2018 Nissan Kicks: common problems and reliability
The 2018 Nissan Kicks has 83 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are electrical system and engine. Owners most often flag cvt 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. frequency: very frequent.
Safety record for the 2018 model year
83
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
1
Crash reports
0
Fire reports
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2018 Nissan Kicks vehicles (US, public record).
Where owners report problems
electrical system
22
engine
20
forward collision avoidance
18
service brakes
15
electronic stability control (esc)
12
Recalls affecting the 2018 Kicks
back over prevention: sensing system: camera
Campaign 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 Vers…
What owners say across generations
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, es
CVT 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. Frequency: very frequent.
CVT transmission juddering/behavior — "Rubber band" effect during acceleration, sluggish response, shuddering, involuntary shifting to neutral, and poor rolling acceleration. Frequency: very frequent.
General 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. Frequency: recurrent.
Underpowered engine — Lack of power for highway merging, passing, and climbing hills, especially with passengers or cargo. Described as slow and sluggish. Frequency: recurrent.
Interior material quality — Hard, cheap-feeling plastics throughout the cabin. Frequency: recurrent.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Kicks.
Typical used price
Used Kicks listings typically run $19,777–$25,987 across 2018 to 2026 model years.