Nissan Versa manuals and technical guides
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Nissan Versa: Safety-Seats, seat belts and supplemental restraint system - Child restraints

Precautions on child restraints Nissan Versa third generation

Illustration showing the severe danger of holding an infant on an adult's lap during a collision inside a Nissan Versa

WARNING

  • Failure to strictly follow all warnings and manufacturer instructions for the proper selection, use, and secure installation of child restraints can lead to severe, life-threatening injury or death to the child, as well as to other vehicle occupants, in the event of a sudden stop, evasive maneuver, or collision:
    • The child restraint system must be selected, positioned, and installed properly. Always carefully read and follow every instruction provided by the child restraint manufacturer regarding its specific installation and daily use.

Warning illustration demonstrating that a rear-facing child safety seat must never be installed on the front seat of a Nissan Versa due to active passenger airbag risks

  • Infants and small children must never be held on anyone's lap while riding in the vehicle. Even the physically strongest adult cannot overcome the violent inertial forces generated during a collision, making it impossible to hold onto a child under impact.
  • Never secure more than one child or wrap a single seat belt around both a child and another passenger at the same time. The belt cannot distribute the forces properly, which can lead to severe crushing injuries.
  • NISSAN strongly recommends that all child safety seats and restraints be installed exclusively in the rear seat of your Nissan Versa. Real-world crash studies consistently demonstrate that children of all ages are significantly safer when they are properly positioned and restrained in the rear seat rather than the front seat. If you have no other option and must install a forward-facing child restraint in the front passenger seat, refer in detail to the section titled "Forward-facing child restraint installation using the seat belts".
  • Even though your Nissan Versa is engineered with an Advanced Air Bag System, you must never install a rear-facing child restraint on the front passenger seat. The force of an inflating passenger airbag deploying in a crash can strike the back of the child seat with enough energy to cause severe brain damage, permanent injury, or death to the child.

    Consequently, a rear-facing child safety seat must only be installed and used in the rear passenger seats.

  • Be sure to select and purchase a child restraint system that fits both your child's physical build and the specific seat design of your vehicle. Some aftermarket child restraints may not fit securely or sit flat on the contoured seat cushions of your Nissan Versa.
  • The built-in child restraint anchorages in your vehicle are engineered to withstand only those specific loads generated by correctly installed child safety seats. Under no circumstances should these anchors be used to secure adult seat belts, cargo tie-down straps, or any other aftermarket equipment or luggage to the vehicle structure.

    Using them for unintended loads could easily bend, crack, or damage the child restraint anchors. A child safety seat will not be properly held in place by a damaged anchorage, which could fail during a collision and cause serious injury or death to your child.

  • Never use the specialized child restraint LATCH anchor points to secure adult seat belts or to tie down other items in the cabin.
  • A child restraint system requiring a top tether strap should never be installed in the front passenger seat, as there is no top tether anchor point designed for that location.
  • Keep the vehicle seatbacks adjusted as close to the upright position as possible after installing and securing any child restraint.
  • Infants and small children must always be placed and secured in an appropriate, certified child restraint system whenever they are riding in your Nissan Versa.
  • When a child safety seat is not in active use, it must still remain securely fastened to the vehicle's seat structure using either the integrated LATCH system or a standard three-point seat belt. In the event of a sudden, hard stop or a collision, a loose, unsecured car seat can become a heavy, dangerous projectile capable of injuring occupants or causing severe damage to the interior of your Nissan Versa.

CAUTION

A child restraint left inside a closed vehicle parked in the sun can become extremely hot, creating a burn hazard. Always check the temperature of the seating surfaces, fabric, metal clips, and plastic buckles with your hand before placing your child into the child restraint.

This vehicle is engineered with a universal child restraint anchor system, commonly referred to as the LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system. Many modern child safety seats are manufactured with either rigid steel connector bars or adjustable, webbing-mounted attachments that connect directly to these pre-installed lower anchors.

If you do not have a LATCH-compatible child safety seat, you can securely install the restraint using the standard three-point seat belts in the rear seats of your Nissan Versa by activating the seat belt's Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) mode.

