Common problems
Nissan Kicks Common Problems
We grouped the top NHTSA owner-complaint categories across 9 Nissan Kicks model years, then counted how often each issue recurs. The result shows patterns worth inspecting without pretending every vehicle will have them.
Data updated April 2026
- Owner complaints
- 439
- Top recurring issue
- Electrical System
- Crash reports
- 24
- Fire reports
- 0
9 model years
7 affected years
Owner-reported severity signal
12 injuries · 0 deaths
Pattern overview
Most reported Nissan Kicks problem categories
Electrical System
96complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 7 model years; highest in 2019.
Unknown Or Other
69complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 7 model years; highest in 2019.
Power Train
45complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 5 model years; highest in 2020.
Service Brakes
25complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 4 model years; highest in 2018.
Engine
22complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 4 model years; highest in 2019.
Forward Collision Avoidance
20complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 4 model years; highest in 2021.
Steering
8complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 3 model years; highest in 2022.
Structure
25complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 2 model years; highest in 2021.
Visibility Wiper
7complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 2 model years; highest in 2024.
Back Over Prevention
5complaints representedAppears among the leading issues for 2 model years; highest in 2025.
What owners reported
Issue summaries by Nissan Kicks model year
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report frequent electrical system issues with the 2019 Nissan Kicks, notably involving the automatic emergency braking (AEB) and slip indicator lights, often accompanied by the check engine light with code P0101 for mass airflow sensor malfunction. Common symptoms include the vehicle stalling, especially at red lights, loss of acceleration, and unintended deceleration or acceleration, sometimes leading to dangerous situations. These problems typically arise around 20,000 to 60,000 miles, with several owners experiencing multiple unresolvable occurrences even after sensor and battery replacements. Safety implications are significant, as stalling and loss of control can lead to near-miss accidents, particularly at higher speeds or in traffic. This context is crucial for used car buyers considering a 2019 Nissan Kicks.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2019 Nissan Kicks frequently report issues related to the vehicle stalling, jerking, and experiencing transmission problems. Common symptoms include the car shutting off while driving, the engine light and various warning lights illuminating, and the vehicle failing to accelerate beyond certain speeds. These issues are often accompanied by reports of grinding noises and malfunctioning collision warning systems, sometimes causing the car to stop unexpectedly. Complaints suggest these problems can occur at various mileage ranges, with some as early as 4,200 miles. A crash is reported due to an infotainment system malfunction, highlighting potential safety risks associated with these issues.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
STRUCTURE
Owners of the 2021 Nissan Kicks frequently report issues with paint chipping above the upper crease of the windshield, with some mentioning rust development at the affected areas. This issue is predominantly noted in fleet units and appears consistently across multiple complaints. Additionally, there is a report regarding the driver's side door lock malfunctioning, where the remote fails to unlock the driver's door despite unlocking the other doors, potentially leading to security concerns. No specific mileage is consistently mentioned, and no crashes, fires, or loss of control are reported in the complaints.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report several recurring electrical system issues with the 2020 Nissan Kicks. Commonly, dashboard warning lights illuminate unexpectedly, often accompanied by vehicle stalling or failure to accelerate, typically occurring around 59,000 to 66,000 miles. Complaints frequently mention problems with the electronic control module, mass air flow sensor, and various collision and safety sensors. Safety implications arise as some owners describe sudden braking or loss of control, with one incident involving a crash where airbags did not deploy. These patterns suggest potential risks for used car buyers considering this model.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners of the 2018 Nissan Kicks frequently report issues with the vehicle's electrical system, particularly concerning the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) system, backup camera, and Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor. Common symptoms include the AEB warning light randomly activating, backup cameras going dark or freezing, and the vehicle stalling or losing power unexpectedly, often accompanied by rough idling and difficulty restarting. These problems often begin shortly after purchase, with some complaints noting recurrence despite multiple dealership repairs. Several reports indicate that these issues can lead to safety concerns, such as the vehicle shutting off while driving or braking without warning, posing potential risks for drivers and others on the road. Buyers should be aware of these recurring electrical issues, especially as they can affect vehicles with varying mileage and usage history.
