2018 Nissan Kicks: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Used NISSAN KICKS shoppers should review this model-year complaint and recall record before making an offer. Current data includes 82 complaints, with Uncategorized Issues as the top reported area.
2018 Nissan Kicks Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA official fuel economy rating for the 2018 Nissan Kicks.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions.
2018 Nissan Kicks Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2018 Nissan Kicks has 82 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign on record. The most frequently reported component is Uncategorized Issues. NHTSA reliability signal: Minor Issues.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Kicks
- Model year
- 2018
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 82
- Crash-related complaints
- 1
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Uncategorized Issues
- Reliability signal
- Minor Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 33
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 31 / 36
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2018 Nissan Kicks Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Uncategorized Issues
Electrical Faults
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Uncategorized Issues, Electrical Faults, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2018 Nissan Kicks?
This NISSAN KICKS year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection.
Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs.
May Suit
This year may suit buyers who prioritize complete maintenance records and pass a pre-purchase inspection.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers who want a lower-risk ownership profile may prefer comparing nearby model years before committing.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2018 Nissan Kicks
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the most frequently reported complaint components on this model year
- Confirm recall repairs were completed and documented
- Check for accident damage, title brands, and mileage inconsistencies on the exact VIN
Before You Close the Deal
- Run a VIN check on the specific vehicle you are considering
- Verify all open recalls are completed at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Request service records for the most-reported complaint components
- Have a certified mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2018 Nissan Kicks, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The NISSAN KICKS has 82 NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls on record. 1 complaints involve crash-related incidents. This data reflects owner-reported issues submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Recall context: 1 recall campaign are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase.
- 82 total complaints filed with NHTSA
- 1 federal recall campaign
- 1 crash-related complaints on record
- Review NHTSA complaint history for the most-reported components
- Check recall completion status at nhtsa.gov/recalls
- Verify service records for frequently complained components
All 2018 Nissan Kicks Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2018 Nissan Kicks. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncategorized Issues | 25 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 22 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 20 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 18 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 15 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 12 | 1 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Communication | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Air | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2018 Nissan Kicks. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Vehicle experienced sudden engine stall/shutdown after warning indicators illuminated. While driving at low speed, the ABS warning light, front collision warning light, and check engine light appeared. After placing the vehicle in Park, the engine shut off unexpectedly. Vehicle w…
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled and lost motive power, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle wa…
When put in park car started idling rough and then stalled. Engine light, collision warning light, and traction control light came on. Code scanned as a P0101 code.
Radio skips songs back and forth randomly, and now radio screen and buttons are block.
Intermittently for the last year, car will show 3 dash lights: 1. AEB light 2. Slip indicator light 3. Master warning light When this occurs, the car can be slow to accelerate. When the three lights are on, the problem will persist until the engine is shut off for a period of…
The p0101 code has been going on and off of this car since purchase (3 years) the MAF sensor has been replaced twice and the check engine light comes back on after just a few days each time. This poses a safety risk because the car stops at stop lights and turns off, the car shak…
All brake failure warning lights remain on while driving and ABS no longer works. It is a very common safety failure that Nissan is making a small fortune on. It is a definate safety item.
Getting code p0101. When car first starts the throttle response is very low. Once the car warms up to seems to go away but it appears to be a consistent problem. Others are reporting as well for this vehicle.
For over a year, I have experienced repeated failures of the front radar system, specially during rain or wet weather, when it rains the vehicle displays multiple warning such as: "Front radar unavailable" "automatic emergency braking unavailable" "Front sensor malfunction" This …
The Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to idle roughly, stall unexpectedly, and trigger continuous beeping. During the failure, the power steering locked, making it extremely difficult to steer and creating a serious safety hazard for myself and others …
The ABS and forward collision system failed. This caused the car not to respond during a hard brake when it was raining. I almost had an accident. The car was inspected on September 4, 2025, by Universal Nissan (12785 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, Florida). Universal Nis…
I purchased a 2018 Nissan Kicks with under 6k miles from Atlanta Luxury Motors (ALM Marietta) on April 29, 2022. The dealer failed to disclose the car was a Canadian import, which voided the manufacturer’s warranty and left me responsible for unsafe defects. At under 30,000 miles…
Code P0101 comes up which indicates an issue with the car’s MAF system triggering a check engine light. This is widely known to be a software issue and is chronic in many Nissan Kick’s manufactured around 2018-2020. This is a faulty error code and ends up visiting consumers hundr…
Frequently we get error P0101 and the car loses power. It says "Mass or Volume Air Flow, A Circuit Range/Poerformance error. For us that means the car loses power, limps along or jerks suddenly and the lights flash, this can happen at any time. Happens about one or twice a month…
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle occasionally experienced reduction in automotive power with the "System Malfunction" message displayed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the b…
I was driving on the road like normal and suddenly I got a front collision warning on the dash, the car wouldn’t accelerate and lost all power. Check engine light also came on with code reading P0101. I’ve had this issue before and the dealer doesn’t know what to do or they want …
P0101 Mass air flow sensor code keeping appearing after repairing it. It causes the car to stall and shut off frequently on its own.
My steering is erratic and sometimes it feels like it’s pulling hard to one side or the other and when I try to correct it actually over corrects. I’ve read about the eps problems when looking into options for repair/replace. I feel it too dangerous for driving anywhere. It is a …
ABS system warning light turns on and off, and ABS fails after 50,000 miles on vehicle. System requires ABS actuator replacement, but replacement isn't reliable. Nissan has been contacted and refused to acknowledge issue or offer assistance with issue. This has been an issue in A…
The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the crash indicator warning light illuminated causing the vehicle to stall. After several attempts, the vehicle was able to be restarted but was unable to accelerate. The vehicle …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2018 Nissan Kicks.
2018 Nissan Kicks Recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2018 Nissan Kicks. 1 recall campaign are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2018 Nissan Kicks Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2018 Nissan Kicks reliable?▾
Minor Issues. NHTSA currently shows 82 owner complaints, 1 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. This NISSAN KICKS year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Nissan Kicks?▾
#1: Uncategorized Issues (25 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (22 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (20 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2018 Nissan Kicks?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2018 Nissan Kicks?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2018 Nissan Kicks, NHTSA complaints include 1 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 82 total complaints. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2018 Nissan Kicks have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2018 Nissan Kicks. A major recall area is BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA. 1 recall campaign are on record, so recall completion status should be confirmed on the exact VIN before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2018 Nissan Kicks?▾
This NISSAN KICKS year shows a meaningful number of reported issues, so buyers should only proceed after a careful records review and inspection. Model-year complaint trends can reveal recurring trouble spots before you spend money on inspections, financing, or repairs. Pay extra attention to Uncategorized Issues during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Nissan Kicks reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2018 Nissan Kicks based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.