A wide variety of manufacturers offer high-quality child restraints designed for infants and growing children. When choosing any safety seat for your Nissan Versa, always keep the following points in mind:

  • Select only a child restraint that displays a manufacturer label certifying that it complies fully with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 213 in the United States or Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (CMVSS) 213 in Canada.
  • Test the child restraint inside your vehicle before purchasing or installing it to verify that it is fully compatible with the seat cushion contours and the seat belt buckle placement of your Nissan Versa.
  • Once you have verified compatibility with your vehicle, place your child in the safety seat and check the harness straps and adjustments to ensure a snug, comfortable, and safe fit. Choose a model designed specifically for your child's current height and weight, and always follow the recommended adjustment procedures.
  • If the combined weight of your child and the child restraint system is less than 65 lbs. (29.5 kg), you may choose to secure the seat using either the LATCH lower anchors or the vehicle's standard seat belt (never use both methods at the same time to secure the seat).
  • If the combined weight of the child and the child restraint system exceeds 65 lbs. (29.5 kg), you must use the vehicle's standard three-point seat belt (and not the LATCH lower anchors) to install and secure the child restraint.
  • Always closely follow the child restraint manufacturer's step-by-step instructions to ensure a stable and correct installation.

All U.S. states and Canadian provinces or territories legally mandate that infants and small children be secured in an approved, certified child restraint system at all times when the vehicle is being operated. Canadian safety regulations specifically require that the top tether strap on all forward-facing child restraints be securely hooked and tightened to the corresponding designated anchor point on the vehicle.

LATCH (Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren) system Nissan Versa third generation

Location diagram of the LATCH lower anchors in the rear passenger seats of the Nissan Versa
LATCH system lower anchor locations

Your vehicle is equipped with specialized anchor points designed specifically for securing LATCH system compatible child restraints. This safety system is also globally referred to as the ISOFIX or ISOFIX compatible system. When utilizing this modern setup in your Nissan Versa, you do not need to use the vehicle’s standard three-point seat belt to secure the child restraint, provided the combined weight of your child and the child restraint does not exceed 65 lbs. (29.5 kg). However, if the combined weight of the child and the child restraint is greater than 65 lbs. (29.5 kg), you must transition to the vehicle's standard seat belt system (rather than the LATCH lower anchors) to install and secure the child restraint. Always follow the child restraint manufacturer's step-by-step instructions to ensure a safe and compliant installation.

The LATCH anchor points are engineered to facilitate child restraint installation in either the rear outboard seating positions or, under specific conditions, the center rear seating position. Please refer to the detailed guidelines below in this section of the Owner's Manual to understand the exact safety requirements for installing a child restraint in the center rear seating position using these anchors.

LATCH lower anchor

WARNING

Failure to strictly follow all warnings and instructions for the proper selection, use, and installation of child restraints can lead to severe, life-threatening injury or death to your child or other passengers during a sudden stop, evasive maneuver, or collision:

  • Only attach LATCH system compatible child restraints directly to the designated Lower Anchors shown in the illustration. For your peace of mind and maximum safety, refer to the installation guidance in the following sections of this Owner's Manual.
  • Always inspect the lower anchors prior to installation by carefully inserting your fingers into the gap near the seatback crease. Feel the area to make sure there are absolutely no obstructions covering the metal anchors, such as twisted seat belt webbing, plastic tags, or misplaced seat cushion material. The child restraint cannot be secured properly if the lower anchors are obstructed in any way.

Child restraint anchorages are precision-engineered to withstand only those specific loads imposed by correctly fitted, certified child restraints.

Under no circumstances should these anchors be used to attach adult seat belts, or to tie down other items, luggage, or equipment to the structure of the vehicle. Doing so could warp or structurally damage the child restraint anchorages. A child restraint will not be held securely if installed using a damaged anchorage, and this could fail under crash forces, resulting in serious injury or death to a child.

Close-up view of the LATCH lower anchor bars located in the crease between the seatback and seat cushion of a Nissan Versa
LATCH lower anchor location

LATCH lower anchor location

The LATCH lower anchors are integrated directly into the seat crease at the positions shown in the diagram. To assist you in locating these connection points within your Nissan Versa, a circular safety icon label is attached to the lower seatback fabric directly above each anchor.

Diagram showing the 14-inch spacing between the inboard LATCH anchors when used for the center rear seating position of the Nissan Versa

LATCH in the center rear seating position

The Nissan Versa does not feature dedicated LATCH anchors designed exclusively for the center rear seating position. However, the inboard LATCH anchors belonging to the two outboard seating positions (indicated by the arrows) can be utilized together as "shared" or "borrowed" anchors to secure a Child Restraint System (CRS) in the center rear seat. These specific anchors are separated by a precise distance A of 14 in (377 mm). Before attempting to secure a CRS in this middle seating position, verify that the CRS manufacturer's instruction manual explicitly permits LATCH installation with this exact anchor spacing.

