2019 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 2019 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 assistance5828.2%
- Electrical3918.9%
- Engine3617.5%
- Brakes2210.7%
- Powertrain (other)199.2%
- Fuel system146.8%
- Steering41.9%
- Airbags41.9%
- Suspension41.9%
- Other / unspecified31.5%
- Visibility10.5%
- Interior & seats10.5%
- Tires & wheels10.5%
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
When driving in rainy, snowy/icy, or wet conditions, water/slush impacts the front sensors/MAF sensor, causing the engine to shudder, stall, and shut off completely while in drive. The ABS, battery, and oil lights instantly flash on the dashboard, and the Automatic Emergency Braking system triggers/faults, creating a severe stall and safety hazard on active roads.
My vehicle has experienced transmission-related issues that have affected its safety, reliability, and overall performance. The symptoms include hesitation during acceleration, delayed response when pressing the accelerator, jerking, loss of power, and unpredictable driving behavior. These issues have made it difficult to safely merge into traffic, cross intersections, and maintain normal driving speeds. The transmission problems occurred despite routine maintenance and normal vehicle operation. These symptoms raise serious concerns about the safety and durability of the CVT transmission installed in this vehicle. I am concerned that these issues may represent a broader defect affecting 2019 Nissan Kicks vehicles equipped with CVT transmissions. Drivers should be able to rely on their vehicles to accelerate and operate safely without fear of sudden loss of power or transmission failure. I respectfully request that this matter be thoroughly investigated and that Nissan be held accountable for any manufacturing defects associated with the CVT transmission. I also request consideration for appropriate repairs, reimbursement for related expenses, or any other remedy available if this issue is determined to be a known defect.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
When driving in rainy, snowy/icy, or wet conditions, water/slush impacts the front sensors/MAF sensor, causing the engine to shudder, stall, and shut off completely while in drive. The ABS, battery, and oil lights instantly flash on the dashboard, and the Automatic Emergency Braking system triggers/faults, creating a severe stall and safety hazard on active roads.
Frequently and randomly I get errors on my dash for the front collision sensor and slippery roads warning. This seems to occur for no reason as all while I am driving. When this happens my RPM's drop and my car will stall at red lights or stop signs. In a few instances, my car has refused to accelerate because it believes the car is obstructed. This has put me at risk of getting rear ended on numerous occasions. I need to turn my car off and on multiple times in order to get to my destination. Once the car is left alone for awhile, the issues completely goes away and the car drives like normal until it inevitably randomly occurs again. This appears to be an issue with the Kicks model across the board, as loads of other people online have had the same issue and tried multiple things to fix it to no avail. Mechanics have no idea what is causing it or how to fix it. It is also impossible to replicate the issues since it happens for seemingly no reason and then goes away for no reason. 3 images are attached to show proof at different miles (however this has occurred more times than I can count). Dates can be seen in the metadata. This is incredibly unsafe and needs to be recalled.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
When driving in rainy, snowy/icy, or wet conditions, water/slush impacts the front sensors/MAF sensor, causing the engine to shudder, stall, and shut off completely while in drive. The ABS, battery, and oil lights instantly flash on the dashboard, and the Automatic Emergency Braking system triggers/faults, creating a severe stall and safety hazard on active roads.
Frequently and randomly I get errors on my dash for the front collision sensor and slippery roads warning. This seems to occur for no reason as all while I am driving. When this happens my RPM's drop and my car will stall at red lights or stop signs. In a few instances, my car has refused to accelerate because it believes the car is obstructed. This has put me at risk of getting rear ended on numerous occasions. I need to turn my car off and on multiple times in order to get to my destination. Once the car is left alone for awhile, the issues completely goes away and the car drives like normal until it inevitably randomly occurs again. This appears to be an issue with the Kicks model across the board, as loads of other people online have had the same issue and tried multiple things to fix it to no avail. Mechanics have no idea what is causing it or how to fix it. It is also impossible to replicate the issues since it happens for seemingly no reason and then goes away for no reason. 3 images are attached to show proof at different miles (however this has occurred more times than I can count). Dates can be seen in the metadata. This is incredibly unsafe and needs to be recalled.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
While I was driving, my vehicle’s Intelligent Cruise Control (ICC) suddenly stopped working. At the same time, the Automatic Emergency Braking / Forward Emergency Braking (AEB/FEB) warning light turned on. While the vehicle was in motion, warning messages appeared on the dashboard, including: “Unavailable: Front Radar Obstruction,” and/or “Forward Driving Aids Temporarily Disabled – Front Sensor Blocked. See Owner’s Manual.” These warnings appeared even though there was no visible obstruction to the front radar sensor. The sudden loss of Intelligent Cruise Control and forward safety features while I was driving reduced my ability to rely on these systems to help maintain a safe following distance. The unexpected warning lights and messages were distracting and created a potential safety risk. This issue occurred during normal driving conditions. I had to take the vehicle in for inspection to determine whether there was a malfunction with the front radar sensor or related safety systems.
