Owners have filed 185 complaints
about the 2020 Nissan Kicks with NHTSA between 2020 and 2026.
The largest single group is the driver assist & collision avoidance.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 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 — 95
Against the median year of the Nissan Kicks. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 56
10.8% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
71% 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
2950.9%
Automatic Emergency Braking
1322.8%
Warning
610.5%
Warnings
47.0%
Assist
23.5%
Other
11.8%
Rearview System Braking
11.8%
SUN Visor
11.8%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
1231.6%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
821.1%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
513.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
25.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1026.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
12.6%
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.
Mar 2020peak 13Aug 2026
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 65,000 milesNorth Richland Hills, TXCrash1 injured
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11738156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesNorth Richland Hills, TXCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11738156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Romeoville, ILCrash
AIR BAGS
A Nissan Rouge hit my car took off the entire front of the car and the air bags did not deploy.
NHTSA complaint #11579376 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,485 milesUvalda, GACrash1 injured
WHEELS
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kick. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 20-25 MPH and attempting to make a left turn, the vehicle suddenly lost control causing the vehicle to go straight across the road instead of completing the left turn. The vehicle crashed into 2 mailboxes before it came to a stop. The passenger side wheel bent outward causing the passenger side fender to lodge into the door. The driver-side wheel had turned in the opposite direction. The passenger side axle detached from the transmission. The lower ball joint detached from the lower control arm and the sway bar had fractured The air bags did not deploy. The mailboxes were damaged. The contact received bruising to their abdominal area. No medical attention was received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a repair center where the passenger side axle, passenger side lower control arm, and both front wheels and rims were replaced. Several sensors associated with the front of the vehicle, the bumper, the fender, the passenger side headlight assembly, struts, and suspension were all replaced as well. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 22,485.
NHTSA complaint #11563345 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,485 milesUvalda, GACrash1 injured
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kick. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 20-25 MPH and attempting to make a left turn, the vehicle suddenly lost control causing the vehicle to go straight across the road instead of completing the left turn. The vehicle crashed into 2 mailboxes before it came to a stop. The passenger side wheel bent outward causing the passenger side fender to lodge into the door. The driver-side wheel had turned in the opposite direction. The passenger side axle detached from the transmission. The lower ball joint detached from the lower control arm and the sway bar had fractured The air bags did not deploy. The mailboxes were damaged. The contact received bruising to their abdominal area. No medical attention was received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a repair center where the passenger side axle, passenger side lower control arm, and both front wheels and rims were replaced. Several sensors associated with the front of the vehicle, the bumper, the fender, the passenger side headlight assembly, struts, and suspension were all replaced as well. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 22,485.
NHTSA complaint #11563345 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 22,485 milesUvalda, GACrash1 injured
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:LEAF SPRING ASSEMBLY:U-BOLT, LEAF SPRING TO AXLE
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kick. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 20-25 MPH and attempting to make a left turn, the vehicle suddenly lost control causing the vehicle to go straight across the road instead of completing the left turn. The vehicle crashed into 2 mailboxes before it came to a stop. The passenger side wheel bent outward causing the passenger side fender to lodge into the door. The driver-side wheel had turned in the opposite direction. The passenger side axle detached from the transmission. The lower ball joint detached from the lower control arm and the sway bar had fractured The air bags did not deploy. The mailboxes were damaged. The contact received bruising to their abdominal area. No medical attention was received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a repair center where the passenger side axle, passenger side lower control arm, and both front wheels and rims were replaced. Several sensors associated with the front of the vehicle, the bumper, the fender, the passenger side headlight assembly, struts, and suspension were all replaced as well. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 22,485.
NHTSA complaint #11563345 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Sherman Oaks, CA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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)
NHTSA complaint #11757117 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Johnson City, NY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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
NHTSA complaint #11750491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fullerton, CA
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11750705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Johnson City, NY
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
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
NHTSA complaint #11750491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Johnson City, NY
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
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
NHTSA complaint #11750491 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Royse City, TX
POWER TRAIN
CVT issues-car is sputtering and gears slipping. Vehicle has 148,000 miles.
NHTSA complaint #11749724 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Homosassa, FL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11742524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Homosassa, FL
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11742524 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesNorth Richland Hills, TXCrash1 injured
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11738156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 65,000 milesNorth Richland Hills, TXCrash1 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
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.
NHTSA complaint #11738156 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seguin, TX
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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.
NHTSA complaint #11732256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seguin, TX
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11732256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Seguin, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11732256 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cedar Hill, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11727821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cedar Hill, TX
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11727821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cedar Hill, TX
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11727821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Farmington, NH
POWER TRAIN
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.
NHTSA complaint #11720354 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,000 milesLouisville, KY
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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.
NHTSA complaint #11710355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,000 milesLouisville, KY
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
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.
NHTSA complaint #11710355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,000 milesLouisville, KY
LANE DEPARTURE: SENSING SYSTEM: OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11710355 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 59,000 milesLouisville, KY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11704300 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Groves, TX
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11704269 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Groves, TX
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11704269 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Groves, TX
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
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.
NHTSA complaint #11704269 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 197 milesPottstown, PA
SEAT BELTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11697341 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.