VehicleVerdict

2023 Nissan Kicks problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2023 Nissan Kicks sits mid-pack among Kicks years: 56 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 56, with a single recall and no defect investigations.

The trouble concentrates in one system: driver assistance issues account for 41% of all reports (23 of 56), far ahead of electrical system at 7. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

56

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

4

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2023 compare to other Kicks years?

Kicks NHTSA complaints by model year, 2023 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, 2023 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Kicks years to avoid →

What are the most common 2023 Nissan Kicks problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Driver Assistance2341%
Electrical System713%
Other611%
Engine611%
Brakes47%
Speed Control24%
Body & Structure24%
Steering24%
Visibility & Wipers12%
Lighting12%
Transmission12%
Airbags12%

Does the 2023 Nissan Kicks have recalls?

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

24V154000AirbagsFebruary 27, 2024 · 351 units

Defect

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024 Titan, Frontier, Infiniti QX60, Pathfinder, 2023-2024 Sentra, Versa, Kicks, Infiniti QX50, and 2023 Rogue vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the driver's air bag inflator may absorb moisture, and cause the air bag to deploy improperly.

Consequence

An air bag that deploys improperly may not protect the driver as intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the front driver's air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PD103, PD104, and PMA34.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“Vehicle: 2023 Nissan Kicks SR Incident Detail: On April 1, my son was involved in an auto accident. According to my son, he was traveling at approximately 20–30 mph. Upon approaching slowed traffic, my son applied the service brakes; however, the vehicle failed to decelerate or stop. To mitigate…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · April 1, 2026 · crash

“Today date 11.14.2023. Stalled problem on traffic light. It's hapen 2 times. First time 2 weeks ago, do not remember date. Second time its hapen 11.10.2023. On red light my car is stalled. Than I turn my flashers, alredy was green light. People start go around my car. Restart my car and drive my…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · November 10, 2023

“While driving at about 25mph, the engine suddenly shut off without any warning. After the engine shut off the collision warning, battery and oil light indicators came on. The car remained in drive and started to roll backwards. When pressing the engine start button, nothing happened. After a few…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 7, 2023

“I was driving about 30 mph when my brakes were put on automatically and a red triangle blinked. I thought the warning had a D in the middle, but I can’t find that as a warning. There was not another car close to me at the time. The warning went away and then the car went back to normal. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · August 11, 2023

“Vehicle: 2023 Nissan Kicks SR Incident Detail: On April 1, my son was involved in an auto accident. According to my son, he was traveling at approximately 20–30 mph. Upon approaching slowed traffic, my son applied the service brakes; however, the vehicle failed to decelerate or stop. To mitigate…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 1, 2026 · crash

2023 Nissan Kicks — common questions

Is the 2023 Nissan Kicks reliable?

It is close to typical for the Kicks: 56 NHTSA complaints, 1 recall, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2023 Kicks problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are driver assistance (23 complaints), electrical system (7 complaints), engine (6 complaints).

Does the 2023 Nissan Kicks have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2023 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 2023 Nissan Kicks?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2023 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.