Research · Midsize Cars

2022 Nissan KicksRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 24 owner complaints for the 2022 Nissan Kicks. Most complaints involve forward collision avoidance (6) and steering (5). 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
24
Top: forward collision avoidance
Fuel cost / yr
$1,950est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2022 Nissan Kicks as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

24 complaints filed with NHTSA · Mar 2022 – Oct 2026
  1. Forward collision avoidance6
  2. Steering5
  3. Power train4
  4. Engine4
  5. Suspension3
  6. Electrical system2
  7. Structure2
  8. Wheels2
  9. Seats1

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Kicks model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
201886
2019134
202098
202178
202224
202334
202439
202542
202610
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
2
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Forward collision avoidance

6 reports
“Our 2022 Nissan Kicks has an unresolved acceleration/drivability problem. After pulling out of a parking lot, I pressed the accelerator, but the vehicle accelerated only minimally and slowly reached about 25 mph despite a posted speed limit of 45 mph. A red light ahead stopped traffic and prevented what could have been a collision. An independent garage scanned the vehicle and provided a printout showing code C1A07:04. The Nissan dealership said the problem was a dirty throttle body caused by the gas we used, not a transmission problem. We authorized replacement based on that explanation, but the original drivability concerns remain. Lag around 40 mph has improved, but the vehicle jumps when shifting into reverse and does not transition smoothly. Additional problems have developed: the A/C malfunctions, the fuel gauge no longer reads correctly, and dashboard lighting randomly dims and brightens. The dealership also reported slashed tread on a new front tire; we do not know when or how it occurred since it was in their possession for the better part of a month. The independent garage scanned the vehicle, and a Nissan dealership diagnosed and replaced the…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 23, 2026Power train, Electrical system, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11773281

Steering

5 reports1 crash
“Description of the Problem On August 28, 2025, I had my vehicle serviced at Nissan of Dearborn due to a transmission malfunction. After the service was completed, I noticed the front end was pulling to the right, as time progress I became concerned. I took the vehicle to an independent service center for a front-end alignment. During the inspection, I was informed that the control arms were loose and needed to be replaced. Responses to Required Questions What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The transmission initially malfunctioned, and later the front suspension/control arms were found to be loose after the transmission was replaced. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Loose control arms and steering misalignment significantly compromised vehicle stability, creating a risk of loss of control while driving, which could lead to an accident. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the issue with the control arms was confirmed by an independent service center during the alignment inspection. Has the vehicle or component been…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 16, 2025Steering, Suspension, WheelsODI 11699698

Power train

4 reports
“The car has 82000 miles on it and transmission had to be replaced. The car is 4 years old and the repair is was $6000.00 which is over half the cars value. Nissan consumer affairs denied any goodwill assistance for a know issue with Nissan CVT transmissions”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 23, 2026Power trainODI 11766515
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Key specs

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 Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Kicks
Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.6 L · Front-Wheel Drive
313633$1,950269
  • Kicks
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 1.6 L
    31 city · 36 hwy · $1,950/yr
    33
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
Nissan 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 Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 17009
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat 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.
09 —FAQ

2022 Kicks questions

How many recalls does the 2022 Nissan Kicks have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 28, 2026.

What are the most common 2022 Nissan Kicks problems?

Owners filed 24 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are forward collision avoidance (6), steering (5), power train (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2022 Nissan Kicks get?

The EPA rates the 2022 Nissan Kicks at 33 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).

How safe is the 2022 Nissan Kicks?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2022 Nissan Kicks 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026