RoadVitals

2026 Nissan Kicks

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
6
+2 complaints in 30 days
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
3
Latest May 21, 2026
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
0

Overview

Our database contains 6 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2026 Nissan Kicks, most frequently naming the electrical, other / unspecified and steering categories. 3 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 6 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.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

  • Electrical222.2%
  • Other / unspecified222.2%
  • Steering222.2%
  • Brakes111.1%
  • Engine111.1%
  • Powertrain (other)111.1%

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

3 campaigns 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.gov

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL

May 21, 2026
51,598 units potentially affected
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Kicks vehicles. A software error in the combination meter may cause the screen display to go partially or fully blank. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
The risk: A partial or blank screen display will not show critical safety information such as vehicle speed and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will update the combination meter software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 6, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261. Nissan's number for this recall is PMA66. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 22, 2026.
Nissan North America, Inc.Manufacturer number PMA66View on NHTSA.gov
Mar 13, 2026
15 units potentially affected
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2026 Kicks and Sentra vehicles. The hook bracket of the front seat frames may be insufficiently welded, which can cause the front seat frames to become loose. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 207, "Seating Systems" and 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
The risk: A loose seat may not restrain the occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the front seat assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 18, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261. Nissan's number for this recall is PMA64. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 13, 2026.
Nissan North America, Inc.Manufacturer number PMA64View on NHTSA.gov

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH

Jan 20, 2026
26,432 units potentially affected
The defect: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Altima, Sentra, 2025-2026 Frontier, and 2026 Kicks vehicles. The door strikers may have been improperly welded and break, allowing the door to open while moving. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
The risk: A door that opens unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion increases the risk of injury or a crash.
The remedy: Dealers will replace the door strikers, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PD185 and PMA61. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning January 28, 2026.
Nissan North America, Inc.Manufacturer number PD185, PMA61View on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

BrakesEngineSteering
Filed Aug 3, 2026

The contact owns 2026 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The brakes and steering wheel were locked. All the warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, who confirmed there was a total communication failure across the modules. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 2,086.

NHTSA ID
11754398
Incident
Jul 1, 2026
Mileage
2,086 mi
ElectricalOther / unspecified
Filed Jul 29, 2026

The issue involves defective malfunction of the dashboard (usb,audio, and sometimes warning lights are hidden then appear) and improperly unbalanced wheels. Which has significantly impacted the safety, reliability, and usability of my vehicle.

NHTSA ID
11753446
Incident
Jun 30, 2026
Filed Jul 13, 2026

This vehicle has an open recall; the dealership has stated that they cannot fix the recall because Nissan doesn’t have a solution for it. Consequently, I have had to take it in three times now to have the drive axles replaced. At first they told me they had it fixed and then tell me that it’s another drive axle that needs to be repaired. This car was purchased in January 2026 off the showroom floor and I’ve had nothing but trouble since then.

NHTSA ID
11750036
Incident
Jul 2, 2026
Other / unspecified
Filed May 5, 2026

I am writing to file a formal safety complaint concerning a rental vehicle provided to me by Hertz, 1) because I want to help ensure this does not happen to anyone else, and 2) to request action that prevents a similar safety failure from recurring. Hertz rented me a near-new vehicle to transport my medically fragile daughter, but it had a slow-leaking front tire that Discount Tire documented as “not repairable” due to an existing non–RMA-approved rope plug repair, which is unsuitable for passenger vehicles. When this was discovered, I had already driven the vehicle over 200 miles. I am asking for a review of Hertz’s fleet safety and tire inspection practices so that other renters are not given vehicles with unsafe, improperly repaired tires. The Hertz general manager of Michigan and Ohio revealed that the Kicks they had rented to me was a new Hertz acquisition, and that they had no record of having performed any repairs on the vehicle. As such, he was unaware of this temporary rope plug repair. I am requesting a review of Hertz's inspection and tire-repair practices, including whether vehicles are being placed into service with plug-only tire repairs or without proper pressure checks and safety screening. I am also requesting action requiring clear safeguards so that any vehicle with an improperly repaired, leaking, or unsafe tire is removed from rental service immediately and not offered to another customer until the tire is replaced and the vehicle is verified safe for highway use. While my case specifically involves missed tire inspections, this incident raises concerns about Hertz’s inspection protocols for the entire vehicle. We do not know how many other unsuspecting customers across Hertz’s global rental fleet have been placed in danger because of this negligence. I am writing to demand that Hertz be held accountable, and that the proper authorities make sure this negligence is corrected.

