If you’re thinking about buying a Nissan Kicks, you’re not alone. Throughout 2019, over 50,000 buyers were drawn to the subcompact SUV’s good looks, capable features and impressive value. But even a stellar vehicle like the Kicks can have problems that get in the way of the ownership experience.
Are there any recalls on the Nissan Kicks?
Only one recall exists for the Nissan Kicks as of September 2020. However, several notable issues have been documented in formal complaints and owner reviews, including:
- Malfunctioning front collision sensor
- Clicking sound in instrument cluster
- Vehicle shuts off while driving
In this piece, we’ll take a detailed look at these Nissan Kicks problems and much more. Armed with this information, you can then make an informed buying decision as you search for your next vehicle.
The Rise of the Nissan Kicks
First introduced in Brazil back in 2016 and China in 2017, the Nissan Kicks eventually made its way onto U.S. shores for the 2018 model year. The Kicks picks up where the outgoing Nissan Juke left off, serving as a replacement for the aforementioned subcompact SUV.
Compared to the Juke, the Nissan Kicks offers slightly toned-down looks and a tidier overall footprint.
Another aspect of the Kicks that immediately stands out is its impressive fuel economy, which comes courtesy of its modest 1.6-liter 4-cylinder engine and Continuously Variable Transmission.
Despite lacking all-wheel drive, the Nissan Kicks came with a plethora of features aimed toward comfort and convenience.
The mid-level SUV offers larger 17-inch alloy wheels while the range-topping SR gets LED headlights, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and an upgraded 8-speaker premium sound system.
Common Problems with the Nissan Kicks
No Back-Up Camera Display Image
NHTSA Recall ID: 19V654000
Rear back-up cameras make it easier for drivers to spot obstacles when backing into or out of parking spots. On certain 2018-2019 model year Nissan Kicks vehicles, however, the back-up camera display may suddenly go dark while you’re in the middle of reversing.
Having the back-up camera cut out while reversing is bad enough. To make matters worse, the back-up camera will remain inactive the next time the vehicle is put into reverse. The problem also puts the vehicle in violation of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, “Rear Visibility.”
Nissan’s fix for this recall issue involves updating the back-up camera settings software. You can have this procedure done at your local Nissan dealer, free of charge.
Malfunctioning Front Collision Sensor
NHTSA Complaint ID: 11231882
In a complaint filed on May 17, 2019, the owner of a 2018 Nissan Kicks reported problems with the front collision sensor. According to this complaint, the front collision sensor could cause the vehicle to stop on its own when the sensor malfunctions.
The owner also noted in the same complaint that the touch screen display also malfunctions and tends to scratch easily. It’s not known if any of these issues were satisfactorily resolved.
Clicking Sound in Instrument Cluster
NHTSA Complaint ID: 11265809
According to a complaint made during August of 2019, the owner of a 2018 Nissan Kicks, purchased with less than 1,000 miles on the odometer, reported a clicking sound near the instrument cluster. The owner made three complaints with the dealer concerning this issue, but to no avail.
Within a week of purchasing the vehicle, a warning light appeared with a message stating “Unable to Detect Front Crash Sensor.” Shortly afterward, the front crash sensor warning appeared despite there being no other vehicles in front.
According to the owner, the front crash sensor was replaced by the dealer. However, this did not eliminate the clicking noise. The dealer was unable to pinpoint the cause of the noise.
Vehicle Shuts Off While Driving
NHTSA Complaint ID: 11329825
Another Nissan Kicks owner reported in this NHTSA complaint that their vehicle shut off multiple times at freeway speeds. The owner also noted the vehicle would not start back up immediately. Only after waiting 15 to 30 minutes will the vehicle crank up and run.
The owner has already had the vehicle serviced twice for this issue, but to no avail. It’s unknown whether service was performed at a dealer or by an independent repair shop.
