2021 Nissan Kicks

Routine

Owners filed 76 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the structure › body. It has been recalled 2 times.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Structure › Body23
000
Unknown or Other10
000
Electrical System8
000
Power Train7
101
Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings7
000
Engine6
000
Air Bags4
401
Service Brakes3
000
Steering2
000
Visibility/Wiper1
000

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Steering › Electric Power Assist System23V496000
Filed Jul 18, 202311,824 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. Loss of power steering assist can increase the steering effort required, especially at low speeds, and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will inspect the steering column torque sensor lot code and replace the steering column assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PMA26. This recall involves vehicles that were previously inspected, but did not receive a steering column replacement, under recall number 22V-693. These vehicles will need to be reinspected for this recall.

Steering › Electric Power Assist System22V693000
Filed Sep 15, 202220,040 vehiclesNissan North America, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. Loss of power steering assist can increase the steering effort required, especially at low speeds, and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. Dealers will inspect the steering column torque sensor lot code, and replace the column, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 9, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PMA10 / PMA25.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Sep 3, 2026MD

Engine light keeps coming on, just had 1 camshaft changed.

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 21, 2026MA

The rear door actuator on the passenger side failed causing the door to not be able to unlock electronically. This is particularly concerning as this is the side we would put our infant child on and we would be unable to access in an emergency. The dealership was not helpful in addressing this issue with Nissan corporate. We are extremely concerned that this issue occured and concerned that the dealership does not appear to be willing to help bring this issue to corporate. I already reached out to nissan consumer affairs to report this issue but wanted to bring this issue to the attention of relevant safety organizations as I am not sure if it is a larger issue.

Power Train
Filed Aug 14, 2026NJ

I had a noise and highway vibration in my 2021 Nissan Kicks. Brought it to the dealer and was told the front axle nut was loose. They said it is a common issue. There is a TSB on it but I believe it is a safety issue due to it being a loose axle nut and vibration

Power Train
Filed Jul 25, 2026OR

The CVT transmission is slipping and losing acceleration while driving, overheating and smelling really bad like burnt rubber, the oil is black and smells burnt, its currently at 52,100 miles and I sent it up to Chuck Colvin Nissan and they did not fix my car, they drove it back to me and when I test drove it myself it broke down on the side of the road and I had to sit for 30 minutes for it to cool off before driving home

Air BagsCrash
Filed Jul 7, 2026MI

I was involved in a pile up on the highway, upon impact, my seatbelt and my daughter’s seat belt popped off. My sons however, remained intact. The air bags did not go off.

Power Train
Filed Jun 30, 2026AL

At first it just seemed sluggish like it didn’t want to take off then the Transmission started jerking would not allow the car to go engine revving up to 5000 rpm before the transmission would engage.

Engine
Filed Jun 13, 2026IL

My CVT transmission has stopped working. At no time during taking it to Nissan dealerships to have oil changes in basic maintenance was it ever suggested to do a filter or fluid change on my transmission although Nissan transmissions are sold to consumers as locked and maintenance free it is a well-known fact that I've come to find out that this is a very incorrect statement and fluid and filters do need change every 30 to 50,000 miles or it will cause severe damage to one's transmission which is what it occurred to me on my 2021 Nissan kicks. Also all my safety features that told me if I was outside of a lane or anything like that would go off and not work properly tell me that it was wet conditions when it wasn't tell me I was going to crash when I wasn't even near anything. This occurred before the transmission completely bottomed out.

Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch
Filed Jun 2, 2026108,000 milesPA

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated while her boyfriend was driving approximately 35 MPH, the hood unexpectedly flew open, hit and cracked the windshield. The driver was able to pull over to the side of the road and pushed down the hood. The driver continued driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the hood latch was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was waiting to hear back the auto warranty company. The dealer was contacted and referred the contact to an autobody repair shop for assistance. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 108,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Apr 27, 2026CA

Immediately after turning car on and putting it on Drive gear, the collision light and traction light on dashboard came on and a message “Malfunction See Owner’s Manual” came on too. As I tried to get out of my parking garage it was little hard to accelerate. I turned my car off for a few seconds, the collision/traction engine light turned off, but check engine light turned on. I had battery checked by AAA who confirmed battery is still in good condition. Took vehicle to auto zone to scan and was notified about got code “P0101” Air filter is changed with every oil change, maintenance has been kept up as well.

