2021 Nissan Kicks: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 74 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is structure (37% of complaints); the 2023 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 4 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Jul 2023
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 74 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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”Owner report · Wheels · Aug 2026
“I was involved in a pile up on the highway, upon impact, my seatbelt and my daughter's seat belt popped off. My sons however, remained intact. The air bags did not go off.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2026
“At first it just seemed sluggish like it didn't want to take off then the Transmission started jerking would not allow the car to go engine revving up to 5000 rpm before the transmission would engage.”Owner report · Power Train · Jun 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“The CVT transmission is slipping and losing acceleration while driving, overheating and smelling really bad like burnt rubber, the oil is black and smells burnt, its currently at 52,100 miles and I sent it up to Chuck Colvin Nissan and they did not fix my car, they drove it back to me and when I test drove it myself it broke down on the side of the road and I had to sit for 30 minutes for it to cool off before driving home”Owner report · Power Train · May 2026
“Immediately after turning car on and putting it on Drive gear, the collision light and traction light on dashboard came on and a message "Malfunction See Owner's Manual" came on too. As I tried to get out of my parking garage it was little hard to accelerate. I turned my car off for a few seconds, the collision/traction engine light turned off, but check engine light turned on. I had battery checked by AAA who confirmed battery is still in good condition. Took vehicle to auto zone to scan and was notified about got code "P0101" Air filter is changed with every oil change, maintenance has been kept up as well.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Apr 2026
“The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated while her boyfriend was driving approximately 35 MPH, the hood unexpectedly flew open, hit and cracked the windshield. The driver was able to pull over to the side of the road and pushed down the hood. The driver continued driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the hood latch was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was waiting to hear back the auto warranty company. The dealer was contacted and referred the contact to an autobody repair shop for assistance. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 108,000.”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Apr 2026
“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!”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2026
“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Feb 2026
“Apple Play/radio do not turn on once the car is started. I brought it to the dealer and was told that there were no updates available at this time and I would have to replace the unit.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Nov 2025
“While driving the car seems to be stalling, slowing down while I'm driving. The car feels like it doesn't want to go up to a fast speed on the highway. I feel uncomfortable and unsafe that the car will stop instantly on the highway and cause me to crash. So that is why I'm reporting this because it's unsafe. Secondly the left driver side window goes up in down while I'm driving. This also makes me feel uncomfortable while driving.”Owner report · Electrical System · Aug 2025
When filing, owners marked a crash in 6 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Versa and Kicks vehicles. An intermittent electrical connection in the electric power steering (EPS) torque sensor can disable the power steering assist.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering column torque sensor lot code, and replace the column, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 9, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PMA10 / PMA25.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Versa and Kicks vehicles. An intermittent electrical connection in the electric power steering (EPS) torque sensor can disable the power steering assist.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering column torque sensor lot code and replace the steering column assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PMA26. This recall involves vehicles that were previously inspected, but did not receive a steering column replacement, under recall number 22V-693. These vehicles will need to be reinspected for this recall.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
How other years compare
Check your exact Kicks by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Nissan Kicks reliable?
NHTSA has 74 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2021 Nissan Kicks. The most complained-about area is structure (37% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2021 Nissan Kicks problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 68,508 miles or less.
Does the 2021 Nissan Kicks have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning steering:electric power assist system. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.