2020 Nissan Kicks Problems
Compared with other Nissan Kicks years
Typical for this model
50/100 1.0× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.0× that of a typical Nissan Kicks year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 32 of its 98 complaints were filed by the end of 2022.
- Most reported problem: Collision and emergency-braking warnings with nothing ahead (33 complaints, median 30,000 mi).
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2018, 2023
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 98filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 6,000miles, 27 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall
- EPA fuel economy
- 33 mpgcombined, 1.6L 4-cyl FWD · 31 city / 36 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2020 Nissan Kicks (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2020 Nissan Kicks most often describe warning lights for the forward collision and automatic emergency braking systems that come on with nothing in the road, and sometimes a brief automatic stop. A second large group describes hesitation, stalling or loss of power at low speeds, at stop lights, or after a stop, with several reports of a CVT-related diagnosis. Electrical gremlins (dashboard lights, chimes, accessories behaving oddly) and rough idle with stalling on early-mileage cars round out the sample.
- Forward collision avoidance
Collision and emergency-braking warnings with nothing ahead
- 33 complaints (34%)
- median 30,000 mi at 2.5 yrs old (3 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2021–2026
Owners describe the forward collision warning light or "malfunction" message lighting up at random, often with lane departure or rear cross-traffic warnings, in clear weather and with no vehicle in front. Several report the automatic emergency braking briefly applying the brakes or bringing the car to a near stop at highway speed or in a parking garage. Dealers, according to complaints, sometimes reset or replace a sensor or camera, sometimes report the camera was out of alignment, and in other cases said they could not reproduce the light. Scattered across the mileage range, from cars with only a few hundred miles to those well past 50,000, with no clear seasonal pattern.
What to check: Ask whether the collision camera has been aimed or replaced and whether any related software updates were applied. During a test drive, watch whether any of these warning lights flash or stay on.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The collision warning lights randomly come on, the vehicle loses power suddenly. If I was trying to merge or go on the interstate and suddenly my vehicle loses power while thinking I have enough distance and can accelerate safely but my vehicle just loses power other drivers wouldn’t be able to stop while I was pretty much stuck.”
NHTSA complaint #11597879, filed 2024-07“For over a year now the forward collision warning light just flashes at random times as I am going down the road (I've taken numerous photos). I've taken it to Downtown Nashville Nissan to have it fixed (under warranty) and they say it has to be flashing when I bring it in. But they have shown me computer read-outs on when it has activated (gone off). They refuse to change the sensor. …”
NHTSA complaint #11462426, filed 2022-04 - Engine
Rough idle and engine shutting off at low speeds
Mentioned in 11 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners of low-mileage cars describe the engine idling rough at stop lights, sometimes dying and restarting only after a few attempts. Several complaints mention a stuck vent control valve, corroded connector at the wiring harness, or a mass air flow sensor code (P0101), and some say the dealer could not duplicate the stall. A few report the engine cutting out shortly after leaving the dealership following a service visit. Mostly reported on cars under about 6,000 miles, frequently after 20-30 minutes of highway driving or while waiting at a light.
What to check: Ask for service records showing whether the vent control valve, harness connector or mass air flow sensor were replaced, and note any rough idle during a warm-engine test drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I was driving on the road, and my car was sitting at a red light, the car just stops and will not move. I almost caused a very bad accident as there was cars behind me. I turned it off and turned it back on and then it all of sudden worked again. This is a dangerous situation and I thought I was gonna be in a accident.”
NHTSA complaint #11365062, filed 2020-10, 1,779 miles“Stopped in parking lot to back in parking space and car just shut off. Was able to restart and proceed with backing in spot. At another time I was sitting at traffic light and RPM's started to move below 1 and then shut off. Another time was when I stopped to let a passenger out of car and car just shutodf.”
NHTSA complaint #11366915, filed 2020-10, 3,500 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
Hesitation, stalling or loss of power (CVT-related)
Mentioned in 10 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe the car hesitating or refusing to accelerate from a stop or when merging, and sometimes shutting off at a traffic light and needing a restart. Some owners say a dealer found CVT or transmission control module faults, and a few mention transmission vibration on quick reacceleration after braking. Others report the dealer could not duplicate the problem or called it normal. Mostly reported between roughly 1,000 and 65,000 miles, often after a stop or at low speed; a few owners link weaker power on hills to outside temperatures above 95 degrees.
