Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Nissan Kicks
SUV · Gas · 7 versions · owner report
Ranked #2 of 10 subcompact SUVs on owner data, price and fuel economy
Every generation
Power
Combined, EPA 2027
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Mixed to negative sentiment overall, with a clear generational divide.
7 problems reported (2 very frequent, 3 recurrent, 2 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentCVT transmission failures
Catastrophic failure requiring full replacement, often between 60,000-120,000 km (37,000-75,000 miles) on 2019-2024 models. Includes reports of complete failure on a brand-new 2025 model at 500 miles.
- Very frequentCVT transmission juddering/behavior
"Rubber band" effect during acceleration, sluggish response, shuddering, involuntary shifting to neutral, and poor rolling acceleration.
- RecurrentGeneral reliability and quality issues
Multiple reports of various components failing (mass air flow sensor, throttle body, EGR system cracks spewing coolant, brake problems, rear liftgate strut failure) well under 100,000 miles.
+ 4 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentUnderpowered engine
Lack of power for highway merging, passing, and climbing hills, especially with passengers or cargo. Described as slow and sluggish.
- RecurrentInterior material quality
Hard, cheap-feeling plastics throughout the cabin.
- IsolatedCold-start/electrical gremlins
Intermittent no-start conditions in cold weather (below -25°C / -13°F) with no diagnosable cause, potentially related to parasitic draw or sensor issues.
- IsolatedInfotainment/connectivity problems
Bluetooth pairing issues with phones, particularly noted during test drives of various Nissan models.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" trim. For the 2025+ models, the SR trim with the Premium Package is mentioned positively for its styling and features. For practical needs, the SV AWD trim is suggested for gaining independent rear suspension, alloy wheels, and access to cold-weather packages.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Toyota Corolla Cross, Toyota Corolla Hatchback, Toyota Yaris, Toyota RAV4 and Honda HR-V.
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Overall sentiment
Mixed to negative sentiment overall, with a clear generational divide. The 2025-2026 model year redesign receives praise for its modern styling, improved interior technology, comfortable ride, good fuel economy (20-40 MPG reported), and competitive pricing, especially with discounts. However, the vehicle's reputation is heavily burdened by widespread and severe criticism of the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) in models from approximately 2019-2024. These earlier models are frequently cited for catastrophic transmission failures, often occurring between 60,000-120,000 km (37,000-75,000 miles), leading to expensive repairs and profound owner dissatisfaction. Even in the newer 2025+ models, there are isolated but alarming reports of brand-new transmissions requiring full replacement within the first 500 miles. General criticisms across model years include underpowered acceleration, a "rubber band" effect during acceleration, cheap interior materials, and various quality control issues. The consensus indicates the Kicks can be a value-oriented choice for new buyers who secure strong discounts and are vigilant about transmission maintenance, but it is widely advised against for those seeking long-term, trouble-free ownership, particularly in the used market for pre-2025 models.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a budget-friendly, feature-focused subcompact crossover. It is consistently described as offering more cargo space (noted as 29 cubic feet vs. a Corolla hatchback's sub-18), better ground clearance (8.4 inches), and more modern interior tech (e.g., 12-inch screen on base 2026 models) than many rivals at a similar price point, especially when discounted. However, it is almost universally ranked below competitors like the Toyota Corolla Cross, Hyundai Kona, and Mazda CX-30 for perceived reliability, driving dynamics, and interior quality. The Kicks is seen as a pragmatic choice for space and features on a tight budget, but a compromised one when compared to the stronger resale value, powertrain refinement, and long-term durability of key rivals.
Recommended configurations
AWD is recommended for improved traction and resale value, especially in snowy climates. For 2025+ models, moving up from the base S trim to at least SV is suggested for better features. If purchasing new, aggressive negotiation for discounts off MSRP is strongly advised as part of Nissan's typical sales model. For any CVT-equipped Kicks, regardless of year, strict adherence to a 30,000-mile (48,000 km) transmission fluid change schedule is emphatically recommended by the community to mitigate failure risk. An extended warranty is frequently suggested due to transmission concerns.
General recommendations
Suitable for budget-conscious buyers who prioritize interior space, modern technology, and a high seating position over driving engagement or proven long-term reliability. May be acceptable if purchased new (2025+) with a significant discount and a comprehensive warranty. NOT recommended for used purchase, especially pre-2025 models with unknown CVT service history. NOT recommended for buyers planning to keep the vehicle beyond 100,000 miles (160,000 km) without anticipating major transmission repairs. NOT recommended for driving enthusiasts or those who frequently need merging/passing power on highways. Essential to test drive extensively, focusing on low-speed acceleration and transmission behavior. Verify all infotainment and Bluetooth functions work during the test drive. If considering a used model, obtain full service records confirming regular CVT fluid changes.
Remarks
The community feedback reveals a critical distinction between the first-generation (approx. 2019-2024) and redesigned (2025+) Kicks. The primary negative sentiment is overwhelmingly anchored to the historical failure rate of Nissan's JATCO CVT transmissions in the earlier models, which has created a lasting stigma. There is discussion that the newer CVT-X and CVT-XS transmissions introduced around 2024-2025 were designed to correct these issues through improved cooling and a revised maintenance philosophy, but long-term data is absent and early, severe failures on brand-new units have already been reported. Owner satisfaction for pre-2025 models is cited as "Much Worse Than Average," with only 44% of owners saying they would buy again. The vehicle's value proposition is highly sensitive to transaction price; satisfaction increases markedly when purchased with substantial discounts off MSRP. Analysis based on approximately 35 substantive owner discussions and comparisons.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearNo year grades F. Best year: 2022Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 | 3 | unknown or other |
| 2025 | 42 | 4 | unknown or other |
| 2024 | 37 | 1 | unknown or other |
| 2023 | 34 | 1 | forward collision avoidance |
| 2022 | 23 | 0 | forward collision avoidance |
| 2021 | 76 | 2 | structure |
| 2020 | 96 | 0 | forward collision avoidance |
| 2019 | 134 | 1 | forward collision avoidance |
| 2018 | 85 | 1 | unknown or other |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices13 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2026 · latches/locks/linkages:doors:latchcampaign 26V023000
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."
2026 · seatscampaign 26V145000
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."
2026 · electrical system: instrument cluster/panelcampaign 26V331000
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."
2025 · electrical system:body control module/bcmcampaign 24V969000
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."
2025 · equipment:other:labelscampaign 25V188000
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."
2025 · back over prevention:softwarecampaign 25V324000
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."
2025 · electrical system: instrument cluster/panelcampaign 26V331000
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."
2024 · air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator modulecampaign 24V154000
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.
2023 · air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator modulecampaign 24V154000
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.
2021 · steering:electric power assist systemcampaign 22V693000
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.
2021 · steering:electric power assist systemcampaign 23V496000
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.
2019 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 19V654000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
2018 · back over prevention: sensing system: cameracampaign 19V654000
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Specifications
Enthusiast code: P16
2.0 Xtronic
2.0L 4-cylinder · 141 hp · FWD · automatic
Built 2024–2026