Please note that a CRS equipped with rigid-mounted lower attachments cannot be installed in the center rear seat due to this specific spacing. This type of rigid-attachment CRS must only be installed in the outboard seating positions of your Nissan Versa.

WARNING

Never attach two separate CRS attachments to a single LATCH anchor. Doing so can severely overload the anchor bar during a collision, which could lead to anchor failure and significantly increase the risk of serious personal injury or death.

When installing a CRS in the center rear seating position utilizing the inboard LATCH anchors, always verify that any outboard passenger or outboard CRS is properly restrained using the vehicle's three-point seat belt and that there is no physical interference with the center CRS installation.

If the outboard occupants cannot be safely and properly restrained due to crowding or buckle overlap, consider securing the center CRS with the vehicle's standard seat belt instead, or move the CRS to a different seating position entirely.

Webbing-mounted LATCH connectors on a child safety seat being aligned for installation in a Nissan Versa
LATCH webbing-mounted attachment

Installing child restraint LATCH lower anchor attachments

LATCH-compatible child safety seats are manufactured with either flexible, webbing-mounted connectors or rigid, built-in metal attachments that latch directly onto the steel anchor bars in your Nissan Versa. When utilizing this secure setup, you do not need to route the vehicle's adult seat belt through the child seat. Always check the physical safety seat or its packaging for a label certifying LATCH compatibility, and double-check the installation instructions provided by the child restraint manufacturer.

Rigid-mounted LATCH connectors on a child safety seat being aligned with the anchor bars in a Nissan Versa
LATCH rigid-mounted attachment

When installing any child safety seat in your Nissan Versa, carefully read, understand, and follow all safety instructions provided in this vehicle owner's manual alongside the documentation supplied directly by the seat manufacturer.

Location diagram of the three top tether anchor points on the rear parcel shelf behind the head restraints in a Nissan Versa
Top tether anchor point locations

Top tether anchor point locations

The top tether anchor points are conveniently located on the rear parcel shelf 1, situated directly behind the rear headrests of your Nissan Versa.

WARNING

Child restraint anchorages are designed to withstand only those specific loads generated by correctly fitted child restraints.

Under no circumstances are these anchor points to be used for adult seat belts, cargo tie-downs, or to attach other aftermarket items or equipment to the vehicle. Doing so can cause structural damage to the child restraint anchorages. The child restraint will not be held securely if installed using a damaged anchorage, which could fail in a crash and lead to serious personal injury or death.

Rear-facing child restraint installation using LATCH Nissan Versa third generation

Do not use the LATCH lower anchors if the combined weight of the child and the child restraint exceeds 65 lbs. (29.5 kg). If the combined weight of the child and the child restraint is indeed greater than 65 lbs. (29.5 kg), you must utilize the standard passenger three-point seat belt of your Nissan Versa (rather than the lower anchors) to perform a safe and secure installation. To ensure absolute occupant safety, always check and follow the child restraint manufacturer's specific instructions for correct installation.

Follow these precise, step-by-step instructions to install a rear-facing child safety seat using the integrated LATCH system:

1. Position the child restraint properly on the rear seat cushion of the vehicle.

Always strictly follow the child restraint manufacturer's provided guidelines for seating placement.

Rear-facing webbing-mounted child restraint installation in a Nissan Versa, demonstrating connecting the flexible LATCH straps to the lower anchor bars
Rear-facing webbing-mounted - step 2

2. Securely connect the child restraint anchor attachments to the built-in LATCH lower anchors.

Visually and physically check to confirm that each LATCH connector is locked and properly fastened to the lower metal anchors.

Rear-facing rigid-mounted child restraint installation in a Nissan Versa, showing the rigid metal connectors clicking directly into the lower LATCH anchors
Rear-facing rigid-mounted - step 2

Compressing the child restraint cushion downward and rearward while pulling the LATCH webbing to remove slack in a Nissan Versa
Rear-facing - step 3

3. For child safety seats that are equipped with flexible, webbing-mounted attachments, pull the strap firmly to remove any remaining slack from the anchor connections. While tightening the LATCH webbing, press downward and rearward firmly in the center of the child restraint with your hand. This action compresses the vehicle's seat cushion and seatback, ensuring a tighter, more stable installation inside the Nissan Versa.