Visibility/Wiper
Filed Apr 17, 2026CA

The air conditioning system failed due to a suspected A/C compressor failure. No warning lights were present. The failure occurred around June 2025 at approximately 60,000 miles and resulted in complete loss of cabin cooling. The issue poses a safety risk due to extreme interior heat and reduced driver comfort and alertness, especially during summer weather. The vehicle is available for inspection, and a dealership diagnostic is pending.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 23, 2026OH

I have noticed on more than one occasion the dashboard panel suddenly pops up these RED BRACKET LINES SHOWING AROUND VEHICLE OF COURSE AND BIG STOP FLASHING AND CAR SUDDENLY BRACES then back to normal scary ass f it happens randomly slow speeds between 35-40mph.

Electrical System
Filed Feb 23, 2026OH

I have been having to constantly replace key fobe batteries since I bought it in May of 2025 needing jumps although auto zone said it shows no issues with battery ? Often no key detection I just changed the batteries at dealership but everyday just about I need a jump it’s frustrating, dealership was trying to sell me a battery? My antifreeze is low Nissan said it’s the overflow because it looks empty auto zone also said I needed it. Fluids should have been topped off at time of purchase. And was told that stuff lasts forever help!

Power Train
Filed Feb 4, 2026FL

We have had several problems with our 2021 Nissan Kicks, all of which are safety concerns, and all of which have have occurred at well under 100,000 miles. We purchased the vehicle from a Nissan dealer in January of 2022. 1 - Rust is bubbling up from under the paint. I am told this is perforating rust that could easily spread to or originate from the frame of the vehicle. This could cause the entire structure to fail. Despite the 5 year, no mileage limitation warranty for perforating rust, Nissan has refused to comply with the warranty. At the executive complaint level, they have admitted that the warranty exists, but at the repair level, Nissan has repeatedly informed the Dealer that the vehicle is not covered by a rust warranty or that the warranty expired based on mileage. The person at the corporate complaint level refuses to speak with the dealer or affirm the coverage in writing. At the repair level, Nissan has offered a fix outside of warranty coverage (a patch) which does not provide the continuing coverage provided by a warranty repair (which requires replacement of the panel). I have spent countless hours taking the car in to have it looked at and on the phone to try to get coverage with no success. 2 - The structural metal on the inside of the drivers door is cracking. We took the car in for repair because the window was not working but when they opened it up, they found that the the structural metal of the door itself where the window mechanism is attached has cra

Unknown or Other
Filed Feb 1, 2026RI

Apple Play/radio do not turn on once the car is started. I brought it to the dealer and was told that there were no updates available at this time and I would have to replace the unit.

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 8, 2025HI

Aloha, TSB NTB22-028 and NTB23‑018, March 2023 clearly a defect pattern in the infotainment system. Audio distorts and navigation screens freezes which could result in an accident. I contacted Nissan consumer affairs case # XXX. It was escalated to an area manager who recommended I reach out to NHTSA. Nissan is only willing to cover 50% of the cost to replace the infotainment system. Hopefully by sending this complaint form it will help having the whole cost covered. Mahalo, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Steering
Filed Nov 21, 2025AZ

The likely failed component is the Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL). Associated systems include the steering column, BCM, and EPS motor. Yes, the vehicle and component are available for inspection upon request (Owner: [XXX] , [XXX] ). The safety of the owner and other drivers was put at risk by the sudden, unpredictable loss of steering control (locking mid-turn). This makes it impossible to safely navigate curves or avoid hazards, leading to a high risk of a severe crash, injury, or fatality. The no-start condition also strands the owner. UNKNOWN. The report only states that the symptoms strongly align with an ESCL failure based on a diagnostic summary, but does not explicitly confirm a dealer or independent service center has reproduced or confirmed the specific ESCL component failure. UNKNOWN. The report does not mention inspection by the manufacturer (Nissan), police, or insurance representatives. The main warning symptom is the intermittent brake warning light (randomly turning on and off while driving, with no clear cause). The problems have been ongoing for the past year and appear to be worsened by the extreme heat in [XXX] . The vehicle generally does not display helpful diagnostic codes despite serious failures. The incident involves multiple, recurring, safety-critical failures in a 2021 Nissan Kicks, including the catastrophic loss of steering function while driving. The core issue is assessed to be a malfunctioning Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL). Th

