Problems · NHTSA complaints
2021 Nissan Kicks problems
Owners filed 78 complaints about the 2021 Nissan Kicks with NHTSA between Sep 2021 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is structure (24).
Complaints
78
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
6
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
2
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Structure24
- Forward collision avoidance15
- Electrical system12
- Power train11
- Engine9
- Air bags4
- Service brakes4
- Vehicle speed control3
- Steering3
- Lane departure2
- Wheels1
- Seat belts1
- Fuel/propulsion system1
- Latches/locks/linkages1
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 Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
4
29
13
2
14
16
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 4 |
| 2022 | 29 |
| 2023 | 13 |
| 2024 | 2 |
| 2025 | 14 |
| 2026 | 16 |
Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.
Top problems in owners’ words
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
Structure
24 reports
“We have had several problems with our 2021 Nissan Kicks, all of which are safety concerns, and all of which have have occurred at well under 100,000 miles. We purchased the vehicle from a Nissan dealer in January of 2022. 1 - Rust is bubbling up from under the paint. I am told this is perforating rust that could easily spread to or originate from the frame of the vehicle. This could cause the entire structure to fail. Despite the 5 year, no mileage limitation warranty for perforating rust, Nissan has refused to comply with the warranty. At the executive complaint level, they have admitted that the warranty exists, but at the repair level, Nissan has repeatedly informed the Dealer that the vehicle is not covered by a rust warranty or that the warranty expired based on mileage. The person at the corporate complaint level refuses to speak with the dealer or affirm the coverage in writing. At the repair level, Nissan has offered a fix outside of warranty coverage (a patch) which does not provide the continuing coverage provided by a warranty repair (which requires replacement of the panel). I have spent countless hours taking the car in to have it looked at and on…”
Forward collision avoidance
15 reports1 crash
“Immediately after turning car on and putting it on Drive gear, the collision light and traction light on dashboard came on and a message “Malfunction See Owner’s Manual” came on too. As I tried to get out of my parking garage it was little hard to accelerate. I turned my car off for a few seconds, the collision/traction engine light turned off, but check engine light turned on. I had battery checked by AAA who confirmed battery is still in good condition. Took vehicle to auto zone to scan and was notified about got code “P0101” Air filter is changed with every oil change, maintenance has been kept up as well.”
Electrical system
12 reports1 crash
“The car won’t 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 didn’t accelerate again. And stopped working.”
Power train
11 reports1 crash
“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”
Engine
9 reports
“My CVT transmission has stopped working. At no time during taking it to Nissan dealerships to have oil changes in basic maintenance was it ever suggested to do a filter or fluid change on my transmission although Nissan transmissions are sold to consumers as locked and maintenance free it is a well-known fact that I've come to find out that this is a very incorrect statement and fluid and filters do need change every 30 to 50,000 miles or it will cause severe damage to one's transmission which is what it occurred to me on my 2021 Nissan kicks. Also all my safety features that told me if I was outside of a lane or anything like that would go off and not work properly tell me that it was wet conditions when it wasn't tell me I was going to crash when I wasn't even near anything. This occurred before the transmission completely bottomed out.”
Air bags
4 reports4 crashes
“I was involved in a pile up on the highway, upon impact, my seatbelt and my daughter’s seat belt popped off. My sons however, remained intact. The air bags did not go off.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.