Last updated: 2026-10-10

2025 Nissan Kicks
RELIABILITY SCORE: 78/100 (GOOD)

2025 Nissan Kicks Reliability Report

The 2025 Nissan Kicks rates good, but owners report dark screens, loose lug nuts, and a rearview camera recall repair they cannot get done.

Recalls

3

Complaints

24

Complaint Rate

2.3per 10,000 sold

Est. Repair Cost

N/A

Annual Fuel Cost

$1,800–$2,000

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity78/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs80/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact75/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity81/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Consider

Rates good and above average for 2025 SUVs, but sits among the weaker Kicks years, with dark screens and a camera recall repair owners struggle to get.

Top Issues to Watch

  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)
  • WHEELS (3)
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER (3)

Generation & Refresh (US)

Final Year

2025 is the last model year of the First generation (P15).

  • Final-year models are typically the most refined version of a generation.
  • 4 years after the last refresh (2021).
  • 1st generation Kicks (US).

What this means for buyers

Final-year models are usually the most polished version of a generation, but resale value may dip as buyers anticipate the next redesign.

2018: First generation (P15) Launch

Generation start — new platform.

2021: Mid-Cycle Refresh

Updated features and styling tweaks.

2025: This Model Year

2025 is the last model year of the First generation (P15).

Should You Buy the 2025 Nissan Kicks?

Good, with caveats. This model year stands above average among 2025 SUVs, but it is among the weaker of the nine Kicks years scored. Both 2024 and 2026 rate better. The 2024 car drew 20 complaints and one recall. The 2026 car has just one complaint, though it has had far less time to collect them. The federal crash-test rating is 4 of 5 stars.

Screens going dark is the main complaint. Owners describe a black infotainment screen at startup, an instrument panel that blinks and then dies, and a black rearview image. One car needed a new instrument panel and waited on the part. Loose wheel parts come next: one owner felt a worsening rear-end shudder at highway speed and found the rear lug nuts significantly loose, and another lost a front hubcap at about 500 miles. Windshields crack early, in one case by 2,000 miles. Several owners also say the rearview camera recall repair cannot be done because dealers lack the part.

Ask for the recall history and confirm the back over prevention repair is finished. Have the lug nuts checked and look over the windshield. A 2024 Kicks is the better-rated alternative.

Compared to the 2026 Nissan Kicks, which scored 5 points higher. See also the 2024 Nissan Kicks for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • +Acceptable reliability score
  • +Below-average complaint rate for SUV
  • +Well-established generation
  • +Only 24 complaints reported

Cons

  • −Moderate recall count
  • −ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: Screens go dark (4 complaints)
  • −WHEELS: Lug nuts and wheel covers come loose (3 complaints)

Compare 2025 Nissan Kicks With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 3 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)
  • WHEELS (3)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

3

recalls on record

A moderate 3 recalls are on file for the 2025 Nissan Kicks. Each one points to a specific safety or compliance issue identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA — check the list below before buying.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

2.3

per 10,000 sold

Segment avg: 3.5

LowAvgHigh
Low

Safety Incidents

2

Crashes

0

Fires

1

Injuries

0

Deaths

★★★★★

NHTSA 4/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2025 Nissan Kicks Recall Details

3 recalls have been issued for the 2025 Nissan Kicks. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

24V9690002024-12-23

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Kicks vehicles. The "Shift-to-Park" warning may not activate as intended when the vehicle is shut off and still in a gear other than "Park." As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."

Consequence

When the vehicle is not in "Park" and the ignition is shut off, the vehicle could move unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a vehicle rollaway and crash.

Remedy

Dealers will reconfigure the body control module (BCM) to activate the "Shift-to-Park" warning, free of charge. Some owner notification letters were mailed January 29, 2025. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated, May 7, 2025. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PMA42.