POWER TRAIN
Owners report frequent issues with the transmission in the 2020 Nissan Kicks, particularly with the CVT transmission. Common symptoms include hesitation during acceleration, slipping, shuddering, and a lack of power, especially when driving uphill or entering traffic. Complaints often mention these issues occurring at relatively low mileages, sometimes before 15,000 miles, and even after transmission replacements. Some owners note that these problems can lead to safety concerns, such as reduced power in high-traffic situations or unexpected limp mode activation on highways. Potential buyers should be aware of these recurring transmission issues and the implications for vehicle performance and safety.
POWER TRAIN
Owners of the 2019 Nissan Kicks frequently report issues with the CVT transmission, including slipping, stalling, shuddering, and jerking during acceleration. These symptoms often occur without warning lights, and some owners note that the transmission needs replacement. Complaints suggest these issues typically arise around 65,000 to 80,000 miles. Safety concerns are evident, with one complaint involving a crash and others describing near misses due to sudden loss of power or stalling on highways. Multiple owners mention these problems emerging after the expiration of the factory warranty, highlighting potential costs for used car buyers.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners report several issues with the 2018 Nissan Kicks, primarily involving unexpected stalling and shutdowns while driving, often linked to mass air flow sensor malfunctions and recurring error codes. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle stalling at intersections or during acceleration, requiring a restart to continue driving, with some instances occurring shortly after purchase. Additional issues include malfunctioning front collision sensors that activate without cause and HVAC systems that do not maintain consistent temperatures. These problems create potential safety risks, such as loss of control in traffic, and may deter prospective buyers concerned about reliability.
Pre-purchase inspection
What to check on a used Nissan Kicks
When problems are reported to begin
- Electrical system failures — 1,000–2,000 miles on the 2026 model-year record
- CV axle problems — 1,500–1,900 miles on the 2026 model-year record
- Electrical system failures — 1,000–8,000 miles on the 2025 model-year record
- Windshield cracking — 2,000–8,000 miles on the 2025 model-year record
- Loose lug nuts — 200–500 miles on the 2025 model-year record
- Rear windshield shattering — 1,000–13,000 miles on the 2024 model-year record
- Electrical system failures — 1,000–2,500 miles on the 2024 model-year record
- Electrical system failures — 20,000–64,000 miles on the 2023 model-year record
Buyer red flags
- Inspect for warning lights on dashboard during startup
- Check for clicking noises when turning the steering wheel
- Verify if both front axles have been replaced or repaired
- Test drive to ensure no sputtering or unexpected shutdowns
- Test infotainment system for black screens or malfunctions
- Inspect windshield for cracks and check for leaks after rain
- Check lug nuts for tightness and inspect wheels for shuddering
- Verify back-up camera functionality, especially at night
How to interpret the counts
Complaint totals are not failure rates
A popular or older model can accumulate more complaints simply because more vehicles exist and have spent longer on the road. The categories above aggregate the counts embedded in each model year's leading issues. Use recurrence across years and severity signals to decide what to inspect; use the VIN and a mechanical inspection to judge one car.
Source trail
Where this Nissan Kicks data comes from
VinExposed combines model-level research with the vehicle-specific history you get from a VIN. Reliability scores and complaint patterns come from Auto Reliability Index's Nissan Kicks research, which analyzes NHTSA records and independent repair data.
Recall counts describe a model year, not the repair status of one car. Confirm the exact VIN with the official NHTSA recall lookup and a vehicle-history report before buying.
Buyer questions
Nissan Kicks research FAQ
What is the most common Nissan Kicks problem?
Electrical System is the broadest recurring complaint category in the available model-year records, appearing among the top issues for 7 years with 96 complaints represented.
Which Nissan Kicks year has the most reported problems?
The 2019 has the largest electrical system count among the years where that category appears. Compare the full year record because a different year may lead on another problem category.
Do NHTSA complaints prove a Nissan Kicks has a defect?
No. Owner complaints are unverified reports and can be duplicated or influenced by sales volume and vehicle age. They are useful patterns to investigate alongside recalls, service records, inspection results and the exact VIN.
Check the actual car
Model research narrows the list. The VIN confirms the car.
Check title brands, accidents, odometer history, auction records and recall status for the specific Nissan Kicks you are considering.
