Last updated: 2026-03-04

2019 Nissan Kicks Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2019 Nissan Kicks scores 73/100 ("Good"). With 1 recall and 123 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.
2019 is year 2 of the First generation (P15).
Recalls
1
Complaints
123
Complaint Rate
21.1
per 10k sold
Below avgEst. Annual Cost
N/A
Major Repair Risk
N/A
NHTSA Rating
4/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
1 recall on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
2019 is year 2 of the First generation (P15).
- Redesigned for the 2018 model year.
- A refresh arrives in 2021.
- 1st generation Kicks (US).
What this means for buyers
Year 2 is typically a safer pick than the first model year — early issues are more likely to be identified, but the platform is still new.
If you're comparing prices, check 2018 (redesign year) vs 2019+ pricing and recalls.
First generation (P15)
Should You Buy the 2019 Nissan Kicks?
The 2019 Nissan Kicks scores 73/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2019 is year 2 of the First generation (P15).
With 123 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.
A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to electrical system (36). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.
Compared to the 2020 Nissan Kicks, which scored 5 points higher. See also the 2018 Nissan Kicks for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Acceptable reliability score
- Low recall count
- Below-average complaint rate for SUV
Cons
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM issues reported (36 complaints)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER issues reported (24 complaints)
Compare 2019 Nissan Kicks With
2019 Audi Q3
Score: 72/100
2019 BMW X1
Score: 72/100
2019 Porsche Macan
Score: 64/100
2019 Volvo XC60
Score: 72/100
Common Problem Categories
Safety
- 1 manufacturer recall issued
Other
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (36)
- UNKNOWN OR OTHER (24)
- POWER TRAIN (16)
- SERVICE BRAKES (12)
- ENGINE (9)
- VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (6)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (3)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (3)
- STEERING (3)
- SUSPENSION (2)
- AIR BAGS (2)
- FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2)
- TIRES (1)
- Chest Clip (1)
- WHEELS (1)
- ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) (1)
- SEATS (1)
Recall Overview
1
recall on record
The 2019 Nissan Kicks has 1 recall on record. This is a low count. Recalls are manufacturer-initiated fixes for safety or compliance issues and are repaired at no cost to the owner at authorized dealerships.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
21.1
per 10k soldSegment avg: 20.3
Safety Incidents
Crashes
5
Fires
0
Injuries
3
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2019 Nissan Kicks Recall Details
1 recall has been issued for the 2019 Nissan Kicks. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
BACK OVER PREVENTION
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Nissan Altima, Armada, Frontier, Kicks, Leaf, Maxima, Murano, NV, NV200, Pathfinder, Rogue, Rogue Sport, Sentra, Titan, Titan Diesel, Versa Note and Versa Sedan vehicles, as well as Infiniti Q50, Q60, QX30 and QX80 vehicles. Additionally included are 2019 Nissan GT-R and Taxi and Infiniti QX50, QX60, Q70, Q70L vehicles. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence
The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
2019 Nissan Kicks NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 15.5%
Safety Technologies
Nissan Kicks Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.
Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.
2019 Nissan Kicks Example Repair Prices
National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.
| Repair | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Pre-Purchase Car Inspection | $183 – $269 |
| Electrical System Diagnosis | $122 – $179 |
| Air Bag Clockspring Replacement | $395 – $458 |
| Air Bag Control Module Replacement | $751 – $871 |
| Alternator Replacement | $1,132 – $1,273 |
| Ignition Switch Replacement | $187 – $232 |
| Mass Airflow Sensor Replacement | $378 – $400 |
| Door Mirror Replacement | $491 – $525 |
| Brake Pad Replacement | $315 – $372 |
| Transmission Fluid Change | $149 – $177 |
Estimates based on national average repair costs. Actual costs may vary by location and shop.
When Buying a Used 2019 Nissan Kicks
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Test for CVT transmission slipping or shuddering during acceleration
- Check for illuminated warning lights on the dashboard, especially ABS and check engine
- Inspect Mass Air Flow sensor functionality and check for error codes P0101 or P0102
- Test automatic emergency braking system for unexpected activation or failure
- Verify proper operation of the infotainment system, including volume control
- Ensure the airbag warning light is off and airbags are functional
- Check for any signs of stalling or hesitation during acceleration
Check Any 2019 Nissan Kicks's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2019 Kicks in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Nissan Kicks with a free VIN lookup.
Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.
2019 Nissan Kicks Common Problems by Component
123 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
36 complaintsOwners report frequent electrical system issues with the 2019 Nissan Kicks, notably involving the automatic emergency braking (AEB) and slip indicator lights, often accompanied by the check engine light with code P0101 for mass airflow sensor malfunction. Common symptoms include the vehicle stalling, especially at red lights, loss of acceleration, and unintended deceleration or acceleration, sometimes leading to dangerous situations. These problems typically arise around 20,000 to 60,000 miles, with several owners experiencing multiple unresolvable occurrences even after sensor and battery replacements. Safety implications are significant, as stalling and loss of control can lead to near-miss accidents, particularly at higher speeds or in traffic. This context is crucial for used car buyers considering a 2019 Nissan Kicks.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
24 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Nissan Kicks frequently report issues related to the vehicle stalling, jerking, and experiencing transmission problems. Common symptoms include the car shutting off while driving, the engine light and various warning lights illuminating, and the vehicle failing to accelerate beyond certain speeds. These issues are often accompanied by reports of grinding noises and malfunctioning collision warning systems, sometimes causing the car to stop unexpectedly. Complaints suggest these problems can occur at various mileage ranges, with some as early as 4,200 miles. A crash is reported due to an infotainment system malfunction, highlighting potential safety risks associated with these issues.
