2020 Nissan Kicks

Routine

Owners filed 98 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the electrical system. No safety recall has been issued.

Not among the Nissan Kicks years to avoid. Which Nissan Kicks years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
6,000 milesMedian miles at failure

27 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 0–10,000 miles.

Most common 2020 Nissan Kicks problems

20 of the 98 complaints (20%) are about the electrical system.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Electrical System19
000
Power Train · transmission15
000
Engine11
000
Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings · automatic emergency braking10
000
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking · automatic emergency braking7
100
Air Bags · airbags6
401
Unknown or Other5
000
Service Brakes · brakes4
000
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system4
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration3
000

What owners reported

Newest filings
Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking
Filed Oct 25, 2026DE

When driving, if the wind blows or we hit a small bump in the road, the traction control light will flash & and the car will completely lose the ability to accelerate. Then, the car will have to come to a complete stop to regain acceleration. We have taken the car to Nissan at least 5 times, and they only suggested replacing the front sensors on the car as well as the front guard. We did. This did not fix the issue. We then took it to a local mechanic. They suggested replacing the alternator because it wasn’t getting enough power to the battery. We did. This did not fix the issue. We have now spent 4k and the car is still randomly losing acceleration during normal driving.

Power Train
Filed Sep 26, 2026NC

Date: XXXTo:National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)Office of Defects Investigation (ODI)1200 New Jersey Avenue, SEWest BuildingWashington, DC 20590From:[XXX] [XXX]: FORMAL VEHICLE SAFETY COMPLAINT – Sudden Loss of Propulsion and Traffic Hesitation / 2020 Nissan Kicks (VIN: [XXX])To the Office of Defects Investigation,I am writing to formally report a critical, life-threatening vehicle safety defect involving the powertrain/automatic transmission assembly on my 2020 Nissan Kicks FWD SV.While operating the vehicle at 61,564 miles in active traffic, the vehicle suffered a sudden and dangerous loss of propulsion without any prior warning. Upon pressing the accelerator pedal, the transmission slipped severely, causing the vehicle to hazardously shudder, shake, and hesitate to move forward. This unexpected lag in acceleration left the vehicle moving dangerously slow in a live traffic lane, creating an immediate and imminent risk of a severe rear-end collision.The vehicle was driven to a certified facility, Vann York's High Point Nissan (located in [XXX]), for an emergency mechanical diagnosis. A diagnostic scan revealed active Diagnostic Trouble Codes DTC P17F0 (CVT Judder) and DTC P2859 (Clutch A Pressure). The certified dealership technician explicitly documented on Repair Order #XXX that the transaxle assembly "WONT MOVE AND IS NOISY," prescribing a complete transmission replacement due to internal component failure.Following this diagnosis, I was forced to naviga

Power Train
Filed Sep 16, 2026150,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kicks. While driving from a stop, the vehicle started sputtering and lost motive power. While driving 70 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated to 45 MPH while driving uphill with the RPM elevated. The failure occurred while the outdoor temperature was above 95 degrees. The failure had persisted over time. The contact stated that the floorboard was extremely hot during the failure. The contact was concerned about being in a crash with her child in the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the transmission was flushed, but the failure reoccurred. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Trophy Nissan Service (5031 N Galloway Ave, Mesquite, TX 75150), but the cause of the failure was not determined. Additionally, an independent mechanic was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer, Nissan, was called, and a voice mail was left for customer service, but there was no response. An email was sent to the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Tires
Filed Sep 11, 2026MD

My tire is 205 50r17 and they gave me a 235 tire which made my car feel funny . I’ve been sitting here for an hour waiting on a tire and they messed up my rim

Power Train
Filed Sep 10, 2026TX

My car when in over 95 degree weather, literally will not have power to get up hills and starts to jerk and looses power to make the hills. When the temps outside are cooler the car works fine. I live in [XXX] and I drive long distance to work. I also have a [XXX] son that has to be in the car with me. I can’t have my car messing up all because it’s hot outside and it obviously doesn’t like the heat. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Electrical System
Filed Aug 15, 2026CA

