Owners have filed 157 complaints
about the 2018 Nissan Kicks with NHTSA between 2018 and 2026.
The largest single group is the other & unspecified.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 9 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 81
Against the median year of the Nissan Kicks. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 7
1.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
89% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Warnings
1653.3%
Automatic Emergency Braking
826.7%
Auto Crash Notification
13.3%
Assist
13.3%
ABS Warning Light
13.3%
Bead
13.3%
Sidewall
13.3%
Body
13.3%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
814.8%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
3157.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
916.7%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
11.9%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
23.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
35.6%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2018 Nissan Kicks SUV FWD
—
—
—
—
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Aug 2018peak 9Jul 2026
Recalls on the 2018 Nissan Kicks
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
19V654000
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
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."
Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 2019459126,195 units in Canada
Visual System
Issue: On certain vehicles, the rear view camera system does not return to the default setting when the transmission is shifted to reverse. This could cause a reduction in rear visibility if a driver had previously adjusted the camera display. Canadian regulations require that the rear view image returns to its original setting each time the camera is turned on. Safety Risk: Reduced rear visibility could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: The company will notify owners by mail and instruct them to take their vehicle to a dealer to update the software for the rear view camera.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 6,000 milesIndianapolis, INCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
WITHIN THE FIRST 300 MILES THE SENSORS STARTED TO MALFUNCTION. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SIDE SENSORS. THE THE FRONT SENSOR RELATING TO THE AEB STARTED TO MALFUNCTION. I NOW HAVE 6000 MILES ON THE CAR IT HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF SHOP WITH NO CLEAR SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. THEY REPLACED THE FRONT SENSOR, BUT WITHIN 24 HOURS IT WAS MALFUNCTIONING AGAIN. I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT 6 DAYS AGO, THE AEB DID NOT ENGAGE, THE SENSORS DID NOT ENGAGE. WHEN THIS FIRST STARTED (2 DAYS AFTER PURCHASE) IT WAS DRIZZLING, BUT I WAS STATIONARY WHEN SENSOR MALFUNCTIONED. IT WOULD ALSO MALFUNCTION ON A DRY SUNNY DAY IN A PARKING LOT. THERE WAS NO RHYME OR REASON TO THE SENSOR GOING OFF OR ON.
NHTSA complaint #11156033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 6,000 milesIndianapolis, INCrash
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
WITHIN THE FIRST 300 MILES THE SENSORS STARTED TO MALFUNCTION. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SIDE SENSORS. THE THE FRONT SENSOR RELATING TO THE AEB STARTED TO MALFUNCTION. I NOW HAVE 6000 MILES ON THE CAR IT HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF SHOP WITH NO CLEAR SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. THEY REPLACED THE FRONT SENSOR, BUT WITHIN 24 HOURS IT WAS MALFUNCTIONING AGAIN. I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT 6 DAYS AGO, THE AEB DID NOT ENGAGE, THE SENSORS DID NOT ENGAGE. WHEN THIS FIRST STARTED (2 DAYS AFTER PURCHASE) IT WAS DRIZZLING, BUT I WAS STATIONARY WHEN SENSOR MALFUNCTIONED. IT WOULD ALSO MALFUNCTION ON A DRY SUNNY DAY IN A PARKING LOT. THERE WAS NO RHYME OR REASON TO THE SENSOR GOING OFF OR ON.
NHTSA complaint #11156033 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Houston, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
It originally started about two years ago when the check engine light came on (along with others) that point to a code with the Mass Air Flow sensor. It would stall at low RPMs at traffic lights, and was extremely worrying during normal driving. We got it replaced and so far okay, but recently the ABS and traction control lights come on and stay on. Another issue that many MANY Nissan owners experience. Some people thinks it’s a dirty throttle body, dirty front collision sensor, dirfty MAF. The problem is that when any of these issues are fixed, it comes back. We don’t know why the ABS and traction control (plus front collision by the way) lights come on. We took it to a mechanic, it was off for two whole days. Now it’s back on. Can’t wait to have it stall on us in the mean time.