POWER TRAIN
16 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Nissan Kicks frequently report issues with the CVT transmission, including slipping, stalling, shuddering, and jerking during acceleration. These symptoms often occur without warning lights, and some owners note that the transmission needs replacement. Complaints suggest these issues typically arise around 65,000 to 80,000 miles. Safety concerns are evident, with one complaint involving a crash and others describing near misses due to sudden loss of power or stalling on highways. Multiple owners mention these problems emerging after the expiration of the factory warranty, highlighting potential costs for used car buyers.
SERVICE BRAKES (12 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
12 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners report issues with the 2019 Nissan Kicks' braking systems, particularly involving the ABS and Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB). Complaints frequently mention the ABS warning light illuminating and the need for ABS module or actuator replacements, with some parts being on backorder. Multiple owners describe unexpected self-braking events and loss of cruise control functionality, with some incidents leading to crashes and injuries. Symptoms include sudden stops, grinding sounds, and the inability to stop the vehicle effectively, often occurring at varied mileages, from as low as 1,000 to over 105,000 miles. These issues can result in loss of vehicle control, posing significant safety implications for potential buyers.
ENGINE (9 complaints)
ENGINE
9 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Nissan Kicks frequently report issues related to the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor, with symptoms including the check engine light illuminating, stalling, hesitation during acceleration, and rough idling. Complaints commonly mention diagnostic trouble codes P0101 and P0102, and many owners indicate that replacing the MAF sensor does not resolve the issue. Some reports also describe the vehicle shutting off unexpectedly, even in intersections, which could pose safety risks. These problems are often observed at mileages ranging from 15,500 to 67,736. Additionally, there are mentions of transmission slipping and complete engine shutdowns, which further highlight potential safety concerns.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (6 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
6 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Nissan Kicks report issues with vehicle speed control, including unexpected deceleration and failure to accelerate beyond certain speeds. Multiple complaints describe the vehicle suddenly losing power and not exceeding 35 MPH, often accompanied by illuminated dash warning lights. In some cases, owners experience unintended acceleration, where the vehicle continues to accelerate despite attempts to brake, necessitating the use of the emergency brake. These issues typically occur while driving at highway speeds, posing potential safety risks such as loss of control and difficulty in maintaining safe driving conditions. Additionally, one owner reports a non-functional speedometer immediately after purchase, which further complicates speed management.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (3 complaints)
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
3 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Nissan Kicks report issues with the forward collision avoidance system, particularly involving the automatic emergency braking and traction control systems. Common symptoms include warning lights for ABS, traction control, and front collision, often accompanied by a malfunction error message. These issues typically occur while driving downhill with brakes slightly engaged, regardless of weather conditions, and are sometimes linked to a P0101 error code indicating a mass air flow sensor problem. Some owners describe the vehicle failing to accelerate or moving very slowly, requiring them to pull over. Safety concerns arise from the car's impaired drivability, which could hinder the ability to park or move safely in traffic.
STEERING (3 complaints)
STEERING
3 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Nissan Kicks report issues related to steering and alignment. Common symptoms include swaying and shimmying feelings, particularly noticeable during highway driving, over bumps, and in rainy conditions. Some owners describe alignment problems that persist despite adjustments, with one noting that alignment values remained out of specification. Another owner reports a broken front spring that could potentially lead to tire failure. These issues are mentioned at various points, with one owner experiencing problems as early as four months after purchase. Safety implications are noted, with one owner expressing fear of losing control and almost experiencing an accident. Buyers considering a used Nissan Kicks should be aware of these potential steering and alignment concerns.
AIR BAGS (2 complaints)
AIR BAGS
2 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2019 Nissan Kicks report issues with the airbag system, specifically mentioning an airbag warning light that remains illuminated and a failure of the driver's airbag to deploy during a crash. One complaint details a front-end collision where the driver's airbag did not deploy, leading to severe injuries, while the passenger's airbag did deploy. This incident involved a vehicle with less than 2,500 miles on the odometer. Safety implications are significant, as the non-deployment of airbags during a crash could result in injury, as evidenced by the reported crash. Buyers should be aware of these potential airbag system malfunctions when considering this vehicle.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (2 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaintsOwners of the 2019 Nissan Kicks report issues related to the fuel/propulsion system, with two primary concerns. First, some owners experience stalling or a lack of power when entering highways or traffic, even with the accelerator fully pressed, suggesting potential problems with fuel delivery during acceleration. These occurrences have been reported multiple times by the same owner. Second, there are reports of the fuel gauge providing inaccurate readings when the tank is full, with one owner noting this issue at approximately 5,000 miles. While no crashes or fires have been reported, potential safety implications exist due to stalling in traffic situations. This information is pertinent for used car buyers assessing reliability and potential safety concerns.
When Do 2019 Nissan Kicks Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
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. Current year highlighted.
| 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 |
Nissan Kicks Reliability Compared to Other Years
| Year | Score | vs Prior Year | Rating | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 80/100 (predicted) | — | Predicted | 1 | 1 |
| 2025 | 78/100 | -3 | Good | 3 | 24 |
| 2024 | 81/100 | +1 | Excellent | 1 | 20 |
| 2023 | 80/100 | -2 | Excellent | 1 | 23 |
| 2022 | 82/100 | +4 | Excellent | 0 | 19 |
| 2021 | 78/100 | 0 | Good | 2 | 66 |
| 2020 | 78/100 | +5 | Good | 0 | 85 |
| 2019(selected) | 73/100 | +2 | Good | 1 | 123 |
| 2018 | 71/100 | — | Good | 1 | 78 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2019 Nissan Kicks reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Nissan Kicks?
How many recalls does the 2019 Nissan Kicks have?
Is the 2019 Nissan Kicks expensive to maintain?
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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