NHTSA Owner Complaint Log
This page lists owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Nissan Kicks. Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA and do not by themselves prove a defect or defect rate.
Data synced from NHTSA on May 4, 2026
Vehicle was just purchased from a Nissan Dealership (2020 Kicks) and less than 1,300 miles of driving throwing a code stating there is a problem with CVT transmission. Will not produce enough power when going uphill. RPMs will suddenly not go over 1 when given gas uphill. There was a recall for this problem on other 2020 kicks but ours isn't covered and we just purchased this vehicle and drove it home less than 2 months ago.
The dash board lights up and the check engine light comes. It’s hard to accelerate or reverse and its idles high. I have replaced coils, spark plugs, censors and it’s costs me thousands of dollars and it’s still not fixed.
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front driver's side seat belt independently unlatched. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 197. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that the ABS, Forward Facing Camera, Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), Lane Variation, and other safety feature lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the ABS and Forward-Facing Camera. The dealer diagnosed that the ADAS needed to be replaced; however, the part was on back order. While awaiting parts for the repair, the battery started to lose power and needed to be jump-started several times. The manufacturer was informed of the issue. The manufacturer opened a case for the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed electronic control module. The contact was informed that the electronic control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the parts were on back order. In addition, the contact referenced an online site, which referenced the failure with the vehicle, and for parts were not being available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
I was driving and needed to come to a stop because there was a four-way stop sign, and the brakes didn’t work. The pedal went all the way to the floor and even though I pumped the brakes, it wouldn’t stop. This is the second incident where this happens. I checked the brake pads and fluid everything is good. No warning lights come on when this happens. So the mechanic says they cannot check and see what’s wrong with it because no lights come on.
The engine harness and electrical wiring have caused the entire vehicle to lose signal. This issue has cause my.car to stall and not accelerate while driving. Entire lights on dashboard come one and vehicle is unable to accerlerate. Vehicle is currently at the dealer and that is the tecnicians conclusion. No signs before aside from dashboard lights turning on. Vehicle was taken to DMV soon after.
When driving my car the crash light comes on in traffic and sometimes when braking. Recently it started to flash the hydroplaning symbol and now the check engine is on. I’ve seen other people online having the same issue with their vehicles as well.
I purchased the used vehicle in March and I have had an intermittent check engine light (p0101 code), my forward collision warning lights and traction control lights come on and my car brakes like I was in an emergency braking situation. Since the second day of owning the car. I've had it in the shop more than 5 times. They have not found the issue. I've been told there is nothing wrong so even with my extended warranty I'm unable to have this issue repaired. All these lights come on together and leave together. This is dangerous because stopping suddenly on the highway could result in me getting killed. I haven't found a tsb or recall but according to multiple nissan forums this is happening to hundreds of 2019 -2021 Kicks owners. This happened again yesterday and scared me. I can't afford another car right now. I just want this one to be repaired properly before it's too late. This morning no lights or check engine light present.
P0101 code keep coming back after so many repairs plus all lights are on like lane assist front collision prevention rear collision detection and slippery road it will reset after turning off and on
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 98,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 108,000.
The car gives me warning signals. All the warnings display on my screen and then the car doesn’t advance. It has happened several times and I’ve been put in danger since I live in San Antonio TX and there’s always traffic. I’ve called the dealer and they just tell that there’s no recalls for that vehicle. A lady that works at the same company I do has had the save issue. I searched online and many others are having the same issue. Also I purchased a code scanner which tells me it’s the mass air flow sensor and I replaced it but the issue persists. I put yesterday’s date’s for the incident but it has also happened to me at least 4 times before Please assist. My email is [XXX] . My name is [XXX] and my vin number is: [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Collision warning came on auto brakes for a second. Then light stayed on. Took to Dealership and was told Collision camera was out of alignment due to brackets moved or bent.
