag and suspension items have been resolved.

8
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
92
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
2
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
381
Owner complaints
24 involved a crash · 8 a fire
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 381 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Air Bags154
Suspension58
Engine & Engine Cooling15
Fuel System, Gasoline12
Steering11
Power Train9
Electrical System9
Wheels9

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 8 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

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…

18V452000Air Bags:Frontal:Passenger Side:Inflator ModuleReported 06/07/2018

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2007-2008 Nissan Versa sedan and Versa hatchback vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Delaware, District of… Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began July 25, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 92 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 2008 Versa take?

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

Does the 2008 Versa have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 8 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Versa get?

EPA figures are 27 city / 33 highway / 29 combined mpg.