My 2020 Nissan Kicks with 62,000 miles, went into limp mode on XXX and after a diagnostic test by the Pinnacle Nissan dealership in Scottsdale ([XXX]), it was determined a "Throttle Body Replacement" was needed. I paid $1,143.69 for that work. On XXX, the car went into limp mode again while on the freeway and the Pinnacle Nissan dealership in Scottsdale stated it needed an "Engine Wire Harness" replacement that would cost $8,057.83. I then contacted Nissan consumer affairs and after one month of review, it was determined that the car was out of warranty and there was nothing they can do. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Back Over Prevention › Warnings
Filed Jul 15, 2026NY

Check engine light appears on and throws code p0101, mass air flow sensor. Have changed mass air flow sensor twice, had code cleared at mechanic. Drive 5 miles and BAM check engine light appears. As soon as my car hits 2000 RPM, the front and rear collision lights and traction light come on… my car almost doesn’t move when I press the gas to go after this happens and the rpm’s are up to 3000-4000 just going 30 mph

Engine
Filed Jul 15, 2026CA

My vehicle over the last 3-4 years has been showing P0101 code errors, resulting in issues with idle, performance, and fuel economy. Cleaning the MAF sensor does nothing. This causes all sensors to turn off and stay off until the car is subsequently turned off again. I have taken it in to Nissan to be inspected and refuse to pay over $500 just for them to diagnose the issue. Have seen this also being a recurring issue with other owners.

Power Train
Filed Jul 11, 2026TX

CVT issues-car is sputtering and gears slipping. Vehicle has 148,000 miles.

Service Brakes
Filed Jun 7, 2026FL

The vehicle's ABS Actuator (47660-5RW0D) failed and was replaced. Given the mileage was only 32,827, the component failed prematurely and was nowhere near the end of its lifetime expectancy. This indicates it was inherently defective from the factory. This premature failure presented a critical safety hazard. Because the component controls anti-lock braking and the electronic stability control, a sudden failure compromises vehicle safety, increases stopping distances, and poses an immediate risk to driver, passenger, and public safety. Multiple warning lights have been sporadically coming on, every few months, since November of 2025 when the vehicle was serviced, but would go after the vehicle was turned off. This was dismissed as an electric glitch due to a firmware update after researching online to find this was a common occurrence and would just be fixed the next time the vehicle was serviced. Finally, a few days prior to 05/30/2026, the lights came on and stayed on. The vehicle was checked for a bad battery at a local auto parts store on 05/30/2026 as this was researched to be another common possibility. When this was ruled out, the vehicle was taken to a local dealership and inspected and diagnosed to be the bad ABS actuator.

SteeringCrash1 injured
Filed May 15, 202665,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while the fiancé was driving approximately 30 MPH, and turning left the power steering and power brake suddenly failed causing the fiancé to loose control of the steering and and crash to a traffic pole. The contact indicated that prior to the incident the crash detection warning light had activated. During the crash the air bags deployed and the driver sustain bruising of the left arm and lefts from the air bag deployment and seatbelts. The fiance was transported and treated at the local hospital. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not yet determine. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 65,000.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Apr 19, 2026TX

The car acceleration issues, taking a long time to go from 0-50 with the tachometer going up to 5 to do so. My MPG has gone from 33 to 28 mpg. There are times when I press on the gas but my car doesn’t move. It also makes loud “rumbling” or “whining” sounds at times.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 29, 2026TX

The dash board lights up and the check engine light comes. It’s hard to accelerate or reverse and its idles high. I have replaced coils, spark plugs, censors and it’s costs me thousands of dollars and it’s still not fixed.

Power Train
Filed Feb 25, 2026NH

Vehicle was just purchased from a Nissan Dealership (2020 Kicks) and less than 1,300 miles of driving throwing a code stating there is a problem with CVT transmission. Will not produce enough power when going uphill. RPMs will suddenly not go over 1 when given gas uphill. There was a recall for this problem on other 2020 kicks but ours isn't covered and we just purchased this vehicle and drove it home less than 2 months ago.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Sensing System › Camera
Filed Jan 12, 202659,000 milesKY

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that the ABS, Forward Facing Camera, Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), Lane Variation, and other safety feature lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the ABS and Forward-Facing Camera. The dealer diagnosed that the ADAS needed to be replaced; however, the part was on back order. While awaiting parts for the repair, the battery started to lose power and needed to be jump-started several times. The manufacturer was informed of the issue. The manufacturer opened a case for the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings
Filed Dec 10, 2025TX

The sensor lights constantly come on and then the engine light comes on. When I got the engine light read, it says I need a new mass airflow sensor. I have replaced this sensor 3 times now and the air filter, the same issue is occurring over and over again. Every sensor light comes on and the car starts to decelerate while you are driving making it difficult to press the gas or accelerate to a higher speed.