I own a 2020 Nissan Kicks and have experienced recurring and unpredictable electrical and system malfunctions while driving. At times, a "Malfunction, see owner's manual" warning appears on the dashboard, accompanied by multiple warning lights including: Forward collision warning Slippery road / traction control warning. Occasionally, the high beam headlights turn on by themselves, and I have noticed that the malfunction also leads to the engine stalling when I switch to reverse to park my car. These warnings appear randomly, about a few times a month, while driving under normal conditions. The issue usually resolves temporarily after restarting the vehicle, but this raises serious concerns about the reliability of key safety systems such as traction control, collision avoidance, and issues with the engine itself. On several occasions, the check engine light (CEL) accompanied these other warning lights during the "malfunction" and the CEL remained on even after a restart. A diagnostic scan revealed P0101 (Mass Air Flow Sensor Performance issue). However, when I had the vehicle inspected at a Nissan dealership, the technicians stated that the MAF sensor and related systems were operating correctly, and they could not identify a specific mechanical issue. Despite that, the CEL and other malfunctions continue to occur intermittently. They were also not able to recreate the situation I explained with the malfunction since it occurs at random times. This issue has happened multiple times and creates uncertainty about whether the vehicle is safe to operate. I have found numerous reports online from other Nissan Kicks owners experiencing the same combination of issues (P0101, engine stalling, random warning lights, and vehicle malfunctions that reset upon restart). I have attached a repair invoice from the dealership. Just recently on 6/22, this happened again as I was driving at night. When I went to park my car, the engine stalled again. I attached a dashboard photo.
1.the vehicle brakes on it's own 2.the vehicle stops accelerating while driving even if when the engine is still running and stepping on the gas pedal. 3. lane departure malfunctions
I own a 2020 Nissan Kicks and have experienced recurring and unpredictable electrical and system malfunctions while driving. At random times, a "malfunction" warning appears on the dashboard, accompanied by multiple warning lights including: Forward collision warning Slippery road / traction control warning Occasionally, the high beam headlights turn on by themselves These warnings appear randomly, about a few times a month, while driving under normal conditions. The issue usually resolves temporarily after restarting the vehicle, but this raises serious concerns about the reliability of key safety systems such as traction control and collision avoidance. On several occasions, the check engine light (CEL) accompanied these other warning lights during the "malfunction" and the CEL remained on even after a restart. A diagnostic scan revealed P0101 (Mass Air Flow Sensor Performance issue). However, when I had the vehicle inspected at a Nissan dealership, the technicians stated that the MAF sensor and related systems were operating correctly, and they could not identify a specific mechanical issue. Despite that, the CEL and other malfunctions continue to occur intermittently. They were also not able to recreate the situation I explained with the malfunction since it occurs at random times. This issue has happened multiple times and creates uncertainty about whether the vehicle is safe to operate. I have found numerous reports online from other Nissan Kicks owners experiencing the same combination of issues (P0101, random warning lights, and vehicle malfunctions that reset upon restart). This suggests it may be a systemic electrical or ECU problem, not isolated to my car. I urge the NHTSA to investigate whether this issue warrants a recall, software update, or mandatory fix. It undermines the safe and reliable operation of the vehicle.
I was coming off the highway as soon as I got to stop my car shut off. I had to restart my car again. This is about the fifth time it did it. I have sent it to the dealership and they cannot find nothing wrong with it.
Transmission went out with no warning
The transmission control module or, (TCM), is the system that failed and or malfunctioned and it is available for inspection upon request of the company. The safety of myself and my husband was put at risk when this component failed and the vehicle would not move forward in traffic. Yes the problem has been reproduced and confirmed, NOT by a dealer, but by myself. No the component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance, or other representatives with the Nissan Co.. Yes there were warning lamps such as the check engine light no messages and no other symptoms of the problem prior to its failure. The issue first appeared last week of February 2025 so, from my perspective, just last week. 02/25/2025 was date of incident.
Driving and the collision lights came on, took back to have fixed,they said no lights are coming up for them , then it happened again , gave me loaner car it’s happened three other times they still have the car
The dealer checked my car and changed some transmission parts but I feel the revs drop when I drive. The dealer cannot find anything. I MUST use the emergency brakes because the car moves in parking even in a flat place. The dealer said it was normal.
The security alert is damage. All the lights in the dash panel are red. According to Nissan (NSSK San Juan LLC) they mention the problem is due to the ABS Module. They have quoted a total cost of $3,397 for labor and parts($2,997.43), same recalled made for other Nissans.
The car acceleration issues, taking a long time to go from 0-50 with the tachometer going up to 5 to do so. My MPG has gone from 33 to 28 mpg. There are times when I press on the gas but my car doesn’t move. It also makes loud “rumbling” or “whining” sounds at times.
For months the front/rear collision sensors warning lights are on. The ABS and traction control warning lights are also on. The check engine light will come on for weeks at a time then go away.
