114 of the
874 complaints filed about the Nissan Kicks
are about the electrical system —
13% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2019.
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.
The issue involves defective malfunction of the dashboard (usb,audio, and sometimes warning lights are hidden then appear) and improperly unbalanced wheels. Which has significantly impacted the safety, reliability, and usability of my vehicle.
NHTSA complaint #11753446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
When driving in rainy, snowy/icy, or wet conditions, water/slush impacts the front sensors/MAF sensor, causing the engine to shudder, stall, and shut off completely while in drive. The ABS, battery, and oil lights instantly flash on the dashboard, and the Automatic Emergency Braking system triggers/faults, creating a severe stall and safety hazard on active roads.
NHTSA complaint #11752190 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Frequently and randomly I get errors on my dash for the front collision sensor and slippery roads warning. This seems to occur for no reason as all while I am driving. When this happens my RPM's drop and my car will stall at red lights or stop signs. In a few instances, my car has refused to accelerate because it believes the car is obstructed. This has put me at risk of getting rear ended on numerous occasions. I need to turn my car off and on multiple times in order to get to my destination. Once the car is left alone for awhile, the issues completely goes away and the car drives like normal until it inevitably randomly occurs again. This appears to be an issue with the Kicks model across the board, as loads of other people online have had the same issue and tried multiple things to fix it to no avail. Mechanics have no idea what is causing it or how to fix it. It is also impossible to replicate the issues since it happens for seemingly no reason and then goes away for no reason. 3 images are attached to show proof at different miles (however this has occurred more times than I can count). Dates can be seen in the metadata. This is incredibly unsafe and needs to be recalled.
NHTSA complaint #11745726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
The main infotainment display screen in my 2024 Nissan Kicks failed prematurely and blacked out completely, rendering the backup camera and rear cross-traffic safety systems entirely inoperable. This failure poses an immediate safety hazard to myself and pedestrians, as I am forced to drive and back up daily with zero rear visibility, completely losing essential safety features regulated by federal standards. The defect has been officially inspected and confirmed by an authorized Nissan dealership service center on two separate occasions. The dealer attempted to process a warranty replacement but informed me that the necessary replacement part was backordered due to inventory delays. Despite complying with the diagnostic process, Nissan Consumer Affairs has severely delayed a resolution since January 2026. On May 21, 2026, a supervisor corporate representative (Nancy, ID 7319115) refused to cover 100% of the manufacturing defect, denied providing a resolution in writing, and explicitly prohibited me from recording the phone call to avoid leaving an official audio trail of their statements. I am filing this complaint because Nissan is failing to fix an active safety hazard on a practically new vehicle under warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11739327 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11719789 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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!
NHTSA complaint #11719792 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
January 15, 2025 (~1,000 miles): Infotainment system was black at startup. Vehicle was beeping and flashing warning/service lights. System would not shut off. This occurred three times within the first week. I contacted the selling dealer for guidance. No documentation was provided for that initial report. • I was unable to bring the vehicle in immediately due to a family medical emergency but continued reporting the issue. • Prior to February 7, 2025: I contacted Deery Nissan regarding the ongoing infotainment malfunction and water leaking through the rear hatch during a car wash. • February 7, 2025 (2,230 miles): Rear hatch seal replaced. Electrical repairs performed on infotainment system. • March 24–28, 2025: Infotainment malfunction reported again. Diagnostics and software check performed. • September 2025: Front bumper paint peeling. Repainted at local repair shop. Paint also peeling from steering wheel Nissan emblem. • January 16, 2026: Infotainment malfunction reported again. • January 20, 2026: Dealer unable to duplicate. • January 27, 2026: Both screens malfunctioning. I recorded video and sent to dealership. • February 4, 2026: Vehicle inspected again. Dealer stated unable to duplicate. • February 11, 2026: Additional video sent, including VIN visible. I also brought vehicle in so dealership could record the malfunction themselves. • February 20, 2026: Still no resolution. I have an appointment to speak to the DTSM from Nissan. Paint peeled on my front bumper and Nissan logo on my steering wheel.