Electrical System
Filed Dec 10, 202559,000 milesKY

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed electronic control module. The contact was informed that the electronic control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the parts were on back order. In addition, the contact referenced an online site, which referenced the failure with the vehicle, and for parts were not being available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.

Seat Belts
Filed Nov 4, 2025197 milesPA

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front driver's side seat belt independently unlatched. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 197. The VIN was not available.

Power Train
Filed Nov 3, 2025TX

When driving my car the crash light comes on in traffic and sometimes when braking. Recently it started to flash the hydroplaning symbol and now the check engine is on. I’ve seen other people online having the same issue with their vehicles as well.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 28, 2025CA

The engine harness and electrical wiring have caused the entire vehicle to lose signal. This issue has cause my.car to stall and not accelerate while driving. Entire lights on dashboard come one and vehicle is unable to accerlerate. Vehicle is currently at the dealer and that is the tecnicians conclusion. No signs before aside from dashboard lights turning on. Vehicle was taken to DMV soon after.

Service Brakes
Filed Oct 18, 2025TX

I was driving and needed to come to a stop because there was a four-way stop sign, and the brakes didn’t work. The pedal went all the way to the floor and even though I pumped the brakes, it wouldn’t stop. This is the second incident where this happens. I checked the brake pads and fluid everything is good. No warning lights come on when this happens. So the mechanic says they cannot check and see what’s wrong with it because no lights come on.

Electrical System
Filed Oct 6, 2025AZ

Random sensor malfunction errors ABS and Front Collision warning lights Entire body sensor

Air Bags
Filed Sep 29, 2025VA

Abs, ccs cruise control, air pressure monitor, laser/radar, intelligence key, radar stain, center sonar, radar circuit unit,airbag lights Poa90 recall engine control module, transmission, collison lights, pre-existing damages, it has defects it started intermittent stalling at 66,541 miles upon buying it at 59,290 miles. All the dashboard lights on. It's a hazards it's to risky it won't start sometimes it leaves us on the side of the road. Sometimes we have to tow it.4

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 15, 2025CA

P0101 code keep coming back after so many repairs plus all lights are on like lane assist front collision prevention rear collision detection and slippery road it will reset after turning off and on

Electrical System
Filed Sep 13, 2025WA

I purchased the used vehicle in March and I have had an intermittent check engine light (p0101 code), my forward collision warning lights and traction control lights come on and my car brakes like I was in an emergency braking situation. Since the second day of owning the car. I've had it in the shop more than 5 times. They have not found the issue. I've been told there is nothing wrong so even with my extended warranty I'm unable to have this issue repaired. All these lights come on together and leave together. This is dangerous because stopping suddenly on the highway could result in me getting killed. I haven't found a tsb or recall but according to multiple nissan forums this is happening to hundreds of 2019 -2021 Kicks owners. This happened again yesterday and scared me. I can't afford another car right now. I just want this one to be repaired properly before it's too late. This morning no lights or check engine light present.

Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed Sep 4, 2025108,000 milesIL

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 98,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 108,000.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 23, 2025TX

The car gives me warning signals. All the warnings display on my screen and then the car doesn’t advance. It has happened several times and I’ve been put in danger since I live in San Antonio TX and there’s always traffic. I’ve called the dealer and they just tell that there’s no recalls for that vehicle. A lady that works at the same company I do has had the save issue. I searched online and many others are having the same issue. Also I purchased a code scanner which tells me it’s the mass air flow sensor and I replaced it but the issue persists. I put yesterday’s date’s for the incident but it has also happened to me at least 4 times before Please assist. My email is [XXX] . My name is [XXX] and my vin number is: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Electrical System
Filed Aug 21, 2025AZ

My crash sensor started to go off on the freeway 2 years ago about . I took it to the dealership they replaced the sensor then it happened again about a year later . I'm having the same issue again it goes off and there's no cars around me it will go off when i'm parked it wont let me go in reverse. I have to turn my car off and wait about 10-15 min and turn it back on. My other problem is my driver side door wont lock or unlock it the key fob and by the power button on the door. I have to manually lock and unlock the door this has been going on for about 2 months . I havent taken it to the dealer ship yet for the door issue yet.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking
Filed Jul 27, 2025CA

