2018-2026 Nissan Kicks Problems: 9 Known Issues
2018-2026 model years · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2018-2026 Nissan Kicks has 9 documented known issues, with 6 rated critical. The most serious are Engine Stalling / Shutting Off While Driving (Throttle Body, MAF Sensor, ECM Software), Door Retention Defect: Striker Weld Can Fail (Recall 26V023000), Electric Power Steering (EPS) Assist Loss — Torque Sensor Weld Failure (Recall PMA25/PMA26), Blank / Partial Instrument Cluster on Cold Start (Combination Meter Recall 26V331), Center Display Goes Blank in Reverse — No Backup Camera Image (Recall 25V324) and Rearview Camera Image Disappears / Stays Off (AV Control Unit Recall 19V654). Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $50 to $500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
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All 9 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls7 recalls
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024 Titan, Frontier, Infiniti QX60, Pathfinder, 2023-2024 Sentra, Versa, Kicks, Infiniti QX50, and 2023 Rogue vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the driver's air bag inflator may absorb moisture, and cause the air bag to deploy improperly.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Altima, Sentra, 2025-2026 Frontier, and 2026 Kicks vehicles. The door strikers may have been improperly welded and break, allowing the door to open while moving. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
SEATS
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2026 Kicks and Sentra vehicles. The hook bracket of the front seat frames may be insufficiently welded, which can cause the front seat frames to become loose. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 207, "Seating Systems" and 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Kicks vehicles. A software error in the combination meter may cause the screen display to go partially or fully blank. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Kicks vehicles. The "Shift-to-Park" warning may not activate as intended when the vehicle is shut off and still in a gear other than "Park." As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Nissan Kicks problems?
According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2018-2026 Nissan Kicks has 9 documented issues. Documented issues include: Engine Stalling / Shutting Off While Driving (Throttle Body, MAF Sensor, ECM Software), Door Retention Defect: Striker Weld Can Fail (Recall 26V023000), Electric Power Steering (EPS) Assist Loss — Torque Sensor Weld Failure (Recall PMA25/PMA26). Of these, 6 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Nissan Kicks reliable?
The 2018-2026 Nissan Kicks has 9 known issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. 6 issues are rated critical: Engine Stalling / Shutting Off While Driving (Throttle Body, MAF Sensor, ECM Software) and Door Retention Defect: Striker Weld Can Fail (Recall 26V023000) and Electric Power Steering (EPS) Assist Loss — Torque Sensor Weld Failure (Recall PMA25/PMA26) and Blank / Partial Instrument Cluster on Cold Start (Combination Meter Recall 26V331) and Center Display Goes Blank in Reverse — No Backup Camera Image (Recall 25V324) and Rearview Camera Image Disappears / Stays Off (AV Control Unit Recall 19V654). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Nissan Kicks problems?
Repair costs for known Nissan Kicks issues range from $0 to $500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What year Nissan Kicks is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the Nissan Kicks. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2018-2026 Nissan Kicks with 9 documented issues compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports.
What is the 2018-2020 Nissan Kicks Engine Stalling / Shutting Off While Driving (Throttle Body, MAF Sensor, ECM Software)?
Many 2018-2020 Kicks owners report the engine stalling or shutting off, often when slowing to a stop and in some cases at speed, sometimes with a delayed restart. Dealers and forums commonly trace it to the throttle body, a contaminated mass airflow (MAF) sensor, or outdated ECM… Severity: high.
What is the 2026 Nissan Kicks Door Retention Defect: Striker Weld Can Fail (Recall 26V023000)?
The 2026 Kicks is included in a Nissan safety recall covering improperly welded door strikers. The striker is the part mounted to the body that the door latch closes around, so when a poorly welded striker breaks, the door loses its retention and can open while the Kicks is being… Severity: high.
What is the 2021 Nissan Kicks Electric Power Steering (EPS) Assist Loss — Torque Sensor Weld Failure (Recall PMA25/PMA26)?
Certain 2021 Kicks (built July 19-September 27, 2021) have an intermittent electrical connection in the electric power steering torque sensor caused by poor weld penetration at a terminal that can disconnect. When it fails, EPS assist is disabled, a warning light illuminates, and… Severity: high.
What is the 2025-2026 Nissan Kicks Blank / Partial Instrument Cluster on Cold Start (Combination Meter Recall 26V331)?
NHTSA recall 26V331 and Nissan campaign PMA66 apply to 51,598 model-year 2025-2026 Kicks vehicles produced June 24, 2024 through January 9, 2026. A combination-meter software logic error can cause communication loss between the graphic controller and automotive controller during… Severity: high.
What is the 2025 Nissan Kicks Center Display Goes Blank in Reverse — No Backup Camera Image (Recall 25V324)?
NHTSA recall 25V324 covers certain 2025 Kicks and Frontier vehicles with an affected Center Information Display. A software logic error can cause a communication error with the In-Vehicle Infotainment module, leaving the rearview monitor blank in reverse and reducing rearward vis… Severity: high.
What is the 2018-2019 Nissan Kicks Rearview Camera Image Disappears / Stays Off (AV Control Unit Recall 19V654)?
NHTSA recall 19V654 and Nissan campaign R1911 apply to certain 2018-2019 Kicks vehicles. The AV control-unit software can retain a driver-adjusted display setting that prevents the rearview image from returning at the start of a later reverse event, failing the rear-visibility re… Severity: high.
What is the 2021-2025 Nissan Kicks Infotainment Touchscreen Freezing / Rebooting and CarPlay Disconnects?
Kicks owners report the infotainment touchscreen freezing or becoming unresponsive (requiring a restart), the system randomly rebooting on its own, and frequent Apple CarPlay / Android Auto disconnections, failures to connect, or audio that cuts out after a few minutes. The failu… Severity: medium.
What is the 2018-2025 Nissan Kicks CVT Drone and Noise at Highway Speeds?
The Kicks' CVT produces excessive drone and noise at highway speeds (60-75 MPH). The CVT holds high RPMs (3,500-4,000) for highway cruising due to the small 1.6L engine's limited torque, creating a constant loud droning noise in the cabin. This is partly a design characteristic o… Repairs typically run $0-$500. Severity: low.
What is the 2018-2025 Nissan Kicks Rear Drum Brake Squeal and Dust Contamination?
The 2018-2020 Kicks and the base S trim from 2021 on (including the carryover 2025 Kicks Play) use rear drum brakes (a cost-saving measure) that develop squealing, grinding, and poor performance from brake dust accumulation. The semi-sealed drum design traps dust and debris, caus… Repairs typically run $50-$300. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.