25V1880002025-04-18

EQUIPMENT

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Kicks vehicles. The certification label may have been printed with the incorrect Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) values, which can result in the vehicle being overloaded. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification." Additionally, certain 2025 Nissan Kicks SR trim level vehicles equipped with an optional 19-inch wheel package may have a certification label that states an incorrect wheel size. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence

An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash. Vehicles with incorrect wheel and tire information may lead to tires that are inflated improperly, which can also increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will install new labels, free of charge. Additionally, dealers will mail replacement labels to owners. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2025. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PD136 and PMA47.

25V3240002025-06-04

BACK OVER PREVENTION

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Frontier and Kicks vehicles. The center information display unit may display a blank screen when shifted into reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence

A rearview image that does not display can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will update the software on the vehicle’s center information display, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 10, 2025. The manufacturer numbers for this recall are PD152 and PMA48.

VIN History Report

Buying a used 2025 Nissan Kicks? Check its history first

Electrical system problems lead owner complaints about the 2025 Nissan Kicks, and 3 recalls were issued for it. A VIN check shows whether this car's recall work was done, plus accident, title, and odometer history.

No VIN? Just hit “Check VIN” to look one up.

  • Accidents
  • Open Recalls
  • Title History
  • Odometer Rollback

2025 Nissan Kicks NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 3/5Passenger: 3/5

Rollover risk: 19.8%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Not Available)Seat Belt Pretensioners (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Seat Belt Load Limiters (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Head Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Torso and/or Pelvis Protection (Driver, Front Passenger, 2nd row)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)Unattended Child Reminder Direct Sensing System (No)LATCH Locations (2nd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Nissan KicksRepair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5

Based 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.

Nissan Kicks Resale Value

The Nissan Kicks is estimated to retain about 89.8% of its original value after 1 year, based on observed used-car listings.

This benchmark covers the Nissan Kicks model overall and is not specific to the 2025 model year.

Value Retained
89.8%

after 1 year

Depreciation
10.2%

over the same period

Listings Analyzed
25

U.S. used-car listings

Listings observed in . This is a historical market benchmark, not a current price quote.

Explore Nissan Kicks depreciation and resale value on CarResaleValue.com

2025 Nissan Kicks Example Repair Prices

National average price ranges for common repairs. These are not model-year-specific failure predictions.

Common repair costs and price estimates
RepairEstimated 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.

MPG & Annual Running Costs

Gas

30–33 MPG

Fuel cost: $1,800–$2,000/yr

Fuel only

27–31 city / 34–36 hwy MPG

Based on EPA fuel-cost estimates. Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2025 EPA label cycle.

Gas trims
TrimDriveTrans.CityHwyCombFuel Cost
Kicks Play 1.6L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (variable gear ratios)313633$1,800
Kicks 2.0L 4-cylFront-Wheel DriveAutomatic (variable gear ratios)283531$1,950
Kicks AWD 2.0L 4-cylAll-Wheel DriveAutomatic (variable gear ratios)273430$2,000

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2025 Nissan Kicks.

  • Inspect the windshield inside and out in bright sunlight for cracks, and ask whether it has been replaced.

  • Check the passenger floor carpet and the top edge of the windshield for water stains or dampness.

  • Start the car several times and confirm the infotainment screen and instrument panel light up without warning lights.

  • Reverse in daylight and after dark, and confirm the camera image is clear, not black or grainy.

  • Have a Nissan dealer run the VIN for open recalls and confirm the repair parts are in stock.

  • Check every lug nut for tightness and confirm all four wheel covers are firmly attached.

  • Park on a slope, set the parking brake, and confirm the car holds without rolling.

  • Spray water over the rear hatch and check the cargo area for leaks.

