2020 Nissan Kicks problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 179 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.2 times the median Kicks year — the 2020 model ranks #2 of 9 Kicks years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
Driver Assistance leads the complaint categories with 56 reports (31% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.
179
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
14
Crash-involved
0
Fires reported
6
Injuries
0
Deaths
4
NCAP overall · of 5 stars
How does 2020 compare to other Kicks years?
What are the most common 2020 Nissan Kicks problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver Assistance | 56 | 31% | — flat |
| Electrical System | 27 | 15% | ▼ down |
| Engine | 19 | 11% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 17 | 9% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 13 | 7% | — flat |
| Brakes | 11 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Other | 11 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 7 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 6 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 3 | 2% | — flat |
| Visibility & Wipers | 2 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 2 | 1% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Tires & Wheels | 2 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1% | new |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I am the owner of the vehicle but my daughter was the driver and I am making the complaint on her behalf but she can provide additional details. The vehicle began making a grinding sound at times that sounds similar to the anti-lock braking. Then on Oct 29 the vehicle locked down the brakes as she…”
“Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 98,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was…”
“Car will shut off on its own when sitting at a red light will get a message showing the word MALFUNCTION, will restart after several attempts of pressing the start button. Has been taken to the dealer and reported and documented on my service receipt but they could not duplicate the problem and…”
“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…”
“Car will shut off on its own when sitting at a red light will get a message showing the word MALFUNCTION, will restart after several attempts of pressing the start button. Has been taken to the dealer and reported and documented on my service receipt but they could not duplicate the problem and…”
2020 Nissan Kicks — common questions
Is the 2020 Nissan Kicks reliable?
NHTSA data argues against it: 179 complaints put the 2020 model at #2 of 9 Kicks years. It is one of the Kicks years to avoid.
What are the most common 2020 Kicks problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are driver assistance (56 complaints), electrical system (27 complaints), engine (19 complaints).
Does the 2020 Nissan Kicks have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2020 Nissan Kicks.
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 2020 Nissan Kicks?
In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2020 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.