Collision warning came on auto brakes for a second. Then light stayed on. Took to Dealership and was told Collision camera was out of alignment due to brackets moved or bent.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 26, 2025CA

I own a 2020 Nissan Kicks and have experienced recurring and unpredictable electrical and system malfunctions while driving. At times, a "Malfunction, see owner's manual" warning appears on the dashboard, accompanied by multiple warning lights including: Forward collision warning Slippery road / traction control warning. Occasionally, the high beam headlights turn on by themselves, and I have noticed that the malfunction also leads to the engine stalling when I switch to reverse to park my car. These warnings appear randomly, about a few times a month, while driving under normal conditions. The issue usually resolves temporarily after restarting the vehicle, but this raises serious concerns about the reliability of key safety systems such as traction control, collision avoidance, and issues with the engine itself. On several occasions, the check engine light (CEL) accompanied these other warning lights during the "malfunction" and the CEL remained on even after a restart. A diagnostic scan revealed P0101 (Mass Air Flow Sensor Performance issue). However, when I had the vehicle inspected at a Nissan dealership, the technicians stated that the MAF sensor and related systems were operating correctly, and they could not identify a specific mechanical issue. Despite that, the CEL and other malfunctions continue to occur intermittently. They were also not able to recreate the situation I explained with the malfunction since it occurs at random times. This issue has happened multipl

Steering
Filed Jun 25, 2025MD

1. MAF Sensor replaced 3 times within a few months of replacing each time. (took it to the Nissan Dealership multiple times and all they do is replace it without further diagnosing as to why) 2. Replaced the Transmission in March 2025 (Nissan wanted to charge me ($8300.00). I took it to Glen Burnie Transmission ($5708.00) 3. Replaced the Alternator on 7 June 2025. 4. Vehicle has been hesitating and stalling while driving. 5. Vehicle doesn't want to start when I push the button and put my foot on the brake pedal. 6. Power Steering issues (the steering wheel goes loose at times when I make turns or while trying to back up and then the vehicle stalls and then accelerates on it's own. 7. Vehicle is making a clicking sound. *Vehicle is currently at Firestone being diagnosed for the issues 4-7 mentioned above. *I stopped taking it to Nissan because they charge way to much for these issues that seem to be a constant issue but won't due any recalls on the 2020 Kicks. Vehicle purchased in May 2020. I will have to provide the repair receipts once I get the vehicle back from Firestone because all of the documents are in the vehicle.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking
Filed Jun 17, 2025DE

1.the vehicle brakes on it's own 2.the vehicle stops accelerating while driving even if when the engine is still running and stepping on the gas pedal. 3. lane departure malfunctions

Engine
Filed Jun 9, 2025CA

I own a 2020 Nissan Kicks and have experienced recurring and unpredictable electrical and system malfunctions while driving. At random times, a "malfunction" warning appears on the dashboard, accompanied by multiple warning lights including: Forward collision warning Slippery road / traction control warning Occasionally, the high beam headlights turn on by themselves These warnings appear randomly, about a few times a month, while driving under normal conditions. The issue usually resolves temporarily after restarting the vehicle, but this raises serious concerns about the reliability of key safety systems such as traction control and collision avoidance. On several occasions, the check engine light (CEL) accompanied these other warning lights during the "malfunction" and the CEL remained on even after a restart. A diagnostic scan revealed P0101 (Mass Air Flow Sensor Performance issue). However, when I had the vehicle inspected at a Nissan dealership, the technicians stated that the MAF sensor and related systems were operating correctly, and they could not identify a specific mechanical issue. Despite that, the CEL and other malfunctions continue to occur intermittently. They were also not able to recreate the situation I explained with the malfunction since it occurs at random times. This issue has happened multiple times and creates uncertainty about whether the vehicle is safe to operate. I have found numerous reports online from other Nissan Kicks owners experiencing the

Electrical System
Filed Jun 3, 2025GA

I was coming off the highway as soon as I got to stop my car shut off. I had to restart my car again. This is about the fifth time it did it. I have sent it to the dealership and they cannot find nothing wrong with it.