What to check: Test drive from several full stops and up a hill, and ask whether the transmission control module has any stored codes or whether the CVT has been serviced or replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I purchased a 2020 Nissan kick in october 2020. On march 5, 2021, I was in the highway driving when my vehicle suddenly slowed down and would not let me accelerate. My entire transmission blew out and I need a replacement transmission. My vehicle only has 14,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11400258, filed 2021-03, 14,000 miles“Entering highway or traffic car hesitates no power . Seems like the engine isnt providing enough gas for take off, this is with the pedal accelerator completely pressed down. This has happened several times. Scary when your entereing traffic. Had back to dealer once and said all was fine. It happens almost every time I drive it but not all the time mainly when you come to an almost stop and try to go. I looked on line for bullitins and came across classification at19-002d reference ntb19-040d.”
NHTSA complaint #11378367, filed 2020-12, 975 miles - Electrical system
Dashboard warning lights and electrical glitches
Mentioned in 9 of 60 sampled complaints
Complaints describe several warning lights coming on at once, a "See Owner's Manual" or malfunction message, and accessories such as the heater, radio, remote start, door locks or high beams acting up. Some owners say a dealer diagnosed a failed electronic control module or engine harness, and a few mention parts being on back order. Others report the issue returns after parts were replaced. Spread from very low mileage up to around 60,000 miles and beyond; often intermittent and clearing after a restart.
What to check: Check that all warning lights go out after starting, try the radio, climate controls and door locks, and ask whether the electronic control module or harness has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I bought my New 2020 in February and I have already had to have it serviced 7 or more times, due to electrical issues. The Automatic Electrical Braking system comes on, even though nothing is in front of me when I am driving, also, the Collision alert comes on as well during the same time, even though no cars are in front me to warrant a possible collision. I am very nervous driving my car. I dont know what else to do. …”
NHTSA complaint #11449352, filed 2022-01“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, filed 2025-10 - Fuel system
Weak acceleration and rough running with fuel/air sensor
- 12 complaints (12%)
- typically at 5.6 yrs old
- filed 2021–2026
Owners describe the car feeling starved of power when pulling into traffic or going uphill, with the engine revving high without much forward motion, and sometimes a rumbling or whining noise. Several mention a mass air flow sensor code returning even after the sensor was replaced or cleaned, along with reduced fuel economy. Dealers, according to complaints, sometimes told owners the car was within specs or quoted a diagnostic fee without finding a cause. Reported from a few hundred miles up to well over 100,000 miles, with several owners describing it starting at low mileage and persisting.
What to check: Ask whether the mass air flow sensor or intake parts have been replaced and whether a P0101 code has been stored; drive a stretch of uphill road during the test drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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, filed 2026-07“Since I got the kicks in May of this year 2022 I have had multiple incidents where the lights for the sensors come on out of nowhere and it shows 3 messages for .sensor malfunction. They popped on again a few days ago and now the check engine light is on and the code it's showing is main air flow sensor failure. That sensor from what I have been told should last a long time. I have had it 7 months and it's only 2 years old. …”
NHTSA complaint #11498603, filed 2022-12
Buying note. Check the service history for collision-camera aiming, software updates and any transmission or sensor replacements, and drive the car from several stops and up a hill before buying. Many of these complaints involve intermittent symptoms that a short test drive may not reveal, so an independent pre-purchase inspection that scans for stored codes is worthwhile.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 98 consumer complaints for the 2020 Nissan Kicks. 27 of the complaints include a mileage, and 70% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 6,000 miles. Of all complaints, 7 involved a crash, 3 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 123 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 4 Nissan Kicks model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 50 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system27 28%
- Engine20 20%
- Fuel system13 13%
- Other or unknown13 13%
- Brakes11 11%
- Lane departure10 10%
- Air bags7 7.1%
- Vehicle speed control6 6.1%
Also reported: Back-over prevention (rear camera) (5), Steering (3), Body and structure (2), Tires (2), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (2), Electronic stability control (1), Seat belts (1), Suspension (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Forward collision avoidance: “When entering tunnel feb system illuminated as though a vehicle had entered the path of the vehicle. Nothing was in the path of the vehicle. Forward motion approximately 45 MPH.”
NHTSA complaint #11405072, filed 2021-03, 45 milesElectrical system: “Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 98,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 108,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11685016, filed 2025-09, 108,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “The dealer checked my car and changed some transmission parts but I feel the revs drop when I drive. The dealer cannot find anything. I MUST use the emergency brakes because the car moves in parking even in a flat place. The dealer said it was normal.”
