Last updated: 2026-03-04

2022 Nissan Kicks Reliability Score & Common Problems
The 2022 Nissan Kicks scores 82/100 ("Excellent") with a complaint rate below the segment average. Data shows a dependable ownership experience across 0 recalls and 19 owner complaints.
2022 is 1 year after the 2021 facelift refresh.
Recalls
0
Complaints
19
Complaint Rate
3.5
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
Strong reliability record — a solid choice for buyers.
Top Issues
Generation & Refresh (US)
2022 is 1 year after the 2021 facelift refresh.
- Year 5 in the First generation (P15) (2018–2025).
- Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
- 1st generation Kicks (US).
What this means for buyers
Post-refresh years tend to be among the most refined — updates have been applied and early kinks worked out.
First generation (P15)
Should You Buy the 2022 Nissan Kicks?
The 2022 Nissan Kicks earns an Excellent 82/100 reliability score. 2022 is 1 year after the 2021 facelift refresh.
Its complaint rate (3.5 per 10k sold) sits below the SUV segment average, and most owners report a trouble-free ownership experience.
A solid choice for buyers prioritizing dependability, whether purchased new or used.
Compared to the 2023 Nissan Kicks, which scored 2 points lower. See also the 2021 Nissan Kicks for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- Strong reliability score
- No recalls issued
- Below-average complaint rate for SUV
- Well-established generation
- Only 19 complaints reported
Cons
- STEERING issues reported (5 complaints)
- Steering instability reported at 300–6,000 miles
Compare 2022 Nissan Kicks With
2022 Audi Q3
Score: 70/100
2022 BMW X1
Score: 72/100
2022 Porsche Macan
Score: 65/100
2022 Volvo XC60
Score: 72/100
Common Problem Categories
Other
- STEERING (5)
- ENGINE (4)
- FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE (2)
- STRUCTURE (1)
- SEATS (1)
- POWER TRAIN (1)
- LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1)
- ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1)
- SERVICE BRAKES (1)
- BACK OVER PREVENTION (1)
- SEAT BELTS (1)
Recall Overview
0
recalls on record
The 2022 Nissan Kicks has no recalls on record, which is uncommon and a positive indicator of manufacturing quality.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
3.5
per 10k soldSegment avg: 13.7
Safety Incidents
Crashes
2
Fires
0
Injuries
2
Deaths
0
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2022 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.
2022 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 2022 Nissan Kicks
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.
- Inspect steering response in windy conditions at highway speeds
- Test forward collision avoidance system for unexpected braking
- Check hood latch mechanism for secure closure
- Verify engine performance for stalling or deceleration issues
- Examine brake rotors for cracks or unusual wear
- Ensure control arms and suspension components are secure
Check Any 2022 Nissan Kicks's History Before You Buy
Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2022 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.
2022 Nissan Kicks Common Problems by Component
19 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
STEERING
5 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners of the 2022 Nissan Kicks frequently report issues with steering, particularly in windy conditions or at highway speeds. Common symptoms include difficulty controlling the vehicle, steering that feels unmanageable, and a tendency for the car to drift or require excessive correction in winds as low as 5-10 mph. Complaints often arise with vehicles having mileage as low as 300 to under 6,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with reports including a crash resulting in a serious injury when the steering wheel turned independently, leading to a loss of control. These patterns suggest potential concerns for buyers considering this model, especially for those who frequently drive in windy conditions.
ENGINE
4 complaintsOwners report that the 2022 Nissan Kicks experiences engine issues, with multiple complaints describing stalling or deceleration while driving. Symptoms include the vehicle shutting down unexpectedly, sometimes accompanied by warning lights such as battery and oil indicators. These issues occur at various mileages, with one complaint at approximately 10,000 miles and another at 97,000 miles. Safety implications are noted, as stalling incidents occur in potentially hazardous situations, such as on highways or at intersections. Buyers should be aware of these patterns when considering a used 2022 Nissan Kicks.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
2 complaintsOwners of the 2022 Nissan Kicks report issues with the forward collision avoidance system, particularly involving erratic vehicle behavior. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle swerving independently and coming to abrupt stops without any apparent obstacles, with one instance occurring at approximately 10,300 miles. Another report describes the system malfunctioning after 36,000 miles, linked to a partially detached plastic sensor cover. Safety implications include sudden loss of control and unexpected stopping, which could pose risks in traffic. These patterns suggest potential concerns for used car buyers, particularly regarding the system's reliability over time.
