Research · Midsize Cars
2020 Nissan KicksRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 99 owner complaints for the 2020 Nissan Kicks. Most complaints involve forward collision avoidance (35) and electrical system (27). The EPA rates it 33 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Combined MPG
33mpg
EPA · 1 version
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
99
Top: forward collision avoidance
Fuel cost / yr
$1,900est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2020 Nissan Kicks as of Nov 11, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
99 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2020 – Nov 2026
- Forward collision avoidance35
- Electrical system27
- Engine21
- Power train21
- Fuel/propulsion system13
- Service brakes10
- Lane departure10
- Vehicle speed control7
- Air bags7
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Forward collision avoidance
35 reports1 crash
“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 wasn’t 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.”
Electrical system
27 reports1 crash
“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.”
Engine
21 reports
“P0101 engine code, sudden loss of power, multiple dashboard warning lights- ABS, traction control, head on collision when in winding rods or braking suddenly. Vehicle loses power end up having to turn off and on to reset it. Dangerous on highways ir roads that you cannot pull over. I bought this car in Sept 2026 and it has had this issue about 10 times since then. I am putting the most recent date”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
1 version rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Midsize Cars
- Engines
- 1.6L 4-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic (variable gear ratios)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kicks Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 31 | 36 | 33 | $1,900 | 268 |
- 33mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5Nissan Kicks SUV FWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 15.5%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 11, 2026Vehicle 14510
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2020 Kicks questions
How many recalls does the 2020 Nissan Kicks have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 11, 2026.
What are the most common 2020 Nissan Kicks problems?
Owners filed 99 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are forward collision avoidance (35), electrical system (27), engine (21). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2020 Nissan Kicks get?
The EPA rates the 2020 Nissan Kicks at 33 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).
How safe is the 2020 Nissan Kicks?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2020 Nissan Kicks 4 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026