Reliability
Nissan

Kicks (P15)

2018-2025 · Subcompact SUV · 1 engine
527 NHTSA Complaints
8 Recalls
1 Fire Reports
27 Crash Reports
Data covers 2 NHTSA model names
KICKSKICKS PLAY
Inspection checklist

Reliability Score

8.4 / 10

Reliability score

Fewer owner complaints than similar subcompact SUVs

The class average is 7.0. Based on complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the engine, transmission or drivetrain.

Owners filed 140 powertrain complaints. A typical subcompact SUV fleet of this size and age would have drawn about 264.

Scores this high have held: three years on they had moved 0.2 points in the typical case.

Breakdown
Complaints overall140 complaints against about 264 for similar vehicles
8.4
Last three years79 complaints against about 191 for similar vehicles
8.8
Engine, transmission or drive unit failed or replaced23 complaints against about 56 for similar vehicles
8.8
Oil consumption, fuel in the oil or overheating1 complaints against about 27 for similar vehicles
9.9

Each line scores one view of the same complaints the same way, so the lines overlap. The mark on each bar is the class average. A line needs 20 expected complaints to show a number.

By model year
  • 20188.4
  • 20197.4
  • 20208.2
  • 20219.2
  • 20229.0
  • 20239.0
  • 2024n/a
  • 2025n/a

Similar vehicles are others in the same class, compared at the same age and in the same years. The score counts complaints owners filed with NHTSA, per vehicle built, which is different from the share of vehicles that fail. How the score is worked out

On the record

No serious powertrain recall covering 5% or more of this generation and no escalated investigation in NHTSA's files. Warranty extensions and settlements have not been researched.

Complaints by Engine Code

Nissan Kicks Unidentified Engine

527 complaints 65.9 per year
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

safety systems
167
electrical
132
engine
105
other
78
transmission
72

Owner Complaints by System

Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Nissan Kicks, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.

Safety Systems: 167 owner complaints
Electrical System: 132 owner complaints
Engine: 105 owner complaints
Transmission: 72 owner complaints
Brakes: 60 owner complaints

What to check on a used 2018-2025 Nissan Kicks

On a used 2018-2025 Nissan Kicks, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the airbags and driver-assist systems (167), the electrical system (132) and the engine (105). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

  1. Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 167 owner complaints on the 2018-2025 Nissan Kicks about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
  2. Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 132 owner complaints on the 2018-2025 Nissan Kicks about the electrical system.
  3. Start the engine cold and listen for the first 30 seconds, then again at idle once it is warm.Costly repair. NHTSA has 105 owner complaints on the 2018-2025 Nissan Kicks about the engine.
  4. Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 72 owner complaints on the 2018-2025 Nissan Kicks about the transmission and drivetrain.
  5. On an empty road, brake firmly from 40 mph with a light grip on the wheel.Safety. NHTSA has 60 owner complaints on the 2018-2025 Nissan Kicks about the brakes.
Open the full inspection checklist for the 2018-2025 Nissan Kicks

Recalls (8)

26V331000May 21, 2026serious
Electrical System

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Kicks vehicles. A software error in the combination meter may cause the screen display to go partially or fully blank. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."

25V324000Jun 4, 2025serious
Back Over Prevention

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Frontier and Kicks vehicles. The center information display unit may display a blank screen when shifted into reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

25V188000Apr 18, 2025serious
Equipment

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Kicks vehicles. The certification label may have been printed with the incorrect Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) values, which can result in the vehicle being overloaded. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification." Additionally, certain 2025 Nissan Kicks SR trim level vehicles equipped with an optional 19-inch wheel package may have a certification label that states an incorrect wheel size. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

24V969000Dec 23, 2024serious
Electrical System

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Kicks vehicles. The "Shift-to-Park" warning may not activate as intended when the vehicle is shut off and still in a gear other than "Park." As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

24V154000Feb 27, 2024serious
Air Bags

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024 Titan, Frontier, Infiniti QX60, Pathfinder, 2023-2024 Sentra, Versa, Kicks, Infiniti QX50, and 2023 Rogue vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the driver's air bag inflator may absorb moisture, and cause the air bag to deploy improperly.

Show 3 older recalls
23V496000Jul 18, 2023serious
Steering

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Versa and Kicks vehicles. An intermittent electrical connection in the electric power steering (EPS) torque sensor can disable the power steering assist.

22V693000Sep 15, 2022serious
Steering

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Versa and Kicks vehicles. An intermittent electrical connection in the electric power steering (EPS) torque sensor can disable the power steering assist.

19V654000Sep 12, 2019serious
Back Over Prevention

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

NHTSA Safety Ratings About NHTSA ratings

Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
3/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (17.9% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
3/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (19.8% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (15.5% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (15.5% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (15.5% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (15.5% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (15.5% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (15.5% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (15.5% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: Standard
Overall ★★★★★ 4/5
Frontal Crash
4/5
Side Crash
5/5
Rollover
4/5 (15.5% risk)
ESC: Standard FCW: Standard LDW: No

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2018-2025 Nissan Kicks complaints?

Owners have filed 527 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018-2025 Nissan Kicks. The systems they name most often are the safety systems, the electrical system and the engine.

Is the 2018-2025 Nissan Kicks a good used car?

That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 527 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018-2025 Nissan Kicks. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2018-2025 Nissan Kicks have?

NHTSA has 527 owner complaints on file for the 2018-2025 Nissan Kicks as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.

What recalls affect the 2018-2025 Nissan Kicks?

NHTSA lists 8 recalls covering some 2018-2025 Nissan Kicks vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.

What should I check before buying a used Nissan Kicks?

Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the safety systems, the electrical system and the engine, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.

What are the NHTSA crash test ratings for the Kicks?

The 2025 Nissan Kicks received an overall 4-star safety rating from NHTSA. Frontal crash: 3 stars. Side crash: 5 stars. Rollover: 4 stars (17.9% rollover probability). Electronic Stability Control: Standard. Forward Collision Warning: Standard. Lane Departure Warning: Standard. These ratings are based on standardized crash tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 527 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.

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