STRUCTURE (1 complaints)
STRUCTURE
1 complaintThe hood flew open unexpectedly while driving on the highway causing significant damage. No lights or indicators appeared on dashboard. Car has 9,000 miles and Nissan is currently doing an investigation with inspection on car June 20, 2024.
SEATS (1 complaints)
SEATS
1 complaintI AM INTRIGUED ABOUT THE TUBES UNDER THE SEATS. WHY AREN'T THEY UNDER THE CAR NOT UNDER THE SEATS
POWER TRAIN (1 complaints)
POWER TRAIN
1 complaintI was driving, slowed down to stop at a red light. As I proceeded to stop the car made a noise like something was in front of me as I was driving too close. I made a grinding noise and would not go forward as I proceeded to go. I was in the street, had to put on emergency flasher so no one would hit me from the rear. Once traffic cleared I was able drive the car in reverse to a safe location. I called AAA road side assistance had the vehicle tolled back to my daughter house, called the dealership to retrieve warranty document so I can take it to a Nissan dealership to have it inspected. There were no warning signs, lamps, or message from the screen to show there was a problem. No warning signs prior to the vehicle malfunctioning.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (1 complaints)
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaintThe contact's daughter owns a 2022 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while his daughter was driving approximately 70 MPH, the hood inadvertently flew open, shattering the windshield. The vehicle was steered over to the side of the road and a rope was used to securely close the hood. The vehicle was then taken to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that unknown parts needed to be replaced. The contact was informed to contact the Insurance Company for assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact believed that the failure was associated with an unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (1 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaintI bought the car used and had no issues within the first three months. I have only had the car for four months now. The automatic emergency braking warning light started to randomly flash while driving and would come on and off. I took the car into the dealership and they told me I had codes appearing that led them to look at my battery first. They said my battery was bad and replaced that. I’ve had the car for about a week now and now when I drive it the car randomly activates the AEB so when I’m driving it will just apply the breaks with no warning and when there is no reason to. This causes me to become startled and jolt while driving and when I’m going at higher speeds it is extremely dangerous to the drivers around me who don’t understand what’s going on. I have no warning when it’s going to happen and it could lead to an accident. I have read countless other stories online of people with Nissan Kicks who are experiencing the same issue.
SERVICE BRAKES (1 complaints)
SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaintWhile inflating the tires up to the recommended pressure, due to the low temperatures overnight, I noticed that the right front rotor had multiple cracks running on the bridges between the holes on the brake rotors. There where no indications other than the Low Tire Pressure warning indicator. I have a picture of this on the Vehicle. Knowing this could lead to a brake failure and or crash!
BACK OVER PREVENTION (1 complaints)
BACK OVER PREVENTION
1 complaintThe contact owns a 2022 Nisan Kicks. The contact stated that the parking assist would alarm the driver that they were coming close to something or someone. When the power assist was activated, the vehicle would suddenly stop as if the vehicle was about to crash into an object or a person. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal grinding noise coming from underneath the driver’s and passenger’s side front-end. The contact also stated that while in reverse or on an incline, the vehicle was making a popping sound underneath the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who was unable to identify the cause of the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired and the failure persisted. The manufacturer had been made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 5,000.
When Do 2022 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).
2022(this page)
0 recalls · 19 complaints
2024
1 recall · 20 complaints
2023
1 recall · 23 complaints
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(selected) | 82/100 | +4 | Excellent | 0 | 19 |
| 2021 | 78/100 | 0 | Good | 2 | 66 |
| 2020 | 78/100 | +5 | Good | 0 | 85 |
| 2019 | 73/100 | +2 | Good | 1 | 123 |
| 2018 | 71/100 | — | Good | 1 | 78 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2022 Nissan Kicks reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Nissan Kicks?
How many recalls does the 2022 Nissan Kicks have?
Is the 2022 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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