Nissan Kicks 2023: common problems

Owners of the 2023 Nissan Kicks filed 34 complaints with NHTSA, and the most common is the forward collision avoidance system (the automatic emergency braking and warning system), with 11 reports. Electrical system and engine each have 8 reports, mostly about stalling and warning lights. There is 1 official recall, for the driver's air bag inflator. The data comes from the United States, and the same model may differ in other countries.

What owners complain about

• Forward collision avoidance11 complaints

  Owners say the car brakes hard with nothing in front of it, including when backing up or near a sidewalk, and that collision warning lights come on for no clear reason. Some say dealers found nothing wrong or could not reproduce the problem. One owner reports the car did not slow down when the service brakes were applied, and a crash followed.

  Generic OBD2 barely sees this. Driver-assistance systems usually sit in separate modules that a generic scanner cannot read.

• Electrical system8 complaints

  Owners describe warning lights flashing on, intermittent no-start, and stalling at stops or while driving, often with no codes found by the dealer. One owner reports that a mechanic mentioned a recall for a steering-force sensor connection, but the owner's car had not been recalled.

  An OBD2 scanner sometimes picks this up. Some electrical and charging faults set codes, but several owners say the dealer found no codes.

• Engine8 complaints

  Owners report the engine shutting off at stoplights or at about 25 mph, and the car not moving when the accelerator is pressed until it is turned off and on again. Dealers reportedly could not find or reproduce the fault, and one owner says a software update was mentioned for stalling.

  An OBD2 scanner usually picks this up. Engine faults often set codes, though several owners say the dealer's computer detected no problem.

• Unknown or other6 complaints

  Owners report the rear glass shattering with no visible impact, a rearview mirror blocking the view to the right, and stalling or automatic braking with no cause found.

  Generic OBD2 barely sees this. Glass and mirror issues are body items with no codes, and the other reports here overlap with systems a generic scanner may not read.

• Power train4 complaints

  Owners report no response from the engine or drivetrain when pressing the accelerator at a stop. One owner reports a CVT (continuously variable transmission) that needed replacement at about 78,600 miles, and another a transmission and radiator hose leak at about 37,100 miles.

  An OBD2 scanner sometimes picks this up. Transmission faults can set codes, but fluid leaks and some intermittent faults may not.

• Back over prevention4 complaints

  Owners report a partly failed driver-side camera, rear sensors not warning as designed, and automatic braking when reversing with no obstruction. One owner reports a diagnostic code starting with C1B56, though the sample is cut off.

  Generic OBD2 barely sees this. Camera and parking sensor systems are usually in separate modules a generic scanner cannot read.

• Service brakes4 complaints

  Owners report sudden braking with nothing ahead, the car not slowing when the brake was pressed, and a car stopping hard when backing out of a driveway. One owner says the brake and gas pedals sit too close together.

  Generic OBD2 barely sees this. Brake systems mostly live in modules a generic scanner cannot read.

• Engine and engine cooling2 complaints

  One owner reports green fluid leaking and a failed radiator at about 37,100 miles. Another reports dim headlights and slow transmission shifting into 1st and 2nd gear.

  An OBD2 scanner sometimes picks this up. Overheating and some engine faults can set codes, but a leak or dim lights may not.

Recalls

• 24V154000 · 27/02/2024

  The driver's air bag inflator (the part that fills the bag in a crash) may absorb moisture because of a manufacturing issue, and the air bag could then deploy improperly. In a crash it may not protect the driver as intended, which raises the risk of injury. Dealers will replace the driver's air bag assembly free of charge. Check your VIN with Nissan or NHTSA to see if your car is included. Nissan customer service is 1-800-867-7669, and Nissan's recall numbers are PD103, PD104 and PMA34.

Frequently asked questions

Data: owner complaints and recalls published by the US NHTSA, retrieved 2026-11-09. Complaints are owner reports, not confirmed defects. Summary written with the help of AI.