Model year record
2020 Nissan Kicks recalls & problems
The 2020 Nissan Kicks has no safety recalls on file with NHTSA, and 98 owner complaints. The most-reported problem area is forward collision avoidance (44 complaints).
Safety recalls
No safety recalls have been filed for the 2020 Nissan Kicks.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
2020 Nissan Kicks SUV FWD
| Frontal crash | ★★★★★ |
|---|---|
| Side crash | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover | ★★★★★ |
| Rollover risk | 15.5% |
Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
Kicks
| City / highway | 31 / 36 mpg |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
1.6 L · 4 cyl · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,050/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
| Problem area | Complaints | Typical mileage* |
|---|---|---|
| Forward collision avoidanceWarnings; Automatic emergency braking | 44 | 45 mi |
| Electrical systemInstrument panel › Speedometer/odometer | 27 | 59,000 mi |
| Power train | 21 | 54,000 mi |
| Engine | 20 | 1,779 mi |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 13 | 1,377 mi |
| Unknown or other | 13 | — |
| Lane departureWarning; Assist | 10 | — |
| Service brakes | 10 | — |
| Air bags | 7 | 30,000 mi |
| Vehicle speed control | 6 | — |
| Back over preventionWarnings; Rearview system braking | 5 | — |
| Steering | 3 | — |
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
- Forward collision avoidance › Automatic emergency braking
When driving, if the wind blows or we hit a small bump in the road, the traction control light will flash & and the car will completely lose the ability to accelerate. Then, the car will have to come to a complete stop to regain acceleration. We have taken the car to Nissan at least 5 times, and they only suggested replacing the front sensors on the car as well as the front guard. We did. This did not fix the issue. We then took it to a local mechanic. They suggested replacing the alternator because it wasnât getting enough power to the battery. We did. This did not fix the issue. We have now spent 4k and the car is still randomly losing acceleration during normal driving.
- Power train
Date: XXXTo:National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)Office of Defects Investigation (ODI)1200 New Jersey Avenue, SEWest BuildingWashington, DC 20590From:[XXX] [XXX]: FORMAL VEHICLE SAFETY COMPLAINT â Sudden Loss of Propulsion and Traffic Hesitation / 2020 Nissan Kicks (VIN: [XXX])To the Office of Defects Investigation,I am writing to formally report a critical, life-threatening vehicle safety defect involving the powertrain/automatic transmission assembly on my 2020 Nissan Kicks FWD SV.While operating the vehicle at 61,564 miles in active traffic, the vehicle suffered a sudden and dangerous loss of propulsion without any prior warning. Upon pressing the accelerator pedal,…
- Power train
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kicks. While driving from a stop, the vehicle started sputtering and lost motive power. While driving 70 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated to 45 MPH while driving uphill with the RPM elevated. The failure occurred while the outdoor temperature was above 95 degrees. The failure had persisted over time. The contact stated that the floorboard was extremely hot during the failure. The contact was concerned about being in a crash with her child in the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the transmission was flushed, but the failure reoccurred. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to another local…
- Tires
My tire is 205 50r17 and they gave me a 235 tire which made my car feel funny . Iâve been sitting here for an hour waiting on a tire and they messed up my rim
- Power train
My car when in over 95 degree weather, literally will not have power to get up hills and starts to jerk and looses power to make the hills. When the temps outside are cooler the car works fine. I live in [XXX] and I drive long distance to work. I also have a [XXX] son that has to be in the car with me. I canât have my car messing up all because itâs hot outside and it obviously doesnât like the heat. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Electrical system
My 2020 Nissan Kicks with 62,000 miles, went into limp mode on XXX and after a diagnostic test by the Pinnacle Nissan dealership in Scottsdale ([XXX]), it was determined a "Throttle Body Replacement" was needed. I paid $1,143.69 for that work. On XXX, the car went into limp mode again while on the freeway and the Pinnacle Nissan dealership in Scottsdale stated it needed an "Engine Wire Harness" replacement that would cost $8,057.83. I then contacted Nissan consumer affairs and after one month of review, it was determined that the car was out of warranty and there was nothing they can do. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Engine
My vehicle over the last 3-4 years has been showing P0101 code errors, resulting in issues with idle, performance, and fuel economy. Cleaning the MAF sensor does nothing. This causes all sensors to turn off and stay off until the car is subsequently turned off again. I have taken it in to Nissan to be inspected and refuse to pay over $500 just for them to diagnose the issue. Have seen this also being a recurring issue with other owners.
- Back over prevention › Warnings
Check engine light appears on and throws code p0101, mass air flow sensor. Have changed mass air flow sensor twice, had code cleared at mechanic. Drive 5 miles and BAM check engine light appears. As soon as my car hits 2000 RPM, the front and rear collision lights and traction light come on⦠my car almost doesnât move when I press the gas to go after this happens and the rpmâs are up to 3000-4000 just going 30 mph
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.