Last updated: 2026-03-04
Nissan Kicks Reliability by Year
The Nissan Kicks averages 78/100 across 8 model years, rated good.
Nissan Kicks Reliability Overview
The Nissan Kicks, spanning model years 2018 to 2026, holds an average reliability score of 78 out of 100, indicating good reliability. Common issues reported by owners include electrical system malfunctions and transmission problems, particularly in earlier models, while more recent years show improvements with lower complaint rates and scores reaching up to 83 in 2026. With a reliability rating of 4 out of 5 and moderate repair costs, the Kicks may suit buyers seeking a compact vehicle with a generally reliable track record, although attention to specific model year concerns is advised.
Current generation: 2nd gen (2025–2023).
Best & Worst Nissan Kicks Years
Best Nissan Kicks Years to Buy
The best Nissan Kicks year is 2022 with a reliability score of 82/100, rated excellent. Other strong picks include 2024 (81/100) and 2023 (80/100).
Nissan Kicks Years to Avoid
The worst Nissan Kicks year is 2018 with a score of 71/100, primarily due to electrical system (17) issues.
See full Nissan Kicks years-to-avoid analysis →Nissan Kicks Reliability Score Trend
Nissan Kicks reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 78/100.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 78/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 82/100 | Excellent |
| 2023 | 80/100 | Excellent |
| 2024 | 81/100 | Excellent |
| 2025 | 78/100 | Good |
Year-by-Year Reliability
2026 Nissan Kicks
1 recalls · 1 complaints
The 2026 Nissan Kicks has excellent reliability. There are 1 recall and 1 owner complaint on file for the 2026 Nissan Kicks. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Steering (1).
2025 Nissan Kicks
3 recalls · 24 complaints
The 2025 Nissan Kicks has good reliability. There are 3 recalls and 24 owner complaints on file for the 2025 Nissan Kicks. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (4), Visibility Wiper (3), Back Over Prevention (3).
2024 Nissan Kicks
1 recalls · 20 complaints
The 2024 Nissan Kicks has excellent reliability. There are 1 recall and 20 owner complaints on file for the 2024 Nissan Kicks. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Unknown Or Other (6), Visibility Wiper (4), Electrical System (2).
2023 Nissan Kicks
1 recalls · 23 complaints
The 2023 Nissan Kicks has excellent reliability. There are 1 recall and 23 owner complaints on file for the 2023 Nissan Kicks. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (6), Unknown Or Other (4), Steering (2).
2022 Nissan Kicks
0 recalls · 19 complaints
The 2022 Nissan Kicks has excellent reliability. There are 0 recalls and 19 owner complaints on file for the 2022 Nissan Kicks. Severity signals include 2 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Steering (5), Engine (4), Forward Collision Avoidance (2).
2021 Nissan Kicks
2 recalls · 66 complaints
The 2021 Nissan Kicks has good reliability. There are 2 recalls and 66 owner complaints on file for the 2021 Nissan Kicks. Severity signals include 5 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Structure (23), Unknown Or Other (11), Electrical System (10).
2020 Nissan Kicks
0 recalls · 85 complaints
The 2020 Nissan Kicks has good reliability. There are 0 recalls and 85 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Nissan Kicks. Severity signals include 6 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (21), Power Train (16), Forward Collision Avoidance (7).
2019 Nissan Kicks
1 recalls · 123 complaints
The 2019 Nissan Kicks has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 123 owner complaints on file for the 2019 Nissan Kicks. Severity signals include 5 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (36), Unknown Or Other (24), Power Train (16).
2018 Nissan Kicks
1 recalls · 78 complaints
The 2018 Nissan Kicks has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 78 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Nissan Kicks. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (17), Unknown Or Other (16), Service Brakes (10).
Nissan Kicks Repair Costs
Reliability Rating
4/5
Nissan Kicks Years to Avoid
See which model years have the most problems
Most Reliable Nissan Models
Compare all Nissan models by reliability
Compare Nissan Kicks With Similar SUVs
The Nissan Kicks competes with other compact suvs such as Audi Q3, BMW X1, and Porsche Macan.
Audi Q3 reliability
9 years tracked · 158 complaints
BMW X1 reliability
9 years tracked · 188 complaints
Porsche Macan reliability
8 years tracked · 83 complaints
Volvo XC60 reliability
8 years tracked · 242 complaints
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Nissan Kicks reliable?
- The Nissan Kicks has good reliability with an average score of 78/100. Some model years are stronger than others — check individual years before buying.
- What is the best year for the Nissan Kicks?
- The best year for the Nissan Kicks is 2022 with a reliability score of 82/100, rated excellent. It has 0 recalls and 19 owner complaints on record. See full 2022 Nissan Kicks analysis →
- What are the Nissan Kicks years to avoid?
- The Nissan Kicks years to avoid include 2018 (71/100). These model years score significantly below the model average due to higher recall and complaint volumes. See the full years-to-avoid analysis for details. See full years-to-avoid analysis →
- How much does it cost to maintain a Nissan Kicks?
- Annual maintenance cost estimates are not available for the Nissan Kicks. Based on its reliability score and complaint patterns, check individual year pages for repair cost details when available.
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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