VehicleVerdict

2021 Nissan Kicks problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 100 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median Kicks year — the 2021 model ranks #4 of 9 Kicks years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across body & structure (24), driver assistance (20), and other (15), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

100

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2021 compare to other Kicks years?

Kicks NHTSA complaints by model year, 2021 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, 2021 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Kicks years to avoid →

What are the most common 2021 Nissan Kicks problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure2424%
Driver Assistance2020%
Other1515%
Electrical System1111%
Engine77%
Transmission77%
Brakes55%
Airbags33%
Speed Control22%
Steering22%
Seats11%
Latches & Locks11%
Fuel System11%
Visibility & Wipers11%

Does the 2021 Nissan Kicks have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

23V496000SteeringJuly 18, 2023 · 11,824 units

Defect

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Versa and Kicks vehicles. An intermittent electrical connection in the electric power steering (EPS) torque sensor can disable the power steering assist.

Consequence

Loss of power steering assist can increase the steering effort required, especially at low speeds, and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the steering column torque sensor lot code and replace the steering column assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PMA26. This recall involves vehicles that were previously inspected, but did not receive a steering column replacement, under recall number 22V-693. These vehicles will need to be reinspected for this recall.

22V693000SteeringSeptember 15, 2022 · 20,040 units

Defect

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Versa and Kicks vehicles. An intermittent electrical connection in the electric power steering (EPS) torque sensor can disable the power steering assist.

Consequence

Loss of power steering assist can increase the steering effort required, especially at low speeds, and increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will inspect the steering column torque sensor lot code, and replace the column, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 9, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PMA10 / PMA25.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“ TUCL1082021Nissan Kicks[XXX]Paint Chipping -Fleet Unit - Paint chipping above upper crease of windshield of vehicle, some rusting present. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · February 21, 2022

“While traveling on a hwy with my 2021 Nissan Kicks, me and my wife were sandwiched. A black SUV suddenly stopped in front of us causing us to rear end them going approximately 50-60 mph then we were rear ended. No air bag deployed and the passenger seat appears to have come off of its tracks.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · November 24, 2021 · crash

“I was driving at a speed of 32 no other cars around. All of a sudden I hear some buzzing and feel vibration, and I see a hazard icon in the dash flashing. It was a white triangle outlined in red with a red exclamation mark inside of the triangle. The car slowed dramatically almost stopping as the…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 13, 2025

“The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH, she pulled over and put the vehicle in park. Once the vehicle was parked, it continued to roll forward. The vehicle hit a concrete light pole in the parking lot and damaged the driver's side front fender…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 14, 2022 · crash

“At 54,000 miles on my car my car was shaking and not wanting to go past 20miles an hour. My check engine light came on. Safety was at risk, there was no warning that my car was having trouble. It was driving fine one minute and ttem all of a sudden check engine light came on. Feel that the cvt…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · June 4, 2024

2021 Nissan Kicks — common questions

Is the 2021 Nissan Kicks reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 100 complaints put the 2021 model at #4 of 9 Kicks years. It is one of the Kicks years to avoid.

What are the most common 2021 Kicks problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (24 complaints), driver assistance (20 complaints), other (15 complaints).

Does the 2021 Nissan Kicks have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2021 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 2021 Nissan Kicks?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2021 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.