2020 Nissan Kicks Problems & Owner Complaints

Forward Collision Avoidance 34 1 crash

“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. Then on Oct 29 the vehicle locked down the brakes as she was pulling into the parking lot at work when there was not a collision imminent. She skidded into the curb damaging her front driver side wheel. We took the vehicle to the Dick Smith Nissan dealer in Lexington SC but they told us they couldn't reproduce the failure and recommended we bring it back i…”
NHTSA complaint #11440279, 2021 · crash

“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. As soon as my car hits 2000 RPM, the front and rear collision lights and traction light come on… my car almost doesn’t move when I press the gas to go after this happens and the rpm’s are up to 3000-4000 just going 30 mph”
NHTSA complaint #11750491, 2026

“The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that the ABS, Forward Facing Camera, Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), Lane Variation, and other safety feature lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the ABS and Forward-Facing Camera. The dealer diagnosed that the ADAS needed to be replaced; however, the part was on back order. While awaiting parts for the repair, the battery started to lose power and needed to be jump-started several times. The manufacturer was informed of the issue. The manufacturer opened a case for the issue. The failure…”
NHTSA complaint #11710355, 2025

Electrical System 26 1 crash

“SIDE IMPACTED BY 52 YEAR OLD JEEP. BOTH DRIVER SIDE DOORS CAVED IN, WINDOWS SHATTERED, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY”
NHTSA complaint #11470890, 2022 · crash

“The vehicle's ABS Actuator (47660-5RW0D) failed and was replaced. Given the mileage was only 32,827, the component failed prematurely and was nowhere near the end of its lifetime expectancy. This indicates it was inherently defective from the factory. This premature failure presented a critical safety hazard. Because the component controls anti-lock braking and the electronic stability control, a sudden failure compromises vehicle safety, increases stopping distances, and poses an immediate risk to driver, passenger, and public safety. Multiple warning lights have been sporadically coming…”
NHTSA complaint #11742524, 2026

“The dash board lights up and the check engine light comes. It’s hard to accelerate or reverse and its idles high. I have replaced coils, spark plugs, censors and it’s costs me thousands of dollars and it’s still not fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #11727821, 2025

Engine 20

“My vehicle over the last 3-4 years has been showing P0101 code errors, resulting in issues with idle, performance, and fuel economy. Cleaning the MAF sensor does nothing. This causes all sensors to turn off and stay off until the car is subsequently turned off again. I have taken it in to Nissan to be inspected and refuse to pay over $500 just for them to diagnose the issue. Have seen this also being a recurring issue with other owners.”
NHTSA complaint #11750705, 2026

“The car acceleration issues, taking a long time to go from 0-50 with the tachometer going up to 5 to do so. My MPG has gone from 33 to 28 mpg. There are times when I press on the gas but my car doesn’t move. It also makes loud “rumbling” or “whining” sounds at times.”
NHTSA complaint #11732256, 2025

“The dash board lights up and the check engine light comes. It’s hard to accelerate or reverse and its idles high. I have replaced coils, spark plugs, censors and it’s costs me thousands of dollars and it’s still not fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #11727821, 2025

Power Train 18

“CVT issues-car is sputtering and gears slipping. Vehicle has 148,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11749724, 2026

“Vehicle was just purchased from a Nissan Dealership (2020 Kicks) and less than 1,300 miles of driving throwing a code stating there is a problem with CVT transmission. Will not produce enough power when going uphill. RPMs will suddenly not go over 1 when given gas uphill. There was a recall for this problem on other 2020 kicks but ours isn't covered and we just purchased this vehicle and drove it home less than 2 months ago.”
NHTSA complaint #11720354, 2026

“When driving my car the crash light comes on in traffic and sometimes when braking. Recently it started to flash the hydroplaning symbol and now the check engine is on. I’ve seen other people online having the same issue with their vehicles as well.”
NHTSA complaint #11697266, 2025

