This page covers 4 recalls, 68 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2021 Nissan Kicks.
33 mpg combined
7.1 L/100km
Midsize Cars
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
For the 2021 Nissan Kicks, the dominant pattern in owner complaints centers on structural concerns, particularly rust and paint bubbling that owners describe as appearing well before 100,000 miles. Many reports describe rust forming beneath the paint surface, with some owners noting it appears to originate from or extend toward body panels and frame areas. The second most-reported area is the forward collision avoidance system, where owners describe unexpected activations at low speeds, typically between 35 and 45 mph, with the system braking or bracing the vehicle without an apparent obstacle present. Dashboard warning lights tied to these events sometimes cycle off and on, and some owners report accompanying traction control alerts. A smaller cluster of electrical complaints includes key fob detection failures and battery drain issues that recur shortly after purchase.
68
Total Complaints
5
Crash-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2021 Nissan Kicks has 4 recalls, all centering on the same issue: a faulty torque sensor in the electric power steering system that can cut power steering assist without warning, sharply increasing the effort needed to turn the wheel.
The risk is most pronounced at low speeds, such as in parking lots or during tight turns, where the steering can suddenly feel heavy and unresponsive. Earlier repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue for all affected vehicles, which is why multiple campaigns exist for this defect. If the steering column was already replaced under a prior repair, those vehicles are not subject to the remaining inspections.
At a glance
What can fail
The torque sensor in the electric power steering system may fail, causing loss of power steering assist.
What the fix does
Dealership inspects the torque sensor lot code on the steering column and replaces the steering column assembly if needed.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP).
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A loose electrical connection in the power steering torque sensor can intermittently cut off power steering assist, making the steering harder to operate.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the steering column torque sensor and replace the steering column assembly if needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A faulty torque sensor in the electric power steering system may fail, causing the power steering assist to stop working.
What the fix does
Nissan will mail you instructions to visit a dealership. They will check the torque sensor lot code and replace the steering column assembly if needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
An intermittent electrical connection in the electric power steering torque sensor may disable power steering assist on certain 2021 Versa and Kicks vehicles.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the steering column torque sensor lot code and replace the column if necessary at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
