Last updated: 2026-04-20
2026 Nissan Kicks Reliability Report
The 2026 Nissan Kicks has a predicted reliability score of 80/100 based on prior model year data. Early data shows 1 recall and 1 owner complaint.
Recalls
1
Complaints
1
Complaint Rate
N/A
Est. Repair Cost
N/A
Annual Fuel Cost
$1,950–$2,000
The Verdict
Based on historical reliability patterns, predicted to score 80/100 — a strong pick.
Top Issues to Watch
- STEERING (1)
Should You Buy the 2026 Nissan Kicks?
The 2026 Nissan Kicks has a predicted reliability score of 80/100 ("Excellent") based on prior model year performance.
So far: 1 recall, 1 owner complaint. Early complaint volume is still developing.
Prior model years suggest dependable ownership. Confirm all recall repairs are completed, and consider a pre-purchase inspection for used examples.
See also the 2025 Nissan Kicks for an earlier comparison.
Pros
- +Strong predicted reliability based on prior model years
- +Low recall count
- +Low complaint frequency
- +Only 1 complaints reported
Cons
- −Score is a prediction — real-world data still developing
- −STEERING (1)
Compare 2026 Nissan Kicks With
Common Problem Categories
Safety
LOW RISK- 1 manufacturer recall issued
Other
LOW RISK- STEERING (1)
Recall Overview
1
recall on record
The 2026 Nissan Kicks carries 1 recall — a low count. Authorized dealers repair any open recall free of charge, regardless of warranty status.
NHTSA.gov →Complaint Breakdown
1
complaintsSafety Incidents
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
NHTSA 4/5 Stars
Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.
2026 Nissan Kicks Recall Details
1 recall has been issued for the 2026 Nissan Kicks. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Altima, Sentra, 2025-2026 Frontier, and 2026 Kicks vehicles. The door strikers may have been improperly welded and break, allowing the door to open while moving. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
Consequence
A door that opens unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion increases the risk of injury or a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the door strikers, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed March 13, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PD185 and PMA61. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning January 28, 2026.
Buying a used 2026 Nissan Kicks? Check its history first
Every 2026 Nissan Kicks has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.
- Accidents
- Open Recalls
- Title History
- Odometer Rollback
2026 Nissan Kicks NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall Safety Rating
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 19.8%
Safety Technologies
Nissan KicksRepair 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.
2026 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.
MPG & Annual Running Costs
Gas
30–31 MPG
Fuel cost: $1,950–$2,000/yr
Fuel only
27–28 city / 34–35 hwy MPG
Based on EPA fuel-cost estimates. Excludes routine maintenance, depreciation, and insurance. Data as of 2026 EPA label cycle.
Gas trims
| Trim | Drive | Trans. | City | Hwy | Comb | Fuel Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kicks 2.0L 4-cyl | Front-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 28 | 35 | 31 | $1,950 |
| Kicks AWD 2.0L 4-cyl | All-Wheel Drive | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 27 | 34 | 30 | $2,000 |
Used Buying Checklist
Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2026 Nissan Kicks.
Inspect for warning lights on dashboard during startup
Check for clicking noises when turning the steering wheel
Verify if both front axles have been replaced or repaired
Test drive to ensure no sputtering or unexpected shutdowns
2026 Nissan Kicks Common Problems by Component
1 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.
STEERING
1 complaint2026 Nissan Kicks, less than 1,500 mi. Computer system several warning lights appeared without notice; caused car to shut off and sputter before starting several times. The first time the warning lights that came on were: Warning (exclamation point inside triangle); Malfunction See Owner's Manual (In Orange box on panel) with all collision symbols showing [pictures avail on request] Second warning lights ( Warning Temporarily disabled clean sensor area See Owner's Manual) in bigger yellow / orange box on computer screen with exclamation point in triangle symbols and crash symbol) [Pics avail] Vehicle problem both duplicated and inspected at dealership. Connector pin harness needed repair/replaced. Oil light flashed after repairs. Clicks heard while turning right or left. Vehicle diagnostic inspected at another Nissan dealership out of state. [Audio and vid avail] Nissan dealership Ocala FL could not duplicate either problem with test drive. Problem persisted. Scheduled appointment at an Ice Cold Air. Problem was identified as possible CV axle problems and referred to Nissan dealership since have warrenty. Went to Maas Nissan dealership in Brooksville FL. Dealership was able to hear and duplicate customer complaint with noise turning wheel. Dealership had to replace both right and left front axles of brand new 2026 Nissan Kicks car, a major repair less than 1,900 miles. [Service records avail]
When Do 2026 Nissan Kicks Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
Best & Worst Nissan Kicks Years
Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.
Best Nissan Kicks Years to Buy
Based on reliability index scoreThe 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.
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(selected) | 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 | 73/100 | +2 | Good | 1 | 123 |
| 2018 | 71/100 | — | Good | 1 | 78 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 2026 Nissan Kicks reliable?
What are the most common problems with the 2026 Nissan Kicks?
How many recalls does the 2026 Nissan Kicks have?
How is the predicted score calculated?
Don’t buy a 2026 Nissan Kicks without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.
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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.
Get notified when new recalls or reliability data is added for the Nissan Kicks.
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