2018 Nissan Kicks problems and complaints

Owners have filed 86 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Nissan Kicks. The most-reported areas: Unknown Or Other (26), Engine (23), Electrical System (23).

Key takeaways

  • 86 owner complaints on file with NHTSA.
  • 1 involve a crash, 0 a fire, 0 reported injuries.
  • Complaints are unverified owner reports; recalls are confirmed defects.
Complaints by component
ComponentComplaintsShare
Unknown Or Other2630%
Engine2327%
Electrical System2327%
Forward Collision Avoidance2023%
Service Brakes1517%
Electronic Stability Control (esc)1214%
Power Train89%
Fuel/Propulsion System45%
Suspension45%
Steering45%
Exterior Lighting33%
Vehicle Speed Control33%

One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.

NHTSA 5-Star crash ratings
VersionOverallFrontSideRollover
2018 Nissan Kicks SUV FWDNot ratedNot ratedNot ratedNot rated

Latest complaints, as filed

Owner-written and unverified by NHTSA.

Engine,forward Collision Avoidance - filed 2026-10-02

Shows an error with the front collision sensor, the engine losses power and eventually shuts down (engine turns off) in the middle of the highway. The check engine light turns on as well as the Automatic Emergency Braking System warning light and the slip indicator light. It also displays the image of the front senso...

Engine - filed 2026-09-18

My transmission failed while traveling on a highway at 60mph almost causing an accident. Issues with this generation of cvt transmissions have been the subject of multiple lawsuits and warrenty extensions. Nissan is knowingly selling defective vehicles and offer no assistance in resolving their failures. Nissan needs t...

Electrical System,engine,forward Collision Avoidance - filed 2026-07-25

It originally started about two years ago when the check engine light came on (along with others) that point to a code with the Mass Air Flow sensor. It would stall at low RPMs at traffic lights, and was extremely worrying during normal driving. We got it replaced and so far okay, but recently the ABS and traction cont...

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More for the 2018 Nissan Kicks

Complaints are reports filed by owners with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. NHTSA publishes them without verifying them, and counts rise with how many cars were sold, so compare years of the same model rather than different models. Crash ratings are NHTSA's own 5-Star Safety Ratings results.