2021 Nissan Kicks problems, complaints & recalls

2021 Nissan Kicks recalls (2)

• Recall 23V496000Jul 18, 202311,824 vehicles
  STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

  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.

  Risk: 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.

• Recall 22V693000Sep 15, 202220,040 vehicles
  STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

  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.

  Risk: 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.

Recent 2021 Nissan Kicks complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

1. Filed Aug 21, 2026MAOther / Unknown

   The rear door actuator on the passenger side failed causing the door to not be able to unlock electronically. This is particularly concerning as this is the side we would put our infant child on and we would be unable to access in an emergency. The dealership was not helpful in addressing this issue with Nissan corporate. We are extremely concerned that this issue occured and concerned that the dealership does not appear to be willing to help bring this issue to corporate. I…

   NHTSA complaint #11758421 · source
2. Filed Aug 14, 2026NJSteeringTransmission & DrivetrainWheels & Tires

   I had a noise and highway vibration in my 2021 Nissan Kicks. Brought it to the dealer and was told the front axle nut was loose. They said it is a common issue. There is a TSB on it but I believe it is a safety issue due to it being a loose axle nut and vibration

   NHTSA complaint #11756958 · source
3. Filed Jul 25, 2026ORTransmission & Drivetrain

   The CVT transmission is slipping and losing acceleration while driving, overheating and smelling really bad like burnt rubber, the oil is black and smells burnt, its currently at 52,100 miles and I sent it up to Chuck Colvin Nissan and they did not fix my car, they drove it back to me and when I test drove it myself it broke down on the side of the road and I had to sit for 30 minutes for it to cool off before driving home

   NHTSA complaint #11752854 · source
4. Filed Jul 7, 2026MICrashTowedAirbagsSeats & Seat Belts

   I was involved in a pile up on the highway, upon impact, my seatbelt and my daughter’s seat belt popped off. My sons however, remained intact. The air bags did not go off.

   NHTSA complaint #11748928 · source
5. Filed Jun 30, 2026ALTransmission & Drivetrain

   At first it just seemed sluggish like it didn’t want to take off then the Transmission started jerking would not allow the car to go engine revving up to 5000 rpm before the transmission would engage.

   NHTSA complaint #11747575 · source
6. Filed Jun 13, 2026ILEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   My CVT transmission has stopped working. At no time during taking it to Nissan dealerships to have oil changes in basic maintenance was it ever suggested to do a filter or fluid change on my transmission although Nissan transmissions are sold to consumers as locked and maintenance free it is a well-known fact that I've come to find out that this is a very incorrect statement and fluid and filters do need change every 30 to 50,000 miles or it will cause severe damage to one's…

   NHTSA complaint #11743903 · source
7. Filed Jun 2, 2026108,000 miPABody & Structure

   The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated while her boyfriend was driving approximately 35 MPH, the hood unexpectedly flew open, hit and cracked the windshield. The driver was able to pull over to the side of the road and pushed down the hood. The driver continued driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed that the hood latch was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was waiting to hear back the auto warranty…

   NHTSA complaint #11741518 · source
8. Filed Apr 27, 2026CADriver Assistance & Safety TechOther / Unknown

   Immediately after turning car on and putting it on Drive gear, the collision light and traction light on dashboard came on and a message “Malfunction See Owner’s Manual” came on too. As I tried to get out of my parking garage it was little hard to accelerate. I turned my car off for a few seconds, the collision/traction engine light turned off, but check engine light turned on. I had battery checked by AAA who confirmed battery is still in good condition. Took vehicle to…

   NHTSA complaint #11734187 · source

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 10, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology