Nissan Kicks steering problems

STEERING

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

NHTSA complaint #11756958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

The contact owns 2026 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The brakes and steering wheel were locked. All the warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, who confirmed there was a total communication failure across the modules. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 2,086.

NHTSA complaint #11754398 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

On 05.28.2026 my car veered sporadically to the right causing my tire to hit the curb as I was going under a viaduct with a high curb I lost my hub cap and damaged my rim slightly. Now my wheel is at a constant angle to the left, and veers sporadically left and right. After being in a reddit forum and seeing other people had this problem and it should be covered under warranty. However, I was told I would still have to pay for an alignment because its needed after a a bushing is replaced. If the bushing was defective and caused my wheel alignment to be off then why do I have to pay? I dont mind... I'm just curious

NHTSA complaint #11741961 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

Blind spot warning does not come on until the vehicle is past you, and the display screen that has your speed and everything else on it is fading again, this is the second screen they have had to put in my car. and the steering wheel moves when it is in the locked position you will be driving down the road and then out of know where the steering wheel will just start moving without being unlocked.

NHTSA complaint #11727881 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

The contact owns a 2025 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle with the telescoping steering wheel locked into position, the steering wheel erroneously moved from the locked position. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.

NHTSA complaint #11726664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

The contact owns a 2025 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that there was a popping sound coming from the steering wheel while making a left or right turn. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the sound. The dealer had not diagnosed or repaired the vehicle. The contact stated that the sound had become more prominent and persistent. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.

NHTSA complaint #11723276 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

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.

STEERING

Nissan of Macomb, ALL of them know us by name Mike & Bev Steering issue- does not drive straight down the highway, Slightest touch and off it goes in whatever direction you touched the steering wheel, and it will Not Recover, it will continue that direction until corrected.. DANGEROUS TO DRIVE Nissan of Macomb, alignment one of 7 (with Hubcaps ON, broke a hubcap, Never replaced ), worse than when we brought it in Received with 190 miles on it, a porter Drove it from Ohio to Michigan, rear quarter was caved in, sun faded front quarter plastic, steering wheel Kinked to the Left at least 30 degrees, headlights aimed straight up in the air, rear wipers didn’t work, remote start didn’t work (still no labels even knowing it’s installed), approach lighting didn’t work, cracked door sills and ripped rubber surrounds during Dealer installed options, exhaust system rattling, did the porter Hit something and not report it to keep his job “?” First 30 days of ownership, we were in possession of the vehicle for roughly 5-7 days, back n forth constantly and no one would repair the problems, driving Loaner vehicles.. No One Would Help us, here’s your car see ya Seven (7) Days leading up to a must drive to Florida, repeatedl phone calls to GM Cliff and service mngr Amere, No Call Back, no answer of phones, messages left ON THEIR DESKS by the service girls answering the phones, Nothing.. 4-5 times a day every day, even Texted the sales server phone number, it’s not easy for us to just pickup and drive an hour down there, disabled heart patient is always with us.. Nightmare drive all the way to Florida, the fatigue the stress, my hands Hurt holding on to the steering wheel.. Many close calls shifting in lane and side smacking other vehicles. Dangerous to drive on highway

NHTSA complaint #11716381 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

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). This failure causes the steering wheel to jam/lock, intermittent no-start conditions, and electrical inconsistencies (random brake light/lack of diagnostic codes). These failures are beyond the driver's control, unpredictable, and create an extreme safety hazard, rendering the vehicle unsafe to operate. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11700910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

Description of the Problem On August 28, 2025, I had my vehicle serviced at Nissan of Dearborn due to a transmission malfunction. After the service was completed, I noticed the front end was pulling to the right, as time progress I became concerned. I took the vehicle to an independent service center for a front-end alignment. During the inspection, I was informed that the control arms were loose and needed to be replaced. Responses to Required Questions What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The transmission initially malfunctioned, and later the front suspension/control arms were found to be loose after the transmission was replaced. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Loose control arms and steering misalignment significantly compromised vehicle stability, creating a risk of loss of control while driving, which could lead to an accident. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the issue with the control arms was confirmed by an independent service center during the alignment inspection. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle has not yet been inspected by Nissan Corporate or other authorities, but it is available for inspection. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the transmission malfunction. The pulling to the right began immediately after the dealership service on August 28, 2025. Safety Concern I purchased this vehicle, August 22, 2024, but have not owned it long enough to expect major component failures. This situation has created a serious safety risk, and I am requesting Nissan Corporate to investigate this matter urgently and provide a resolution, including repair or reimbursement.