NHTSA ID
11735737
Incident
Apr 22, 2026
Filed Mar 5, 2026

To whom it may concern: I am writing to express my concern regarding the recurring issues with the safety cameras on my 2026 Nissan Kicks, which were purchased on [XXX]. Despite multiple visits to the dealership for repairs and replacements, the problem persists. Initially, the cameras were not functioning properly on [XXX], and subsequent visits to the dealership on February 21st, February 28th, and March 3rd did not resolve the issue. The dealership's attempts to reset the camera, replace the camera, and change the module, respectively, have been unsuccessful. On March 3rd, I spoke with service manager Mac regarding the ongoing issue, and he informed me that there is no solution to fix the problem. Mac advised me to contact Nissan's Manufacturing department for assistance. I subsequently contacted Nissan's Compliance Department and opened a case with case number #[XXX]. They indicated that someone would contact me within 10 days to discuss a potential solution. Given that we have only had the vehicle for three weeks, I am disappointed that we are still experiencing this issue and that no resolution has been found. I would appreciate any further assistance or guidance from the dealership or Nissan's Manufacturing department to ensure that the safety cameras are functioning properly. Thank you for your attention to this matter. Sincerely, INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID
11722288
Incident
Feb 18, 2026
ElectricalPowertrain (other)Steering
Filed Feb 9, 2026

2026 Nissan Kicks, less than 1,500 mi. Computer system several warning lights appeared without notice; caused car to shut off and sputter before starting several times. The first time the warning lights that came on were: Warning (exclamation point inside triangle); Malfunction See Owner's Manual (In Orange box on panel) with all collision symbols showing [pictures avail on request] Second warning lights ( Warning Temporarily disabled clean sensor area See Owner's Manual) in bigger yellow / orange box on computer screen with exclamation point in triangle symbols and crash symbol) [Pics avail] Vehicle problem both duplicated and inspected at dealership. Connector pin harness needed repair/replaced. Oil light flashed after repairs. Clicks heard while turning right or left. Vehicle diagnostic inspected at another Nissan dealership out of state. [Audio and vid avail] Nissan dealership Ocala FL could not duplicate either problem with test drive. Problem persisted. Scheduled appointment at an Ice Cold Air. Problem was identified as possible CV axle problems and referred to Nissan dealership since have warrenty. Went to Maas Nissan dealership in Brooksville FL. Dealership was able to hear and duplicate customer complaint with noise turning wheel. Dealership had to replace both right and left front axles of brand new 2026 Nissan Kicks car, a major repair less than 1,900 miles. [Service records avail]

NHTSA ID
11716741
Incident
Dec 26, 2025

Manufacturer communications

A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.

NTB26-006A

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

FUEL FILLER TUBE LOWER SEAL IS LEAKING AND DTC P0456 IS STORED IN THE ECM This bulletin is no longer active. Please discard previous versions of NTB26-006.

NTB26-019

ENGINE

MIL ON WITH DTC P0181 STORED IN THE ECM IF YOU CONFIRM The customer states the MIL is ON but the vehicle does not have any drivability concerns or reduced power message in the combination meter, AND DTC P0181 for “Fuel Tank Temperature” is stored in either “Past” or “Current” in the ECM. ACTION Follow the SERVICE PROCEDURE in this bulletin to: 1. Replace the fuel temperature sensor. 2. Erase all the DTCs.

NTB09-131C

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).

NTB09-131C

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).

NTB26-006

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

FUEL FILLER TUBE LOWER SEAL IS LEAKING AND DTC P0456 IS STORED IN THE ECM IF YOU CONFIRM The vehicle has a visible leak with a smoke machine test coming from the fuel filler tube lower seal, AND DTC P0456 is stored as “Active”, “Past”, or “Pending” in the ECM. ACTION 1. Remove the supplied funnel from the rear of the vehicle or trunk. 2. Insert the funnel completely in the fuel filler tube and remove completely five (5) times. 3. Re-check the fuel filler tube lower seal with a smoke machine to determine visually if any leak is present. 4. If the fuel filler lower seal continues to leak, replace the fuel filler tube. 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.

NTB25-063

ENGINE

VENT CONTROL VALVE IN ACTIVE TEST INOPERATIVE IN CONSULT 4 SERVICE INFORMATION An issue in CONSULT 4 has been identified in “EVAP system close” in Work support. · After selecting the "EVAP system close" in Work support, the “VENT CONTROL/V” in Active test becomes non-functional temporarily. · When selecting “EVAP system close” operation in Work support, wait 10 minutes before starting “VENT CONTROL/V” Active test or cycle the IGN switch ON/OFF for “VENT CONTROL/V” Active test to be operational. HINT: This bulletin applies to model years that use CONSULT 4 only.

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

Nissan Kicks by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
2026Viewing630
2025334058.8
2024311054.6
2023141053.9
2022220044.2
2021732054.8
2020920046.2
20191341045.4
2018841044.0

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.