2025 Nissan Kicks Common Problems by Component

24 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

4
3
3
3
6
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (4)WHEELS (3)VISIBILITY/WIPER (3)BACK OVER PREVENTION (3)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2)VISIBILITY (1)STEERING (1)POWER TRAIN (1)Other (6)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 complaintsSafety-related

Screens go dark. Reports describe a black infotainment screen at startup, an instrument panel that blinks and then goes dark, and a black rearview camera image along with a dark instrument panel. One case brought constant beeping and flashing warning lights that would not shut off. Another needed a new instrument panel, and the repair waited on the part. The one crash-related report involves a remotely started car with the parking brake off. It rolled down a driveway at about 10 mph with children inside.

4 complaints total1 crash

WHEELS

3 complaints

Lug nuts and wheel covers come loose. One report describes a rear-end shudder at highway speed that kept getting worse until the driver slowed down. The rear lug nuts turned out to be significantly loose, and the front ones moderately loose. The dealer performed no service. In another report, a front hubcap came off during a low-speed turn at about 500 miles. A separate complaint objects that the car ships with a can of tire sealant instead of a spare tire.

3 complaints total

VISIBILITY/WIPER

3 complaints

Windshields crack without warning, often within the first few months of ownership. Owners describe cracks appearing during normal highway driving and glass that breaks too easily. In one case the glass cracked by 2,000 miles. The replacement then leaked at the top of the passenger side, soaked the passenger floor, and let ice form along the inside base of the windshield. Other owners report delays getting replacement glass for this model because demand is high.

3 complaints total
BACK OVER PREVENTION (3 complaints)

BACK OVER PREVENTION

3 complaints

The rearview camera shows a black screen or a grainy, distorted image at night. Most reports are about a recall repair that owners cannot get done. Dealers say the part is unavailable, one owner was told the remedy does not work, and one dealer never called back to schedule. A camera that only failed at night passed a dealer check in a dark garage. Owners say the wait for the repair has gone past a reasonable time.

3 complaints total
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (2 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 complaints

Windshields crack on the inside surface within weeks of delivery. Both reports describe long cracks, 7 to 8 inches in one case and 10 inches in the other. One crack curved across the driver's line of sight and was easy to see in sunlight. One owner also found the washer system unusable on delivery day because the fluid was frozen. Both complaints criticize Nissan's slow response. One owner was still waiting after more than 20 days, even though a Nissan service center had confirmed the crack.

2 complaints total
VISIBILITY (1 complaints)

VISIBILITY

1 complaint
2026-02-09

The contact owns a 2025 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while entering the vehicle, there was ice on the rear glass. After closing the door, the rear glass shattered. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The local dealer was contacted, but did not answer. The contact drove to the dealer in person; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 8,000.

STEERING (1 complaints)

STEERING

1 complaint
2026-01-14

Nissan of Macomb, ALL of them know us by name Mike & Bev Steering issue- does not drive straight down the highway, Slightest touch and off it goes in whatever direction you touched the steering wheel, and it will Not Recover, it will continue that direction until corrected.. DANGEROUS TO DRIVE Nissan of Macomb, alignment one of 7 (with Hubcaps ON, broke a hubcap, Never replaced ), worse than when we brought it in Received with 190 miles on it, a porter Drove it from Ohio to Michigan, rear quarter was caved in, sun faded front quarter plastic, steering wheel Kinked to the Left at least 30 degrees, headlights aimed straight up in the air, rear wipers didn’t work, remote start didn’t work (still no labels even knowing it’s installed), approach lighting didn’t work, cracked door sills and ripped rubber surrounds during Dealer installed options, exhaust system rattling, did the porter Hit something and not report it to keep his job “?” First 30 days of ownership, we were in possession of the vehicle for roughly 5-7 days, back n forth constantly and no one would repair the problems, driving Loaner vehicles.. No One Would Help us, here’s your car see ya Seven (7) Days leading up to a must drive to Florida, repeatedl phone calls to GM Cliff and service mngr Amere, No Call Back, no answer of phones, messages left ON THEIR DESKS by the service girls answering the phones, Nothing.. 4-5 times a day every day, even Texted the sales server phone number, it’s not easy for us to just pickup and drive an hour down there, disabled heart patient is always with us.. Nightmare drive all the way to Florida, the fatigue the stress, my hands Hurt holding on to the steering wheel.. Many close calls shifting in lane and side smacking other vehicles. Dangerous to drive on highway

