2018 Nissan Kicks
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 86
- Recalls
- 1
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Forward collision avoidance
Campaigns on file for 2018
None on file
29% of complaints
Complaints per year
2018: 86 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 | 86 |
| 2019 | 134 |
| 2020 | 97 |
| 2021 | 78 |
| 2022 | 24 |
| 2023 | 33 |
| 2024 | 37 |
| 2025 | 42 |
| 2026 | 9 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Forward collision avoidance
29% · 25 reportsMost commonly citing warnings and automatic emergency braking.
Show complaint excerpts
Shows an error with the front collision sensor, the engine losses power and eventually shuts down (engine turns off) in the middle of the highway.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-02
Also filed under Engine
It originally started about two years ago when the check engine light came on (along with others) that point to a code with the Mass Air Flow sensor. It would stall at low RPMs at traffic lights, and was extremely worrying during normal driving.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-25
Also filed under Engine and electrical system
Im getting a front collision warning light with nothing in front of w
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-09-21
Engine
27% · 23 reportsShow complaint excerpts
My transmission failed while traveling on a highway at 60mph almost causing an accident. Issues with this generation of cvt transmissions have been the subject of multiple lawsuits and warrenty extensions.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-18
Electrical system
27% · 23 reportsService brakes
17% · 15 reportsMost commonly citing air.
Show complaint excerpts
Within the first 300 miles the sensors started to malfunction. The dealer replaced the side sensors. The the front sensor relating to the aeb started to malfunction.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-12-04
Also filed under Electronic stability control (esc)
Electronic stability control (esc)
14% · 12 reportsSafety timeline
1 recall · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2018Complaint volume 86 complaints filed for this model year.
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R
2019-11-11Back over prevention19V654000 Nissan North America, Inc.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated.
Buy-smart checklist
2018 Nissan Kicks — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Forward collision avoidance: 25 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 23 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 23 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 19V654000 · Back over prevention
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2018 Nissan Kicks reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Nissan Kicks is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Nissan Kicks?
- The most-reported component is forward collision avoidance, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2018 Nissan Kicks have?
- 1 recall on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.