Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2020 Nissan Kicks owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
*Engine or transmission failure - 27,165 current mileage *safety Risk - During moderate traffic conditions , vehicle was traveling approximtely 45 miles per hour, when it suddenly be gain to slow down. By the vehicle slowing in the manner that it did, could have caused the traffic following the vehicle to come to an abrupt stop resulting in a rear end collision. * The vehicle is currently at the Larry Miller Nissan for inspection and diagnostics * Check engine light illuminated seconds before the vehicle stalled there were no other indicators of distress such as burning smells or leaking fluids prior to the incident.
Since I got the kicks in May of this year 2022 I have had multiple incidents where the lights for the sensors come on out of nowhere and it shows 3 messages for .sensor malfunction. They popped on again a few days ago and now the check engine light is on and the code it's showing is main air flow sensor failure. That sensor from what I have been told should last a long time. I have had it 7 months and it's only 2 years old. I change the air filter every oil change and with the sensor failed it won't drive proper causing a safety hazard for me and my children.
I purchased a Nissan Kicks 2020 7 weeks ago. Yesterday while at a stop light, the engine shut off and then the battery and oil light popped on. This was extremely dangerous as I was on a busy highway and had to panic on what to do. I ended up having to put it in park and cut it back on. After researching this online, I have found other people are having the exact same issue. I checked for a recall and see NONE! How has there not been a recall? I had my three children in the car with me (one being a newborn) and was scared to death!
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
My vehicle over the last 3-4 years has been showing P0101 code errors, resulting in issues with idle, performance, and fuel economy. Cleaning the MAF sensor does nothing. This causes all sensors to turn off and stay off until the car is subsequently turned off again. I have taken it in to Nissan to be inspected and refuse to pay over $500 just for them to diagnose the issue. Have seen this also being a recurring issue with other owners.
Car will shut off on its own when sitting at a red light will get a message showing the word MALFUNCTION, will restart after several attempts of pressing the start button. Has been taken to the dealer and reported and documented on my service receipt but they could not duplicate the problem and stated car was at specs. This has now happened 4 times in the last 2 weeks.
The car acceleration issues, taking a long time to go from 0-50 with the tachometer going up to 5 to do so. My MPG has gone from 33 to 28 mpg. There are times when I press on the gas but my car doesn't move. It also makes loud "rumbling" or "whining" sounds at times.
Car acceleration delayed. Batteries dying and needing replaced regularly. Needs constant jump starts. Will not accelerate or move in the snow. Does not stop in emergencies. The vehicle was bought brand new and I have had bad luck with the Nissan kicks 2020 since purchasing it.
The dash board lights up and the check engine light comes. It's hard to accelerate or reverse and its idles high. I have replaced coils, spark plugs, censors and it's costs me thousands of dollars and it's still not fixed.
Motor issues constant ticking noise the motor is making looks like Nissan is not wanting to cover powertrain warranty looks like upper part of motor has issues and could stop working at anytime especially on a busy highway.
Engine complaints in other Kicks years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2020 Nissan Kicks?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2020 Nissan Kicks, 21% of the model year's 97 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2020 Nissan Kicks engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2020 Nissan Kicks. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2020 Nissan Kicks engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 2,000 miles, and 100% before 25,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.