VehicleVerdict

2019 Nissan Kicks problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 252 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 4.5 times the median Kicks year — the 2019 model ranks #1 of 9 Kicks years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across driver assistance (60), electrical system (40), and engine (35), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

252

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

9

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

5

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2019 compare to other Kicks years?

Kicks NHTSA complaints by model year, 2019 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, 2019 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Kicks years to avoid →

What are the most common 2019 Nissan Kicks problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Driver Assistance6024%
Electrical System4016%
Engine3514%
Other3112%
Brakes229%
Transmission187%
Speed Control156%
Fuel System146%
Airbags42%
Steering42%
Suspension42%
Tires & Wheels31%
Visibility & Wipers10%
Seats10%

Does the 2019 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.

“Front crash sensor comes on occassionally, drive train is now knocking, and radio now has a mind of its own won't display will just randomly increase volume”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · February 4, 2023 · crash

“Front crash sensor comes on occassionally, drive train is now knocking, and radio now has a mind of its own won't display will just randomly increase volume”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 4, 2023 · crash

“The CVT transmission in my Kicks slips every time I try to accelerate. It will also stall out from time to time, lose power and die. I've had this happen on an interstate before, almost causing a serious wreck. I have taken it to the dealership multiple times and they keep telling me that there is…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 21, 2023

“On May 14, 2023 i recieved a 'Key System Warning" took my car to the Nissan dealer (Newport News, VA) Monday 15 May, was told I needed to have the Nissan per the mechanic, the error code was 6534 CN $330.00 1 34901-5RC0A Device Away - Transmission Control $375.58 18341 error message for I key due…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 14, 2023

“The contact owns a 2019 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated after driving approximately 5 MPH going uphill to a driveway, she then put the gear into reverse and then into the drive to move forward slowly; however, the vehicle inadvertently accelerated. The contact then attempted to depress the brake…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 11, 2019 · crash

2019 Nissan Kicks — common questions

Is the 2019 Nissan Kicks reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 252 complaints put the 2019 model at #1 of 9 Kicks years. It is one of the Kicks years to avoid.

What are the most common 2019 Kicks problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are driver assistance (60 complaints), electrical system (40 complaints), engine (35 complaints).

Does the 2019 Nissan Kicks have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2019 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.

How safe is the 2019 Nissan Kicks?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2019 Nissan Kicks earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

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.