Last updated: 2026-03-04

Nissan Kicks

1 Nissan Kicks Years to Avoid

Years that score significantly below the Nissan Kicks average of 78/100

The Nissan Kicks years to avoid are 2018 based on reliability scores, NHTSA recalls, and owner complaints. The worst year is 2018 with a reliability score of 71/100. The best Nissan Kicks year to buy is 2022 82/100.

Verdict

The 2018 Nissan Kicks scores significantly below the model average of 78/100. The weakest year is 2018 with a score of 71/100 due to electrical system (17) issues. The best year to buy instead is 2020 78/100.

See years to avoid ↓See best year ↓See all years ranked ↓

Nissan Kicks Years to Avoid

These model years score significantly below the Nissan Kicks average of 78/100.

#YearScoreRatingRecallsComplaintsTop Issue
1201871/100Good178Electrical System (17)

Why These Years Should Be Avoided

71
GoodReliability score: 71 out of 100, rated Good

2018 Nissan Kicks

The 2018 Nissan Kicks has good reliability. There are 1 recall and 78 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Nissan Kicks. Severity signals include 1 crash-related complaint. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (17), Unknown Or Other (16), Service Brakes (10).

1 recalls78 complaintsEst. repair:

Top issues: Electrical System (17), Unknown Or Other (16), Service Brakes (10), Power Train (7), Electronic Stability Control (esc) (5), Forward Collision Avoidance (4)

View full 2018 reliability report →

What Are Common Nissan Kicks Problems?

Top reported issues across all Nissan Kicks model years, based on NHTSA owner complaints.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

96 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

63 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2021

POWER TRAIN

44 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

SERVICE BRAKES

35 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

STRUCTURE

27 complaints

Most reported in 2021, 2023, 2024

ENGINE

24 complaints

Most reported in 2018, 2019, 2020

Best Nissan Kicks Year to Buy Instead

78
GoodReliability score: 78 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Nissan Kicks

The 2020 Nissan Kicks has good reliability. There are 0 recalls and 85 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Nissan Kicks. Severity signals include 6 crash-related complaints. The most commonly reported problem areas are: Electrical System (21), Power Train (16), Forward Collision Avoidance (7).

Score: 78/100 (Good)0 recalls85 complaints
View full 2020 reliability report →

All Nissan Kicks Years by Generation

All model years ranked by reliability score, grouped by generation.

Nissan Kicks Reliability Scores by Year

Excellent Good Mixed Risky

First generation (P15) (2018–2025)

82
ExcellentReliability score: 82 out of 100, rated Excellent

2022 Nissan Kicks

0 recalls · 19 complaints

81
ExcellentReliability score: 81 out of 100, rated Excellent

2024 Nissan Kicks

1 recalls · 20 complaints

80
ExcellentReliability score: 80 out of 100, rated Excellent

2023 Nissan Kicks

1 recalls · 23 complaints

78
GoodReliability score: 78 out of 100, rated Good

2020 Nissan Kicks

0 recalls · 85 complaints

78
GoodReliability score: 78 out of 100, rated Good

2021 Nissan Kicks

2 recalls · 66 complaints

78
GoodReliability score: 78 out of 100, rated Good

2025 Nissan Kicks

3 recalls · 24 complaints

73
GoodReliability score: 73 out of 100, rated Good

2019 Nissan Kicks

1 recalls · 123 complaints

71
GoodReliability score: 71 out of 100, rated Good

2018 Nissan Kicks

1 recalls · 78 complaints

Weakest Year

Our data covers 2018–2025 model years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Nissan Kicks years should you avoid?
Based on our data, you should avoid the following Nissan Kicks years: 2018 (score: 71/100). These model years score significantly below the Nissan Kicks average of 78/100.
What is the best year for the Nissan Kicks?
The best year for the Nissan Kicks is 2022, with a reliability score of 82/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 19 owner complaints.
How many recalls does the Nissan Kicks have?
Across all years in our database, the Nissan Kicks has a total of 10 recalls. Recall counts vary by year — check individual model year reports for details.
Is a used Nissan Kicks worth buying?
Yes, especially the 2022 model year, which scores 82/100. Stick to years at or above the model average of 78/100 for the best ownership experience.
What are common Nissan Kicks problems?
The most common Nissan Kicks problems are electrical system (96 complaints), unknown or other (63 complaints), power train (44 complaints). These issues are reported across multiple model years based on NHTSA owner complaint data.
Is the Nissan Kicks reliable long-term?
The Nissan Kicks has an average reliability score of 78/100 across all model years in our database, rated "good". Overall, it is a reliable vehicle, though some model years perform better than others.
Which Nissan Kicks generation is most reliable?
The most reliable Nissan Kicks generation is the First generation (P15) with an average score of 78/100. Compare generations in our all-years-by-generation section above.
Is the 2022 Nissan Kicks a good used buy?
Yes, the 2022 Nissan Kicks is the highest-scoring model year with a reliability score of 82/100 ("Excellent"). It has 0 recalls and 19 owner complaints, making it a solid used buy.

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

1

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.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

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.

4

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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