1. MAF Sensor replaced 3 times within a few months of replacing each time. (took it to the Nissan Dealership multiple times and all they do is replace it without further diagnosing as to why) 2. Replaced the Transmission in March 2025 (Nissan wanted to charge me ($8300.00). I took it to Glen Burnie Transmission ($5708.00) 3. Replaced the Alternator on 7 June 2025. 4. Vehicle has been hesitating and stalling while driving. 5. Vehicle doesn't want to start when I push the button and put my foot on the brake pedal. 6. Power Steering issues (the steering wheel goes loose at times when I make turns or while trying to back up and then the vehicle stalls and then accelerates on it's own. 7. Vehicle is making a clicking sound. *Vehicle is currently at Firestone being diagnosed for the issues 4-7 mentioned above. *I stopped taking it to Nissan because they charge way to much for these issues that seem to be a constant issue but won't due any recalls on the 2020 Kicks. Vehicle purchased in May 2020. I will have to provide the repair receipts once I get the vehicle back from Firestone because all of the documents are in the vehicle.
All of my safety light came on dash. ABS, front end collision, back up, skid, lane assist as well as ABS. Took car in paid 6,000 for the lane assist as well as ABS car worked for only one month before it would not back up nor would it accelerate after it finally got to drive. All lights came back on and now it’s another 2100 for throttle body and MAF and sonar control unit. Car is very unstable and un-drivable.
The transmission has always juddered and got the run around that nothing was wrong and now the car judders more
The vehicles electrical system will go out mid drive. Front collision and rear collision sensor will turn off. Also the traction control will turn off with the other sensors going out. Plus the transmission while it’s sensors are going out will make it unable to pull out either forward or reverse.
The LDW sensors do not function and Nissan tells me it would cost 2300.00 to fix the problem. After researching, I find that this is a common, known problem with this make, model and year of vehicle. I feel that NHSTA should get Nissan to issue a recall.
LANE DEPARTURE RANDOMLY DEPLOYS ALSO THE CARS COLLISION STOP HAPPENS OFTEN EVEN WITHOUT BEING NEAR OBJECTS AND/OR PEOPLE.
The collision warning lights randomly come on, the vehicle loses power suddenly. If I was trying to merge or go on the interstate and suddenly my vehicle loses power while thinking I have enough distance and can accelerate safely but my vehicle just loses power other drivers wouldn’t be able to stop while I was pretty much stuck.
LIMP MODE defect occured WHILE ON HIGHWAY in the middle of the country of USA.
PC Solenoid B CAR REDUCES POWER & HESITATES while driving.
They have replaced the transmission two times and this transmission is going bad, it's slipping, shuddering, and hesitating when you hit the gas. This car is a death trap waiting to happen. Nissan knows they put junk transmissions in these cars but still sells them. Nissan is going to end up hurting/killing a lot of innocent lives. It's not safe to be driving this car around, half the time the car doesn't want to go when you hit the gas. My daughter turns 16 and will not be driving this death trap. Nissan needs to recall the 2020 Nissan Kicks SV transmissions too. I do have all the paperwork from the transmissions being put it. I get the run around with the dealer. The vibration issue and they say it'll do that at 90. The collision light is ALWAYS coming on (I have pictures of that too)
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the failure occurred after the vehicle had come to a complete stop. In addition, the contact stated that the failure occurred intermittently. The contact stated that the door locks including the rear hatch had independently unlocked. The contact stated that the failure began after an unknown software update was completed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.
While driving all the lights come on with a warning that states "malfunction see owners manual" dealership said it needed a battery, replaced the battery and all the lights continues to come on. ABS, crash lights, check engine and other ones. Along with the high beam lights. Can't turn them off without pulling over and restarting the car.
A Nissan Rouge hit my car took off the entire front of the car and the air bags did not deploy.
While traveling in heavy traffic my kicks went into limp mode and all front crash sensors were illuminated. I was stuck on a busy interstate. Took car to dealer they stated it was the ECM, they replace it under warranty. I had the car back 5 days and it did it again in heavy traffic. The first thing it does is cuts out then 30 sec later back in limo mode All the same sensors everything. Took the car back now they say the alternator is starting to fail. And this part is not covered under warranty. Now I'm paying for something I truly don't believe is a problem especially when the computer readout they showed me continues to point to the front sensors. I travel for work every day and this car makes me feel very unsafe as I travel busy highways I now feel I have to plan for this to happen and how am I going to get off the highway to a safe location, with construction it is very scary at times. This vehicle is starting to interfere with my job. I have voluntarily surrender the vehicle back to the bank, I have been unable to trade it in because I owe too much on it. And they don't want to deal with the issues it's been having.
The sensor lights constantly come on and then the engine light comes on. When I got the engine light read, it says I need a new mass airflow sensor. I have replaced this sensor 3 times now and the air filter, the same issue is occurring over and over again. Every sensor light comes on and the car starts to decelerate while you are driving making it difficult to press the gas or accelerate to a higher speed.
