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2018 Nissan Kicks
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 87 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2018 Nissan Kicks, most frequently naming the driver assistance, electrical and engine categories. 1 safety recall has been issued covering this model year; and 126 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Dec 2018 | 1 | 3 |
| Jan 2019 | 1 | 4 |
| Feb 2019 | 1 | 5 |
| Mar 2019 | 1 | 6 |
| Apr 2019 | 1 | 7 |
| May 2019 | 1 | 8 |
| Jun 2019 | 1 | 9 |
| Jul 2019 | 3 | 12 |
| Sep 2019 | 4 | 16 |
| Oct 2019 | 4 | 20 |
| Nov 2019 | 2 | 22 |
| Feb 2020 | 2 | 24 |
| Mar 2020 | 1 | 25 |
| Jun 2020 | 1 | 26 |
| Jul 2020 | 1 | 27 |
| Aug 2020 | 1 | 28 |
| Oct 2020 | 2 | 30 |
| Jan 2021 | 1 | 31 |
| Aug 2021 | 2 | 33 |
| Sep 2021 | 1 | 34 |
| Oct 2021 | 1 | 35 |
| Nov 2021 | 2 | 37 |
| Dec 2021 | 1 | 38 |
| Jan 2022 | 1 | 39 |
| Mar 2022 | 1 | 40 |
| Apr 2022 | 1 | 41 |
| May 2022 | 2 | 43 |
| Jul 2022 | 1 | 44 |
| Aug 2022 | 1 | 45 |
| Sep 2022 | 1 | 46 |
| Oct 2022 | 2 | 48 |
| Nov 2022 | 1 | 49 |
| Dec 2022 | 1 | 50 |
| Mar 2023 | 2 | 52 |
| Apr 2023 | 1 | 53 |
| May 2023 | 1 | 54 |
| Aug 2023 | 1 | 55 |
| Sep 2023 | 2 | 57 |
| Nov 2023 | 1 | 58 |
| Dec 2023 | 1 | 59 |
| Jan 2024 | 1 | 60 |
| Mar 2024 | 1 | 61 |
| Apr 2024 | 2 | 63 |
| Sep 2024 | 1 | 64 |
| Mar 2025 | 1 | 65 |
| Apr 2025 | 1 | 66 |
| Jun 2025 | 1 | 67 |
| Jul 2025 | 2 | 69 |
| Aug 2025 | 1 | 70 |
| Sep 2025 | 3 | 73 |
| Dec 2025 | 2 | 75 |
| Jan 2026 | 1 | 76 |
| Feb 2026 | 2 | 78 |
| Mar 2026 | 2 | 80 |
| Apr 2026 | 2 | 82 |
| Jun 2026 | 1 | 83 |
| Jul 2026 | 1 | 84 |
| Sep 2026 | 1 | 85 |
| Oct 2026 | 1 | 86 |
| Nov 2026 | 1 | 87 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Driver assistance3426.8%
- Electrical2418.9%
- Engine2318.1%
- Brakes1612.6%
- Powertrain (other)86.3%
- Suspension43.1%
- Fuel system43.1%
- Steering43.1%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
1 campaign cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govRecent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
Component: ABS Actuator & ECU (Bosch 8 ESP, Nissan P/N 47660-5RL0E, serial #3171279). Available for inspection. What happened: While driving normally, the ABS warning light, traction control light, and airbag (SRS) warning light all illuminated simultaneously. Diagnosed with a scan tool: C1111 (ABS pump motor circuit fault — "failed confirmed"), C1A04 (ADAS/ICC ABS/TCS system fault), C1A26 (ECD mode malfunction). After clearing all codes, C1111 returned within 60 seconds as "failed confirmed," indicating a persistent hardware fault in the ABS pump motor circuit. Safety risk: Vehicle is operating without anti-lock braking, traction control, or electronic stability control. The airbag system may be disabled. In an emergency stop or on wet/icy surfaces, the driver has no ABS or stability intervention. The airbag light indicates SRS may not deploy in a collision. Dealer confirmation: Diagnosis performed by owner using an OBD-II scan tool. The "failed confirmed" status on C1111 returning immediately after clearing is consistent with a hard internal component failure (pump motor drive circuit) within the sealed ABS actuator assembly. Prior warning signs: Failure appeared suddenly with no prior intermittent warning lights reported by the previous owner. Additional notes: The same ABS actuator platform (Bosch/ADVICS 8 ESP) was subject to NHTSA recall 20V-xxx for 2015–2019 Murano, Maxima, and Pathfinder due to a pump seal leak causing electrical short and fire risk. The 2018 Kicks uses the same supplier family and architecture but with a different failure mode (internal relay/transistor failure rather than seal leak). The failure mode does not present a fire risk, which is why it was excluded from the recall. The vehicle is 43,000 miles / ~8 years old, within the expected failure window for this component.
- NHTSA ID
- 11775530
- Incident
- Nov 3, 2026
Shows an error with the front collision sensor, the engine losses power and eventually shuts down (engine turns off) in the middle of the highway. The check engine light turns on as well as the Automatic Emergency Braking System warning light and the slip indicator light. It also displays the image of the front sensor light on with the warning message “Malfunction. See owners manual” I have taken the car to the shop several times for this specific reason, but nothing fixes this problem. I can start the car again, but it has almost no power, no matter how much I push the gas pedal. Very frustrating and DANGEROUS. This car has been in the family for almost two years and it has always been the same problem with two different drivers.
