2021 Nissan Kicks
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.
- Complaints
- 78
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Structure
Campaigns on file for 2021
None on file
31% of complaints
Complaints per year
2021: 78 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.
Structure
31% · 24 reportsMost commonly citing body.
Forward collision avoidance
23% · 18 reportsMost commonly citing warnings and automatic emergency braking.
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, 2021-12-02
Also filed under Air bags and seats
Electrical system
15% · 12 reportsMost commonly citing integrated trailer brake control.
Show complaint excerpts
The car wonât accelerate pass 40mph , ABS light will turn on , it completely stopped on the free way. I waited 5 minutes and the car started running. I d been doing this since march 2026.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-09
Power train
14% · 11 reportsShow 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, 2025-11-07
Engine timing and Transmission failed and replaced before 90,000 miles,
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-03
Also filed under Engine
I had a noise and highway vibration in my 2021 Nissan Kicks. Brought it to the dealer and was told the front axle nut was loose. They said it is a common issue.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-14
Also filed under Steering
Engine
12% · 9 reportsSafety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2022-11-10Steering22V693000 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.
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R
2023-09-08Steering23V496000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2021 Nissan Kicks — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Structure: 24 reports on file for this year.
- Forward collision avoidance: 18 reports on file for this year.
- Electrical system: 12 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 22V693000 · Steering
- Recall 23V496000 · Steering
Other years of this model
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, accounting for 31% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2021 Nissan Kicks have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-31 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.