NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls and 10 owner complaints for the 2026 Nissan Kicks. Most complaints involve visibility (2) and steering (2). The EPA rates it 30–31 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Kicks vehicles. A software error in the combination meter may cause the screen display to go partially or fully blank. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2026 Kicks and Sentra vehicles. The hook bracket of the front seat frames may be insufficiently welded, which can cause the front seat frames to become loose. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 207, "Seating Systems" and 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Altima, Sentra, 2025-2026 Frontier, and 2026 Kicks vehicles. The door strikers may have been improperly welded and break, allowing the door to open while moving. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
“My car was sitting in my driveway and I came outside to find rear window with two holes in it. One on left top of window and one on bottom right of window. Glass around edges of entire window appears to have disintegrated. Window was burst inward and glass was all over car. Nissan stated this was not covered by warranty and there were no recalls on my vehicle so they could not assist. Local Nissan dealer stated they had not heard of this occurring on Kicks (but have heard of it on other models). No warning lights or warning signs precedented this. If someone had been in the backseat, the glass would have hit and them.”
“The contact owns 2026 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The brakes and steering wheel were locked. All the warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, who confirmed there was a total communication failure across the modules. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 2,086.”
“The issue involves defective malfunction of the dashboard (usb,audio, and sometimes warning lights are hidden then appear) and improperly unbalanced wheels. Which has significantly impacted the safety, reliability, and usability of my vehicle.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kicks Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 35 | 31 | $2,000 | 287 |
| Kicks AWD Auto (variable gear ratios), 4 cyl, 2.0 L · All-Wheel Drive | 27 | 34 | 30 | $2,100 | 299 |
| 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 |
3 safety recalls as of Nov 7, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 10 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are visibility (2), steering (2), electrical system (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2026 Nissan Kicks at 30–31 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2026 Nissan Kicks 4 out of 5 stars overall.