Fuel/Propulsion System 13

“The car acceleration issues, taking a long time to go from 0-50 with the tachometer going up to 5 to do so. My MPG has gone from 33 to 28 mpg. There are times when I press on the gas but my car doesn’t move. It also makes loud “rumbling” or “whining” sounds at times.”
NHTSA complaint #11732256, 2025

“The dash board lights up and the check engine light comes. It’s hard to accelerate or reverse and its idles high. I have replaced coils, spark plugs, censors and it’s costs me thousands of dollars and it’s still not fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #11727821, 2025

“P0101 code keep coming back after so many repairs plus all lights are on like lane assist front collision prevention rear collision detection and slippery road it will reset after turning off and on”
NHTSA complaint #11687431, 2025

Unknown Or Other 12

“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. As soon as my car hits 2000 RPM, the front and rear collision lights and traction light come on… my car almost doesn’t move when I press the gas to go after this happens and the rpm’s are up to 3000-4000 just going 30 mph”
NHTSA complaint #11750491, 2026

“I own a 2020 Nissan Kicks and have experienced recurring and unpredictable electrical and system malfunctions while driving. At times, a "Malfunction, see owner's manual" warning appears on the dashboard, accompanied by multiple warning lights including: Forward collision warning Slippery road / traction control warning. Occasionally, the high beam headlights turn on by themselves, and I have noticed that the malfunction also leads to the engine stalling when I switch to reverse to park my car. These warnings appear randomly, about a few times a month, while driving under normal conditions. Th…”
NHTSA complaint #11669561, 2025

“I own a 2020 Nissan Kicks and have experienced recurring and unpredictable electrical and system malfunctions while driving. At random times, a "malfunction" warning appears on the dashboard, accompanied by multiple warning lights including: Forward collision warning Slippery road / traction control warning Occasionally, the high beam headlights turn on by themselves These warnings appear randomly, about a few times a month, while driving under normal conditions. The issue usually resolves temporarily after restarting the vehicle, but this raises serious concerns about the reliability of ke…”
NHTSA complaint #11665679, 2025

Service Brakes 11 2 crash 1 injury

“The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while the fiancé was driving approximately 30 MPH, and turning left the power steering and power brake suddenly failed causing the fiancé to loose control of the steering and and crash to a traffic pole. The contact indicated that prior to the incident the crash detection warning light had activated. During the crash the air bags deployed and the driver sustain bruising of the left arm and lefts from the air bag deployment and seatbelts. The fiance was transported and treated at the local hospital. A police report was taken at the…”
NHTSA complaint #11738156, 2026 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“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. Then on Oct 29 the vehicle locked down the brakes as she was pulling into the parking lot at work when there was not a collision imminent. She skidded into the curb damaging her front driver side wheel. We took the vehicle to the Dick Smith Nissan dealer in Lexington SC but they told us they couldn't reproduce the failure and recommended we bring it back i…”
NHTSA complaint #11440279, 2021 · crash

“The vehicle's ABS Actuator (47660-5RW0D) failed and was replaced. Given the mileage was only 32,827, the component failed prematurely and was nowhere near the end of its lifetime expectancy. This indicates it was inherently defective from the factory. This premature failure presented a critical safety hazard. Because the component controls anti-lock braking and the electronic stability control, a sudden failure compromises vehicle safety, increases stopping distances, and poses an immediate risk to driver, passenger, and public safety. Multiple warning lights have been sporadically coming…”
NHTSA complaint #11742524, 2026

Lane Departure 10

“The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that the ABS, Forward Facing Camera, Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), Lane Variation, and other safety feature lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the ABS and Forward-Facing Camera. The dealer diagnosed that the ADAS needed to be replaced; however, the part was on back order. While awaiting parts for the repair, the battery started to lose power and needed to be jump-started several times. The manufacturer was informed of the issue. The manufacturer opened a case for the issue. The failure…”
NHTSA complaint #11710355, 2025