Testing the stability of the installed child restraint by pushing it side to side near the LATCH attachment path inside a Nissan Versa
Rear-facing - step 4

4. After attaching the child restraint, test its stability thoroughly before placing your child in it. Grasp the child safety seat near the LATCH attachment path and try to push it from side to side. The child restraint must not move more than 1 inch (25 mm) in any direction. Additionally, try to tug the seat forward to ensure the LATCH connectors hold it firmly in place. If the restraint is loose or moves too much, repeat the tightening process or reinstall the child seat in a different rear seating position of your Nissan Versa and test it again.

Keep in mind that you may need to try a different model of child restraint or try installing it using the vehicle’s three-point seat belt. Because seat designs vary, not all child restraints fit securely in all vehicle models.

5. Always double-check to make sure that the child restraint is fully secured and locked in place prior to each use. If the safety seat feels loose, repeat steps 1 through 4 to re-secure it.

Rear-facing child restraint installation using the seat belts Nissan Versa

WARNING

You must activate the Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) mode of the three-point seat belt when installing any child restraint system.

Failure to properly engage the ALR child restraint mode will prevent the child safety seat from being held securely in place. Under braking or in a crash, the loose restraint could easily tip over, slide, or swing, causing severe or fatal injuries to the child.

Do not use the LATCH lower anchors if the combined weight of the child and the child restraint exceeds 65 lbs. (29.5 kg). If the combined weight of the child and the child restraint is greater than 65 lbs. (29.5 kg), use the vehicle's seat belt (not the lower anchors) to secure the child restraint. Be sure to carefully follow the child restraint manufacturer's instructions for correct installation.

Follow these step-by-step instructions to install a rear-facing child restraint utilizing the vehicle's standard three-point seat belts in the rear seats of the Nissan Versa:

Correct placement of a rear-facing child safety seat on the rear seat cushion of a Nissan Versa
Rear-facing - step 1

1. Child restraints designed for infants must always be positioned facing the rear of the vehicle, and they must never be installed on the front passenger seat. Position the child restraint properly on the rear seat cushion, following all setup instructions from the child seat manufacturer.

Routing the three-point seat belt webbing through the rear-facing child restraint belt path and buckling it in a Nissan Versa
Rear-facing - step 2

2. Route the vehicle's seat belt webbing through the child restraint's designated belt path and insert the metal tongue into the buckle. Push it in until you hear and feel the buckle latch engage securely. Ensure you route the belt exactly as specified in the child restraint manufacturer's manual.

Extending the shoulder belt completely out of the retractor to activate the ALR child restraint mode in a Nissan Versa
Rear-facing - step 3

3. Pull the shoulder belt portion out slowly and smoothly until the entire length of the belt is fully extended from the retractor. Fully extending the belt switches the seat belt retractor into its safety ALR mode (child restraint locking mode). The retractor will automatically revert back to the standard ELR mode once the seat belt is unbuckled and fully retracted.

Guiding the seat belt back into the retractor to remove the initial slack while installed on the child restraint in a Nissan Versa
Rear-facing - step 4

4. Guide the seat belt as it retracts back into the wall housing. Pull up firmly on the shoulder belt portion near the buckle to take up any initial slack in the webbing.

Pushing down on the center of the child restraint while pulling up on the shoulder belt to secure it tightly in a Nissan Versa
Rear-facing - step 5

5. To remove all remaining slack from the seat belt, press downward and rearward firmly with your hand directly in the center of the child restraint. This compresses the vehicle's seat cushion and seatback foam while you pull upward on the shoulder belt to tighten the entire restraint installation.

Testing the security of the seat-belt-installed rear-facing child safety seat by shaking it near the belt path in a Nissan Versa
Rear-facing - step 6

6. After completing the installation, perform a physical stability test before placing your child in the seat. Grasp the child safety seat near the seat belt path and push it side to side, then tug it forward. The child restraint must not move or slide more than 1 inch (25 mm) in any direction. If the seat is not secure, pull the belt to tighten it further, or reinstall the safety seat in another rear position of your Nissan Versa and test it again. If a secure fit cannot be achieved, you may need to try a different child restraint model, as seat shapes and belt configurations vary.

7. Check the security of the child restraint prior to each trip. If the seat belt is not locked or has loosened, repeat steps 3 through 6 to re-engage the ALR mode and secure the seat.

