2018 Nissan Kicks Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2018 Nissan Kicks, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Driver assistance3426.8%
- Electrical2418.9%
- Engine2318.1%
- Brakes1612.6%
- Powertrain (other)86.3%
- Suspension43.1%
- Fuel system43.1%
- Steering43.1%
- Exterior lighting32.4%
- Airbags21.6%
- Visibility21.6%
- Body & structure10.8%
- Tires & wheels10.8%
- Interior & seats10.8%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Radio skips songs back and forth randomly, and now radio screen and buttons are block.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
Intermittently for the last year, car will show 3 dash lights: 1. AEB light 2. Slip indicator light 3. Master warning light When this occurs, the car can be slow to accelerate. When the three lights are on, the problem will persist until the engine is shut off for a period of several minutes. It does not occur every time the car is driven. In the last 3 months, there have been 3-4 instances where the check engine light has come on as well. The code every time has been P1010 or no code displayed. We tried changing out the MAF sensor with a third party part, and the issue occurred even more frequently. We then went back to the first sensor after cleaning it with MAF sensor cleaner. This seemed to resolve the issue for a month, but then it started to reoccur. The last two occurrences of the check engine light have occurred after rapid acceleration. - Yes original part is available for inspection. - Safety is at risk for self and others as car can have issues accelerating, which makes it dangerous to enter freeways and highways (which are necessary for my commute). - Dealer has not reproduced the error, however they have not seen it with a check engine code (taking the car in tomorrow). - no inspection by insurance, police, or manufacturer. - before the 3 error lights started to come on fairly regularly (several times a week) I had a few issues of intermittent sluggish acceleration over the course of 1-2 years when this issue first started, but no lights came on at first.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle occasionally experienced reduction in automotive power with the "System Malfunction" message displayed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the battery had been replaced twice however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
I was driving on the road like normal and suddenly I got a front collision warning on the dash, the car wouldn’t accelerate and lost all power. Check engine light also came on with code reading P0101. I’ve had this issue before and the dealer doesn’t know what to do or they want to charge me a lot of money to fix it. I’ve read online many many people having the same issue. Luckily this hasn’t happened on the highway but if it does happen it could be catastrophic
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
I purchased a 2018 Nissan Kicks with under 6k miles from Atlanta Luxury Motors (ALM Marietta) on April 29, 2022. The dealer failed to disclose the car was a Canadian import, which voided the manufacturer’s warranty and left me responsible for unsafe defects. At under 30,000 miles, the suspension (struts) failed and had to be replaced, and by 60,000 miles the CVT transmission began showing fault codes, slipping, and jerking, creating serious safety risks while driving. The undercarriage also showed early rust. These problems were confirmed by independent mechanics and service centers, and I have paid over $3,000 in repairs and will inquire more if transmission has to be replaced costing between 6-8k. The vehicle’s defects put me and others at risk of loss of control, and I request NHTSA investigation to determine if this model or imported versions are unsafe for U.S. consumers.
Driver side coil spring broke near the lower part of the spring, spring was still seated and operating but rubbing on strut. There was no way to tell that the spring was broken other than the fact that I found the broken piece laying on the ground - so we immediately took it to Nissan to be repaired. This is the second coil spring to break - the passenger spring broke at the same location at around 46,000 miles - again no way to tell that the spring was broken other than the fact that I had visually inspected the car and noticed the spring broken. This is the exact same issue we had with our 2012 Nissan Versa - both coil springs within 60,000 miles - however Nissan did issue a recall for those parts.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The p0101 code has been going on and off of this car since purchase (3 years) the MAF sensor has been replaced twice and the check engine light comes back on after just a few days each time. This poses a safety risk because the car stops at stop lights and turns off, the car shakes at idle, the car refuses to accelerate risking pulling out in front of another car without being able to accelerate. The check engine light comes on and off and the traction control light as well, its so random and the only fix is to "change the sensor" which does not fix it because it happens again immediately after. Its dangerous and needs an actual fix.
Code P0101 comes up which indicates an issue with the car’s MAF system triggering a check engine light. This is widely known to be a software issue and is chronic in many Nissan Kick’s manufactured around 2018-2020. This is a faulty error code and ends up visiting consumers hundreds of dollars to repair and almost always returns despite actions being taken to repair the issue.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
My steering is erratic and sometimes it feels like it’s pulling hard to one side or the other and when I try to correct it actually over corrects. I’ve read about the eps problems when looking into options for repair/replace. I feel it too dangerous for driving anywhere. It is a 2018 Nissan Kicks. Thank you.
I was driving in traffic in a 30mph zone and my car turned off, and I was unable to push down on the brakes. I had to use my emergency brake a could hardly turn my wheel and stop in the center divider of the road. I turned on my hazards and waited 15 minutes and was able to restart the car a drive home. This was very dangerous and could have caused an accident.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
My headlights, dome lights and tail lights were flickering changed alternator. Kept doing it took it to the dealership in Daphne, Alabama. Had it put on the machine. They told me it was because it was a refurbished alternator. I finally found a new one in Tampa fla. So I ordered it and had it put on. And it is still doing it. The danger of this is that sometimes they will go off. And you can't see anything if it's dark. There was no warning light prior to the problem. The dealership said its because the refurbished alternator was strong enough. That was the findings from them. But like I said even after the new one was put on its still doing it. This has been going on for a couple of months
1: the back-up camera display may suddenly go dark while you’re in the middle of reversing 2: the vehicle would not start and something stalls when driving with with a boost off and had the vehicle serviced twice for this issue, but to no availability answer. The Nissan Dealership can’t find any problems .
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The drive side airbag where the seatbelt is connected is coming out.
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the airbag warning light illuminated. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was 64,215.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
Radio skips songs back and forth randomly, and now radio screen and buttons are block.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 NISSAN KICKS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 19V654000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION). THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO MEARS NISSAN LOCATED AT 4825 TUSCARAWAS ST W, CANTON, OH 44708, WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED UNDER THE RECALL HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE IMAGES FROM THE BACKUP CAMERA WAS NOT CLEAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER ON FIVE SEPARATE OCCASIONS HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 18,400.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
SE ME APAGA CORRIENDO , RUIDO EN LA PARTE FRONTAL. Y EN D NO QUIERE PONERSE EN MARCHA.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
205/55/R17 I’ve taken the car to Nissan Jackie cooper in Tulsa ok they’ve replaced the battery from running on low power. Left it there for two days & they said the computer system is failing always restarting while I’m driving backup camera doesn’t work sometimes or is very very blurry. My car has stalled on me almost daily & shuts down i put it in park & it’s fine but it’s a ticking time bomb it has 47,000 miles always put Mobil 1 full synthetic & a Mobil one oil filter top of the line these things should absolutely not be happening & also the air filter that lets air into the engine accordion has been loose since i received the car from them. These recalls need to be taken care of.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
I am unable to adjust the headrests. A very strong person can with difficulty move them, but I cannot. This is either a design problem, or manufacturing problem wherein tong separations do not align with channel separations. This means passengers cannot adjust headrest heights properly. I have been into the dealership 2times and gotten only a 'that is how they are built' response. I would have the headrests removed, but this is not legal.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .