2021 Nissan Kicks: common problems and reliability

The 2021 Nissan Kicks has 71 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are structure and forward collision avoidance. 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 2021 model year

71
Owner complaints
2
Recalls
5
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Nissan Kicks vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

structure
24
forward collision avoidance
15
electrical system
11
power train
7
engine
7

Recalls affecting the 2021 Kicks

steering:electric power assist system

Campaign 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.

steering:electric power assist system

Campaign 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.

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.

Other Kicks model years

2024 Kicks2020 Kicks2019 Kicks2018 Kicks
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