Power Train
Filed May 13, 2025NC

Transmission went out with no warning

Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking
Filed May 6, 2025TX

For months the front/rear collision sensors warning lights are on. The ABS and traction control warning lights are also on. The check engine light will come on for weeks at a time then go away.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 13, 2025FL

All of my safety light came on dash. ABS, front end collision, back up, skid, lane assist as well as ABS. Took car in paid 6,000 for the lane assist as well as ABS car worked for only one month before it would not back up nor would it accelerate after it finally got to drive. All lights came back on and now it’s another 2100 for throttle body and MAF and sonar control unit. Car is very unstable and un-drivable.

Electrical System
Filed Mar 2, 2025MI

The transmission control module or, (TCM), is the system that failed and or malfunctioned and it is available for inspection upon request of the company. The safety of myself and my husband was put at risk when this component failed and the vehicle would not move forward in traffic. Yes the problem has been reproduced and confirmed, NOT by a dealer, but by myself. No the component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance, or other representatives with the Nissan Co.. Yes there were warning lamps such as the check engine light no messages and no other symptoms of the problem prior to its failure. The issue first appeared last week of February 2025 so, from my perspective, just last week. 02/25/2025 was date of incident.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings
Filed Feb 10, 2025CA

Driving and the collision lights came on, took back to have fixed,they said no lights are coming up for them , then it happened again , gave me loaner car it’s happened three other times they still have the car

Power Train
Filed Feb 5, 2025PR

The dealer checked my car and changed some transmission parts but I feel the revs drop when I drive. The dealer cannot find anything. I MUST use the emergency brakes because the car moves in parking even in a flat place. The dealer said it was normal.

Electrical System
Filed Jan 30, 2025PR

The security alert is damage. All the lights in the dash panel are red. According to Nissan (NSSK San Juan LLC) they mention the problem is due to the ABS Module. They have quoted a total cost of $3,397 for labor and parts($2,997.43), same recalled made for other Nissans.

Engine
Filed Dec 11, 2024NE

Car acceleration delayed. Batteries dying and needing replaced regularly. Needs constant jump starts. Will not accelerate or move in the snow. Does not stop in emergencies. The vehicle was bought brand new and I have had bad luck with the Nissan kicks 2020 since purchasing it.

Power Train
Filed Nov 13, 2024CA

The transmission has always juddered and got the run around that nothing was wrong and now the car judders more

Electrical System
Filed Oct 31, 2024WV

The vehicles electrical system will go out mid drive. Front collision and rear collision sensor will turn off. Also the traction control will turn off with the other sensors going out. Plus the transmission while it’s sensors are going out will make it unable to pull out either forward or reverse.

Lane Departure › Warning
Filed Aug 23, 2024MI

The LDW sensors do not function and Nissan tells me it would cost 2300.00 to fix the problem. After researching, I find that this is a common, known problem with this make, model and year of vehicle. I feel that NHSTA should get Nissan to issue a recall.

Power Train
Filed Aug 21, 2024VA

Transmission is defective by design. Fails in an unsafe manner which leaves the vehicle in a fully driving state throwing no error codes. The car however with randomly loose traction and slip while driving at roughly 40 mph. Nissan refused to address the issue without ~$8k to replace the transmission and online articles suggest these are defective and will just break again soon after replacing.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 12, 2024OK

LIMP MODE defect occured WHILE ON HIGHWAY in the middle of the country of USA.

Vehicle Speed Control
Filed Jul 25, 2024NV

LANE DEPARTURE RANDOMLY DEPLOYS ALSO THE CARS COLLISION STOP HAPPENS OFTEN EVEN WITHOUT BEING NEAR OBJECTS AND/OR PEOPLE.

Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings
Filed Jul 1, 2024TX

The collision warning lights randomly come on, the vehicle loses power suddenly. If I was trying to merge or go on the interstate and suddenly my vehicle loses power while thinking I have enough distance and can accelerate safely but my vehicle just loses power other drivers wouldn’t be able to stop while I was pretty much stuck.

Power Train
Filed Jun 7, 2024FL

PC Solenoid B CAR REDUCES POWER & HESITATES while driving.

Complaints 1-50 of 98, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2019
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20269300Routine
202542410Routine
202440100Routine
202318100Routine
202224000Routine
202178200Routine
2020 — this page98000Routine
2019134100Routine
201886100Routine

Compare every Kicks year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Most recent recall on file: none. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.