2021 Nissan Kicks

● Typical for this model
2021 Nissan Kicks
RENDERED 2026-08-02T09:18:14.962Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of 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, 2021 highlighted. 2018: 83 complaints 2018 2019: 132 complaints 2020: 89 complaints 2020 2021: 72 complaints 2021 2022: 22 complaints 2022 2023: 30 complaints 2024: 30 complaints 2024 2025: 31 complaints 2026: 3 complaints 2026
2021: 72 complaints
View as data table
YearComplaints
201883
2019132
202089
202172
202222
202330
202430
202531
20263

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

STRUCTURE 33%

33% of complaints: structure — 24 distinct reports on file.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 14%

14% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 10 distinct reports on file.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 14%

14% of complaints: electrical system — 10 distinct reports on file.

POWER TRAIN 10%

10% of complaints: power train — 7 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY
Show complaint excerpts

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, there was a loud boom coming from the engine compartment with several unknown warning lights illuminated.

NHTSA ODI report, 20251107

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 10%

10% of complaints: forward collision avoidance — 7 distinct reports on file.

CRASH
Show complaint excerpts

While traveling on a hwy with my 2021 Nissan Kicks, me and my wife were sandwiched. A black SUV suddenly stopped in front of us causing us to rear end them going approximately 50-60 mph then we were rear ended.

NHTSA ODI report, 20211202

SAFETY TIMELINE

R 20221110 — steering

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Versa and Kicks vehicles. An intermittent electrical connection in the electric power steering (EPS) torque sensor can disable the power steering assist.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering column torque sensor lot code, and replace the column, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 9, 2022.

Campaign 22V693000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20230908 — steering

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Versa and Kicks vehicles. An intermittent electrical connection in the electric power steering (EPS) torque sensor can disable the power steering assist.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering column torque sensor lot code and replace the steering column assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 8, 2023.

Campaign 23V496000 — check if this car was fixed

BUY-SMART CHECKLIST

2021 Nissan Kicks — pre-purchase inspection

  • Test/inspect for structure issues (24 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for forward collision avoidance issues (10 reports on file for this year).
  • Test/inspect for electrical system issues (10 reports on file for this year).
  • Verify recall 22V693000 (steering) has been completed.
  • Verify recall 23V496000 (steering) has been completed.

OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL

BEST YEARS

▲ 2023 ▲ 2024 ▲ 2025

WORST YEARS

■ 2019 ◆ 2020 ◆ 2018

See all years ranked →

FAQ

Is the 2021 Nissan Kicks reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2021 Nissan Kicks is rated "typical".

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Nissan Kicks?

The most-reported component is structure:body, accounting for 33% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2021 Nissan Kicks have?

2 recalls on file for this model year.

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