2021 NISSAN KICKS Recalls, Complaints & Safety

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!

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.

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 this is perforating rust that could easily spread to or originate from the frame of the vehicle. This could cause the entire structure to fail. Despite the 5 year, no mileage limitation warranty for perforating rust, Nissan has refused to comply with the warranty. At the executive complaint level, they have admitted that the warranty exists, but at the repair level, Nissan has repeatedly informed the Dealer that the vehicle is not covered by a rust warranty or that the warranty expired based on mileage. The person at the corporate complaint level refuses to speak with the dealer or affirm the coverage in writing. At the repair level, Nissan has offered a fix outside of warranty coverage (a patch) which does not provide the continuing coverage provided by a warranty repair (which requires replacement of the panel). I have spent countless hours taking the car in to have it looked at and on the phone to try to get coverage with no success. 2 - The structural metal on the inside of the drivers door is cracking. We took the car in for repair because the window was not working but when they opened it up, they found that the the structural metal of the door itself where the window mechanism is attached has cracked. We have video indicating this may be a design defect in addition to poor materials. The Nissan dealer is not helpful, saying only that they don't have a body shop. Body shops say the entire door needs to be replaced but do not want to get involved with seeking help from Nissan. 3 - The CVT transmission failed just after the manufacturers warranty expired which is way too early for this problem. By some miracle, most of the cost was covered by a third party warranty company.

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 recommended I reach out to NHTSA. Nissan is only willing to cover 50% of the cost to replace the infotainment system. Hopefully by sending this complaint form it will help having the whole cost covered. Mahalo, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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)

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 vehicle brake-checked in traffic and almost caused a rear-end collision. This continues to put my safety and the safety of others at risk every time I drive, but I have no other transportation for work. Along with the sudden braking, the car has loud crunching and dragging noises when braking or beginning to move, difficulty shifting between Drive, Reverse, and Park, and intermittent warning lights. Warning lights have appeared several times, and on one occasion stayed on long enough for me to bring the vehicle in. These symptoms first began in July 2025 and have continued ever since. The problems have been repeatedly reproduced by me and reported to the dealer. Although the dealership has sometimes claimed they could not find a problem, they later acknowledged noises and even suggested “better brakes,” which they said I would have to pay for despite my warranty and extended warranty. I have recordings of the noises and a voicemail from a service advisor. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership four times on July 15–16, August 6–9, August 19–22, and September 26, 2025, and also reviewed by Nissan North America Consumer Affairs. No police or insurance inspections have been done. Even after repeated attempts, the manufacturer and dealer have not resolved the safety issues. The sudden braking, shifting problems, noises, and warning lights make the vehicle unreliable and dangerous. I am afraid to drive it, and I am requesting an NHTSA investigation because these defects create a clear risk of a crash and have not been properly addressed by Nissan.

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 vehicle, and the vehicle failed to move when the light turned green. The contact stated that the driver behind started honking the horn however, the contact was unable to drive off and waved the other driver to go around. The contact stated that when the vehicle finally responded, the vehicle reversed instead and crashed into another vehicle. The Police was called, and a Police report was filed. The contact sustained a left side muscle strain from the neck down to the hip. The contact received medical attention at the Emergency Room. The contact called the Insurance provider, and the vehicle was towed to a Collision Center. The contact was informed that the failure was transmission related. The Insurance provider stated that the damages to the body of the vehicle would be repaired however, any failures to the transmission was not covered, and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The Insurance provider stated that there were transmission related recalls for similar vehicles; however, the contact had not received any notifications of a transmission recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Crash 1 injured

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 reporting this because it’s unsafe. Secondly the left driver side window goes up in down while I’m driving. This also makes me feel uncomfortable while driving.

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 Nissan Service In Grand Blanc Michigan, Dealership quoted me close to $5,561 to all this electrical work fixed, General Manager King in grand blanc Michigan , called the police on me at his dealership yesterday ,after I tried to explain this to him. He only offered me to call customer service and $500 off I am Army Veteran who pays her car payment on time every month which is a $534.00 a month these people are very , unprofessional, inconsiderate and rude , my radio has not work since 08/2023, due to electrical and wiring issues EMC Unit EMC Bracket , I purchase the car in [XXX], my payoff balance is $22,000 please HELP car battery is draining almost everyday because of these electrical issues every six months Im replacing battery due to electrical issues, have to take portable battery jump in my car just to in case car shuts down. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

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 online forums, there are no indicator/warning lights associated with this issue. This issue provides the illusion of a securely locked car when then drivers door remains unlocked, providing an opportunity for theft or worse while parked. This has been an ongoing issue since purchasing the vehicle.

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 almost stopping as the alarm or buzzing sounded. Then all at once the alarm stopped and the car resumed speed.