Once the child restraint is uninstalled and the seat belt is unbuckled, allowing the webbing to fully retract will cancel the ALR child restraint mode and restore the seat belt to normal passenger operation.

Forward-facing child restraint installation using LATCH Nissan Versa 2026

Do not use the LATCH lower anchors if the combined weight of the child and the child restraint exceeds 65 lbs. (29.5 kg). If the combined weight of your child and the child safety seat is greater than 65 lbs. (29.5 kg), you must secure the seat using the standard three-point seat belt system of your Nissan Versa rather than the lower anchors. To ensure a safe setup, always follow the child restraint manufacturer's specific guidelines and instructions for installation.

Follow these detailed steps to install a forward-facing child restraint in the rear seats of your Nissan Versa using the LATCH system:

1. Position the child restraint properly on the vehicle seat cushion, making sure it sits flat against the seat surface.

Always strictly follow the child restraint manufacturer's instructions regarding seat placement and setup.

Forward-facing child safety seat with flexible webbing-mounted LATCH connectors being attached to the lower anchor points of the Nissan Versa
Forward-facing webbing-mounted - step 2

2. Securely fasten the child restraint's anchor attachments to the integrated LATCH lower anchors located in the seat crease.

Carefully check to make sure that each LATCH attachment is fully clicked and properly locked onto the lower metal anchors.

If your forward-facing child restraint is equipped with a top tether strap, route the top tether strap properly over the seatback and secure it to the designated tether anchor point behind the seat.

Forward-facing child safety seat with rigid-mounted LATCH connectors clicking directly into the lower anchors of the Nissan Versa rear seat
Forward-facing rigid-mounted - step 2

Do not install forward-facing child restraints that require the use of a top tether strap in seating positions that lack a corresponding top tether anchor point.

3. The back of the child safety seat should be positioned flush and secure against the vehicle's seatback.

If necessary, adjust or temporarily remove the head restraint/headrest to obtain a tight, flat child restraint fit. If you remove the head restraint/headrest, store it in a secure location in the trunk of your Nissan Versa. Be sure to properly reinstall the head restraint/headrest as soon as the child restraint is removed from the vehicle.

If the target seating position does not feature an adjustable head restraint/headrest and the non-adjustable structure interferes with achieving a proper, tight child restraint fit, try installing the child seat in a different rear seating position or try using a different child restraint.

Compressing the forward-facing child safety seat downward with a knee while pulling the LATCH webbing strap to tighten the installation in a Nissan Versa
Forward-facing - step 4

4. For child restraints equipped with flexible webbing-mounted attachments, remove any remaining slack from the straps. Press downward and rearward firmly in the center of the child restraint with your knee to compress the vehicle's seat cushion and seatback foam while pulling the webbing to tighten the LATCH attachments.

5. Tighten the top tether strap according to the child seat manufacturer's instructions to eliminate all slack and ensure a rigid connection.

Testing the stability of the installed forward-facing child safety seat by firmly shaking it from side to side in a Nissan Versa
Forward-facing - step 6

6. After attaching the child safety seat, test the stability of the installation before placing your child in it. Grasp the child restraint near the LATCH attachment path and push it side to side. The seat should not move more than 1 inch (25 mm) in any direction. Try to pull it forward firmly to check if the LATCH connectors hold the restraint in place. If the installation is loose, tighten the attachments again, or reinstall the child seat in another passenger position of your Nissan Versa and test it again.

You may need to try a different child restraint model if you cannot achieve a tight fit. Due to varying seat designs, not all child restraints fit perfectly in all vehicles.

7. Always check that the child restraint is properly secured and locked prior to every trip. If the child seat is loose, repeat steps 1 through 6 to re-secure it.

Diagram showing the proper routing of the child seat top tether strap over the rear seatback to the anchor point on the parcel shelf of the Nissan Versa
Rear bench seat

Installing top tether strap

  1. Top tether strap
  2. Anchor point

The child restraint's top tether strap must be used whenever you are installing a forward-facing child safety seat in your Nissan Versa with the LATCH lower anchor attachments.

First, secure the child restraint to the lower LATCH anchors, and then proceed with securing the top tether.