NHTSA complaint #11699698 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

I went to have car checked and mechanic said it was a recall and the problem is an unstable electrical connection within the sensor that measures the force the driver applies to the steering wheel during turns and can result in the power steering feature being disabled. I can have inspection done at any time. I drive my family to work and my infant grandson around. I don’t want to have an accident or put my family at risk. Other vehicles that were of the same yr and make have been recalled but mine was made in a different country so it has not been recalled as of yet but I need answers due to the risk factor of driving this vehicle.

NHTSA complaint #11675020 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

We took our car to McLarty Daniel Nissan for new tire installation and wheel alignment. During checkout, we noticed that the alignment printout shows some of the values were still out of spec (see attached photo) and the red warning note stated that this may result in tire wear, handling and safety problems. The service advisor said those are not adjustable so there is nothing they could do. I reached out to Nissan consumer affairs and they did not take responsibility either and asked me to work with the dealer. The dealer says it is a manufacturing issue and is not willing to do anything. I am so disappointed with both parties and hoping you will help with this issue so we do not have to drive an unsafe car. Thank you.

NHTSA complaint #11674323 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

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.

NHTSA complaint #11669149 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

My steering is erratic and sometimes it feels like it’s pulling hard to one side or the other and when I try to correct it actually over corrects. I’ve read about the eps problems when looking into options for repair/replace. I feel it too dangerous for driving anywhere. It is a 2018 Nissan Kicks. Thank you.

NHTSA complaint #11651290 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

Something or Power steering seems to be affected, especially more so during rainy or snowy seasons. Wheel needs no assistance to turn and turn very easily as I turned/spun it to one side and other. Seems to go passed its lock point. Especially noticeable during reverse and park/when parking.

NHTSA complaint #11642044 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

Broken front springs. Yes, it is available for inspection. Possible front tire failure, due to rupture of tire by broken spring. Yes, confirmed by Nissan of Stratham NH. No, not at this time. No warning at all. Found broken spring on July 1, 2024. Inspected by Nissan of Stratham on July 8 2024.

NHTSA complaint #11602892 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

I bought a brand new Kicks Sport S that was delivered to me with 231 miles on it. It ran great but when driving on the Interstate when a slight crosswind kicked up the vehicle steering was almost unmanageable. It was difficult keeping the vehicle on the road below the posted speed with only 5 -10 mile winds. Tire inflation was proper and everything worked great until there was even the slightest wind. I traded the car in at under 4000 miles due to this fact since it was not safe to drive and took a $10,000 loss only months after purchase and paid in full at the time of purchase. This is the biggest scam for a vehicle and should not be on the road they are dangerous and sorry but after losing almost a year's income on this vehicle I wish I had never seen one of them much less bought one. Very unsafe people will end up dying buying this vehicle. I would not put my children or grandkids in this car if there was any wind whatsoever nor would i ever ride in one with any wind ever again.

NHTSA complaint #11555948 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

I was driving in traffic in a 30mph zone and my car turned off, and I was unable to push down on the brakes. I had to use my emergency brake a could hardly turn my wheel and stop in the center divider of the road. I turned on my hazards and waited 15 minutes and was able to restart the car a drive home. This was very dangerous and could have caused an accident.

NHTSA complaint #11553121 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated while at a stop light, the vehicle lost motive power and the system off warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the steering wheel then became firm. The contact shifted the vehicle into neutral and the vehicle started operating normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but no failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 75,000.

NHTSA complaint #11530752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.