POWER TRAIN (1 complaints)

POWER TRAIN

1 complaint
2026-01-20

The contact owns a 2025 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, there was a loud vibrating sound coming from the rear driver’s side of the vehicle, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that on several occasions, the vehicle wobbled unexpectedly, with a grinding sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure persisted and that the vehicle was towed on several occasions. The vehicle was towed to several dealers; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. An undisclosed dealer stated that the loud clunking sound was coming from the front tires during a test drive. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 8,958.

AIR BAGS (1 complaints)

AIR BAGS

1 complaintSafety-related
2025-12-10Crash reported1 injury

I was stopped at a red light waiting for the light to turn green. It turned green and I slowly went out and a car went through a red light hit my front left car. The guy was going at at least 30 to 40 miles and not one airbag went off.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (1 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

1 complaint
2025-11-19

The fuel filler door does not lock as advertised and stated in the owner's manual pg 206 2025 Nissan Kicks. This invites potential to do harm to the vehicle which could lead to a safety concern. ( The fuel filler door is suppose to lock when the car doors are locked) and unlock when the car doors are unlocked. As it stands, the fuel filler door remains unlocked all the time.

Best & Worst Nissan Kicks Years

Best Nissan Kicks Years to Buy

Nissan Kicks Years to Avoid

Nissan Kicks Reliability Score Trend

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Nissan Kicks reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201871/100Good
201973/100Good
202078/100Good
202178/100Good
202282/100Excellent
202380/100Excellent
202481/100Excellent
202578/100Good
202683/100Excellent

Nissan Kicks Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202683/100+5Excellent11
2025(selected)78/100-3Good324
202481/100+1Excellent120
202380/100-2Excellent123
202282/100+4Excellent019
202178/1000Good266
202078/100+5Good085
201973/100+2Good1123
201871/100—Good178

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2025 Nissan Kicks reliable?
Yes, it rates good and above average against other 2025 SUVs. Within the Kicks line it is among the weaker of nine scored years, and the 2024 and 2026 models both rate better. Owners filed 24 complaints, mostly about electrical screens, wheels, windshields, and the rearview camera.
What are the most common problems with the 2025 Nissan Kicks?
Electrical screen failures lead, with four complaints. Owners report black infotainment screens, instrument panels that go dark, and blank rearview images. Wheels, windshields, and the rearview camera each draw three complaints. These cover loose lug nuts and wheel covers, early windshield cracks, and a grainy or black camera image at night.
Does the 2025 Nissan Kicks have rearview camera problems?
Yes. Owners report a black screen or a grainy, distorted image at night. Most complaints concern a repair they cannot get done. Dealers told owners the part was unavailable, one was told the remedy does not work, and one dealer never called back. A camera that failed only at night passed a dealer check in a dark garage.
How many recalls does the 2025 Nissan Kicks have?
Federal records show three recalls, covering the electrical system, equipment, and back over prevention. That is more than the 2024 model's one recall and the 2026 model's one recall. Check the VIN with a dealer or federal recall search to confirm every repair on a specific car has been completed.
Is the 2024 Nissan Kicks more reliable than the 2025?
The data rates the 2024 Kicks better, with excellent reliability. It had 20 complaints and one recall, against 24 complaints and three recalls for the 2025. The 2026 also rates better, but its single complaint partly reflects less time on the road, so the 2024 is the stronger comparison.

Don’t buy a 2025 Nissan Kicks without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Look Up a VIN →

How we score the 2025 Nissan Kicks

Of the four inputs behind this score, the 2025 Nissan Kicks does best on how many systems draw complaints (81/100) and worst on recall impact (75/100). Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.

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