NHTSA complaint #11752756 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
ENGINE
It originally started about two years ago when the check engine light came on (along with others) that point to a code with the Mass Air Flow sensor. It would stall at low RPMs at traffic lights, and was extremely worrying during normal driving. We got it replaced and so far okay, but recently the ABS and traction control lights come on and stay on. Another issue that many MANY Nissan owners experience. Some people thinks it’s a dirty throttle body, dirty front collision sensor, dirfty MAF. The problem is that when any of these issues are fixed, it comes back. We don’t know why the ABS and traction control (plus front collision by the way) lights come on. We took it to a mechanic, it was off for two whole days. Now it’s back on. Can’t wait to have it stall on us in the mean time.
NHTSA complaint #11752756 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
It originally started about two years ago when the check engine light came on (along with others) that point to a code with the Mass Air Flow sensor. It would stall at low RPMs at traffic lights, and was extremely worrying during normal driving. We got it replaced and so far okay, but recently the ABS and traction control lights come on and stay on. Another issue that many MANY Nissan owners experience. Some people thinks it’s a dirty throttle body, dirty front collision sensor, dirfty MAF. The problem is that when any of these issues are fixed, it comes back. We don’t know why the ABS and traction control (plus front collision by the way) lights come on. We took it to a mechanic, it was off for two whole days. Now it’s back on. Can’t wait to have it stall on us in the mean time.
NHTSA complaint #11752756 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Largo, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
2018 Nissan Kicks evap system has holes in it from Freon that causes the Freon to leak out. The required Freon is contributing to the holes being made in the aluminum evap. It leaks out and the air blows hot. Is there any help with a recall or repair. I was quoted $4000 to fix. Possible lemon laws. If you research on google. The Kicks are notorious for this problem. The mechanics I talked to laughed or knew all about this problem before even looking at it.
NHTSA complaint #11742963 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Midland, TX
ENGINE
Vehicle experienced sudden engine stall/shutdown after warning indicators illuminated. While driving at low speed, the ABS warning light, front collision warning light, and check engine light appeared. After placing the vehicle in Park, the engine shut off unexpectedly. Vehicle would then restart but stall again within several seconds. This created a serious safety concern because the vehicle could lose power unexpectedly in traffic or while entering an intersection, reducing ability to accelerate, steer safely with traffic flow, or avoid a collision. OBD diagnostic codes retrieved were P0101, P0102, and P0113. Based on research into common 2018-2020 Nissan Kicks issues, these codes may be secondary/false airflow sensor warnings caused by a failing or sticking electronic throttle body rather than an actual mass air flow sensor failure. Sudden stalling and restart-then-stall behavior are consistent with throttle body malfunction. Problem appears intermittent. Vehicle/component is available for inspection upon request. No prior warning lamps were present before the incident.
NHTSA complaint #11732218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,574 milesValparaiso, IN
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled and lost motive power, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions and was diagnosed with airflow sensor failure. The contact was informed that the airflow sensor needed to be replaced. The airflow sensor was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was returned to the dealer and again diagnosed with a failed airflow sensor that required replacement. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure continued. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 100,574.
NHTSA complaint #11729769 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marianna, FL
ENGINE
When put in park car started idling rough and then stalled. Engine light, collision warning light, and traction control light came on. Code scanned as a P0101 code.
NHTSA complaint #11725369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Marianna, FL
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
When put in park car started idling rough and then stalled. Engine light, collision warning light, and traction control light came on. Code scanned as a P0101 code.
NHTSA complaint #11725369 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Antigo, WI
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Radio skips songs back and forth randomly, and now radio screen and buttons are block.
NHTSA complaint #11721890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Antigo, WI
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Radio skips songs back and forth randomly, and now radio screen and buttons are block.
NHTSA complaint #11721890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Antigo, WI
LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST
Radio skips songs back and forth randomly, and now radio screen and buttons are block.
NHTSA complaint #11721890 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Layton, UT
ENGINE
Intermittently for the last year, car will show 3 dash lights: 1. AEB light 2. Slip indicator light 3. Master warning light When this occurs, the car can be slow to accelerate. When the three lights are on, the problem will persist until the engine is shut off for a period of several minutes. It does not occur every time the car is driven. In the last 3 months, there have been 3-4 instances where the check engine light has come on as well. The code every time has been P1010 or no code displayed. We tried changing out the MAF sensor with a third party part, and the issue occurred even more frequently. We then went back to the first sensor after cleaning it with MAF sensor cleaner. This seemed to resolve the issue for a month, but then it started to reoccur. The last two occurrences of the check engine light have occurred after rapid acceleration. - Yes original part is available for inspection. - Safety is at risk for self and others as car can have issues accelerating, which makes it dangerous to enter freeways and highways (which are necessary for my commute). - Dealer has not reproduced the error, however they have not seen it with a check engine code (taking the car in tomorrow). - no inspection by insurance, police, or manufacturer. - before the 3 error lights started to come on fairly regularly (several times a week) I had a few issues of intermittent sluggish acceleration over the course of 1-2 years when this issue first started, but no lights came on at first.
