2021 Nissan Kicks: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
For the 2021 Nissan Kicks, NHTSA data reveals 68 complaints and 2 recalls, with structural problems leading concerns. Current data includes 68 complaints, with Structural Problems as the top reported area.
2021 Nissan Kicks Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA official fuel economy rating for the 2021 Nissan Kicks.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions.
2021 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
15.5% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
15.5% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
NISSAN KICKS 2021 has 68 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls. Top issues include structural problems (24 complaints) and forward collision avoidance AEB (15 complaints). Crash-related complaints total 5. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Kicks
- Model year
- 2021
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 68
- Crash-related complaints
- 5
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Structural Problems
- 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 2021 Nissan Kicks Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Structural Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB
Complaint patterns center on Structural Problems, Uncategorized Issues, Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2021 Nissan Kicks?
The 2021 Nissan Kicks shows a moderate complaint volume, but structural and AEB issues warrant caution. Buyers should prioritize a thorough inspection and recall check before purchase.
Structural problems and AEB malfunctions can affect safety and repair costs, making pre-purchase inspection critical.
May Suit
Budget-conscious buyers seeking a compact SUV with low running costs, provided they are willing to verify recalls and inspect for structural issues.
May Want to Avoid
Safety-focused buyers who want minimal risk of AEB or structural problems may prefer a different model year.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2021 Nissan Kicks
Inspection Focus
- Inspect body panels and frame for structural integrity.
- Test forward collision avoidance system operation.
- Check electrical systems for faults.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect for structural problems (body, frame).
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for AEB and electrical systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2021 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 2021 Nissan Kicks has 68 complaints and 2 recalls, with structural problems (24 complaints) and forward collision avoidance issues (15 complaints) being the top concerns. Crash-related complaints total 5. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Only the 2021 model year is analyzed, so no comparison to other years is available.
Recall context: With 2 recalls, buyers must verify all open recalls are completed before purchase.
- Structural problems account for 24 of 68 total complaints.
- Forward collision avoidance AEB issues total 15 complaints.
- There are 5 crash-related complaints.
- Structural Problems (24 complaints)
- Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB (15 complaints)
- Electrical Faults (11 complaints)
All 2021 Nissan Kicks Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2021 Nissan Kicks. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structural Problems | 24 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 15 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 15 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 11 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 3 | 3 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | 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 2021 Nissan Kicks. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Immediately after turning car on and putting it on Drive gear, the collision light and traction light on dashboard came on and a message “Malfunction See Owner’s Manual” came on too. As I tried to get out of my parking garage it was little hard to accelerate. I turned my car off …
The air conditioning system failed due to a suspected A/C compressor failure. No warning lights were present. The failure occurred around June 2025 at approximately 60,000 miles and resulted in complete loss of cabin cooling. The issue poses a safety risk due to extreme interior …
I have noticed on more than one occasion the dashboard panel suddenly pops up these RED BRACKET LINES SHOWING AROUND VEHICLE OF COURSE AND BIG STOP FLASHING AND CAR SUDDENLY BRACES then back to normal scary ass f it happens randomly slow speeds between 35-40mph.
I have been having to constantly replace key fobe batteries since I bought it in May of 2025 needing jumps although auto zone said it shows no issues with battery ? Often no key detection I just changed the batteries at dealership but everyday just about I need a jump it’s frustr…
We have had several problems with our 2021 Nissan Kicks, all of which are safety concerns, and all of which have have occurred at well under 100,000 miles. We purchased the vehicle from a Nissan dealer in January of 2022. 1 - Rust is bubbling up from under the paint. I am told th…
Apple Play/radio do not turn on once the car is started. I brought it to the dealer and was told that there were no updates available at this time and I would have to replace the unit.
Aloha, TSB NTB22-028 and NTB23‑018, March 2023 clearly a defect pattern in the infotainment system. Audio distorts and navigation screens freezes which could result in an accident. I contacted Nissan consumer affairs case # XXX. It was escalated to an area manager who recomme…
The likely failed component is the Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL). Associated systems include the steering column, BCM, and EPS motor. Yes, the vehicle and component are available for inspection upon request (Owner: [XXX] , [XXX] ). The safety of the owner and other driv…
My vehicle has a serious safety defect involving the braking system and related electronic controls. The vehicle is available for inspection at any time. The main failure is sudden, unintended braking without me pressing the pedal. On November 5, 2025, around 6:20 p.m., the vehic…
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, there was a loud boom coming from the engine compartment with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the traffic light turned red, and the contact stopped the…
While driving the car seems to be stalling, slowing down while I’m driving. The car feels like it doesn’t want to go up to a fast speed on the highway. I feel uncomfortable and unsafe that the car will stop instantly on the highway and cause me to crash. So that is why I’m report…
I’ve been going in the dealership a lot regarding this car since I’ve purchase the car On 10/09 I was charged 165.00 to get diagnosed test done on car After diagnosed Service informed me to get electrical intake valve and EMC Unit, EMC Bracket and Audio unit replaced from Ni…
Drivers side door lock will not function properly. The remote will successfully lock/unlock all of the other doors. If the drivers door is locked with the key it will remain locked despite the other doors unlocking with the remote. This problem has been widely reported on Nissan …
car will not accelerate after pressing gas pedal all the way down; has jerking motion to get it to go then sometimes will not move at all; you have to turn car off and try several times
I was driving at a speed of 32 no other cars around. All of a sudden I hear some buzzing and feel vibration, and I see a hazard icon in the dash flashing. It was a white triangle outlined in red with a red exclamation mark inside of the triangle. The car slowed dramatically almos…
Drivers door won't open from inside or outside I can climb out passenger seat when this happens and use the key to manually unlock door This happens quite often
The vehicle has a sensor in the front that will auto brake if it thinks I will crash into something . However many times it’s braked there’s been nothing in front of the car. I’ll have great distance between my car and the one in front of me. There have been at least 4 incidents …
The contact owned a 2021 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that his wife was stopped in traffic when a vehicle from behind crashed into the entire rear end of her vehicle at 25 MPH. There was no property damage, and the vehicles came to a stop upon impact. The airbags did not depl…
Something or Power steering seems to be affected, especially more so during rainy or snowy seasons. Wheel needs no assistance to turn and turn very easily as I turned/spun it to one side and other. Seems to go passed its lock point. Especially noticeable during reverse and park/w…
The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2021 Nissan Kicks.
2021 Nissan Kicks Recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2021 Nissan Kicks. With 2 recalls, buyers must verify all open recalls are completed before purchase. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2021 Nissan Kicks Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2021 Nissan Kicks reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 68 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2021 Nissan Kicks shows a moderate complaint volume, but structural and AEB issues warrant caution. Buyers should prioritize a thorough inspection and recall check before purchase. 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 2021 Nissan Kicks?▾
#1: Structural Problems (24 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (15 complaints). #3: Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB (15 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2021 Nissan Kicks?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2021 Nissan Kicks?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2021 Nissan Kicks, NHTSA complaints include 5 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 68 total complaints. 2 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2021 Nissan Kicks have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2021 Nissan Kicks. A major recall area is STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM. With 2 recalls, buyers must verify all open recalls are completed before purchase. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2021 Nissan Kicks?▾
The 2021 Nissan Kicks shows a moderate complaint volume, but structural and AEB issues warrant caution. Buyers should prioritize a thorough inspection and recall check before purchase. Structural problems and AEB malfunctions can affect safety and repair costs, making pre-purchase inspection critical. Pay extra attention to Structural Problems 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 2021 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.