- NHTSA ID
- 11768605
- Incident
- Oct 2, 2026
My transmission failed while traveling on a highway at 60mph almost causing an accident. Issues with this generation of cvt transmissions have been the subject of multiple lawsuits and warrenty extensions. Nissan is knowingly selling defective vehicles and offer no assistance in resolving their failures. Nissan needs to be held accountable for risking the safety of its customers.
- NHTSA ID
- 11765216
- Incident
- Aug 14, 2026
It originally started about two years ago when the check engine light came on (along with others) that point to a code with the Mass Air Flow sensor. It would stall at low RPMs at traffic lights, and was extremely worrying during normal driving. We got it replaced and so far okay, but recently the ABS and traction control lights come on and stay on. Another issue that many MANY Nissan owners experience. Some people thinks it’s a dirty throttle body, dirty front collision sensor, dirfty MAF. The problem is that when any of these issues are fixed, it comes back. We don’t know why the ABS and traction control (plus front collision by the way) lights come on. We took it to a mechanic, it was off for two whole days. Now it’s back on. Can’t wait to have it stall on us in the mean time.
- NHTSA ID
- 11752756
- Incident
- Apr 16, 2024
2018 Nissan Kicks evap system has holes in it from Freon that causes the Freon to leak out. The required Freon is contributing to the holes being made in the aluminum evap. It leaks out and the air blows hot. Is there any help with a recall or repair. I was quoted $4000 to fix. Possible lemon laws. If you research on google. The Kicks are notorious for this problem. The mechanics I talked to laughed or knew all about this problem before even looking at it.
- NHTSA ID
- 11742963
- Incident
- May 4, 2026
Vehicle experienced sudden engine stall/shutdown after warning indicators illuminated. While driving at low speed, the ABS warning light, front collision warning light, and check engine light appeared. After placing the vehicle in Park, the engine shut off unexpectedly. Vehicle would then restart but stall again within several seconds. This created a serious safety concern because the vehicle could lose power unexpectedly in traffic or while entering an intersection, reducing ability to accelerate, steer safely with traffic flow, or avoid a collision. OBD diagnostic codes retrieved were P0101, P0102, and P0113. Based on research into common 2018-2020 Nissan Kicks issues, these codes may be secondary/false airflow sensor warnings caused by a failing or sticking electronic throttle body rather than an actual mass air flow sensor failure. Sudden stalling and restart-then-stall behavior are consistent with throttle body malfunction. Problem appears intermittent. Vehicle/component is available for inspection upon request. No prior warning lamps were present before the incident.
- NHTSA ID
- 11732218
- Incident
- Apr 18, 2026
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled and lost motive power, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions and was diagnosed with airflow sensor failure. The contact was informed that the airflow sensor needed to be replaced. The airflow sensor was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was returned to the dealer and again diagnosed with a failed airflow sensor that required replacement. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure continued. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 100,574.
- NHTSA ID
- 11729769
- Incident
- Apr 7, 2026
- Mileage
- 100,574 mi
When put in park car started idling rough and then stalled. Engine light, collision warning light, and traction control light came on. Code scanned as a P0101 code.
- NHTSA ID
- 11725369
- Incident
- Mar 18, 2026
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WIRING HARNESS REPAIR INFORMATION This bulletin is no longer active. For future reference, see the HRK mobile app and the Electronic Parts Catalog (EPC). Please discard previous versions of NTB14-032.
STRUCTURE:BODY
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: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is attached to the instrument panel or body on the driver side at the base of the windshield (see Figure 1). · The “Certification Label” (vinyl adhesive label) is located on the lower area of the driver side B-Pillar (see Figure 1).
STRUCTURE:BODY
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: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is attached to the instrument panel or body on the driver side at the base of the windshield (see Figure 1). · The “Certification Label” (vinyl adhesive label) is located on the lower area of the driver side B-Pillar (see Figure 1).
ELECTRICAL 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 the auxiliary gearbox. AND DTC P17F4 for “AUXILIARY GEARBOX (CL JUDDER)” is stored in the TCM. · If DTCs other than P17F4 are stored, this bulletin does not apply. Refer to the ESM for further diagnostic information. ACTION Refer to the Repair Overview on page 2 to determine if this bulletin applies. IMPORTANT: The purpose of ACTION (above) is to give you a quick idea of the work you will be performing. You MUST closely follow the entire SERVICE PROCEDURE as it contains information that is essential to successfully completing this repair.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL; FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING; SERVICE 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) is to give you a quick idea of the work you will be performing. You MUST closely follow the entire SERVICE PROCEDURE as it contains information that is essential to successfully completing this repair. Nissan Bulletins are intended for use by qualified technicians, not 'do-it-yourselfers'. Qualified technicians are properly trained individuals who have the equipment, tools, safety instruction, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. NOTE: If you believe that a described condition may apply to a particular vehicle, DO NOT assume that it does. See your Nissan dealer to determine if this applies to your vehicle. The customer states that the ICC stopped working while driving, OR The customer states that the AEB/FEB warning light is ON, or turned ON, while driving (Figure 1), OR The message “Unavailable Front Radar Obstruction” or “Forward Driving Aids Temporarily Disabled Front Sensor Blocked See Owner's Manual” has displayed while driving (Figure 2). AND DTC C1A16, C1A16-97, C2582, or C2582-97 is the ONLY DTC stored. Figure 1 Figure 2 This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. Forward Driving Aids Temporarily Disabled Front Sensor Blocked See Owner’s Manual
AIR 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 UNIT) is stored, AND OCS zero point reset cannot be performed, (continued on the next page)
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.