NISSAN KICKS · model year

2023 NISSAN KICKS

43 NHTSA complaints, 1 crash report, and 1 active recall for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

4 / 5 ★

New Car Assessment Program

The 2023NISSANKICKS carries 43 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 1 crash, 0 fires, 1 injury, 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 2023 KICKS is electrical system with 7 filings, followed by forward collision avoidance: automatic emergency braking (7) and engine (5). 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. This model year has 1 active recall campaign, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 54 investigation files overlapping the 2023 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.

43
Complaints
1
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
2023 NISSAN KICKS — NHTSA crash-test profile NHTSA NCAP crash-test star ratings for the 2023 NISSAN KICKS. Overall composite: 4.0 of 5 stars across 3 safety dimensions. Front CrashSide CrashRollover 4.0 NHTSA NCAP of 5 stars
  • Front Crash 4.0 ★
  • Side Crash 5.0 ★
  • Rollover 4.0 ★
NHTSA overall 4.0/5 stars, with front-crash, side-crash and rollover ratings from standardized NCAP barrier and dynamic tests.

Total Complaints

43 filings

Crashes Reported

1 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

ComponentCount
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM7
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING7
ENGINE5
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS5
UNKNOWN OR OTHER5
STRUCTURE:BODY2
BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING2
SERVICE BRAKES2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL2
STEERING2
AIR BAGS1
BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING1

Recalls (1)

24V15400027/02/2024

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

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 improper

Recent Complaints

20260127UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Back glass was shattered with no visible impact. Back glass was replaced by Safelite.

20260125UNKNOWN OR OTHER

WHILE COMING FROM THE GROCERY STORE TO MY APARTMENT I HEARD A LOUD POP AND I SAW THRU MY MIRROR THAT MY REAR WINDOW WAS SHATTERED. I. STOP ON THE NEXT BLOCK AND PARK TO SEE IF SOMEONE OR SOMETHING HIT MY WINDOW BUT NOTHING... I NOTICED ON THE SIDE OF THE SORROUNDI WINDOW THE WINDOW WAS SEPARATED FROM THE WINDOW FRAME... I DID SOME RESEARCHED AND FOUND OUT IT HAS HAPPEN TO OTHER NISSAN OWNERS .... I WILL BE CONTACTING MY NISSAN DEALER TO SEE IF THEY WILL REPAIR IT FOR FREE... I CAN'T DRIVE IT BECAUSE THE WINDOW CAN FALL TO THE STREET... I CAN'T PUT NO PLASTIC AROUND IT BECAUSE ITS BEEN RAINING ALL THIS WEEKND.... THIS HAPPEN ON FRIDAY THE 16, 2026 AROUND 430PM

20251209ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, the engine failed to turn over. The contact had to wait for 20 minutes to an hour before being able to start the vehicle. The failure was intermittent. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

Mileage: 64,000

20250825ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I started braking and the red "BRAKE" started intermittently shining. Later on, the warning, front collision, and traction control lights suddenly turned on. I cannot use cruise control now either. A quick look online shows this to be a widespread issue across many Nissan Kicks, but the dealership is saying that the issue only applies to some models of Kicks, not mine. But my issue is identical to the one people online have said applied to theirs and was covered, so I think it is a more widespread issue than Nissan is letting on/admitting. This is dangerous as these systems are last-resort braking systems for emergencies, so when they are supposed to engage is precisely when you need them most (to prevent a deadly crash). Additionally, there is now a second instance of one of the side cameras going out. The first one happened at roughly ~20k miles, and now the other side at ~36k miles. This is dangerous since these cameras feed into the lane keeping and blind spot systems, as w

20250825FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

I started braking and the red "BRAKE" started intermittently shining. Later on, the warning, front collision, and traction control lights suddenly turned on. I cannot use cruise control now either. A quick look online shows this to be a widespread issue across many Nissan Kicks, but the dealership is saying that the issue only applies to some models of Kicks, not mine. But my issue is identical to the one people online have said applied to theirs and was covered, so I think it is a more widespread issue than Nissan is letting on/admitting. This is dangerous as these systems are last-resort braking systems for emergencies, so when they are supposed to engage is precisely when you need them most (to prevent a deadly crash). Additionally, there is now a second instance of one of the side cameras going out. The first one happened at roughly ~20k miles, and now the other side at ~36k miles. This is dangerous since these cameras feed into the lane keeping and blind spot systems, as w

