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Nissan · Known Issues

2024 Nissan Kicks Problems: 6 Known Issues

2024 model year · 1,140+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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2025 Nissan Kicks SV silhouette · model reference only; selected body style is not shown

Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,140+ owner reports, the 2024 Nissan Kicks has 6 documented known issues. None of the listed issues is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. The most commonly reported issue is CVT Overheating During Highway Driving with 450 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $50 to $3,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Kicks Transmission2
  • Kicks Electrical2
  • Kicks Engine1
  • Kicks Brakes1
  • Recalls7
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Transmission2
  • Electrical2
  • Engine1
  • Brakes1
  • Recalls7
  • FAQ

All 6 Known Issues

Filter:
ALL YEARS202620252024202320222021202020192018
Community reported
450 owners

On the 2018-2024 Nissan Kicks 1.6L, the Nissan Kicks CVT transmission (Jatco CVT7 W/R) overheats during sustained highway driving, particularly in hot weather or hilly terrain. The transmission enters limp mode to protect itself, limiting speed to 40-50 mph. The small displacement 1.6L engine forces the CVT to work harder at highway speeds, contributing to heat buildup.

This issue also affects: Infiniti QX55, Infiniti QX60, Nissan Altima

Common Symptoms

  • Transmission overheating warning on dash
  • Vehicle enters limp mode on highway
  • Reduced power and speed limit
  • CVT whining noise under load
  • Jerky shifting during hot weather

How to Fix

Ensure CVT fluid is fresh with Nissan NS-3 (change every 30,000 miles). Avoid sustained high-speed driving in extreme heat. Some owners install auxiliary transmission coolers ($150-300 DIY). If overheating is chronic, TCM software update may be available at dealer.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Genuine Nissan NS-3 CVT fluid 999MP-CSHNS3

    Confirm VIN, current fluid part number, quantity and service-manual temperature/level procedure; do not flush or present fluid as a repair for damaged internals.

    Chapman Nissan Parts

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$150 - $3,500

Research This Issue

Based on 450 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium Confidence450 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

On the 2018-2025 Nissan Kicks, 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 of the powertrain but is significantly louder than competitors. Sound deadening in the Kicks is minimal.

Common Symptoms

  • Loud droning noise at highway speeds
  • Engine RPMs stay high at 60-75 MPH
  • Difficult to hold conversation at highway speed
  • Wind and road noise excessive
  • CVT holds RPMs at 3,500-4,000 cruising

How to Fix

This is largely a design characteristic that cannot be fully eliminated. Aftermarket sound deadening material (Dynamat or similar) applied to the doors, floor, and firewall can reduce interior noise by 3-5 dB ($200-$500 DIY). Higher-quality tires designed for low road noise (Michelin Defender, Continental TrueContact) also help. Some owners report slightly lower RPMs and noise after a CVT fluid change.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Dynamat Xtreme Bulk Pak 10455

    Universal 36-square-foot sheet pack, not a Kicks precut kit. Measure coverage and install only on clean safe sheet metal without blocking drains, wiring, airbags, fasteners, ventilation or service access.

    Dynamat

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipThe Kicks is noisy by design — small engine + CVT + minimal sound deadening. Two sheets of Dynamat on the floor and doors makes a noticeable improvement. Budget $200 DIY for a weekend project.
Typical repair cost:$0 - $500

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium Confidence

On the 2021-2025 Nissan Kicks, 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 failures are predominantly software-related rather than hardware faults, and a dealer software update (TSB NTB23-018) addresses many cases.

Common Symptoms

  • Touchscreen freezes or stops responding to touch
  • Infotainment system reboots on its own
  • Apple CarPlay / Android Auto disconnects or won't connect
  • USB or Bluetooth audio cuts out after a few minutes

How to Fix

Try a certified USB data cable, inspect the USB port for debris, and restart both the phone and the head unit (hold the power/volume knob ~10-20 seconds); ensure phone OS and vehicle infotainment firmware are current. If freezing or random reboots persist, have a Nissan dealer apply the latest infotainment/audio firmware update (per TSB) or diagnose the head unit.

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Jun 2026
Community reported
380 owners

On the 2018-2024 Nissan Kicks 1.6L, the Nissan Kicks has widespread complaints about weak air conditioning performance, especially in temperatures above 90F. The undersized A/C system struggles to cool the cabin adequately. Nissan issued TSB NTB19-041 addressing A/C performance concerns. The issue is partially due to the small compressor paired with the 1.6L engine.

Common Symptoms

  • A/C not cooling adequately in hot weather
  • A/C takes very long to cool cabin
  • Warm air from vents at idle
  • A/C cycles on and off frequently

How to Fix

Verify refrigerant charge is correct (do not overfill). Check A/C condenser for debris blocking airflow. Dealer may apply TSB NTB19-041 software update to optimize compressor operation. Some owners add tinted windows or a cabin air recirculation fix to improve cooling.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $500

Research This Issue

Based on 380 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium Confidence380 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
Community reported
310 owners

On the 2018-2024 Nissan Kicks HR16DE, the Kicks HR16DE 1.6L engine produces excessive noise and vibration that transmits into the cabin, particularly at highway RPMs where the CVT holds the engine at 3,000-4,000 RPM. The lack of sound insulation and the CVT's tendency to keep RPMs high under load amplifies the issue.