Transmission failed before the car reaching 15,000 miles. The car dealership replaced the transmission after two week in the shop. They did not provide a loner car so I was without a car for 2 weeks. After the car was worked and the new transmission installed, it was given back to me. Today 12/16 I had to take it back to the dealership because it’s giving a check engine indication. The dealership informed it is a known issue with this cars but I haven’t seen any recalls. Today, my car has no warranty since it expired. This is unacceptable.
Over a period of 3 days leading up to the braking incident the Collison warning came on periodically when there was no need, the sensor on the dash on the left,right and front of the vehicle image went yellow, the Malfunction light came on and the Collison warning with no cars around. On the November 9th, 2023 I got the collison warning (looks like 2 cars)and it went away. However that day I was pulling forward from a green light and as I was through the intersection the car suddenly braked stopping the car and a red square appeared on the dash with a letter in it - not sure what it was as I was trying to ensure I was not going to be rear-ended. I was the first car from the light so there was no car ahead of me and no reason for the car to brake and stop. The car behind reacted and went around me avoiding a rear-end collison- Lucky for us. I cautiously continued home and parked and did not drive the car except to the dealer for them to check. Their initial response was bad battery and I'm still waiting. I am afraid to drive this car. What if that was at higher speeds on a highway and a larger behind us. Would we have survived. I don't think so.
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kick. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 20-25 MPH and attempting to make a left turn, the vehicle suddenly lost control causing the vehicle to go straight across the road instead of completing the left turn. The vehicle crashed into 2 mailboxes before it came to a stop. The passenger side wheel bent outward causing the passenger side fender to lodge into the door. The driver-side wheel had turned in the opposite direction. The passenger side axle detached from the transmission. The lower ball joint detached from the lower control arm and the sway bar had fractured The air bags did not deploy. The mailboxes were damaged. The contact received bruising to their abdominal area. No medical attention was received. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a repair center where the passenger side axle, passenger side lower control arm, and both front wheels and rims were replaced. Several sensors associated with the front of the vehicle, the bumper, the fender, the passenger side headlight assembly, struts, and suspension were all replaced as well. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 22,485.
I have had several issues with my check engine light popping on and off, I have also had my car brake by itself while going 65/70 MPH on the interstate twice almost causing two rear end collisions, the lights go haywire, the car does not want to accelerate
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated while lowering the passenger’s side sun visor, the contact became aware that the sun visor had melted. On another occasion the rear-view mirror detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 55,000.
I purchased a Nissan Kicks 2020 7 weeks ago. Yesterday while at a stop light, the engine shut off and then the battery and oil light popped on. This was extremely dangerous as I was on a busy highway and had to panic on what to do. I ended up having to put it in park and cut it back on. After researching this online, I have found other people are having the exact same issue. I checked for a recall and see NONE! How has there not been a recall? I had my three children in the car with me (one being a newborn) and was scared to death!
Abs, ccs cruise control, air pressure monitor, laser/radar, intelligence key, radar stain, center sonar, radar circuit unit,airbag lights Poa90 recall engine control module, transmission, collison lights, pre-existing damages, it has defects it started intermittent stalling at 66,541 miles upon buying it at 59,290 miles. All the dashboard lights on. It's a hazards it's to risky it won't start sometimes it leaves us on the side of the road. Sometimes we have to tow it.4
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle dynamic control (VDC) warning light illuminated, and the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The contact also stated that the vehicle hesitated while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stopped on the side of the road and turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle started operating normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the contact was unsure what software updates needed to be performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 3,000.
Since I got the kicks in May of this year 2022 I have had multiple incidents where the lights for the sensors come on out of nowhere and it shows 3 messages for .sensor malfunction. They popped on again a few days ago and now the check engine light is on and the code it's showing is main air flow sensor failure. That sensor from what I have been told should last a long time. I have had it 7 months and it's only 2 years old. I change the air filter every oil change and with the sensor failed it won't drive proper causing a safety hazard for me and my children.
When driving 50mph - 70 mph the Forward Collision Warning will engage and the emergency brakes will engage. The car will come to a stop. This has happened while on the highway and crashes were barely avoided. It has injured my back with the sudden stop. Today 12/8 it happened again and both the Forward Collision Warning and Rear Collision Warning engaged, the car stopped from going 68 mph on the highway, and the car disabled my traction control.
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds or after driving from a complete stop, the vehicle was hesitating while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that there was hesitation while shifting between gears. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact made a local dealer aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not yet taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 54,000.