20250825FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

I started braking and the red "BRAKE" started intermittently shining. Later on, the warning, front collision, and traction control lights suddenly turned on. I cannot use cruise control now either. A quick look online shows this to be a widespread issue across many Nissan Kicks, but the dealership is saying that the issue only applies to some models of Kicks, not mine. But my issue is identical to the one people online have said applied to theirs and was covered, so I think it is a more widespread issue than Nissan is letting on/admitting. This is dangerous as these systems are last-resort braking systems for emergencies, so when they are supposed to engage is precisely when you need them most (to prevent a deadly crash). Additionally, there is now a second instance of one of the side cameras going out. The first one happened at roughly ~20k miles, and now the other side at ~36k miles. This is dangerous since these cameras feed into the lane keeping and blind spot systems, as w

20250813ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the headlights became extremely dim before the failure was self-corrected. The failure was intermittent. Occasionally, the contact had to restart the vehicle for the headlights to illuminate properly. The contact stated that after the initial start-up, the vehicle hesitated, and there was an extensive amount of time before the transmission shifted into 2nd gear. There was also an extended amount of time before the vehicle shifted into 1st gear while the vehicle was idling. While driving uphill and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle decelerated and lost motive power. The failure became a persistent failure. The contact stated that on one occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, while the transmission was shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, a loud boom came from the vehicle, and the vehicle lost power. The contact was able to push the vehicle, with assistance, to a nearby parking lot. The

Mileage: 35,000

20250813EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The contact owns a 2023 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the headlights became extremely dim before the failure was self-corrected. The failure was intermittent. Occasionally, the contact had to restart the vehicle for the headlights to illuminate properly. The contact stated that after the initial start-up, the vehicle hesitated, and there was an extensive amount of time before the transmission shifted into 2nd gear. There was also an extended amount of time before the vehicle shifted into 1st gear while the vehicle was idling. While driving uphill and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle decelerated and lost motive power. The failure became a persistent failure. The contact stated that on one occasion, while driving at an undisclosed speed, while the transmission was shifting from 1st to 2nd gear, a loud boom came from the vehicle, and the vehicle lost power. The contact was able to push the vehicle, with assistance, to a nearby parking lot. The

Mileage: 35,000

20250721STEERING

I went to have car checked and mechanic said it was a recall and the problem is an unstable electrical connection within the sensor that measures the force the driver applies to the steering wheel during turns and can result in the power steering feature being disabled. I can have inspection done at any time. I drive my family to work and my infant grandson around. I don’t want to have an accident or put my family at risk. Other vehicles that were of the same yr and make have been recalled but mine was made in a different country so it has not been recalled as of yet but I need answers due to the risk factor of driving this vehicle.

20250721ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I went to have car checked and mechanic said it was a recall and the problem is an unstable electrical connection within the sensor that measures the force the driver applies to the steering wheel during turns and can result in the power steering feature being disabled. I can have inspection done at any time. I drive my family to work and my infant grandson around. I don’t want to have an accident or put my family at risk. Other vehicles that were of the same yr and make have been recalled but mine was made in a different country so it has not been recalled as of yet but I need answers due to the risk factor of driving this vehicle.

20250717FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

The emergency braking systems will randomly brake without anything in front of the car. When backing into a parking spot, if the car senses a parking block it will emergency brake. When driving, there has been a person walking on a sidewalk, not in the road or crossing the road, and the car emergency braked. Other times it has emergency braked randomly when driving for no known reason. I have taken the car in to get serviced and was informed the sensors are fine and it is simply the location of the sensors causing the issue. I was informed that no recalls are present and there is nothing they can do to fix it. This presents a safety hazard to myself and those around me, as I do not know when it will emergency brake, potentially causing an accident. There are varying days and times of incidents and the vehicle had less than 10,000 miles.

20250717FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

The emergency braking systems will randomly brake without anything in front of the car. When backing into a parking spot, if the car senses a parking block it will emergency brake. When driving, there has been a person walking on a sidewalk, not in the road or crossing the road, and the car emergency braked. Other times it has emergency braked randomly when driving for no known reason. I have taken the car in to get serviced and was informed the sensors are fine and it is simply the location of the sensors causing the issue. I was informed that no recalls are present and there is nothing they can do to fix it. This presents a safety hazard to myself and those around me, as I do not know when it will emergency brake, potentially causing an accident. There are varying days and times of incidents and the vehicle had less than 10,000 miles.

20250717BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

The emergency braking systems will randomly brake without anything in front of the car. When backing into a parking spot, if the car senses a parking block it will emergency brake. When driving, there has been a person walking on a sidewalk, not in the road or crossing the road, and the car emergency braked. Other times it has emergency braked randomly when driving for no known reason. I have taken the car in to get serviced and was informed the sensors are fine and it is simply the location of the sensors causing the issue. I was informed that no recalls are present and there is nothing they can do to fix it. This presents a safety hazard to myself and those around me, as I do not know when it will emergency brake, potentially causing an accident. There are varying days and times of incidents and the vehicle had less than 10,000 miles.

