Recall 12V032 affects 36,608 2012 Nissan Versa automatic-transmission vehicles because the shifter can leave park without brake pressure. Free repair at any franchised Nissan dealer.
Nissan is recalling 36,608 2012 Versa vehicles under recall 12V032 because interference between the shifter rod and shift knob means the vehicle can be shifted out of Park without the brake pedal. This raises the risk of a crash or injury to a nearby pedestrian, and the dealer repair will be free once Nissan makes it available.
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What's wrong?
The shift lever assembly in the 2012 Nissan Versa with an automatic transmission is the driver control for park, reverse, neutral, and drive. The shift knob sits at the top of the lever, and the shifter rod carries that movement into the transmission selector. A brake-shift interlock is supposed to keep the lever in park until the brake pedal is pressed.
On affected Versas, the shifter rod interferes with the shift knob. That contact defeats the normal brake-pedal lockout, so the lever can move out of park without the driver pressing the brake. If the vehicle is shifted out of park, it can move when the driver does not expect it.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is in the shifter mechanism itself, so an owner should not expect a noise, warning light, or change in pedal feel before the lever moves out of park without the brake pedal pressed.
Who's affected?
| 2012 Nissan Versa | manual transmission |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 36,608 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific car is included.
What's the safety risk?
The shifter can move into gear even when the brake pedal is not pressed, increasing the risk of a crash or injury to a pedestrian. Keep the vehicle secured in park, use extra care before shifting, and schedule recall service promptly. Repair will be free at any franchised Nissan dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012 Nissan Versa is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Nissan dealer and ask for the free shifter-knob or shifter-assembly inspection and replacement.
- Bring the recall notice if Nissan mailed one. If not, reference recall number 12V032 when you call.
- Keep your foot on the brake before shifting out of Park until the repair is complete.
- Call Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261 with questions about the recall or dealer scheduling.
What happens at the repair
The dealer repair will be free once available. At the dealer, a Nissan technician inspects the shifter knob and shifter assembly for interference between the shifter rod and shift knob. If the knob is the problem, the technician replaces the shifter knob. If the assembly is involved, the technician replaces the shifter assembly. Parts and labor are covered under the recall.
Timeline
| February 1, 2012 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| March 5, 2012 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 12V032?
Recall 12V032 covers 36,608 2012 Nissan Versa vehicles with automatic transmissions. Interference between the shifter rod and shift knob can let the vehicle shift out of Park without the brake pedal pressed, increasing crash or pedestrian injury risk. Nissan dealers inspect and replace the shifter knob or shifter assembly for free.
What should I do if my 2012 Nissan Versa is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Versa is included in recall 12V032. If it is, contact a franchised Nissan dealer to schedule the shifter inspection. Reference recall number 12V032 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Nissan's remedy states that dealers will inspect and replace the shifter knob or shifter assembly as needed, free of charge.
Is it safe to drive my 2012 Nissan Versa before the repair?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order, but the defect is still a safety issue. The vehicle can shift out of Park without the brake pedal pressed, which increases crash or pedestrian injury risk. Confirm your VIN and schedule the free dealer repair.
What if I bought my Nissan Versa used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Versa is included, then call a franchised Nissan dealer and reference recall number 12V032.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/12V032000 |
|---|---|
| Nissan customer service | 1-800-647-7261 |
| NHTSA recall # | 12V032 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 12V032000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 2, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →