← 20212020 model year2019 β†’
⚑ NHTSA Official DataUpdated: Jun 2026How we calculate this
Severe Issues

2020 Nissan Kicks: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict

The 2020 Nissan Kicks has 88 NHTSA complaints and zero recalls, with Forward Collision Avoidance issues dominating the reports. Current data includes 88 complaints, with Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB as the top reported area.

88
Complaints
7
Crashes
β€”
Fires
3
Injuries
β€”
Deaths
β€”
Recalls

2020 Nissan Kicks Fuel Economy

βœ“ EPA Official Data

EPA official fuel economy rating for the 2020 Nissan Kicks.

31
MPG City
36
MPG Hwy
33
MPG Combined
268
g COβ‚‚/mile
Regular Gasoline
πŸ’°Saves $1,750 vs. avg vehicle over 5 years

Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions.

2020 Nissan Kicks Safety Ratings

NHTSA 5-Star Program

Official crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.

Overall

4/5

15.5% rollover risk

Frontal Crash

4/5

Side Crash

5/5

Rollover

4/5

15.5% probability

βœ“Stability Control: Standardβœ“Forward Collision Warning: Standardβœ“Lane Departure Warning: Standard

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.

Quick Answer

NISSAN KICKS 2020 has 88 NHTSA complaints, with Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB issues leading at 33 reports. Electrical faults (25) and engine problems (19) are also common. No recalls exist. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.

2020 Nissan Kicks β€” key reliability facts
Make
Nissan
Model
Kicks
Model year
2020
NHTSA owner complaints
88
Crash-related complaints
7
Safety recall campaigns
0
Top reported component
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB
Reliability signal
Severe Issues
EPA MPG combined
33
EPA MPG city / highway
31 / 36
Fuel type
Regular Gasoline
NHTSA overall safety rating
4/5 stars
NHTSA frontal crash rating
4/5 stars
NHTSA side crash rating
5/5 stars
NHTSA rollover rating
4/5 stars
Electronic stability control
Standard

Most Common 2020 Nissan Kicks Problems

Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.

#1
33
complaints

Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB

Crash-related:1
#2
25
complaints

Electrical Faults

Crash-related:1
#3
19
complaints

Engine Problems

Complaint patterns center on Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB, 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 2020 Nissan Kicks?

The 2020 Kicks may be worth considering if you find a well-maintained example, but the high number of AEB complaints warrants a thorough inspection. Given the low confidence, proceed with caution.

These complaint patterns indicate potential safety and reliability issues that could affect daily driving and ownership costs.

May Suit

Budget-conscious buyers who prioritize fuel economy and are willing to verify AEB functionality before purchase.

May Want to Avoid

Buyers who rely heavily on advanced driver-assistance systems or want a trouble-free ownership experience.

What to Check Before Buying a Used 2020 Nissan Kicks

Inspection Focus

  • Test Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB system in a safe area to verify proper operation.
  • Check for any stored diagnostic trouble codes related to electrical or engine systems.
  • Inspect transmission for smooth shifting and any signs of drivetrain noise.

Before You Close the Deal

  • Test Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB system in a safe area.
  • Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
  • Request service records for electrical and engine repairs.
  • Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.

Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.

Before buying a used 2020 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

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2020 Nissan Kicks shows a high number of Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB complaints (33), along with electrical faults (25) and engine problems (19). With zero recalls and low confidence due to limited data, buyers should be cautious. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.

Year context: Only the 2020 model year was analyzed, so no direct comparison to other years is available.

Recall context: With zero recalls, the vehicle has no open safety campaigns, but buyers should still verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Key Findings
  • 33 complaints about Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB, the most reported component.
  • 25 complaints about electrical faults, indicating potential wiring or module issues.
  • 19 complaints about engine problems, suggesting possible powertrain concerns.
Top Concerns
  • Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB may activate unexpectedly or fail to engage.
  • Electrical faults could cause intermittent warning lights or accessory failures.
  • Engine problems may include stalling, hesitation, or check engine lights.
Data note: NHTSA complaints are consumer-submitted and do not confirm a manufacturing defect. Low confidence due to small sample size (88 complaints) and single model year.

All 2020 Nissan Kicks Complaints by Category

Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Nissan Kicks. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB331β€”β€”
Electrical Faults251β€”β€”
Engine Problems19β€”β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain17β€”β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System13β€”β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues11β€”β€”β€”
Brake System102β€”β€”
Lane Departure10β€”β€”β€”
Airbag Malfunctions74β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration6β€”β€”β€”
Back Over Prevention4β€”β€”β€”
Steering Defects31β€”β€”
Structural Problems21β€”β€”
Hydraulic1β€”β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Suspension Failures11β€”β€”
Wheel Issues11β€”β€”
Visibility1β€”β€”β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)1β€”β€”β€”
Tire Issues1β€”β€”β€”
Visibility/Wiper1β€”β€”β€”

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 2020 Nissan Kicks. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

Showing 88 most recent complaints

Steering DefectsπŸ’₯ CrashMay 15, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while the fiancΓ© was driving approximately 30 MPH, and turning left the power steering and power brake suddenly failed causing the fiancΓ© to loose control of the steering and and crash to a traffic pole. The contact i…

Unintended AccelerationApr 19, 2026

The car acceleration issues, taking a long time to go from 0-50 with the tachometer going up to 5 to do so. My MPG has gone from 33 to 28 mpg. There are times when I press on the gas but my car doesn’t move. It also makes loud β€œrumbling” or β€œwhining” sounds at times.

Electrical FaultsMar 29, 2026

The dash board lights up and the check engine light comes. It’s hard to accelerate or reverse and its idles high. I have replaced coils, spark plugs, censors and it’s costs me thousands of dollars and it’s still not fixed.

Transmission / DrivetrainFeb 25, 2026

Vehicle was just purchased from a Nissan Dealership (2020 Kicks) and less than 1,300 miles of driving throwing a code stating there is a problem with CVT transmission. Will not produce enough power when going uphill. RPMs will suddenly not go over 1 when given gas uphill. There w…

Brake SystemJan 12, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that the ABS, Forward Facing Camera, Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), Lane Variation, and other safety feature lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the ABS and Forward-Facing …

Lane DepartureDec 10, 2025

The sensor lights constantly come on and then the engine light comes on. When I got the engine light read, it says I need a new mass airflow sensor. I have replaced this sensor 3 times now and the air filter, the same issue is occurring over and over again. Every sensor light com…

Electrical FaultsDec 10, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed electronic control module. The contact was informed that the …

Seat Belt IssuesNov 4, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the front driver's side seat belt independently unlatched. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the fail…

Transmission / DrivetrainNov 3, 2025

When driving my car the crash light comes on in traffic and sometimes when braking. Recently it started to flash the hydroplaning symbol and now the check engine is on. I’ve seen other people online having the same issue with their vehicles as well.

Electrical FaultsOct 28, 2025

The engine harness and electrical wiring have caused the entire vehicle to lose signal. This issue has cause my.car to stall and not accelerate while driving. Entire lights on dashboard come one and vehicle is unable to accerlerate. Vehicle is currently at the dealer and that is …

Brake SystemOct 18, 2025

I was driving and needed to come to a stop because there was a four-way stop sign, and the brakes didn’t work. The pedal went all the way to the floor and even though I pumped the brakes, it wouldn’t stop. This is the second incident where this happens. I checked the brake pads…

Electrical FaultsOct 6, 2025

Random sensor malfunction errors ABS and Front Collision warning lights Entire body sensor

Electrical FaultsSep 29, 2025

Abs, ccs cruise control, air pressure monitor, laser/radar, intelligence key, radar stain, center sonar, radar circuit unit,airbag lights Poa90 recall engine control module, transmission, collison lights, pre-existing damages, it has defects it started intermittent stalling at 66…

Electrical FaultsSep 15, 2025

P0101 code keep coming back after so many repairs plus all lights are on like lane assist front collision prevention rear collision detection and slippery road it will reset after turning off and on

Electrical FaultsSep 13, 2025

I purchased the used vehicle in March and I have had an intermittent check engine light (p0101 code), my forward collision warning lights and traction control lights come on and my car brakes like I was in an emergency braking situation. Since the second day of owning the car. …

Electrical FaultsSep 4, 2025

Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 98,000 and at the time of registration, it was discovered tha…

Electrical FaultsAug 23, 2025

The car gives me warning signals. All the warnings display on my screen and then the car doesn’t advance. It has happened several times and I’ve been put in danger since I live in San Antonio TX and there’s always traffic. I’ve called the dealer and they just tell that there’s no…

Electrical FaultsAug 21, 2025

My crash sensor started to go off on the freeway 2 years ago about . I took it to the dealership they replaced the sensor then it happened again about a year later . I'm having the same issue again it goes off and there's no cars around me it will go off when i'm parked it wont…

Forward Collision Avoidance: AEBJul 27, 2025

Collision warning came on auto brakes for a second. Then light stayed on. Took to Dealership and was told Collision camera was out of alignment due to brackets moved or bent.

Uncategorized IssuesJun 26, 2025

I own a 2020 Nissan Kicks and have experienced recurring and unpredictable electrical and system malfunctions while driving. At times, a "Malfunction, see owner's manual" warning appears on the dashboard, accompanied by multiple warning lights including: Forward collision warning…

Page 1 of 5

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2020 Nissan Kicks.

2020 Nissan Kicks Recalls

0 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2020 Nissan Kicks. With zero recalls, the vehicle has no open safety campaigns, but buyers should still verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.

No recall campaigns found for this model year in the current data. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls directly for the latest information.

Compare Nissan Kicks Model Years

Only the 2020 model year was analyzed, so no direct comparison to other years is available.

2024202320222021202020192018

2020 Nissan Kicks Buying FAQ

Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.

Is the 2020 Nissan Kicks reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 88 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 0 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2020 Kicks may be worth considering if you find a well-maintained example, but the high number of AEB complaints warrants a thorough inspection. Given the low confidence, proceed with caution. 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 2020 Nissan Kicks?β–Ύ

#1: Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB (33 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (25 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (19 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2020 Nissan Kicks?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2020 Nissan Kicks?β–Ύ

Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2020 Nissan Kicks, NHTSA complaints include 7 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 88 total complaints. 3 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2020 Nissan Kicks have any recalls?β–Ύ

No NHTSA recall campaigns were found for the 2020 Nissan Kicks in the current data. Always verify with a VIN check as recalls can be added at any time.

Should I buy a 2020 Nissan Kicks?β–Ύ

The 2020 Kicks may be worth considering if you find a well-maintained example, but the high number of AEB complaints warrants a thorough inspection. Given the low confidence, proceed with caution. These complaint patterns indicate potential safety and reliability issues that could affect daily driving and ownership costs. Pay extra attention to Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB 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 2020 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.