Car Defect Radar
Built from NHTSA complaints and recalls collected for this model, generated September 22, 2026. Totals reflect what has been collected, not every complaint ever filed.

Recalls

0 total

Safety issues the manufacturer must repair for free. A recall means confirm the fix was done, not walk away.

No recalls on record for this model

No safety recalls were found in this dataset. It is still worth entering the exact VIN on NHTSA before purchase, since recalls can be added at any time.

Owner complaints by system

76 total

Unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA, grouped by the part of the car. Useful for spotting patterns. Open a group to read recent examples.

Engine & powertrain

Worth reading
17

Most reports here involve transmission slipping. Of these, 2 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.

transmission slipping 8sudden stalling 4
A recent report: Engine light keeps coming on, just had 1 camshaft changed.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11761804 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Electrical & infotainment

Minor
9

Most reports here involve software faults.

software faults 4transmission slipping 1fire 1
A recent report: 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…
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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 frustrating, dealership was trying to sell me a battery? My antifreeze is low Nissan said it’s the overflow because it looks empty auto zone also said I needed it. Fluids should have been topped off at time of purchase. And was told that stuff lasts forever help!

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11719792 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Brakes

Worth reading
10

Most reports here involve software faults. Of these, 1 mention a crash.

software faults 6loss of braking 1
A recent report: 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…
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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.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11719789 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Steering, suspension & tires

Minor
4

Most reports here involve loss of steering.

loss of steering 2software faults 1sudden stalling 1
A recent report: 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…
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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 drivers was put at risk by the sudden, unpredictable loss of steering control (locking mid-turn). This makes it impossible to safely navigate curves or avoid hazards, leading to a high risk of a severe crash, injury, or fatality. The no-start condition also strands the owner. UNKNOWN. The report only states that the symptoms strongly align with an ESCL failure based on a diagnostic summary, but does not explicitly confirm a dealer or independent service center has reproduced or confirmed the specific ESCL component failure. UNKNOWN. The report does not mention inspection by the manufacturer (Nissan), police, or insurance representatives. The main warning symptom is the intermittent brake warning light (randomly turning on and off while driving, with no clear cause). The problems have been ongoing for the past year and appear to be worsened by the extreme heat in [XXX] . The vehicle generally does not display helpful diagnostic codes despite serious failures. The incident involves multiple, recurring, safety-critical failures in a 2021 Nissan Kicks, including the catastrophic loss of steering function while driving. The core issue is assessed to be a malfunctioning Electronic Steering Column Lock (ESCL). This failure causes the steering wheel to jam/lock, intermittent no-start conditions, and electrical inconsistencies (random brake light/lack of diagnostic codes). These failures are beyond the driver's control, unpredictable, and create an extreme safety hazard, rendering the vehicle unsafe to operate. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11700910 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Airbags & seat belts

Worth reading
5

Most reports here involve airbags not deploying. Of these, 3 mention a crash, 1 mention an injury.

airbags not deploying 3software faults 2
A recent report: I was involved in a pile up on the highway, upon impact, my seatbelt and my daughter’s seat belt popped off. My sons however, remained intact. The air bags did not go off.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11748928 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Structure & body

Minor
26

Most reports here involve corrosion.

corrosion 23
A recent report: The rear door actuator on the passenger side failed causing the door to not be able to unlock electronically. This is particularly concerning as this is the side we would put our infant child on and…
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The rear door actuator on the passenger side failed causing the door to not be able to unlock electronically. This is particularly concerning as this is the side we would put our infant child on and we would be unable to access in an emergency. The dealership was not helpful in addressing this issue with Nissan corporate. We are extremely concerned that this issue occured and concerned that the dealership does not appear to be willing to help bring this issue to corporate. I already reached out to nissan consumer affairs to report this issue but wanted to bring this issue to the attention of relevant safety organizations as I am not sure if it is a larger issue.

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11758421 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Other systems

Minor
5

Most reports here involve software faults.

software faults 2
A recent report: I had a noise and highway vibration in my 2021 Nissan Kicks. Brought it to the dealer and was told the front axle nut was loose. They said it is a common issue. There is a TSB on it but I believe it…
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I had a noise and highway vibration in my 2021 Nissan Kicks. Brought it to the dealer and was told the front axle nut was loose. They said it is a common issue. There is a TSB on it but I believe it is a safety issue due to it being a loose axle nut and vibration

Source: NHTSA complaint ODI #11756958 · view all complaints for this vehicle at nhtsa.gov

Is 76 complaints a lot? They were filed between 2021 and 2026, roughly 15 a year, which is more than the typical model in this dataset. We do not have sales figures for this model, so treat this as a rough volume, not a rate per car on the road. Popular, high-volume models naturally collect more complaints over time.