“The engine harness and electrical wiring have caused the entire vehicle to lose signal. This issue has cause my.car to stall and not accelerate while driving. Entire lights on dashboard come one and vehicle is unable to accerlerate. Vehicle is currently at the dealer and that is the tecnicians conclusion. No signs before aside from dashboard lights turning on. Vehicle was taken to DMV soon after.”
NHTSA complaint #11696201, 2025

“1.the vehicle brakes on it's own 2.the vehicle stops accelerating while driving even if when the engine is still running and stepping on the gas pedal. 3. lane departure malfunctions”
NHTSA complaint #11667323, 2025

Air Bags 7 4 crash 1 injury

“The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated while stopped at a traffic signal, a truck with a snow plow came up on the driver's side of the vehicle where a corner of the plow crashed into the passenger rear driver-side door, and then crashed into the driver's side door. The corner of the plow had torn a gash through the passenger door. The contact stated that both the rear passenger and driver's door glass had shattered. The driver's door was crushed but had not been penetrated by the corner of the plow. The contact had suffered cuts and bruises on his left arm, with a partial tea…”
NHTSA complaint #11497749, 2022 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“A Nissan Rouge hit my car took off the entire front of the car and the air bags did not deploy.”
NHTSA complaint #11579376, 2024 · crash

“The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH while making a turn, a second speeding vehicle crashed into the front drivers side of the vehicle causing significant damage to the front driver side. During the crash neither the front driver side air bag or the front passenger side air bag had deployed. No injuries were reported. A police report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11478748, 2022 · crash

Vehicle Speed Control 6

“The car acceleration issues, taking a long time to go from 0-50 with the tachometer going up to 5 to do so. My MPG has gone from 33 to 28 mpg. There are times when I press on the gas but my car doesn’t move. It also makes loud “rumbling” or “whining” sounds at times.”
NHTSA complaint #11732256, 2025

“1.the vehicle brakes on it's own 2.the vehicle stops accelerating while driving even if when the engine is still running and stepping on the gas pedal. 3. lane departure malfunctions”
NHTSA complaint #11667323, 2025

“The transmission control module or, (TCM), is the system that failed and or malfunctioned and it is available for inspection upon request of the company. The safety of myself and my husband was put at risk when this component failed and the vehicle would not move forward in traffic. Yes the problem has been reproduced and confirmed, NOT by a dealer, but by myself. No the component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance, or other representatives with the Nissan Co.. Yes there were warning lamps such as the check engine light no messages and no other symptoms of the proble…”
NHTSA complaint #11645792, 2025

Back Over Prevention 5

“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. As soon as my car hits 2000 RPM, the front and rear collision lights and traction light come on… my car almost doesn’t move when I press the gas to go after this happens and the rpm’s are up to 3000-4000 just going 30 mph”
NHTSA complaint #11750491, 2026

“The car gives me warning signals. All the warnings display on my screen and then the car doesn’t advance. It has happened several times and I’ve been put in danger since I live in San Antonio TX and there’s always traffic. I’ve called the dealer and they just tell that there’s no recalls for that vehicle. A lady that works at the same company I do has had the save issue. I searched online and many others are having the same issue. Also I purchased a code scanner which tells me it’s the mass air flow sensor and I replaced it but the issue persists. I put yesterday’s date’s for the incident but…”
NHTSA complaint #11682552, 2025

“The sensor lights constantly come on and then the engine light comes on. When I got the engine light read, it says I need a new mass airflow sensor. I have replaced this sensor 3 times now and the air filter, the same issue is occurring over and over again. Every sensor light comes on and the car starts to decelerate while you are driving making it difficult to press the gas or accelerate to a higher speed.”
NHTSA complaint #11704269, 2024

