Nissan · Kicks · 2021
2021 Nissan Kicks
2
Recalls
67
Complaints
4/5
Safety Rating
The 2021 Nissan Kicks has 2 recalls and 67 owner-reported complaints on file with NHTSA. Overall safety rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Most reported issue: structure (23 reports).
Source: NHTSA Public Records · Updated Apr 28, 2026
Research Context
The 2021 Nissan Kicks page works best as a research starting point. Complaint totals show how much owner-reported activity exists, while recalls and investigations help show whether any of that activity turned into formal safety action.
Because this is a newer-era vehicle page, it usually helps to compare this year against nearby model years before deciding whether a complaint pattern looks isolated or persistent. On this page, the most prominent complaint area is structure with 23 reported complaints.
Best Research Moves
- Use the complaint log to understand what owners were actually reporting instead of relying only on the raw complaint total.
- Review the recall section even if the total is smaller, because a limited number of recalls can still point to meaningful safety actions.
- This page is primarily a complaints-and-recalls research surface, so compare nearby model years before treating the complaint total as a standalone verdict.
Key Takeaways
- The 2021 Nissan Kicks currently shows 2 NHTSA recalls listed on this page and 67 owner-reported complaints.
- This page currently shows no linked NHTSA investigations.
- This page reflects complaint volume, recall history, and NHTSA test data, but it does not diagnose causes or rank reliability by itself.
- Safety data currently shows 4/5 overall NHTSA safety rating.
- The most frequently reported complaint categories on this page are structure (23), forward collision avoidance (7), electrical system (5).
- Vehicle
- 2021 Nissan Kicks
- Recalls
- 2
- Complaints
- 67
- Safety Rating
- 4/5
How to Interpret This Page
This page combines three types of NHTSA data: recall campaigns (official manufacturer or government actions), owner complaints (unverified consumer reports), and crash test ratings (where available). A vehicle with many complaints is not necessarily less reliable — complaint volume correlates with sales volume and vehicle age. Recalls indicate identified defects, not overall quality. To compare this model year with others, use the year navigation in the sidebar or return to the model overview page.
If you are researching a used vehicle, start with the complaint categories, compare them against the recall list, and then check nearby model years to see whether the same issue profile repeats. That usually produces a better buying or research signal than treating the raw complaint total as a standalone safety ranking.
NHTSA Crash Test Performance
Frontal Crash Test
Side Crash Test
Overall Frontal Rating
Driver and Passenger Assessment
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Overall Side Rating
Side Barrier and Side Pole Tests
Driver Side
Passenger Side
Rollover Resistance
15.5% rollover risk in single-vehicle crash
Safety Features
ESC: StandardForward Collision Warning: StandardLane Departure Warning: Standard
Recall Notices
NHTSANHTSA ID: 23V496000July 18, 2023
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Versa and Kicks vehicles. An intermittent electrical connection in the electric power steering (EPS) torque sensor can disable the power steering assist.
Remedy Status
Dealers will inspect the steering column torque sensor lot code and replace the steering column assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PMA26. This recall involves vehicles that were previously inspected, but did not receive a steering column replacement, under recall number 22V-693. These vehicles will need to be reinspected for this recall.
NHTSA ID: 22V693000September 15, 2022
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Versa and Kicks vehicles. An intermittent electrical connection in the electric power steering (EPS) torque sensor can disable the power steering assist.
Remedy Status
Dealers will inspect the steering column torque sensor lot code, and replace the column, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 9, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PMA10 / PMA25.
Owner Complaints
67 totalELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Feb 19, 2026
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...
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ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Feb 19, 2026
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.
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Nov 21, 2025
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...
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UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Nov 17, 2025
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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Nov 5, 2025
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...
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POWER TRAIN
CRASH1 injuryNov 3, 2025
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...
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ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Aug 8, 2025
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...
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VISIBILITY/WIPER
Jun 11, 2025
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 ...
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ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Jun 10, 2025
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...
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VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
May 22, 2025
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
Showing 10 recent complaints from 67 total
View Full Complaint LogCompare Related Vehicles
Why Compare These Pages
The strongest comparison flow is usually: exact vehicle-year page, then nearby years of the same model, then other 2021 Nissan models. That sequence helps separate one-off year spikes from broader make-wide patterns.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Nissan Kicks have?
The 2021 Nissan Kicks has 2 recalls recorded by NHTSA.
How many complaints have been filed for the 2021 Nissan Kicks?
NHTSA has received 67 owner-reported complaints for the 2021 Nissan Kicks.
What is the NHTSA safety rating for the 2021 Nissan Kicks?
The 2021 Nissan Kicks received an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Nissan Kicks?
The most commonly reported complaint categories for the 2021 Nissan Kicks are structure (23 reports), forward collision avoidance (7 reports), electrical system (5 reports).
Does the 2021 Nissan Kicks have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA has 2 recalls on record for the 2021 Nissan Kicks. Scroll up to review the published recall summaries, consequences, and remedies. To check for unrepaired recalls on your specific vehicle, use your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check Another Vehicle
Look up recalls and complaints for any year, make, and model.
This page summarizes publicly available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaint counts reflect reports submitted to NHTSA by vehicle owners and do not by themselves prove defect severity or vehicle safety. Safety ratings may not be available for all vehicle-years. This site is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. For official information, visit the official NHTSA page for this vehicle.