Nissan Kicks Overview
Highlights of the 2021 Model
The 2021 Nissan Kicks has garnered positive feedback for its blend of style, practicality, and efficiency. Designed with urban drivers in mind, it has several standout features:
- Quiet Cabin: The 2021 model aims for a quieter and more comfortable ride, an improvement from previous years.
- Safety Features: The enhanced Nissan 360 suite includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring, addressing previous issues with the electrical system.
- Comfortable Seats: Ergonomically designed seats provide comfort for both short trips and longer drives (Edmunds).
- Fuel Efficiency: It offers impressive mileage with an EPA rating of 31 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
- Affordability: Competitive pricing makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious buyers.
| Feature | Rating/Specification |
|---|---|
| Safety Ratings (IIHS) | Good (All categories) |
| Safety Ratings (NHTSA) | 4 out of 5 stars |
| Fuel Efficiency (EPA) | 31 MPG City / 36 MPG Highway |
| Notable Upgrades | Enhanced Nissan 360 suite, quiet cabin |
For more information on safety and performance metrics, check out our safety and performance reviews.
Evolution of the Nissan Kicks
The Nissan Kicks made its debut in 2016 as a compact crossover aimed at urban drivers. Here’s a brief timeline of its evolution:
- 2016: Launched primarily in Latin American markets.
- 2018: Introduction in North America, replacing the Nissan Juke. Focused on fuel efficiency and affordability. However, early models faced issues with electrical systems and build quality.
- 2019-2020: Minor updates with improved interior materials and added standard safety features. Continued to face some recall notices and reported issues.
- 2021: Major refresh with enhancements to the exterior design, improved infotainment system, and a more refined Nissan 360 suite to address reported electrical problems.
As part of the Nissan SUV lineup, the Kicks has grown in popularity, becoming the second-best-selling model in 2020 (JDPower). Despite some historic problems, it stands out for its versatility, making it a strong contender in the compact SUV market. For specific year-to-year issues, see our detailed breakdown under year-specific problems.
By staying up-to-date with safety technologies and addressing past issues, Nissan aims to keep the Kicks a reliable choice for urban commuters.
Common Issues with Nissan Kicks
Recall Notices
Nissan has been proactive in addressing issues with their vehicles via recall notices. One significant recall involves the Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) actuator. Certain vehicles have been identified to potentially have leaks in the ABS actuator, which can lead to an electrical short and, in rare cases, a fire. Owners are advised to pay close attention to the ABS warning lamp. If it illuminates for more than ten seconds after engine start, they should stop driving immediately, park the vehicle away from structures, and contact Nissan Roadside Assistance for towing and repair. This recall ensures that the vehicles are inspected and repaired at no cost.
Reported Electrical Problems
Electrical issues have also been reported in the 2021 Nissan Kicks. Common complaints include problems with the car’s electronic systems, including the infotainment system, keyless entry, and vehicle sensors. These issues can affect the overall driving experience and, in some cases, may pose safety risks. Below is a summary of commonly reported electrical problems:
| Problem | Description | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Infotainment System | The screen freezes or becomes unresponsive. | Software updates or replacement of the unit may be required. |
| Keyless Entry | The key fob fails to unlock the car or starts the engine. | Battery replacement in the key fob or reprogramming may be needed. |
| Vehicle Sensors | False alarms or malfunctioning of parking sensors and blind-spot monitoring. | Sensor recalibration or replacement. |
For more details on electrical and other issues with various Nissan models, visit our articles on nissan titan 7 speed transmission shifting problems, nissan cvt gearbox problems, and 2010 nissan rogue problems.
Addressing these reported issues through appropriate recalls and troubleshooting steps helps maintain the vehicle’s reliability and safety. For further reading on common issues and solutions related to Nissan vehicles, you can explore additional resources such as problems with 2020 nissan versa and nissan ariya trip computer problems and solutions.
Year-Specific Problems
Understanding the year-specific issues of the Nissan Kicks can help potential buyers make informed decisions. Below is a detailed analysis of the problems encountered in various models from 2018 to 2022.
2018 and 2019 Models
The 2018 and 2019 Nissan Kicks models experienced a range of issues, primarily related to the electrical systems and forward collision avoidance feature.
