There are 5 owner-reported engine complaints for the 2018 Nissan Kicksin NHTSA's database. These are unverified consumer reports and may not reflect confirmed defects.
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 would then restart but stall again within several seconds. This created a serious safety concern because the vehicle could lose power unexpectedly in traffic or while entering an intersection, reducing ability to accelerate, steer safely with traffic flow, or avoid a collision. OBD diagnostic codes retrieved were P0101, P0102, and P0113. Based on research into common 2018-2020 Nissan Kicks issues, these codes may be secondary/false airflow sensor warnings caused by a failing or sticking electronic throttle body rather than an actual mass air flow sensor failure. Sudden stalling and restart-then-stall behavior are consistent with throttle body malfunction. Problem appears intermittent. Vehicle/component is available for inspection upon request. No prior warning lamps were present before the incident.
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 was taken to the dealer on several occasions and was diagnosed with airflow sensor failure. The contact was informed that the airflow sensor needed to be replaced. The airflow sensor was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was returned to the dealer and again diagnosed with a failed airflow sensor that required replacement. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure continued. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 100,574.
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.
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.
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 hundreds of dollars to repair and almost always returns despite actions being taken to repair the issue.
Complaints are unverified consumer reports submitted to NHTSA. A high complaint count may reflect vehicle popularity, not defect severity. Data sourced from NHTSA public records.
Data synced from NHTSA on Apr 26, 2026