NHTSA complaint #11719426 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2024 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle in the driveway and turning off the vehicle, while exiting the vehicle, the rear hatchback glass suddenly shattered. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the rear defroster was not activated, and there was no impact to the hatchback glass to cause the glass to shatter. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact stated that previously after parking and turning off the vehicle, the vehicle restarted independently and continued running for approximately six hours before the contact discovered that the vehicle was still running. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 1,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11717471 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
2026 Nissan Kicks, less than 1,500 mi. Computer system several warning lights appeared without notice; caused car to shut off and sputter before starting several times. The first time the warning lights that came on were: Warning (exclamation point inside triangle); Malfunction See Owner's Manual (In Orange box on panel) with all collision symbols showing [pictures avail on request] Second warning lights ( Warning Temporarily disabled clean sensor area See Owner's Manual) in bigger yellow / orange box on computer screen with exclamation point in triangle symbols and crash symbol) [Pics avail] Vehicle problem both duplicated and inspected at dealership. Connector pin harness needed repair/replaced. Oil light flashed after repairs. Clicks heard while turning right or left. Vehicle diagnostic inspected at another Nissan dealership out of state. [Audio and vid avail] Nissan dealership Ocala FL could not duplicate either problem with test drive. Problem persisted. Scheduled appointment at an Ice Cold Air. Problem was identified as possible CV axle problems and referred to Nissan dealership since have warrenty. Went to Maas Nissan dealership in Brooksville FL. Dealership was able to hear and duplicate customer complaint with noise turning wheel. Dealership had to replace both right and left front axles of brand new 2026 Nissan Kicks car, a major repair less than 1,900 miles. [Service records avail]
NHTSA complaint #11716741 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2025 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that she had remotely started the vehicle, preparing to drive her children to school. The contact stated that one child had forgotten a school item inside the home. The contact exited the vehicle with the key fob and had left the vehicle turned on. The contact stated that the parking brake was not engaged. The contact stated that as she returned to the vehicle, she saw that the vehicle was rolling down the slight grade of the driveway by the tail end. The contact estimated the speed at approximately 10 MPH. The contact stated that her children were strapped into the rear passenger seats by the seat belts. The contact stated that the vehicle rolled across the road and into a neighbor's yard and crashed into a tree. The vehicle had damage to the passenger side bumper and the passenger side taillights. The bumper had a large dent, and the passenger side light assembly was shattered. The contact stated that the children were not injured. The contact had the vehicle towed to a local dealer. The dealer had not diagnosed the vehicle and had the vehicle taken to a collision repair center. The vehicle was not repaired due to parts being on back order. The contact researched online and related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V969000 (Electrical System). The contact had discussed the recall with the dealer and the manufacturer and was advised that her VIN was not part of the recall selection. The failure mileage was approximately 50.
NHTSA complaint #11710474 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2025 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the instrument panel was blinking on and off several times and then went dark. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the instrument panel needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the failure had occurred on three separate occasions. The vehicle was not repaired; however, the dealer was currently waiting for the part to repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11705880 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
Transmission Issue - The CVT transmission slips during acceleration and causes the car to lose power. It hesitates, revs high, and sometimes jerks when slowing or speeding up. This creates unsafe driving conditions. Electrical Issue -The electronics intermittently shut off, screen goes black, and warning lights appear. These issues occur while driving and affect vehicle control. It’s a safety hazard -These failures happen unexpectedly in traffic and increase the risk of an accident. Often the Problems happens occurs several times per week and happens at speeds between 20–45 mph. Started around 60,000 miles. The CVT transmission slips during acceleration and causes the car to lose power. The RPMs surge, the vehicle hesitates, and there is a jerking or shuddering sensation when speeding up or slowing down. This happens unexpectedly and makes it hard to maintain speed in traffic. The electrical system also malfunctions while driving. The dashboard display and infotainment screen intermittently go black, warning lights appear without reason, and some features shut off. These failures happen at random and affect my ability to safely operate the vehicle. Both issues occur multiple times per week at various speeds (20–45 mph), and the vehicle only has 25,531 miles. These defects pose a significant safety risk because they cause unexpected changes in acceleration and visibility of gauges, increasing the chance of an accident.
NHTSA complaint #11703979 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to turn over. The contact had to wait for 20 minutes to an hour before being able to start the vehicle. The failure was intermittent. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
NHTSA complaint #11704047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.