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the ABS warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the dealer determined that the ABS module needed to be replaced; however, the part was on a national backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
My vehicle has experienced transmission-related issues that have affected its safety, reliability, and overall performance. The symptoms include hesitation during acceleration, delayed response when pressing the accelerator, jerking, loss of power, and unpredictable driving behavior. These issues have made it difficult to safely merge into traffic, cross intersections, and maintain normal driving speeds. The transmission problems occurred despite routine maintenance and normal vehicle operation. These symptoms raise serious concerns about the safety and durability of the CVT transmission installed in this vehicle. I am concerned that these issues may represent a broader defect affecting 2019 Nissan Kicks vehicles equipped with CVT transmissions. Drivers should be able to rely on their vehicles to accelerate and operate safely without fear of sudden loss of power or transmission failure. I respectfully request that this matter be thoroughly investigated and that Nissan be held accountable for any manufacturing defects associated with the CVT transmission. I also request consideration for appropriate repairs, reimbursement for related expenses, or any other remedy available if this issue is determined to be a known defect.
CEL on, code PO101 indicates MAF sensor is faulty with related ABS, FCW, and slippery road lights illuminating when braking on a curve or at a stop sign. Car often loses power and need to be turned off to reset and become driveable again. Cleaning and replacing the MAF sensor and air filter does not fix the problem. This is a known issue for 2019 Kicks that Nissan is failing to address. This issue renders the car unreliable and unsafe to drive.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle immediately hesitated while accelerating. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the Mass Air Flow Sensor was faulty and needed to be replaced. The sensor was replaced, but the failure persisted. The vehicle was later taken to the local Nissan dealer but was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 67,736.
Manufacture warning collision warning traction warning while driving and unable to accelerate
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
We took our car to McLarty Daniel Nissan for new tire installation and wheel alignment. During checkout, we noticed that the alignment printout shows some of the values were still out of spec (see attached photo) and the red warning note stated that this may result in tire wear, handling and safety problems. The service advisor said those are not adjustable so there is nothing they could do. I reached out to Nissan consumer affairs and they did not take responsibility either and asked me to work with the dealer. The dealer says it is a manufacturing issue and is not willing to do anything. I am so disappointed with both parties and hoping you will help with this issue so we do not have to drive an unsafe car. Thank you.
Broken front springs. Yes, it is available for inspection. Possible front tire failure, due to rupture of tire by broken spring. Yes, confirmed by Nissan of Stratham NH. No, not at this time. No warning at all. Found broken spring on July 1, 2024. Inspected by Nissan of Stratham on July 8 2024.
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
Car keeps malfunctioning the airbag light won’t cut off it keeps picking up speed after i use cruise control it’s jerking .
Car malfunctions while driving car stalls at 0 car cuts off air bags stuck on car was one of the ones that did not get fixed i recently just purchased this vechicle and it was used by a fleet company so it never got serviced when it had recalls
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The front driver’s side coil spring broke. The front passenger side was showing signs of premature wear. Nissan does not just sell the coil spring, so a strut assembly had to be purchased for both sides. This was a very expensive repair.
Left rear coil spring is broken
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
We took our car to McLarty Daniel Nissan for new tire installation and wheel alignment. During checkout, we noticed that the alignment printout shows some of the values were still out of spec (see attached photo) and the red warning note stated that this may result in tire wear, handling and safety problems. The service advisor said those are not adjustable so there is nothing they could do. I reached out to Nissan consumer affairs and they did not take responsibility either and asked me to work with the dealer. The dealer says it is a manufacturing issue and is not willing to do anything. I am so disappointed with both parties and hoping you will help with this issue so we do not have to drive an unsafe car. Thank you.
While driving on the hwy, my toddler was able to unclip his chest clip on carseat. I pulled over and obsereved that his chest clip does not securely latch every time that I buckle him in. It unlatches without pressing on the buttons that are supposed to unlatch the clip. It does this by pushing on the backside of the chest clip. I am unable to properly and safely restrain my toddler in his new carseat that I bought April of this year.
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
I unlocked the door, got in the car and closed the door and then the back windshield cracked and shattered.
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
THE HEADRESTS FOR THIS CAR ARE OUTRAGEOUSLY PAINFUL. THEY ARE ANGLED TOO FAR FORWARD. I CANNOT DRIVE MY NEW CAR WITHOUT SEVERE LOWER NECK/UPPER BACK PAIN. MY BACK CANNOT TOUCH THE SEAT WITH THE CURRENT HEADREST THAT CAME WITH THE NISSAN KICKS. I KNOW THE NHTSA MANDATED IT BUT YOU NEED TO RECONSIDER. I CANNOT SIT IN MY CAR FOR MORE THAN 15 MINUTES. ( I JUST BOUGHT IT FOR 18K, I NEED TO BE ABLE TO USE MY CAR)
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
Due to the negligence of Pep Boys service department, the wrong size tires were placed on my car. This has led to My warranty for my transmission being denied related to an unauthorized modification(that I was unaware of). This has caused me undue stress, headaches, out-of-pocket expenses, and chest pain. As of now,I have not received a response for replacement tires for my 2019 kicks. Pep Boys technician placed an incorrect-size tire on my car which resulted in a modification that resulted in my warranty not covering my transmission. I am requesting this issue be corrected. 225/50R17 should have been 205/55R17
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 .