Total Complaints
168 filings
NISSAN KICKS · model year
2020 NISSAN KICKS
168 NHTSA complaints, 12 crash reports for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
4 / 5 ★
New Car Assessment Program
The 2020NISSANKICKS carries 168 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 12 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 4/5 rating, with 4/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2020 KICKS is forward collision avoidance: warnings with 28 filings, followed by electrical system (23) and engine (17). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability.
NHTSA currently has 54 investigation files overlapping the 2020 KICKS, and 5 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
168
Complaints
12
Crashes
0
Fires
4
Injuries
0
Deaths
- Front Crash 4.0 ★
- Side Crash 5.0 ★
- Rollover 4.0 ★
Crashes Reported
12 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Complaints vs. fleet median (215)
At or below the fleet median complaint volume.
NHTSA NCAP overall: 4/5 — Strong NCAP rating
· Front: 4/5
· Side: 5/5
· Rollover: 4/5
Complaints by Component
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS | 28 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 23 |
| ENGINE | 17 |
| POWER TRAIN | 16 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING | 13 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 11 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 11 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 8 |
| AIR BAGS | 7 |
| LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING | 6 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 5 |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS | 3 |
| STEERING | 2 |
| LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST | 2 |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | 1 |
Recent Complaints
20260112FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that the ABS, Forward Facing Camera, Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), Lane Variation, and other safety feature lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the ABS and Forward-Facing Camera. The dealer diagnosed that the ADAS needed to be replaced; however, the part was on back order. While awaiting parts for the repair, the battery started to lose power and needed to be jump-started several times. The manufacturer was informed of the issue. The manufacturer opened a case for the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
Mileage: 59,000
20260112LANE DEPARTURE: SENSING SYSTEM: OTHER
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that the ABS, Forward Facing Camera, Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), Lane Variation, and other safety feature lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the ABS and Forward-Facing Camera. The dealer diagnosed that the ADAS needed to be replaced; however, the part was on back order. While awaiting parts for the repair, the battery started to lose power and needed to be jump-started several times. The manufacturer was informed of the issue. The manufacturer opened a case for the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
Mileage: 59,000
20260112SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that the ABS, Forward Facing Camera, Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), Lane Variation, and other safety feature lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the ABS and Forward-Facing Camera. The dealer diagnosed that the ADAS needed to be replaced; however, the part was on back order. While awaiting parts for the repair, the battery started to lose power and needed to be jump-started several times. The manufacturer was informed of the issue. The manufacturer opened a case for the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
Mileage: 59,000
20251210FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
The sensor lights constantly come on and then the engine light comes on. When I got the engine light read, it says I need a new mass airflow sensor. I have replaced this sensor 3 times now and the air filter, the same issue is occurring over and over again. Every sensor light comes on and the car starts to decelerate while you are driving making it difficult to press the gas or accelerate to a higher speed.
20251210LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
The sensor lights constantly come on and then the engine light comes on. When I got the engine light read, it says I need a new mass airflow sensor. I have replaced this sensor 3 times now and the air filter, the same issue is occurring over and over again. Every sensor light comes on and the car starts to decelerate while you are driving making it difficult to press the gas or accelerate to a higher speed.
20251210BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
The sensor lights constantly come on and then the engine light comes on. When I got the engine light read, it says I need a new mass airflow sensor. I have replaced this sensor 3 times now and the air filter, the same issue is occurring over and over again. Every sensor light comes on and the car starts to decelerate while you are driving making it difficult to press the gas or accelerate to a higher speed.
20251210ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed electronic control module. The contact was informed that the electronic control module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the parts were on back order. In addition, the contact referenced an online site, which referenced the failure with the vehicle, and for parts were not being available. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
Mileage: 59,000
20251104SEAT BELTS
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front driver's side seat belt independently unlatched. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 197. The VIN was not available.
Mileage: 197
20251103POWER TRAIN
When driving my car the crash light comes on in traffic and sometimes when braking. Recently it started to flash the hydroplaning symbol and now the check engine is on. Iâve seen other people online having the same issue with their vehicles as well.
20251028ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The engine harness and electrical wiring have caused the entire vehicle to lose signal. This issue has cause my.car to stall and not accelerate while driving. Entire lights on dashboard come one and vehicle is unable to accerlerate. Vehicle is currently at the dealer and that is the tecnicians conclusion. No signs before aside from dashboard lights turning on. Vehicle was taken to DMV soon after.