Steering 3 1 crash 1 injury

“The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while the fiancé was driving approximately 30 MPH, and turning left the power steering and power brake suddenly failed causing the fiancé to loose control of the steering and and crash to a traffic pole. The contact indicated that prior to the incident the crash detection warning light had activated. During the crash the air bags deployed and the driver sustain bruising of the left arm and lefts from the air bag deployment and seatbelts. The fiance was transported and treated at the local hospital. A police report was taken at the…”
NHTSA complaint #11738156, 2026 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“1. MAF Sensor replaced 3 times within a few months of replacing each time. (took it to the Nissan Dealership multiple times and all they do is replace it without further diagnosing as to why) 2. Replaced the Transmission in March 2025 (Nissan wanted to charge me ($8300.00). I took it to Glen Burnie Transmission ($5708.00) 3. Replaced the Alternator on 7 June 2025. 4. Vehicle has been hesitating and stalling while driving. 5. Vehicle doesn't want to start when I push the button and put my foot on the brake pedal. 6. Power Steering issues (the steering wheel goes loose at times when I make t…”
NHTSA complaint #11669149, 2024

“THE CAR STALLED WHILE DRIVING CAUSING A SAFETY CONCERN. THE ENGINE WAS STILL RUNNING, HOWEVER, THE CAR WOULD NOT MOVE. AFTER SHUTTING IT DOWN AND RESTARTING THE CAR A SECOMD TIME, THE CAR STARTED MOVING AGAIN.”
NHTSA complaint #11342309, 2020

Structure 2 1 crash

“SIDE IMPACTED BY 52 YEAR OLD JEEP. BOTH DRIVER SIDE DOORS CAVED IN, WINDOWS SHATTERED, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY”
NHTSA complaint #11470890, 2022 · crash

“The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated while lowering the passenger’s side sun visor, the contact became aware that the sun visor had melted. On another occasion the rear-view mirror detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 55,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11536037, 2023

Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 1

“The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle dynamic control (VDC) warning light illuminated, and the vehicle would not properly accelerate. The contact also stated that the vehicle hesitated while depressing the brake pedal. The contact stopped on the side of the road and turned off and restarted the vehicle, and the vehicle started operating normally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed; however, the contact was unsure what software updates needed to be performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. T…”
NHTSA complaint #11510051, 2023

Seat Belts 1

“The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front driver's side seat belt independently unlatched. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 197. The VIN was not available.”
NHTSA complaint #11697341, 2025

Suspension 1 1 crash 1 injury

“The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kick. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 20-25 MPH and attempting to make a left turn, the vehicle suddenly lost control causing the vehicle to go straight across the road instead of completing the left turn. The vehicle crashed into 2 mailboxes before it came to a stop. The passenger side wheel bent outward causing the passenger side fender to lodge into the door. The driver-side wheel had turned in the opposite direction. The passenger side axle detached from the transmission. The lower ball joint detached from the lower control…”
NHTSA complaint #11563345, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Tires 1

“P 205 / 60 /16 1. Driving on the surface road in Atlanta, and without warning the sidewall of the Firestone FT 140 failed (see picture). 2. The 2020 Nissan Kicks only had 21,100 miles on the car at the time of the incident 3. There is no puncture in the tread and I have the tire in my possession and would be happy to may the tire available for inspection by an NHTSA representative. 4. I did NOT feel safe with the other 3 (inherently the same tire, as it was OEM) tires I had them replaced as a precaution. Regards, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (F…”
NHTSA complaint #11452941, 2022

Visibility 1

“The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated while lowering the passenger’s side sun visor, the contact became aware that the sun visor had melted. On another occasion the rear-view mirror detached. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 55,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11536037, 2023

Visibility/Wiper 1

“BACK WINDOW CLEANER KEEPS LEAKING LEAVING STREAKS DOWN BACK WINDOW.. *TR”
NHTSA complaint #11326450, 2020

Wheels 1 1 crash 1 injury

“The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kick. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at approximately 20-25 MPH and attempting to make a left turn, the vehicle suddenly lost control causing the vehicle to go straight across the road instead of completing the left turn. The vehicle crashed into 2 mailboxes before it came to a stop. The passenger side wheel bent outward causing the passenger side fender to lodge into the door. The driver-side wheel had turned in the opposite direction. The passenger side axle detached from the transmission. The lower ball joint detached from the lower control…”
NHTSA complaint #11563345, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)