2018 Model
- Complaints:
- Over 90 complaints registered on CarComplaints.com
- Approximately 54 complaints documented by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
- Common Issues:
- Problems with the electrical system
- Malfunctions in forward collision avoidance sensors impacting vehicle safety (CoPilot)
| Issue | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 90+ |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | Majority |
2019 Model
- Complaints:
- About 106 complaints on CarComplaints.com
- 64 complaints listed by NHTSA
- Common Issues:
- Electrical problems including power loss, stalling, and unintended restarts
- Forward collision avoidance system malfunctions (CoPilot)
| Issue | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Electrical System | 106+ |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 64+ |
Changes in the 2020 Model
The 2020 Nissan Kicks saw several enhancements over its predecessors, both in terms of features and reliability.
- Enhancements:
- Standard Nissan Safety Shield 360 features
- Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity
- Complaints:
- Despite minor issues with the electrical system and forward collision system, considered most reliable
- Excellent cargo space and fuel economy (32 combined mpg) (CoPilot)
| Feature | Improvement |
|---|---|
| Safety | Nissan Safety Shield 360 |
| Connectivity | Android Auto, Apple CarPlay |
| Reliability | Improved |
Reviews for the 2021 and 2022 Models
The 2021 and 2022 models of Nissan Kicks continue to build on the improvements made in 2020, with a focus on refinement and reliability.
2021 Model
- Highlights:
- Improved refinement and reliability
- Enhanced version of the Nissan 360 suite
- Complaints:
- 43 complaints mainly concerning forward collision avoidance sensors
- Minor reports of paint chipping (CoPilot)
| Issue | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 43 |
| Paint Chipping | Minor Reports |
2022 Model
- Highlights:
- Minimal complaints with no official recalls
- Praised for exterior and interior design
- Complaints:
- Few concerns regarding forward collision avoidance feature
- Steering stability issues raised by some owners (CoPilot)
| Issue | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Forward Collision Avoidance | Few |
| Steering Stability | Few |
For more insights into Nissan vehicle issues, you might find articles on nissan cvt transmission problems and problems with 2020 nissan versa helpful.
Safety and Performance
Crash Test Ratings
The 2021 Nissan Kicks has received commendable safety ratings. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the vehicle achieved the highest-possible “Good” ratings in all crashworthiness categories (JDPower).
| Crash Test Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Small Overlap Front: Driver-side | Good |
| Small Overlap Front: Passenger-side | Good |
| Moderate Overlap Front | Good |
| Side | Good |
| Roof Strength | Good |
| Head Restraints & Seats | Good |
Gas Mileage and Towing Capacity
The 2021 Nissan Kicks also excels in fuel efficiency, which is a major selling point for urban drivers and those with long commutes. The car’s gas mileage is rated at 33 miles per gallon (mpg) in combined city/highway driving by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). During testing in Arizona, it returned an indicated 29.0 mpg (JDPower).
As for towing capacity, the Nissan Kicks is not inherently designed for heavy towing. It’s crucial for potential buyers to consider their specific needs if towing is a significant factor, and possibly look into models with higher towing capacities like the Nissan Titan.
| Urban Driving | Highway Driving | Combined |
|---|---|---|
| 31 mpg | 36 mpg | 33 mpg |
Customer Satisfaction Studies
Customer feedback is essential for prospective buyers to gauge the ownership experience of the 2021 Nissan Kicks.
According to consumer reviews on Edmunds, customers are generally pleased with features such as its quiet cabin, advanced safety technologies, comfortable seating, and sufficient power for everyday commutes and mountain drives (Edmunds).
However, in J.D. Power owner satisfaction studies, the 2021 Nissan Kicks received mixed ratings and at times ranked below the industry average.
Moreover, the Nissan Kicks stood as the second-best-selling model in Nissan’s six-strong SUV lineup in 2020, indicating a growing popularity among urban-focused small SUVs (JDPower).
For more detailed insights into other year-specific problems, you may review articles like 2018 Nissan Titan shifting problems or 2015 Nissan Rogue issues.
| Aspect | Rating | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Quiet Cabin | High | Edmunds |
| Safety Technologies | High | Edmunds |
| Comfort | High | Edmunds |
| Owner Satisfaction | Mixed | J.D. Power |
| Sales Ranking | 2nd Best in 2020 | J.D. Power |
For more detailed information on other Nissan models, check out our articles on problems with various Nissan vehicles like the 2021 Nissan Rogue or the 2022 Nissan Frontier.