VehicleVerdict

2018 Nissan Kicks problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 154 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.8 times the median Kicks year — the 2018 model ranks #3 of 9 Kicks years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (34), other (27), and driver assistance (24), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

154

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

2

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other Kicks years?

Kicks NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted252 complaints2018: 154 complaints2019: 252 complaints2020: 179 complaints2021: 100 complaints2022: 37 complaints2023: 56 complaints2024: 43 complaints2025: 41 complaints2026: 5 complaints
Kicks NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Kicks years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Nissan Kicks problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System3422%
Other2718%
Driver Assistance2416%
Engine2013%
Brakes1510%
Transmission85%
Steering43%
Fuel System43%
Suspension43%
Speed Control32%
Lighting32%
Airbags21%
Tires & Wheels21%
Visibility & Wipers21%
Body & Structure11%
Seats11%

Does the 2018 Nissan Kicks have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V654000Driver AssistanceSeptember 12, 2019 · 1,228,830 units

Defect

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“WITHIN THE FIRST 300 MILES THE SENSORS STARTED TO MALFUNCTION. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SIDE SENSORS. THE THE FRONT SENSOR RELATING TO THE AEB STARTED TO MALFUNCTION. I NOW HAVE 6000 MILES ON THE CAR IT HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF SHOP WITH NO CLEAR SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. THEY REPLACED THE FRONT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 29, 2018 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · November 1, 2023

“When driving my car the slip indicator will come on. My car will then struggle to stay running and then the malfunction light and car collision lights will also pop on. This happens when I am driving at any speed and if I place in park the car will completely shut down.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · May 27, 2022

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · November 1, 2023

“WITHIN THE FIRST 300 MILES THE SENSORS STARTED TO MALFUNCTION. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SIDE SENSORS. THE THE FRONT SENSOR RELATING TO THE AEB STARTED TO MALFUNCTION. I NOW HAVE 6000 MILES ON THE CAR IT HAS BEEN IN AND OUT OF SHOP WITH NO CLEAR SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM. THEY REPLACED THE FRONT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · November 29, 2018 · crash

2018 Nissan Kicks — common questions

Is the 2018 Nissan Kicks reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 154 complaints put the 2018 model at #3 of 9 Kicks years. It is one of the Kicks years to avoid.

What are the most common 2018 Kicks problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (34 complaints), other (27 complaints), driver assistance (24 complaints).

Does the 2018 Nissan Kicks have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2018 Nissan Kicks. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Nissan Kicks years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Kicks years to avoid are 2019, 2020, 2018, 2021. The cleanest record among Kicks years belongs to 2026.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.