Nissan Kicks Problems by Year
NHTSA has 522 owner complaints and 10 safety recalls on file for the Nissan Kicks, across 9 model years (2018–2026). The 2019 model year has the most complaints (134). The most reported problem area overall is forward collision avoidance.
Nissan Kicks years to avoid? What the complaint data shows
These model years drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Kicks year: 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021. Look at what owners reported before buying one, and check the VIN for open recalls.
Model years with the most complaints
- 2019 Kicks: 134 complaints, 1 recall
- 2020 Kicks: 97 complaints, 0 recalls
- 2018 Kicks: 86 complaints, 1 recall
Model years with the fewest complaints
- 2026 Kicks: 8 complaints, 3 recalls
- 2023 Kicks: 18 complaints, 1 recall
- 2022 Kicks: 23 complaints, 0 recalls
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold or how long each year has been on the road, so newer and less popular years naturally have fewer complaints. Use them to spot problem patterns, not as a safety ranking.
Most common Nissan Kicks problems (all years)
| Problem area | Complaints | Model years | Crashes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forward Collision Avoidance problems | 126 | 7 | 5 |
| Electrical System problems | 117 | 9 | 4 |
| Engine | 97 | 9 | 0 |
| Power Train | 74 | 9 | 2 |
| Service Brakes | 50 | 8 | 6 |
| Structure | 35 | 6 | 1 |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 34 | 8 | 0 |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 29 | 6 | 1 |
| Steering | 28 | 9 | 2 |
| Lane Departure | 20 | 7 | 2 |
| Visibility/wiper | 20 | 7 | 0 |
| Air Bags | 19 | 6 | 11 |
| Back Over Prevention | 18 | 6 | 1 |
| Electronic Stability Control (esc) | 15 | 3 | 1 |
| Suspension | 15 | 6 | 1 |
| Visibility | 13 | 4 | 0 |
| Wheels | 11 | 6 | 1 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 8 | 4 | 0 |
| Exterior Lighting | 6 | 3 | 0 |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Seat Belts | 4 | 4 | 2 |
| Seats | 4 | 4 | 1 |
| Tires | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Communication | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Equipment | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Service Brakes, Air | 1 | 1 | 0 |
All Nissan Kicks model years
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Crash rating | Top problem | Compared with other years |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Kicks | 8 | 3 | 4★ | Unknown or Other | |
| 2025 Kicks | 40 | 4 | 4★ | Unknown or Other | Fewer complaints than other years |
| 2024 Kicks | 38 | 1 | 4★ | Unknown or Other | Fewer complaints than other years |
| 2023 Kicks | 18 | 1 | 4★ | Forward Collision Avoidance | Far fewer complaints than other years |
| 2022 Kicks | 23 | 0 | 4★ | Forward Collision Avoidance | Far fewer complaints than other years |
| 2021 Kicks | 78 | 2 | 4★ | Structure | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2020 Kicks | 97 | 0 | 4★ | Forward Collision Avoidance | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2019 Kicks | 134 | 1 | 4★ | Forward Collision Avoidance | Far more complaints than other years |
| 2018 Kicks | 86 | 1 | — | Unknown or Other | Far more complaints than other years |
More from Nissan: all Nissan models · Nissan VIN decoder
Frequently asked questions
Which Nissan Kicks years should you stay away from?
By NHTSA complaints, 2018 (86), 2019 (134), 2020 (97), 2021 (78) drew at least twice as many complaints as a typical Kicks year. Counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, and newer years have had less time to collect complaints.
What is the biggest problem with the Nissan Kicks?
Forward Collision Avoidance, with 126 complaints across 7 model years.
How many recalls does the Nissan Kicks have?
10 safety recalls across all model years. Each model year page lists its recalls and fixes.