20251028LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION
The engine harness and electrical wiring have caused the entire vehicle to lose signal. This issue has cause my.car to stall and not accelerate while driving. Entire lights on dashboard come one and vehicle is unable to accerlerate. Vehicle is currently at the dealer and that is the tecnicians conclusion. No signs before aside from dashboard lights turning on. Vehicle was taken to DMV soon after.
20251028FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
The engine harness and electrical wiring have caused the entire vehicle to lose signal. This issue has cause my.car to stall and not accelerate while driving. Entire lights on dashboard come one and vehicle is unable to accerlerate. Vehicle is currently at the dealer and that is the tecnicians conclusion. No signs before aside from dashboard lights turning on. Vehicle was taken to DMV soon after.
20251018SERVICE BRAKES
I was driving and needed to come to a stop because there was a four-way stop sign, and the brakes didnât work. The pedal went all the way to the floor and even though I pumped the brakes, it wouldnât stop. This is the second incident where this happens. I checked the brake pads and fluid everything is good. No warning lights come on when this happens. So the mechanic says they cannot check and see whatâs wrong with it because no lights come on.
20251006ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Random sensor malfunction errors ABS and Front Collision warning lights Entire body sensor
20250929AIR BAGS
Abs, ccs cruise control, air pressure monitor, laser/radar, intelligence key, radar stain, center sonar, radar circuit unit,airbag lights Poa90 recall engine control module, transmission, collison lights, pre-existing damages, it has defects it started intermittent stalling at 66,541 miles upon buying it at 59,290 miles. All the dashboard lights on. It's a hazards it's to risky it won't start sometimes it leaves us on the side of the road. Sometimes we have to tow it.4
20250929ENGINE
Abs, ccs cruise control, air pressure monitor, laser/radar, intelligence key, radar stain, center sonar, radar circuit unit,airbag lights Poa90 recall engine control module, transmission, collison lights, pre-existing damages, it has defects it started intermittent stalling at 66,541 miles upon buying it at 59,290 miles. All the dashboard lights on. It's a hazards it's to risky it won't start sometimes it leaves us on the side of the road. Sometimes we have to tow it.4
20250929ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Abs, ccs cruise control, air pressure monitor, laser/radar, intelligence key, radar stain, center sonar, radar circuit unit,airbag lights Poa90 recall engine control module, transmission, collison lights, pre-existing damages, it has defects it started intermittent stalling at 66,541 miles upon buying it at 59,290 miles. All the dashboard lights on. It's a hazards it's to risky it won't start sometimes it leaves us on the side of the road. Sometimes we have to tow it.4
20250915FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
P0101 code keep coming back after so many repairs plus all lights are on like lane assist front collision prevention rear collision detection and slippery road it will reset after turning off and on
20250915ENGINE
P0101 code keep coming back after so many repairs plus all lights are on like lane assist front collision prevention rear collision detection and slippery road it will reset after turning off and on
20250915ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
P0101 code keep coming back after so many repairs plus all lights are on like lane assist front collision prevention rear collision detection and slippery road it will reset after turning off and on
Compare 2020NISSANKICKS to Similar Vehicles
NHTSA Investigations 5 Open
PE25005Preliminary EvaluationOpen
Driver Airbag Inflator Rupture
PE24020Preliminary EvaluationOpen
Inner Tie Rod Failures
PE24017Preliminary EvaluationOpen
Side curtain air bags may deploy inadvertently
PE24007Preliminary EvaluationClosed
Reduced Power After Engine Stall
PE23020Preliminary EvaluationClosed
Loss of motive power due to broken crankshaft with no ability to restart.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many complaints does the 2020 NISSAN KICKS have?▼
The 2020 NISSAN KICKS has 168 NHTSA complaints, 12 crashes, 0 fires, 4 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2020 NISSAN KICKS?▼
The 2020 NISSAN KICKS received an overall NHTSA safety rating of 4/5, front crash rating of 4/5, side crash rating of 5/5, and rollover rating of 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 NISSAN KICKS?▼
The most-complained component for the 2020 NISSAN KICKS is FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS with 28 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and ENGINE.
Is the 2020 NISSAN KICKS safe to buy?▼
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. The 2020 NISSAN KICKS has an NHTSA safety rating of 4/5. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?▼
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.
Vehicle Safety Guides
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.