2021 Nissan Kicks: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker Kicks years.
76 owner complaints, most about structure. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2021 Kicks?The 2021 Nissan Kicks has 76 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.
Safety record for the 2021 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2021 Nissan Kicks vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Kicks years only. How we score it
Is 2021 a good year for the Kicks?
Across the 9 Kicks model years we track, complaint volume runs from 23 (2022) to 134 (2019). With 76 complaints, the 2021 Kicks sits above the model's median of 42.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2021 Kicks
steering:electric power assist system
Campaign 22V693000Nissan 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 23V496000Nissan 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.
- 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.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Kicks. See the full Kicks owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Kicks listings typically run $16,633–$23,176.
Other Kicks model years
Compare every Kicks year side by side to see how 2021 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Kicks against its rivals
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