This issue also affects: Infiniti QX55, Infiniti QX60, Nissan Altima

Common Symptoms

  • Loud engine drone at highway speeds
  • Excessive vibration felt in steering wheel and seats
  • Engine noise louder than expected
  • Resonance at 2,500-3,500 RPM

How to Fix

Check engine and transmission mounts for wear. Add sound deadening material to firewall and floor ($100-300 DIY). Some owners report improvement after dealer applies ECM calibration update that adjusts CVT shift points to lower cruising RPM.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Dynamat Xtreme Bulk Pak 10455

    Universal 36-square-foot sheet pack, not a Kicks precut kit. Measure the intended floor/firewall/door areas and preserve drains, wiring, airbags, fasteners, ventilation and service access.

    Dynamat

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $500

Research This Issue

Based on 310 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium Confidence310 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

On the 2018-2025 Nissan Kicks 1.6L HR16DE I4, the Kicks uses 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, causing noise and inconsistent braking. The issue is worse in dusty or wet environments. The drums also warp easily, causing a pulsation felt through the brake pedal.

Common Symptoms

  • Squealing or squeaking from rear brakes
  • Grinding noise when braking
  • Brake pedal pulsation
  • Poor rear braking performance
  • Noise worse in wet or dusty conditions

How to Fix

Remove rear drums and clean all components with brake cleaner. Inspect shoes for glazing and contamination — sand the shoe surface lightly with 120-grit sandpaper if glazed. Check drums for scoring and measure for out-of-round (max 0.006"). Replace shoes and drums if worn. Apply brake grease to the backing plate contact points. Clean rear brakes every 20,000 miles as preventive maintenance.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Genuine Nissan Kicks rear brake-shoe set D4060-5RFMA

    Confirm VIN and rear drum configuration; do not use for a rear-disc vehicle or the redesigned 2025 Kicks.

    NissanPartsDeal
  • Genuine Nissan Kicks rear brake drum 43206-5RB0B

    Sold individually; confirm VIN, brake type, quantity and service-manual limits.

    NissanPartsDeal

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipPull the rear drums off yearly and blow out the dust with brake cleaner. The sealed drum design traps everything inside. A 30-minute cleaning prevents the squealing that plagues these brakes.
Typical repair cost:$50 - $300

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium Confidence
NHTSA Recalls7 recalls

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."

Campaign #24V96900023/12/2024

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Kicks vehicles. The certification label may have been printed with the incorrect Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) values, which can result in the vehicle being overloaded. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification." Additionally, certain 2025 Nissan Kicks SR trim level vehicles equipped with an optional 19-inch wheel package may have a certification label that states an incorrect wheel size. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Campaign #25V18800018/04/2025

BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE

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Other Nissan Models

Nissan Rogue46Nissan Altima41Nissan Sentra32Nissan Frontier30Nissan Pathfinder24Nissan Murano22

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Nissan Kicks problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,140+ owner reports, the 2024 Nissan Kicks has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: CVT Overheating During Highway Driving, Infotainment Touchscreen Freezing / Rebooting and CarPlay Disconnects, Weak A/C Performance in Hot Weather. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.

Is the Nissan Kicks reliable?

The 2024 Nissan Kicks has 6 known issues documented across 1,140+ owner reports. None of the matching records is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. 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 $3,500, 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 is the 2018-2024 Nissan Kicks CVT Overheating During Highway Driving?

The Nissan Kicks CVT transmission (Jatco CVT7 W/R) overheats during sustained highway driving, particularly in hot weather or hilly terrain. The transmission enters limp mode to protect itself, limiting speed to 40-50 mph. The small displacement 1.6L engine forces the CVT to work… Repairs typically run $150-$3,500. Severity: medium.

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 2018-2024 Nissan Kicks Weak A/C Performance in Hot Weather?

The Nissan Kicks has widespread complaints about weak air conditioning performance, especially in temperatures above 90F. The undersized A/C system struggles to cool the cabin adequately. Nissan issued TSB NTB19-041 addressing A/C performance concerns. The issue is partially due… Repairs typically run $0-$500. 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.

Data sourced from 1,140+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Frontier and Kicks vehicles. The center information display unit may display a blank screen when shifted into reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Campaign #25V32400004/06/2025

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."

Campaign #26V33100021/05/2026

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.

Campaign #24V15400027/02/2024

+ 2 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

What is the 2018-2024 Nissan Kicks Excessive Engine Noise and Vibration (HR16DE)?

The Kicks HR16DE 1.6L engine produces excessive noise and vibration that transmits into the cabin, particularly at highway RPMs where the CVT holds the engine at 3,000-4,000 RPM. The lack of sound insulation and the CVT's tendency to keep RPMs high under load amplifies the issue. Repairs typically run $0-$500. Severity: low.

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 Kicks uses 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, causing noise and inconsistent braking. The issue is worse in dusty or wet environments. Repairs typically run $50-$300. Severity: low.