Rear bench seat

OUTBOARD AND CENTER SEATING POSITIONS

1. Position the top tether strap 1 carefully over the top of the seatback.

2. Secure the hook of the tether strap to the designated metal tether anchor point 2 as shown in the illustration.

3. Pull the tether strap tight according to the child seat manufacturer's instructions to remove any remaining slack.

If you have any questions or difficulties when installing a top tether strap, it is highly recommended that you visit an authorized NISSAN dealer for professional installation service.

WARNING

Child restraint anchorages are engineered to withstand only those loads generated by correctly fitted child restraints.

Under no circumstances should these anchors be used to attach adult seat belts, cargo straps, or other heavy items or equipment to your Nissan Versa. Doing so can cause structural damage to the child restraint anchorages. A child restraint will not be held securely if installed using a damaged anchorage, which could fail in a crash and lead to serious personal injury or death.

Forward-facing child restraint installation using the seat belts Nissan Versa 2020

WARNING

The vehicle's three-point seat belt equipped with an Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) must be used when installing any child restraint system.

Failure to properly activate the ALR mode will prevent the child safety seat from being securely locked in place. In the event of a sudden stop, sharp turn, or collision, the restraint could dangerously tilt, slide, or become completely loose, resulting in severe or fatal injury to the child. Furthermore, failing to utilize the ALR mode can interfere with the sensor systems, incorrectly changing the operational parameters and deployment status of the front passenger air bag.

Proper positioning of the front passenger seat shifted to its rearmost tracking position for forward-facing child seat installation in a Nissan Versa
Forward-facing (front passenger seat) - step 1

Do not use the lower LATCH anchors if the combined weight of the child and the child restraint exceeds 65 lbs. (29.5 kg). If the combined weight of your child and the child restraint is greater than 65 lbs. (29.5 kg), you must use the standard passenger seat belt of your Nissan Versa (and not the lower anchors) to perform the installation. Always make sure to closely follow the child restraint manufacturer's step-by-step instructions for a secure fit.

Follow these detailed steps to install a forward-facing child restraint using the vehicle seat belt in either the rear seats or the front passenger seat of your Nissan Versa:

1. If you have no alternative and must install a child restraint in the front seat, it should be placed in a forward-facing direction only. Slide the front passenger seat back to its absolute rearmost position on its tracks to maximize the distance from the passenger air bag module.

Child restraints designed for infants must always be used in a rear-facing direction and, therefore, are strictly prohibited from being installed on the front passenger seat under any circumstances.

2. Position the child safety seat flat on the vehicle seat cushion.

Always follow the child restraint manufacturer's specific instructions for placement and adjustment.

The back of the child restraint should be securely aligned and held flat against the vehicle seatback.

If necessary to achieve a flush fit, adjust or temporarily remove the adjustable head restraint/headrest. If the head restraint/headrest is removed, store it in a secure location, such as the trunk of your Nissan Versa. Be absolutely sure to reinstall the head restraint/headrest as soon as the child restraint is uninstalled.

If the seating position you are using does not have an adjustable head restraint/headrest and the integrated headrest interferes with achieving a proper child restraint fit, try installing the seat in another rear seating position or select a different model of child restraint.

Routing the three-point seat belt tongue through the designated forward-facing belt path of the child seat in a Nissan Versa
Forward-facing - step 3

3. Route the seat belt tongue carefully through the child restraint’s designated path and insert it into the buckle until you hear and feel the latch firmly engage. Always refer to the child restraint manufacturer's manual to ensure correct belt routing.

If the child restraint is equipped with a top tether strap, route the top tether strap over the seatback and secure it to the corresponding tether anchor point (note that this applies to rear seat installations only).

Never install child restraints that require the use of a top tether strap in seating positions that do not have a dedicated top tether anchor.

Pulling the shoulder belt all the way out to its limit to switch the retractor into ALR mode inside a Nissan Versa
Forward-facing - step 4

4. Pull the shoulder belt portion of the seat belt smoothly outward until the belt is fully extended from the retractor. At this extreme point, the seat belt retractor switches into the ALR mode (child restraint locking mode). The retractor will automatically revert back to standard Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) mode once the seat belt is unbuckled and completely retracted.

Allowing the seat belt to feed back into the retractor to remove the slack while securing the child seat in a Nissan Versa
Forward-facing - step 5

5. Allow the seat belt to retract slowly into the housing. Pull upward on the shoulder belt portion near the buckle to take up any initial loose slack in the webbing.