NHTSA complaint #11717137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Layton, UT
SERVICE BRAKES
Intermittently for the last year, car will show 3 dash lights: 1. AEB light 2. Slip indicator light 3. Master warning light When this occurs, the car can be slow to accelerate. When the three lights are on, the problem will persist until the engine is shut off for a period of several minutes. It does not occur every time the car is driven. In the last 3 months, there have been 3-4 instances where the check engine light has come on as well. The code every time has been P1010 or no code displayed. We tried changing out the MAF sensor with a third party part, and the issue occurred even more frequently. We then went back to the first sensor after cleaning it with MAF sensor cleaner. This seemed to resolve the issue for a month, but then it started to reoccur. The last two occurrences of the check engine light have occurred after rapid acceleration. - Yes original part is available for inspection. - Safety is at risk for self and others as car can have issues accelerating, which makes it dangerous to enter freeways and highways (which are necessary for my commute). - Dealer has not reproduced the error, however they have not seen it with a check engine code (taking the car in tomorrow). - no inspection by insurance, police, or manufacturer. - before the 3 error lights started to come on fairly regularly (several times a week) I had a few issues of intermittent sluggish acceleration over the course of 1-2 years when this issue first started, but no lights came on at first.
NHTSA complaint #11717137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Layton, UT
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
Intermittently for the last year, car will show 3 dash lights: 1. AEB light 2. Slip indicator light 3. Master warning light When this occurs, the car can be slow to accelerate. When the three lights are on, the problem will persist until the engine is shut off for a period of several minutes. It does not occur every time the car is driven. In the last 3 months, there have been 3-4 instances where the check engine light has come on as well. The code every time has been P1010 or no code displayed. We tried changing out the MAF sensor with a third party part, and the issue occurred even more frequently. We then went back to the first sensor after cleaning it with MAF sensor cleaner. This seemed to resolve the issue for a month, but then it started to reoccur. The last two occurrences of the check engine light have occurred after rapid acceleration. - Yes original part is available for inspection. - Safety is at risk for self and others as car can have issues accelerating, which makes it dangerous to enter freeways and highways (which are necessary for my commute). - Dealer has not reproduced the error, however they have not seen it with a check engine code (taking the car in tomorrow). - no inspection by insurance, police, or manufacturer. - before the 3 error lights started to come on fairly regularly (several times a week) I had a few issues of intermittent sluggish acceleration over the course of 1-2 years when this issue first started, but no lights came on at first.
NHTSA complaint #11717137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
N Charleston, SC
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The p0101 code has been going on and off of this car since purchase (3 years) the MAF sensor has been replaced twice and the check engine light comes back on after just a few days each time. This poses a safety risk because the car stops at stop lights and turns off, the car shakes at idle, the car refuses to accelerate risking pulling out in front of another car without being able to accelerate. The check engine light comes on and off and the traction control light as well, its so random and the only fix is to "change the sensor" which does not fix it because it happens again immediately after. Its dangerous and needs an actual fix.
NHTSA complaint #11716621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
N Charleston, SC
ENGINE
The p0101 code has been going on and off of this car since purchase (3 years) the MAF sensor has been replaced twice and the check engine light comes back on after just a few days each time. This poses a safety risk because the car stops at stop lights and turns off, the car shakes at idle, the car refuses to accelerate risking pulling out in front of another car without being able to accelerate. The check engine light comes on and off and the traction control light as well, its so random and the only fix is to "change the sensor" which does not fix it because it happens again immediately after. Its dangerous and needs an actual fix.
NHTSA complaint #11716621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
N Charleston, SC
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The p0101 code has been going on and off of this car since purchase (3 years) the MAF sensor has been replaced twice and the check engine light comes back on after just a few days each time. This poses a safety risk because the car stops at stop lights and turns off, the car shakes at idle, the car refuses to accelerate risking pulling out in front of another car without being able to accelerate. The check engine light comes on and off and the traction control light as well, its so random and the only fix is to "change the sensor" which does not fix it because it happens again immediately after. Its dangerous and needs an actual fix.
