2020 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
- 97
- Recalls
- 0
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Forward collision avoidance
None on file
None on file
45% of complaints
Complaints per year
2020: 97 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
45% · 44 reportsMost commonly citing warnings and automatic emergency braking.
Show complaint excerpts
I am the owner of the vehicle but my daughter was the driver and I am making the complaint on her behalf but she can provide additional details. The vehicle began making a grinding sound at times that sounds similar to the anti-lock braking.
NHTSA ODI report, 2021-11-12
Also filed under Service brakes
When driving, if the wind blows or we hit a small bump in the road, the traction control light will flash & and the car will completely lose the ability to accelerate. Then, the car will have to come to a complete stop to regain acceleration.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-25
Check engine light appears on and throws code p0101, mass air flow sensor. Have changed mass air flow sensor twice, had code cleared at mechanic. Drive 5 miles and BAM check engine light appears.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-15
Also filed under Back over prevention
Electrical system
28% · 27 reportsMost commonly citing speedometer/odometer.
Show complaint excerpts
My 2020 Nissan Kicks with 62,000 miles, went into limp mode on XXX and after a diagnostic test by the Pinnacle Nissan dealership in Scottsdale ([XXX]), it was determined a "Throttle Body Replacement" was needed. I paid $1,143.69 for that work.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-15
Power train
21% · 20 reportsShow complaint excerpts
My car when in over 95 degree weather, literally will not have power to get up hills and starts to jerk and looses power to make the hills. When the temps outside are cooler the car works fine. I live in [XXX] and I drive long distance to work.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-10
CVT issues-car is sputtering and gears slipping. Vehicle has 148,000 miles.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-11
Engine
21% · 20 reportsFuel/propulsion system
13% · 13 reportsSafety timeline
No recalls on file for this model year.
0 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2020Complaint volume 97 complaints filed for this model year.
Buy-smart checklist
2020 Nissan Kicks — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Forward collision avoidance: 44 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 27 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 20 reports on file for this year.
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2020 Nissan Kicks reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2020 Nissan Kicks is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2020 Nissan Kicks?
- The most-reported component is forward collision avoidance, accounting for 45% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2020 Nissan Kicks have?
- No recalls are on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.