Last updated: 2026-05-15
Dodge Hornet vs Nissan Kicks: Reliability Compared
Dodge Hornet
Nissan Kicks
Choosing between the Dodge Hornet and the Nissan Kicks? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two compact suvs.
Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Nissan Kicks currently leads with an average score of 78/100 compared to 59/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.
Verdict
The Nissan Kicks is more reliable than the Dodge Hornet, scoring 78/100 vs 59/100.
Key Differences
- 1Nissan Kicks scores 19 points higher in reliability
- 2Nissan Kicks has 13.4 fewer complaints per 10k sold
- 3Nissan Kicks has 3 fewer total recalls
Category Scoreboard
Dodge Hornet vs Nissan Kicks: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Dodge Hornet | Nissan Kicks |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 59/100 | 78/100 |
| Years Tracked | 3 | 9 |
| Total Recalls | 13 | 10 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 21.7 | 8.3 |
| Year Wins | 0 | 3 |
What Are the Common Problems With the Dodge Hornet and Nissan Kicks?
| Component | Dodge Hornet | Nissan Kicks |
|---|---|---|
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | —None | 1.8Low |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | —None | 1.2Low |
| POWER TRAIN | —None | 0.8Very Low |
| SERVICE BRAKES | —None | 0.7Very Low |
| STRUCTURE | —None | 0.5Very Low |
| ENGINE | —None | 0.5Very Low |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | —None | 0.4Very Low |
| STEERING | —None | 0.3Very Low |
| AIR BAGS | —None | 0.2Very Low |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | —None | 0.2Very Low |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| LANE DEPARTURE | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| SUSPENSION | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| WHEELS | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| VISIBILITY | —None | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
How Does Dodge Hornet vs Nissan Kicks Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Dodge Hornet | Nissan Kicks | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 64/1002R / 1C | 78/1003R / 24C | Nissan Kicks |
| 2024 | 54/1007R / 60C | 81/1001R / 20C | Nissan Kicks |
| 2023 | 59/1004R / 25C | 80/1001R / 23C | Nissan Kicks |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2025 Dodge Hornet scored 64/100 and the 2024 Nissan Kicks scored 81/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.
Dodge Hornet vs Nissan Kicks: Common Questions
- Is the Dodge Hornet more reliable than the Nissan Kicks?
- Based on our data, the Nissan Kicks is more reliable with an average score of 78/100 compared to 59/100. That's a significant difference worth considering.
- Which has more recalls, the Dodge Hornet or the Nissan Kicks?
- The Dodge Hornet has more recalls (13) compared to the Nissan Kicks (10). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
- Which has fewer owner complaints, the Dodge Hornet or the Nissan Kicks?
- Adjusted for sales volume, the Nissan Kicks has a lower complaint rate at 8.3 per 10,000 vehicles sold versus 21.7 for the Dodge Hornet. Normalizing by sales gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.
Related Reliability Comparisons
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Decided between Dodge Hornet and Nissan Kicks? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
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How We Calculate Reliability Scores
Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.
Key Ranking Factors
Complaint Severity
NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
Recall Impact
Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.
Issue Diversity
Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.
Scores are grouped into four tiers:
- 80–100: Excellent— Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
- 60–79: Good— Reliable with some minor concerns
- 40–59: Mixed— Notable issues, research before buying
- 0–39: Risky— Significant problems, proceed with caution
Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.
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