2021 Nissan Kicks recalls and problems

The 2021 Nissan Kicks has 2 safety recalls and 78 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Nissan dealer.

Recalls
2
Complaints
78
Crashes / fires
6 / 0
Injuries / deaths
2 / 0

Recalls may cover only some 2021 Nissan Kicks vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.

2021 Nissan Kicks recalls

Recall 23V-496: Steering

Reported Jul 18, 2023 · 11,824 vehicles affected · Nissan North America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Risk: Loss of power steering assist can increase the steering effort required, especially at low speeds, and increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Recall 22V-693: Steering

Reported Sep 15, 2022 · 20,040 vehicles affected · Nissan North America, Inc.

Problem: 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.

Risk: Loss of power steering assist can increase the steering effort required, especially at low speeds, and increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

2021 Nissan Kicks problems reported by owners

Problem areaReports
Structure24
Forward Collision Avoidance18
Unknown or Other16
Electrical System12
Power Train11
Engine9
Air Bags4
Service Brakes4
Steering3
Vehicle Speed Control3
Lane Departure2
Seats1

Most reported parts

  • Structure › Body — 24
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 10
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 7
  • Electrical System › Integrated Trailer Brake Control — 1
  • Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 1
  • Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control — 1
  • Lane Departure › Warning — 1
  • Latches/Locks/Linkages › Hood › Latch — 1

Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 83,015 miles (median of owner reports).

Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.

Recent 2021 Nissan Kicks complaints

Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.

Electrical System · reported Oct 9, 2026
The car won’t accelerate pass 40mph , ABS light will turn on , it completely stopped on the free way. I waited 5 minutes and the car started running. I d been doing this since march 2026. Got a diagnosis they thought it was a wheel bearings and sensor but the car didn’t accelerate again. And stopped working.
Unknown or Other · reported Aug 21, 2026
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…
Power Train · reported Aug 14, 2026
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
Power Train · reported Jul 25, 2026
The CVT transmission is slipping and losing acceleration while driving, overheating and smelling really bad like burnt rubber, the oil is black and smells burnt, its currently at 52,100 miles and I sent it up to Chuck Colvin Nissan and they did not fix my car, they drove it back to me and when I test drove it myself it broke down on the side of the road and I had to sit for 30 minutes for it to cool off before driving home
Air Bags · reported Jul 7, 2026
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.

Other Nissan Kicks years

Compare all Nissan Kicks years · All Nissan models

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2021 Nissan Kicks have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2021 Nissan Kicks: 23V-496 (steering), 22V-693 (steering). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What is the most common problem with the 2021 Nissan Kicks?

Owners report structure problems most often (24 reports), followed by forward collision avoidance (18). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 83,015 miles.

Are Nissan recall repairs free?

Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Nissan dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.