2020 Nissan Kicks Powertrain (other) Problems

Date: XXXTo:National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)Office of Defects Investigation (ODI)1200 New Jersey Avenue, SEWest BuildingWashington, DC 20590From:[XXX] [XXX]: FORMAL VEHICLE SAFETY COMPLAINT – Sudden Loss of Propulsion and Traffic Hesitation / 2020 Nissan Kicks (VIN: [XXX])To the Office of Defects Investigation,I am writing to formally report a critical, life-threatening vehicle safety defect involving the powertrain/automatic transmission assembly on my 2020 Nissan Kicks FWD SV.While operating the vehicle at 61,564 miles in active traffic, the vehicle suffered a sudden and dangerous loss of propulsion without any prior warning. Upon pressing the accelerator pedal, the transmission slipped severely, causing the vehicle to hazardously shudder, shake, and hesitate to move forward. This unexpected lag in acceleration left the vehicle moving dangerously slow in a live traffic lane, creating an immediate and imminent risk of a severe rear-end collision.The vehicle was driven to a certified facility, Vann York's High Point Nissan (located in [XXX]), for an emergency mechanical diagnosis. A diagnostic scan revealed active Diagnostic Trouble Codes DTC P17F0 (CVT Judder) and DTC P2859 (Clutch A Pressure). The certified dealership technician explicitly documented on Repair Order #XXX that the transaxle assembly "WONT MOVE AND IS NOISY," prescribing a complete transmission replacement due to internal component failure.Following this diagnosis, I was forced to navigate the vehicle back to my residence under highly hazardous conditions using hazard lights. Due to the high risk of a total sudden stall or sudden loss of acceleration on public roadways, the vehicle has been grounded at my residence and is currently parked as completely undrivable due to severe safety fears.Nissan has a widespread, heavily documented historical record of manufactur INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11767064

Incident

Aug 3, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kicks. While driving from a stop, the vehicle started sputtering and lost motive power. While driving 70 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated to 45 MPH while driving uphill with the RPM elevated. The failure occurred while the outdoor temperature was above 95 degrees. The failure had persisted over time. The contact stated that the floorboard was extremely hot during the failure. The contact was concerned about being in a crash with her child in the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the transmission was flushed, but the failure reoccurred. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Trophy Nissan Service (5031 N Galloway Ave, Mesquite, TX 75150), but the cause of the failure was not determined. Additionally, an independent mechanic was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer, Nissan, was called, and a voice mail was left for customer service, but there was no response. An email was sent to the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

NHTSA ID

11764773

Incident

Sep 16, 2025

Mileage

150,000 mi

My car when in over 95 degree weather, literally will not have power to get up hills and starts to jerk and looses power to make the hills. When the temps outside are cooler the car works fine. I live in [XXX] and I drive long distance to work. I also have a [XXX] son that has to be in the car with me. I can’t have my car messing up all because it’s hot outside and it obviously doesn’t like the heat. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11763325

Incident

Aug 5, 2026

CVT issues-car is sputtering and gears slipping. Vehicle has 148,000 miles.

NHTSA ID

11749724

Incident

Jul 8, 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 ID

11720354

Incident

Feb 24, 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 ID

11697266

Incident

Oct 15, 2025

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 turns or while trying to back up and then the vehicle stalls and then accelerates on it's own. 7. Vehicle is making a clicking sound. *Vehicle is currently at Firestone being diagnosed for the issues 4-7 mentioned above. *I stopped taking it to Nissan because they charge way to much for these issues that seem to be a constant issue but won't due any recalls on the 2020 Kicks. Vehicle purchased in May 2020. I will have to provide the repair receipts once I get the vehicle back from Firestone because all of the documents are in the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11669149

Incident

Dec 22, 2024

Transmission went out with no warning

NHTSA ID

11660604

Incident

May 13, 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 problem prior to its failure. The issue first appeared last week of February 2025 so, from my perspective, just last week. 02/25/2025 was date of incident.

NHTSA ID

11645792

Incident

Feb 25, 2025

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 ID

11640836

Incident

Feb 5, 2025

Car acceleration delayed. Batteries dying and needing replaced regularly. Needs constant jump starts. Will not accelerate or move in the snow. Does not stop in emergencies. The vehicle was bought brand new and I have had bad luck with the Nissan kicks 2020 since purchasing it.

NHTSA ID

11630247

Incident

Dec 1, 2021

The transmission has always juddered and got the run around that nothing was wrong and now the car judders more

NHTSA ID

11624894

Incident

Nov 1, 2024

Transmission is defective by design. Fails in an unsafe manner which leaves the vehicle in a fully driving state throwing no error codes. The car however with randomly loose traction and slip while driving at roughly 40 mph. Nissan refused to address the issue without ~$8k to replace the transmission and online articles suggest these are defective and will just break again soon after replacing.

NHTSA ID

11609921

Incident

Sep 29, 2022

LIMP MODE defect occured WHILE ON HIGHWAY in the middle of the country of USA.

NHTSA ID

11607881

Incident

Jun 22, 2024

PC Solenoid B CAR REDUCES POWER & HESITATES while driving.

NHTSA ID

11592998

Incident

Jun 6, 2024

They have replaced the transmission two times and this transmission is going bad, it's slipping, shuddering, and hesitating when you hit the gas. This car is a death trap waiting to happen. Nissan knows they put junk transmissions in these cars but still sells them. Nissan is going to end up hurting/killing a lot of innocent lives. It's not safe to be driving this car around, half the time the car doesn't want to go when you hit the gas. My daughter turns 16 and will not be driving this death trap. Nissan needs to recall the 2020 Nissan Kicks SV transmissions too. I do have all the paperwork from the transmissions being put it. I get the run around with the dealer. The vibration issue and they say it'll do that at 90. The collision light is ALWAYS coming on (I have pictures of that too)

NHTSA ID

11588684

Incident

May 14, 2024

Transmission failed before the car reaching 15,000 miles. The car dealership replaced the transmission after two week in the shop. They did not provide a loner car so I was without a car for 2 weeks. After the car was worked and the new transmission installed, it was given back to me. Today 12/16 I had to take it back to the dealership because it’s giving a check engine indication. The dealership informed it is a known issue with this cars but I haven’t seen any recalls. Today, my car has no warranty since it expired. This is unacceptable.

NHTSA ID

11561839

Incident

Nov 27, 2023

Motor issues constant ticking noise the motor is making looks like Nissan is not wanting to cover powertrain warranty looks like upper part of motor has issues and could stop working at anytime especially on a busy highway.

NHTSA ID

11512338

Incident

Oct 20, 2022

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds or after driving from a complete stop, the vehicle was hesitating while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that there was hesitation while shifting between gears. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact made a local dealer aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not yet taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 54,000.

NHTSA ID

11505159

Incident

Nov 2, 2022

Mileage

54,000 mi

[XXX] - 2020 Nissan Kicks - This is a fleet vehicle - Current Mileage 38,477 miles sent in for service several times over the past year for issues with transmission and Forward Collision Light Warning issues. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

NHTSA ID

11452836

Incident

Feb 7, 2022

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 ID

11378367

Incident

Dec 7, 2020

Mileage

975 mi