20250320VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

My car has repeatedly stalled while in motion. •No warning lights appear on the dashboard before or after stalling. •The most recent incident occurred in front of a moving car, putting you and your family at risk. •Luckily, no one was injured, but this continues to be a serious safety hazard. •This problem has happened before, meaning it is a recurring mechanical defect. I’ve reported this issue to Nissan, but they are refusing to acknowledge it. •You have not received any recall notices despite this being a major safety concern. •Nissan has not provided a fix or meaningful response regarding the stalling issue. There have been no dashboard warning lights to indicate when something is wrong. •The car has had multiple mechanical issues, but you haven’t received proper support from Nissan. •Nissan has been unresponsive or dismissive about the recurring defects.

20250320ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

My car has repeatedly stalled while in motion. •No warning lights appear on the dashboard before or after stalling. •The most recent incident occurred in front of a moving car, putting you and your family at risk. •Luckily, no one was injured, but this continues to be a serious safety hazard. •This problem has happened before, meaning it is a recurring mechanical defect. I’ve reported this issue to Nissan, but they are refusing to acknowledge it. •You have not received any recall notices despite this being a major safety concern. •Nissan has not provided a fix or meaningful response regarding the stalling issue. There have been no dashboard warning lights to indicate when something is wrong. •The car has had multiple mechanical issues, but you haven’t received proper support from Nissan. •Nissan has been unresponsive or dismissive about the recurring defects.

20250320UNKNOWN OR OTHER

My car has repeatedly stalled while in motion. •No warning lights appear on the dashboard before or after stalling. •The most recent incident occurred in front of a moving car, putting you and your family at risk. •Luckily, no one was injured, but this continues to be a serious safety hazard. •This problem has happened before, meaning it is a recurring mechanical defect. I’ve reported this issue to Nissan, but they are refusing to acknowledge it. •You have not received any recall notices despite this being a major safety concern. •Nissan has not provided a fix or meaningful response regarding the stalling issue. There have been no dashboard warning lights to indicate when something is wrong. •The car has had multiple mechanical issues, but you haven’t received proper support from Nissan. •Nissan has been unresponsive or dismissive about the recurring defects.

20250118FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

I have had several incidents where my vehicle malfunctioned. The most recent one that I was concerned about my safety was that I was driving 55 mph where my car applied the automatic emergency feature and suddenly started breaking without reason. I was not able to accelerate due to the malfunction of the car breaking on its own and when the car reached about 30 mph that’s when i was able to accelerate again. The other incidents is when the car’s crashing system warning lights and beeping would come up constantly even when no cars are around. As well as when I am going in reverse. My car will start beeping and warning me that I am going to hit something while everything is clear.

20250118FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

I have had several incidents where my vehicle malfunctioned. The most recent one that I was concerned about my safety was that I was driving 55 mph where my car applied the automatic emergency feature and suddenly started breaking without reason. I was not able to accelerate due to the malfunction of the car breaking on its own and when the car reached about 30 mph that’s when i was able to accelerate again. The other incidents is when the car’s crashing system warning lights and beeping would come up constantly even when no cars are around. As well as when I am going in reverse. My car will start beeping and warning me that I am going to hit something while everything is clear.

20250118BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING

I have had several incidents where my vehicle malfunctioned. The most recent one that I was concerned about my safety was that I was driving 55 mph where my car applied the automatic emergency feature and suddenly started breaking without reason. I was not able to accelerate due to the malfunction of the car breaking on its own and when the car reached about 30 mph that’s when i was able to accelerate again. The other incidents is when the car’s crashing system warning lights and beeping would come up constantly even when no cars are around. As well as when I am going in reverse. My car will start beeping and warning me that I am going to hit something while everything is clear.

20240611CrashAIR BAGS

Another vehicle failed to stop at a stop sign and ran into the front driver side of my vehicle. Air bags were supposed to be deployed on my vehicle due to the impact of the collision, however, they were not. Air bags could have prevented injury if they had functioned properly. Vehicle is now a total loss.

Compare 2023NISSANKICKS to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 5 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2023 NISSAN KICKS have?
The 2023 NISSAN KICKS has 43 NHTSA complaints, 1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2023 NISSAN KICKS?
The 2023 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.
Are there any recalls for the 2023 NISSAN KICKS?
Yes, the 2023 NISSAN KICKS has 1 recall(s). The most common affected component is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2023 NISSAN KICKS?
The most-complained component for the 2023 NISSAN KICKS is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM with 7 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING and ENGINE.
Is the 2023 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 2023 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.