Model year record

2021 Nissan Kicks recalls & problems

The 2021 Nissan Kicks has 2 safety recalls and 78 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is structure (24 complaints).

Recalls2safety recalls

Complaints78filed by owners

Crashes · fires6 · 0reported in complaints

NHTSA overall4 ★crash-test stars

2021 Nissan Kicks in an NHTSA crash test — NHTSA crash test

Safety recalls

SteeringJul 18, 2023

Electric power assist system

Recall 23V49600011,824 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: Loss of power steering assist can increase the steering effort required, especially at low speeds, and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the steering column torque sensor lot code and replace the steering column assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PMA26. This recall involves vehicles that were previously inspected, but did not receive a steering column replacement, under recall number 22V-693. These vehicles will need to be reinspected for this recall.

SteeringSep 15, 2022

Electric power assist system

Recall 22V69300020,040 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Risk: Loss of power steering assist can increase the steering effort required, especially at low speeds, and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect the steering column torque sensor lot code, and replace the column, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 9, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PMA10 / PMA25.

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

2021 Nissan Kicks SUV FWD

Overall★★★★★

Frontal crash	★★★★★
Side crash	★★★★★
Rollover	★★★★★
Rollover risk	15.5%

Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard

2021 Nissan Kicks NHTSA side crash test — NHTSA side barrier crash test

2021 Nissan Kicks NHTSA side pole crash test — NHTSA side pole crash test

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

33mpg combined

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	Crashes	Injuries	Typical mileage*
StructureBody	24	0	0	—
Forward collision avoidanceWarnings; Automatic emergency braking	18	1	0	—
Unknown or other	16	0	0	—
Electrical systemIntegrated trailer brake control	12	1	0	—
Power train	11	1	1	—
Engine	9	0	0	—
Air bags	4	4	1	—
Service brakes	4	0	0	—
Steering	3	0	0	—
Vehicle speed control	3	0	0	—
Lane departureBlind spot detection; Warning	2	0	0	—
Seats	1	1	0	—

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Electrical system
The car wonât accelerate pass 40mph , ABS light will turn on , it completely stopped on the free way. I waited 5 minutes and the car started running. I d been doing this since march 2026. Got a diagnosis they thought it was a wheel bearings and sensor but the car didnât accelerate again. And stopped working.
Mar 16, 2026
Engine
Engine timing and Transmission failed and replaced before 90,000 miles,
Feb 4, 2026
Engine
Engine light keeps coming on, just had 1 camshaft changed.
Sep 2, 2026
Unknown or other
The rear door actuator on the passenger side failed causing the door to not be able to unlock electronically. This is particularly concerning as this is the side we would put our infant child on and we would be unable to access in an emergency. The dealership was not helpful in addressing this issue with Nissan corporate. We are extremely concerned that this issue occured and concerned that the dealership does not appear to be willing to help bring this issue to corporate. I already reached out to nissan consumer affairs to report this issue but wanted to bring this issue to the attention of relevant safety organizations as I am not sure if it is a larger issue.
Aug 21, 2026
Power train
I had a noise and highway vibration in my 2021 Nissan Kicks. Brought it to the dealer and was told the front axle nut was loose. They said it is a common issue. There is a TSB on it but I believe it is a safety issue due to it being a loose axle nut and vibration
Aug 1, 2026
Power train
The CVT transmission is slipping and losing acceleration while driving, overheating and smelling really bad like burnt rubber, the oil is black and smells burnt, its currently at 52,100 miles and I sent it up to Chuck Colvin Nissan and they did not fix my car, they drove it back to me and when I test drove it myself it broke down on the side of the road and I had to sit for 30 minutes for it to cool off before driving home
May 28, 2026
Air bagsCrash
I was involved in a pile up on the highway, upon impact, my seatbelt and my daughterâs seat belt popped off. My sons however, remained intact. The air bags did not go off.
Jul 7, 2026
Power train
At first it just seemed sluggish like it didnât want to take off then the Transmission started jerking would not allow the car to go engine revving up to 5000 rpm before the transmission would engage.
Jun 29, 2026

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.