Service Brakes
Filed Nov 14, 2025CA

My vehicle has a serious safety defect involving the braking system and related electronic controls. The vehicle is available for inspection at any time. The main failure is sudden, unintended braking without me pressing the pedal. On November 5, 2025, around 6:20 p.m., the vehicle brake-checked in traffic and almost caused a rear-end collision. This continues to put my safety and the safety of others at risk every time I drive, but I have no other transportation for work. Along with the sudden braking, the car has loud crunching and dragging noises when braking or beginning to move, difficulty shifting between Drive, Reverse, and Park, and intermittent warning lights. Warning lights have appeared several times, and on one occasion stayed on long enough for me to bring the vehicle in. These symptoms first began in July 2025 and have continued ever since. The problems have been repeatedly reproduced by me and reported to the dealer. Although the dealership has sometimes claimed they could not find a problem, they later acknowledged noises and even suggested “better brakes,” which they said I would have to pay for despite my warranty and extended warranty. I have recordings of the noises and a voicemail from a service advisor. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership four times on July 15–16, August 6–9, August 19–22, and September 26, 2025, and also reviewed by Nissan North America Consumer Affairs. No police or insurance inspections have been done. Even after repeated

Power TrainCrash1 injured
Filed Nov 7, 2025GA

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, there was a loud boom coming from the engine compartment with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the traffic light turned red, and the contact stopped the vehicle, and the vehicle failed to move when the light turned green. The contact stated that the driver behind started honking the horn however, the contact was unable to drive off and waved the other driver to go around. The contact stated that when the vehicle finally responded, the vehicle reversed instead and crashed into another vehicle. The Police was called, and a Police report was filed. The contact sustained a left side muscle strain from the neck down to the hip. The contact received medical attention at the Emergency Room. The contact called the Insurance provider, and the vehicle was towed to a Collision Center. The contact was informed that the failure was transmission related. The Insurance provider stated that the damages to the body of the vehicle would be repaired however, any failures to the transmission was not covered, and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The Insurance provider stated that there were transmission related recalls for similar vehicles; however, the contact had not received any notifications of a transmission recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Electrical System
Filed Aug 8, 2025TX

While driving the car seems to be stalling, slowing down while I’m driving. The car feels like it doesn’t want to go up to a fast speed on the highway. I feel uncomfortable and unsafe that the car will stop instantly on the highway and cause me to crash. So that is why I’m reporting this because it’s unsafe. Secondly the left driver side window goes up in down while I’m driving. This also makes me feel uncomfortable while driving.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 11, 2025MI

I’ve been going in the dealership a lot regarding this car since I’ve purchase the car On 10/09 I was charged 165.00 to get diagnosed test done on car After diagnosed Service informed me to get electrical intake valve and EMC Unit, EMC Bracket and Audio unit replaced from Nissan Service In Grand Blanc Michigan, Dealership quoted me close to $5,561 to all this electrical work fixed, General Manager King in grand blanc Michigan , called the police on me at his dealership yesterday ,after I tried to explain this to him. He only offered me to call customer service and $500 off I am Army Veteran who pays her car payment on time every month which is a $534.00 a month these people are very , unprofessional, inconsiderate and rude , my radio has not work since 08/2023, due to electrical and wiring issues EMC Unit EMC Bracket , I purchase the car in [XXX], my payoff balance is $22,000 please HELP car battery is draining almost everyday because of these electrical issues every six months Im replacing battery due to electrical issues, have to take portable battery jump in my car just to in case car shuts down. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

20 of 76 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2019
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20267300Routine
202537410Routine
202437100Routine
202318100Routine
202222000Routine
2021 — this page76200Routine
202096000Routine
2019134100Routine
201884100Routine

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.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jul 18, 2023. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.