Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2021 Nissan Kicks owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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.
2021Nissan Kicks[redacted]Paint Chipping -Fleet Unit - Paint chipping above upper crease of windshield of vehicle, some rusting present.
2021Nissan Kicks[redacted]Paint Chipping -Fleet Unit - Paint chipping above upper crease of windshield of vehicle, some rusting present.
2021Nissan Kicks[redacted]Paint Chipping -Fleet Unit - Paint chipping above upper crease of windshield of vehicle, some rusting present.
2021Nissan Kicks[redacted]Paint Chipping -Fleet Unit - Paint chipping above upper crease of windshield of vehicle, some rusting present.
2021Nissan Kicks[redacted]Paint Chipping -Fleet Unit - Paint chipping above upper crease of windshield of vehicle, some rusting present.
2021Nissan Kicks[redacted]Paint Chipping -Fleet Unit - Paint chipping above upper crease of windshield of vehicle, some rusting present.
2021Nissan Kicks[redacted]Paint Chipping -Fleet Unit - Paint chipping above upper crease of windshield of vehicle, some rusting present.
2021Nissan Kicks[redacted]Paint Chipping -Fleet Unit - Paint chipping above upper crease of windshield of vehicle, some rusting present.
Body complaints in other Kicks years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2021 Nissan Kicks?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the body & structure of the 2021 Nissan Kicks, 31% of the model year's 78 complaints. The component named most often is body (24 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2021 Nissan Kicks body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2021 Nissan Kicks, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
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.