2021 Nissan Kicks Reliability Report

False collision alerts are the core complaint. The forward collision warning and VDC system report a crash or obstacle when nothing is there, often while driving into low morning or evening sun. In some cases the car also brakes hard with no traffic nearby, which creates a risk of being rear-ended. Dealers often find nothing wrong after repeated visits. In one report, a false warning was followed by a complete shutdown with every dash light on and no power to accelerate, and the car had to be towed.

The car loses drive power. Symptoms include shaking, refusing to go past about 20 mph, not accelerating when the pedal is pressed, and a transmission that seizes in traffic and won't shift back into Drive. These failures cluster around 54,000 to 90,000 miles, and they often come with no warning light. One injury crash followed a loud boom and several warning lights: the car would not move, then went backward into another vehicle. Owners link the problems to the CVT. A separate complaint describes rust bubbling under the paint and a dispute over warranty coverage.

The airbags did not deploy in rear-end crashes at speeds from about 25 to 55 mph. All three reports involve crashes, and at least one involves an injury. In two of the cases, the car was stopped when it was hit. One crash sandwiched the car between two vehicles, and the passenger seat appears to have come off its tracks. In another, brake, tire pressure, and check engine lights came on after the impact, and the car was later declared destroyed.

Automatic emergency braking engages when nothing is ahead, often at freeway speeds and with a large gap to the next car. A collision warning flashes and stays on until the car is restarted, and the brake warning light can come on. One owner reports it happening 2-3 times a week and getting more frequent. Another had an unintended stop at 38,000 miles. Dealers have not found a cause after several visits, and the risk is a rear-end crash from the sudden stops.

A column that locks without warning, even in the middle of a turn, is the most serious report, and the car may then refuse to start. One owner's diagnostic summary points to the electronic steering column lock, but the report says this is not confirmed. A separate complaint describes the opposite: power assist that feels far too light, with the wheel spinning easily and seeming to turn past its normal stop. This is worse in rain or snow and most noticeable when reversing or parking.