NHTSA complaint #11716621 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Havasu City, AZ
SERVICE BRAKES
All brake failure warning lights remain on while driving and ABS no longer works. It is a very common safety failure that Nissan is making a small fortune on. It is a definate safety item.
NHTSA complaint #11713616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
South Jordan, UT
ENGINE
Getting code p0101. When car first starts the throttle response is very low. Once the car warms up to seems to go away but it appears to be a consistent problem. Others are reporting as well for this vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11706522 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Middletown, NJ
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
For over a year, I have experienced repeated failures of the front radar system, specially during rain or wet weather, when it rains the vehicle displays multiple warning such as: "Front radar unavailable" "automatic emergency braking unavailable" "Front sensor malfunction" This disable essentials safety systems, including the automatic emergency breaking (AEB) and forward collision warning, the Nissan Dealership has attempted several repairs, but the malfunction continues every time it rains, Because this is a critical safety issue that affect the vehicle braking and collision-avoidance and multiple repair have failed
NHTSA complaint #11703524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
For over a year, I have experienced repeated failures of the front radar system, specially during rain or wet weather, when it rains the vehicle displays multiple warning such as: "Front radar unavailable" "automatic emergency braking unavailable" "Front sensor malfunction" This disable essentials safety systems, including the automatic emergency breaking (AEB) and forward collision warning, the Nissan Dealership has attempted several repairs, but the malfunction continues every time it rains, Because this is a critical safety issue that affect the vehicle braking and collision-avoidance and multiple repair have failed
NHTSA complaint #11703524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norman, OK
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to idle roughly, stall unexpectedly, and trigger continuous beeping. During the failure, the power steering locked, making it extremely difficult to steer and creating a serious safety hazard for myself and others on the road. The issue was reproduced and confirmed by a service center, and the sensor was replaced by a Nissan dealership with the system reset/rebooted. However, despite this repair, the vehicle has again begun experiencing the same symptoms, including rough idling, stalling, beeping, and loss of steering control. The recurrence of this problem after dealership repair indicates that the issue may extend beyond a single component and presents an ongoing safety concern. The vehicle and repair records remain available for inspection upon request.
NHTSA complaint #11687188 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norman, OK
ENGINE
The Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to idle roughly, stall unexpectedly, and trigger continuous beeping. During the failure, the power steering locked, making it extremely difficult to steer and creating a serious safety hazard for myself and others on the road. The issue was reproduced and confirmed by a service center, and the sensor was replaced by a Nissan dealership with the system reset/rebooted. However, despite this repair, the vehicle has again begun experiencing the same symptoms, including rough idling, stalling, beeping, and loss of steering control. The recurrence of this problem after dealership repair indicates that the issue may extend beyond a single component and presents an ongoing safety concern. The vehicle and repair records remain available for inspection upon request.
NHTSA complaint #11687188 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Norman, OK
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
The Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to idle roughly, stall unexpectedly, and trigger continuous beeping. During the failure, the power steering locked, making it extremely difficult to steer and creating a serious safety hazard for myself and others on the road. The issue was reproduced and confirmed by a service center, and the sensor was replaced by a Nissan dealership with the system reset/rebooted. However, despite this repair, the vehicle has again begun experiencing the same symptoms, including rough idling, stalling, beeping, and loss of steering control. The recurrence of this problem after dealership repair indicates that the issue may extend beyond a single component and presents an ongoing safety concern. The vehicle and repair records remain available for inspection upon request.
NHTSA complaint #11687188 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Orlando, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
The ABS and forward collision system failed. This caused the car not to respond during a hard brake when it was raining. I almost had an accident. The car was inspected on September 4, 2025, by Universal Nissan (12785 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, Florida). Universal Nissan found a malfunction in the ABS control (Actuator & ECU Assy antiskid) with a repair cost of $2,448. The car has 18,689 miles. The warning lamps appear as soon as the malfunction starts. The Nissan Kicks owner forum reports this ABS problem as recurrent. There are multiple reports on the website. I contacted Nissan Consumer Affairs (Case #5576215). They did not take responsibility for the ABS problem.
NHTSA complaint #11686580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.