Most common 2021 Nissan Kicks problems
Share of the 78 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Nissan Kicks complaints by model year
Best Kicks years: 2023, 2022. Years to avoid: 2025. Compare all years →
2021 Nissan Kicks recalls (2)
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.
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.
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.
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.
What 2021 Nissan Kicks owners say
Body & structure all 24 →
Drivers side door lock will not function properly. The remote will successfully lock/unlock all of the other doors. If the drivers door is locked with the key it will remain locked despite the other doors unlocking with the remote. This problem has been widely reported on Nissan online forums, there are no indicator/warning lights associated with this issue. This issue provides the illusion of a securely locked car when then drivers door remains unlocked, providing an opportunity for theft or worse while parked. This has been an ongoing issue since purchasing the vehicle.
TUCL1082021Nissan Kicks[redacted]Paint Chipping -Fleet Unit - Paint chipping above upper crease of windshield of vehicle, some rusting present.
Driver assistance
While traveling on a hwy with my 2021 Nissan Kicks, me and my wife were sandwiched. A black SUV suddenly stopped in front of us causing us to rear end them going approximately 50-60 mph then we were rear ended. No air bag deployed and the passenger seat appears to have come off of its tracks. Nissan has been notified of this and should conduct an investigation. Not sure if the automatic emergency braking failed or if the car just did not have time to react.
Brand new vehicle purchased on 12/28/21. Forward Collision Warning System - This system has activated twice when there were no other vehicles near mine. Then on 3/15 returning home from an out of town trip it appears that it activated again with no other vehicles within distance and then my vehicle completely shut down and every light on my dash came on and a malfunction warning for it. The vehicle was towed back to the dealership where I bought it. The dealership is also where I am employed. The diagnostic has been completed and it threw 6 codes. Safety could be impacted in several ways. The vehicle started to slow and there was no power to accelerate. The car could have cut off in the middle of the highway broke down also putting other vehicles in danger of hitting the car and causing injuries and vehicle damage. I was driving alone at midnight when this occurred. …
Electrical system
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated while driving approximately 15 MPH, she pulled over and put the vehicle in park. Once the vehicle was parked, it continued to roll forward. The vehicle hit a concrete light pole in the parking lot and damaged the driver's side front fender and headlights. No airbags deployed. There were no warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel which contact was aware of. There was a police report filed. The contact drove the vehicle safely home; then towed it to the dealer the following day. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 9,000.
I've been going in the dealership a lot regarding this car since I've purchase the car On 10/09 I was charged 165.00 to get diagnosed test done on car After diagnosed Service informed me to get electrical intake valve and EMC Unit, EMC Bracket and Audio unit replaced from Nissan Service In Grand Blanc Michigan, Dealership quoted me close to $5,561 to all this electrical work fixed, General Manager King in grand blanc Michigan , called the police on me at his dealership yesterday ,after I tried to explain this to him. He only offered me to call customer service and $500 off I am Army Veteran who pays her car payment on time every month which is a $534.00 a month these people are very , unprofessional, inconsiderate and rude , my radio has not work since 08/2023, due to electrical and wiring issues EMC Unit EMC Bracket , I purchase the car in [redacted], my payoff balance is $22,000 …
2021 Nissan Kicks engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4-cyl | CVT | FWD | 31 / 36 / 33 |
EPA ratings. Class: Midsize car.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2021 Nissan Kicks a good car?
Based on 78 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2021 Kicks rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the Kicks at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 Nissan Kicks?
The body & structure — 24 complaints, 31% of all complaints for this model year, most often about body. Next are the driver assistance (16) and electrical system (12).
How many recalls does the 2021 Nissan Kicks have?
There are 2 recalls for the 2021 Nissan Kicks, the most recent from July 18, 2023 (electric power assist system). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Nissan Kicks?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2023 and 2022. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2025. See the full Nissan Kicks years comparison.
At what mileage do 2021 Nissan Kicks problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 83,000 miles; 33% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 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.