Compressing the child seat cushion with a knee while pulling the shoulder belt upward to tighten the installation in a Nissan Versa
Forward-facing - step 6

6. Remove all remaining slack from the seat belt. Press downward and rearward firmly in the center of the child restraint with your knee to compress the vehicle seat cushion and seatback foam while pulling upward on the shoulder belt.

7. Tighten the top tether strap according to the manufacturer's guidelines to remove any remaining slack and ensure a rigid anchor connection.

Verifying the stability of the forward-facing child seat by pushing and pulling it near the seat belt routing path in a Nissan Versa
Forward-facing - step 8

8. After completing the installation, test the child safety seat thoroughly before placing your child in it. Hold the seat near the seat belt routing path and push it from side to side. The child restraint must not move more than 1 inch (25 mm) in any direction. Try to tug it forward to check if the locked seat belt holds the restraint firmly in place. If the installation is loose, repeat the tightening procedure, or position the restraint on another rear seat of your Nissan Versa and test it again. You may need to try a different child restraint model if a secure fit cannot be achieved, as not all child seats fit perfectly in all vehicle types.

9. Always check to ensure the child restraint is properly secured and locked prior to each trip. If the seat belt is not locked in ALR mode, repeat steps 2 through 8.

Locating the passenger airbag status light on the instrument panel of the Nissan Versa with a forward-facing child seat installed in the front
Forward-facing - step 10

10. If you have installed the child restraint in the front passenger seat, turn the ignition switch to the ON position. The front passenger air bag status light Front passenger airbag status icon showing the airbag is OFF should illuminate, indicating the airbag is disabled. If this light is not illuminated, refer to the "Front passenger air bag and status light" section of this manual. Do not carry a child in that seat; move the child restraint to an alternative rear seating position.

Have the airbag system inspected immediately. For this critical safety check, it is highly recommended that you visit an authorized NISSAN dealer.

Once the child restraint is uninstalled and the seat belt is allowed to fully retract, the ALR child restraint mode is automatically canceled, returning the belt to standard passenger operation.

Top tether routing diagram showing the strap going over the rear bench seat to the anchor point on the rear parcel shelf of a Nissan Versa
Rear bench seat

Installing top tether strap

  1. Top tether strap
  2. Anchor point

The child restraint top tether strap must be utilized when installing a forward-facing child restraint using the vehicle's seat belts.

First, secure the child restraint firmly using the seat belt, and then proceed to hook and tighten the top tether.

Rear bench seat

OUTBOARD AND CENTER SEATING POSITIONS

1. Route the top tether strap 1 over the top of the seatback.

2. Clip the tether strap hook to the designated tether anchor point 2 as shown in the illustration.

3. Tighten the tether strap in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions to eliminate any remaining slack.

If you encounter any difficulties or have questions when installing a top tether strap, it is highly recommended that you visit an authorized NISSAN dealer for professional assistance.

WARNING

Child restraint anchorages are engineered to withstand only those structural loads imposed by correctly fitted child restraints.

Under no circumstances are they to be used to attach adult seat belts, cargo nets, luggage straps, or other equipment to the vehicle. Doing so could permanently warp or damage the child restraint anchorages. A child safety seat will not be properly held by a damaged anchorage, which could fail during an accident, resulting in serious personal injury or death.

Booster seats Nissan Versa 3rd Gen

To ensure the highest level of safety for older children who have outgrown their forward-facing car seats, a booster seat must be selected and positioned with care. For additional information on installing a booster seat in your vehicle, follow the instructions outlined in this section to guarantee a correct fit inside your Nissan Versa.

Precautions on booster seats

WARNING

If a booster seat and the vehicle's seat belt are not chosen, positioned, and used properly, the risk of a child being severely injured or killed in a sudden stop, sharp turn, or collision greatly increases:

  • Always make sure the diagonal shoulder portion of the belt is positioned flat across the center of the child's chest and shoulder, keeping it far away from the child's face and neck. The lap portion of the belt must fit snugly and low across the hip bones, and it must never cross the child's stomach or abdominal area.
  • Make sure the shoulder belt is never routed behind the child's back or slipped under the child's arm. Running the belt improperly defeats the safety design and can lead to severe chest or internal organ damage in an accident.
  • A booster seat must only be installed in a seating position that is equipped with a standard three-point type lap/shoulder belt. Never attempt to use a booster seat with a lap-only seat belt.