NHTSA complaint #11640836, filed 2025-02Engine: “Vehicle keeps shutting off while driving, even on major highway. Vent control valve was stuck open had to be replaced; corrosion on a connector to the wiring harness had to be replaced. Alot of similar complaints and there needs to be a recall on this vehicle. My daughter could have been killed on the highway when we left dealership for engine shutting down, it shut down again after driving 10 miles from being serviced for same reason.”
NHTSA complaint #11398972, filed 2021-03, 6,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
70% of the 27 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 800 and 55,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: rising. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2020 Nissan Kicks. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kicks · SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 3 | 5 | 5 | 4 · 15.5% risk |
Driver aids listed by NHTSA for the 2020 model year: forward collision warning standard, lane departure warning standard, automatic emergency braking standard.
Neighbouring years: 2019: same overall rating; 2021: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2020 Nissan Kicks version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kicks FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | CVT | 31 | 36 | 33 | $2,050 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2020 Nissan Kicks in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 123 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11031705Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11031704Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11031703Apr 8, 2026Electrical system. DTC P17F4 STORED IN THE TCM IF YOU CONFIRM The customer reports transmission vibration when accelerating, HINT: Vibration occurs during quick reacceleration after braking, during a 2-1 downshift of…
- 11014472Feb 20, 2025Brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Electrical system. AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING WARNING LIGHT BLINKING APPLIED SYSTEMS: Vehicles equipped with a lane camera (see Figure 1) SERVICE INFORMATION If the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) warning light or…
- 11014471Feb 20, 2025Forward collision avoidance, Electrical system, Brakes. INTELLIGENT CRUISE CONTROL INOPERATIVE AND AEB/FEB WARNING LIGHT ON OR RADAR OBSTRUCTION MESSAGE DISPLAYED WITH DTC C1A16 OR C2582 IF YOU CONFIRM IMPORTANT: The purpose of ACTION (on the next page)…
- 11009069Oct 4, 2024Electrical system, Lane departure. LANE CAMERA AIMING VEHICLE REFERENCE VALUES NOT IN ESM SERVICE INFORMATION If the lane camera requires aiming, the values in Table A on page 4 must be used. For all other models/model years…
- 11009068Sep 19, 2024Air bags. DTC B00A0-00 STORED This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. IF YOU CONFIRM DTC B00A0-00 (OCCUPANT DETECTION SENSOR…
- 11004962May 21, 2024Electrical system. VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004961May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004960May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Other model years of the Nissan Kicks
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 9 | 2,086 | 3 | 4 | 31 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 42 | 8,479 | 4 | 4 | 33 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 40 | 21,421 | 1 | 4 | 33 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 34 | 50,550 | 1 | 4 | 33 | 12 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 24 | 10,150 | 0 | 4 | 33 | — | Rising |
| 2021 | 78 | 68,508 | 2 | 4 | 33 | 60 · Typical | Stable |
| 2020 | 98 | 6,000 | 0 | 4 | 33 | 50 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 134 | 18,000 | 1 | 4 | 33 | 52 · Typical | Rising |
| 2018 | 86 | 6,000 | 1 | — | 33 | 35 · Fewer | Stable |
All Nissan Kicks model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Nissan Kicks?
Owners of the 2020 Nissan Kicks most often describe warning lights for the forward collision and automatic emergency braking systems that come on with nothing in the road, and sometimes a brief automatic stop. The issues reported most often: Collision and emergency-braking warnings with nothing ahead; Rough idle and engine shutting off at low speeds; Hesitation, stalling or loss of power (CVT-related).
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2020 Nissan Kicks have?
NHTSA recorded 98 consumer complaints for the 2020 Nissan Kicks as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2020 Nissan Kicks is reported most often?
Forward collision avoidance is named most often, in 35 complaints (36% of the total), followed by electrical system with 27.
Has the 2020 Nissan Kicks been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2020 Nissan Kicks do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2020 Nissan Kicks 4 out of 5 stars overall. Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Nissan Kicks get?
The EPA rates the 2020 Nissan Kicks (Kicks, 1.6L 4-cyl) at 33 mpg combined, 31 city and 36 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,050 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2020 Nissan Kicks reported?
Among the 27 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 6,000 miles and the middle half falls between 800 and 55,000 miles; 70% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.