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 since I’ve owned the car (1 year). There’s no active recalls, and the light will flash that I’m going to hit something until I shut off the car. Once I turn it back on the warning collision light is gone.

The contact owned a 2021 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that his wife was stopped in traffic when suddenly a rear vehicle crashed into the entire rear at 25 MPH. There was no property damage, and the vehicles came to a stop upon impact. The air bags did not deploy however the other driver did have a air bag deployment. Both vehicles were attached to each other due to the impact and were able to be separated. The vehicle did not need to be towed. The brake system, tire pressure monitoring system, check engine, and warning lights were illuminated. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed by the insurance company. The contact's wife sustained a headache and pain in her left hand. that required medical treatment. No other injuries were reported. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 83,015.

Crash

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/when parking.

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 or repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure with an unidentified recall for a CVT transmission failure; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

At 54,000 miles on my car my car was shaking and not wanting to go past 20miles an hour. My check engine light came on. Safety was at risk, there was no warning that my car was having trouble. It was driving fine one minute and ttem all of a sudden check engine light came on. Feel that the cvt engines in Nissan are not safe

Hello, this has happened multiple times within a year & a half of having the vehicle (bought in Jan 2023) where the Front Collision Warning will randomly go off during anytime of the day, even at night. I have also had all the side collision warnings just stay yellow in the screen while driving. Just recently when I was driving in the mountains of GA, I had everything go off & the "Forward Driving Aids Temporarily Disabled."

The contact rented a 2021 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving at a slow speed in heavy traffic, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power. After coming to a complete stop and shifting into park, the contact became aware that the transmission had seized, and the gear selector was unable to shift back into drive. Upon having the vehicle towed, the tow company was only able to shift the gear selector into reverse. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the rental company's service center for repair; as a result, the diagnosis of the failure was unknown to the contact. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 54,000.

While driving straight and I have a green light if the traffic in the left turn lane stops for on coming traffic to clear my vehicle brakes as if the car in the other lane is in front of me not to the side of me. I am afraid I will get rear ended one of these times from my vehicle slamming on the brakes when there is no reason to do so. This has been happening since I bought the vehicle, since my previous vehicle didn't have these new features being 20 years old I didn't know what to think at first. But it has been a year now and it's not me, there is something wrong that could end up being deadly. I have only noticed it happening when the vehicle in the left turn lane stops and I am in the next lane going straight. I have an appointment at the dealership next week but the service advisor acted like he had never heard of this issue when I see it has been well documented on other Nissan models and model years.

When I start my car it says collusion warning and skid sliding warning. It don't happen every time but it does happen randomly and beeps while I'm driving the entire time. Happens daily when it's cold like winter, but not as much thru warm weather like spring summer. I've never had a collusion in the 1 1/2 I've had my car while being the only owner!

THE VDC WARNING CAME ON AGAIN GOING NORTH WITH NO REASON WHY DEALER CANNOT FIGURE OUT. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS WARNINGS THAT NO WRECK HAPPENED YOU NEED TO HAVE THESE AUTOS RECALLED. THIS IS DANGEROUS. WHY DON'T YOU RECALL THESE AUTOS AND HAVE NISSAN CORRECT THE PROBLEM.

My vehicle was stopped got rear ended going 55mph. My car was totaled. The airbags did not deploy.

Crash 1 injured

THE VDC SYSTEM IS MALFUNCTION REPORTING AN ERROR WHEN TRAVELING EAST IN THE EVENING SHOWS A COLLISION WHICH NOTHING HAPPENED

THE WARNING OF THE VDC COMES ON WARNING THAT A ACIDENT HAS HAPPENED THE CAMERA NEEDS TO BE REDESINED FALSE ACCIDENT WARNINGS

Driving approximately 40mph with no one in front, sides, rear and car suddenly braked without warning for no reason. Glad no car behind could have caused accident.

THE VDC SYSTEM COMES ON TO ALERT OF ACCIDENT WHEN IT SHOULD NOT TOOK TO DEALER TWICE AND THEY ADVISE NOTHING WRONG WITH IT

The VDC system warnings come on have been to the dealer twice not been resolved.

Blistering on mirrors, front grille, side windows, Nissan emblem in back, black trim in hatch area, inside the back lightning, entire back plate in hatch area, huge holes in bottom, smell burning smell when driving.

When driving early in the morning or late at night, front impact sensor and front distance sensor lights flash on the dash display for between 2-5 minutes. Vehicle has been to the dealership for this exact issue 3 times previously, have a 4th visit scheduled this coming week.

While I’m driving, usually while I’m on the freeway, my 2021 Nissan Kicks will think I’m about to get into a head on collision and try to brake for me. I get warnings that come onto my dash and my emergency brake light will come on. This happens about 2-3 times a week and seems to be happening more frequently. My car is still under warranty and I’ve taken it into the dealership three times now and they can’t seem to find an issue.