2021 Nissan Kicks Problems And Complaints

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Rating5.8

Ranked #10 in 

Subcompact SUV
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$19,600 - $22,140
Starting Price 

Users Opinions on 2021 Nissan Kicks

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Disliked by Users

  • O

    Owner

    11/10/2022

    Rating:

    (1 Out Of 5 stars)

    Uncomfortable, small gas tank (prepare to always fill up twice a week), just a crap car. Save your money.

    Source: edmunds

  • M

    McG

    16/05/2022

    Rating:

    (2 Out Of 5 stars)

    Cute car but……. -You have to pretty much slam the doors every single time or they don’t shut properly. -The light duty hitch and bike rack that was perfect on my 2017 Sentra sinks the Kicks down so much I can’t clear the slight ramp out of my school parking lot without risking scraping the bottom of the rack. Sentra had no issues whatsoever. -Collision assist randomly comes on when there isn’t a vehicle, human or animal anywhereRead More

    Source: edmunds

  • B

    Brancesca

    23/11/2021

    Rating:

    (2 Out Of 5 stars)

    ... one of these right now, and I was shocked when I looked up the price of the car. I thought it would be around 14k or so. It is not comfortable whatsoever, it pulls to the left , so you have to constantly center it on long stretches of road, zero horsepower, blinding light up dash console. Awkward long sun visors that do not block the sun , the wind just howls in the cabin on the highway. Feels extremely cheap,Read More

    Source: edmunds

2021 Nissan Kicks Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

58

Complaints
Overall Safety Rating
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on August 26, 2024

The 2021 Nissan Kicks is no different as it has racked up almost 24 ongoing problems and complaints from the customer end, some of them with no definite remedy. With competitors like the Honda HR-V, the Hyundai Kona, and the Ford EcoSport fighting for the likes. Even "EddieX" believes that there are a few downsides to this drive just like we do. To know more about that check the video mentioned below.

2021 Nissan Kicks User Complaints and Problems

Mechanical Complaints 

  • Engine: Random stalls andhesitation on throttle inputs are two main complaints registered against the 2021 Nissan Kicks. Since the dealers were unable to replicate the fault or find errors codes, the issues were left undiagnosed. Even though the NHTSA has only one recognized complaint on this issue, unofficial platforms have seen a rise in this specific aspect, especially on vehicles with higher mileage.
  • Service brakes: The 2021 Nissan Kicks is said to have inherent brake issues. Owners complained about the brake screeching and pulsating upon heavy braking. The dealers have pointed out the issue to be a faulty ABS unit and suggested turning off the TCS for a better brake feel.

Electric System complaints

  • Climate control: The blend door of the air vents are said to be faulty on some batches of the 2021 Nissan Kicks. The vents are said to blow hot air into the cabin when the actual cabin temperature is set far lower. This issue is common with the climate control module of a few 2021 Nissan vehicles but no official information about firmware updates is available on this problem.
  • Infotainment: Multiple owners have complained about glitchy Android Auto connectivity on the 2021 Nissan Kicks. The system is said to occasionally freeze or automatically disconnect the phone from the in-car infotainment. Drivers are forced to re-plug the device to re-establish the connection, several times in some cases.

Structural Complaints

  • Driver side door: The driver side door/glass window is said to not seal properly when closed. This has resulted in heavy wind/ whistling noise from this particular side when driving on freeways which, as complained, is very distracting and irritating on long drives.
  • Paint chipping: Paint chipping and corrosion on the upper part of the windshield have been a common occurrence with some batches of the 2021 Nissan Kicks. Owners have also complained about water spots on the body panels and glass that are permanent on brand new vehicles.

Safety Complaints

  • Forward collision avoidance system- Faulty collision avoidance system is one common issue seen on the 2021 Kicks. The system is said to intermittently turn off when driving and also flashes warning signs when there is no traffic in the car’s vicinity. One owner has also complained about the system completely failing to brake autonomously on detection of obstruction.At least one crash has been officially recorded against this problem by the NHTSA.

 2021 Nissan Kicks Recalls

The Nissan Kicks has been a remarkable performer when it comes to recalls. It single-handedly comes out as one of the most robust subcompact SUVs around with a history of just one factory recall on its name since its launch in 2017. Even though it went through a subtle facelift in 2021, it continues on its excellent stride and marks 0 recalls for the 2021 model year.

 Should you buy a used Nissan Kicks?

If you are looking for a cheap, reliable, decently equipped, and fuel-efficient city car, then there is pretty much nothing that’s stopping you from getting a Nissan Kicks. Even though we are against recommending brand-new or facelifted model years, with the relatively low number of complaints and zero recall, the 2021 Nissan Kicks is good to go. Also given its affordable pricing, it would be that expensive to fix stuff if something does go wrong in the future.

2021 Nissan Kicks 

 

  • Complaints
  • Recalls
  • Investigations
  • Manufacturer Communications

August 8, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11679233

Components: 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

NHTSA ID Number:
11679233

Incident Date:
August 8, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
3N1CP5BV9ML

Consumer Location:
Unknown

Summary
While driving the car seems to be stalling, slowing down while I'm driving. The car feels like it doesn't...

June 11, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11666215

Components: 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

NHTSA ID Number:
11666215

Incident Date:
June 11, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
3N1CP5DV4ML

Consumer Location:
GRAND BLANC, MI

Summary
I've been going in the dealership a lot regarding this car since I've purchase the car On 10/09 I was c...

May 24, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11662960

Components: 162000 STRUCTURE

NHTSA ID Number:
11662960

Incident Date:
May 24, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
3N1CP5CV0ML

Consumer Location:
CONROE, TX

Summary
Drivers side door lock will not function properly. The remote will successfully lock/unlock all of the ot...

May 22, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11662687

Components: 180000 VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

NHTSA ID Number:
11662687

Incident Date:
May 22, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
3N1CP5CV4ML

Consumer Location:
RICHMOND, TX

Summary
car will not accelerate after pressing gas pedal all the way down; has jerking motion to get it to go the...

May 16, 2025, NHTSA ID Number: 11661572

Components: 110000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

NHTSA ID Number:
11661572

Incident Date:
May 16, 2025

Vehicle Identification Number:
3N1CP5CV4ML

Consumer Location:
CANAL WINCHESTER, OH

Summary
I was driving at a speed of 32 no other cars around. All of a sudden I hear some buzzing and feel vibrati...

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