2018 Nissan Kicks

◆ Worse than typical
2018 Nissan Kicks
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:18:14.203Z

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

Complaints per year, Nissan Kicks Bar chart of distinct NHTSA complaints filed per model year, 2018 highlighted. 2018: 83 complaints 2018 2019: 132 complaints 2020: 89 complaints 2020 2021: 72 complaints 2022: 22 complaints 2022 2023: 30 complaints 2024: 30 complaints 2024 2025: 31 complaints 2026: 3 complaints 2026
2018: 83 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
201883
2019132
202089
202172
202222
202330
202430
202531
20263

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 27%

27% of complaints: electrical system — 22 distinct reports on file.

ENGINE 24%

24% of complaints: engine — 20 distinct reports on file.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 18%

18% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 15 distinct reports on file.

Show complaint excerpts

Im getting a front collision warning light with nothing in front of w

NHTSA ODI report, 20230921

SERVICE BRAKES 17%

17% of complaints: service brakes — 14 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
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, 20181204

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) 14%

14% of complaints: electronic stability control (esc) — 12 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
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, 20181204

SAFETY TIMELINE

2018 — complaint volume: 83
R 20191111 — back over prevention

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.

Campaign 19V654000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2018 Nissan Kicks — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (22 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for engine issues (20 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (15 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 19V654000 (back over prevention) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2023 ▲ 2024 ▲ 2025

WORST YEARS

■ 2019 ◆ 2020 ● 2021

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 electrical system, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2018 Nissan Kicks have?

1 recall on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.