Comparison diagram of a low back booster seat (Type A) and a high back booster seat (Type B) illustrating correct shoulder belt routing guides

  1. Low back booster seat
  2. High back booster seat

A child sitting correctly in a booster seat inside a Nissan Versa with the seat belt crossing the middle of the shoulder and resting low over the hips

Booster seats of various sizes and configurations are offered by several manufacturers. When selecting any booster seat for your Nissan Versa, always keep the following critical points in mind:

  • Choose only a booster seat that features a manufacturer's label certifying that it complies fully with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 in the United States or Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 213 in Canada.
  • Test the booster seat directly on the rear seat cushion of your vehicle to be sure it is fully compatible with the physical shape of the seat and the alignment of the vehicle's seat belt system.

Diagram showing the required height of the Nissan Versa seatback relative to the child's ears when using a low back booster seat versus a high back booster seat

  • Make sure the child's head will be properly supported by either the booster seat's built-in headrest or the vehicle's own seatback and head restraint. The top of the supportive seatback or headrest must be positioned at or above the horizontal center of the child's ears. For example, if a low back booster seat is chosen, the vehicle's seatback or adjusted head restraint must extend at least to or above the center of the child's ears. If the vehicle's seatback is lower than the center of the child's ears, you must utilize a high back booster seat instead.
  • If the booster seat is compatible with your vehicle, place your child in the seat and verify all available adjustments to confirm that the booster seat is properly fitted to your child's size. Always follow all recommended setup and securing procedures.

All U.S. states and Canadian provinces or territories legally require that infants and small children be secured in an approved, certified child restraint or booster seat at all times while the vehicle is being operated.

The instructions and step-by-step procedures in this section apply to installing a booster seat on either the outboard or center rear seats, or on the front passenger seat of your Nissan Versa.

Booster seat installation

WARNING

To avoid serious injury to your child, never pull the lap/shoulder belt all the way out to engage the Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) mode when securing a booster seat. When using a booster seat, the seat belt must remain in the Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) mode, allowing the child to move freely but locking instantly during sudden deceleration or an impact.

Follow these steps to install a booster seat in the rear seat or in the front passenger seat of your Nissan Versa:

Front passenger seat of the Nissan Versa pushed back to its furthest rearward position on its tracks for booster seat installation

1. If you must install a booster seat in the front seat, first move the front passenger seat on its tracks to the rearmost position to maximize clearance from the passenger airbag module.

2. Position the booster seat flat on the seat cushion.

Only place the booster seat in a forward-facing direction. Never install a booster seat facing sideways or backward.

Always follow the booster seat manufacturer's specific instructions for placement, routing, and daily use.

Booster seat positioned correctly in the front passenger seat of a Nissan Versa
Front passenger position

Booster seat positioned correctly in the rear center seating position of a Nissan Versa
Rear center position

Booster seat positioned correctly in the rear outboard seating position of a Nissan Versa
Rear outboard position

3. The booster seat should be positioned flat on the vehicle seat cushion so that it remains stable and does not rock, slide, or tilt.

If necessary to achieve a flush, stable fit, adjust or temporarily remove the head restraint/headrest. If the head restraint/headrest is removed, store it in a secure place such as the trunk of your Nissan Versa. Be sure to properly reinstall the head restraint/headrest as soon as the booster seat is uninstalled from the vehicle.

If the target seating position does not feature an adjustable head restraint/headrest and the integrated headrest interferes with achieving a proper, flat booster seat fit, try installing the booster seat in another seating position or try using a different booster seat design.

4. Guide the seat belt through the booster seat's paths and position the lap portion of the belt low and snug across the child's hip bones. Be sure to follow the booster seat manufacturer's instructions for adjusting and verifying the seat belt routing.

5. Guide the shoulder belt portion of the seat belt back toward the retractor to take up any excess slack. Ensure the shoulder belt is positioned flat across the top, middle portion of the child's shoulder, avoiding the neck and face. Be sure to follow the booster seat manufacturer's instructions for adjusting and locking the seat belt routing paths.

6. Follow all warnings, cautions, and general instructions for properly fastening and adjusting a seat belt as detailed in the "Three-point type seat belt with retractor" section of this manual.

Child buckled into a booster seat with the three-point seat belt routed correctly through the booster guides in a Nissan Versa

7. If the booster seat is installed in the front passenger seat of your Nissan Versa, place the ignition switch in the ON position. The front passenger air bag status light Front passenger airbag status indicator light may or may not illuminate, depending on the physical size of the child and the specific type of booster seat being used in the vehicle.