2021 NISSAN Kicks

Recalls, Specs & Safety Report

Expert Verdict
โš ๏ธElevated Concerns

The 2021 Nissan Kicks exhibits some concerning reliability issues, particularly with its electric power steering system, as indicated by two recalls and a significant number of complaints. The peak failure mileage suggests that problems can manifest sooner than expected, which is alarming for families prioritizing safety.

Key Factor:Electric steering reliability issues

๐Ÿ“‹Why This Matters

Safety is paramount, especially when it comes to family-friendly vehicles like the Nissan Kicks. The reported flaws in the electric power steering system could severely impair driving control, posing risks to all passengers, particularly vulnerable children seated in the back. A well-functioning steering system is essential for safe maneuvering and emergency responsiveness on the road, making these defects particularly worrisome. Additionally, with 62 complaints fielded by NHTSA regarding this model in just a short span since its release, it underscores a trend that potential buyers and current owners alike should take seriously. This vehicle's performance underpins the importance of strict adherence to service bulletins that address these specific electrical concerns.

Focus Area:Safety Profile
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Expert Analysis

  • ๐Ÿ“ˆ
    Recall Trend:No Change in recalls
  • โš ๏ธ
    Primary Risk Area:Warning
  • โš–๏ธ
    Vs Brand: Worse than avg (1.3)
    ๐Ÿ“
    Summary: The year-over-year safety trend for the Nissan Kicks has raised flags due to its significant recalls and complaints related predominantly to steering issues. Compared to expectations for a compact SUV in this class, the Kicks may not meet necessary safety standards that families rely on.

Safety & Reliability Score

81/100

Score Breakdown

Recall Impact-16
Complaint Impact-3.1
Investigation Impact-0

Technical Specifications

Key specifications for the 2021 NISSAN Kicks

Model Year2021
MakeNISSAN
ModelKicks
Fuel TypeGasoline
Body ClassPassenger Vehicle

Safety History Timeline

Jan21
NEWProduction
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Jan21
RECALLRecall Issued
Sep21
ISSUEFirst Report

Consumer Complaint Analysis

โš ๏ธ

Most Reported Issue

22 complaints (35% of total)
โžก๏ธ

Complaint Trend

Stable
No trend data
โœ…

Safety Incidents

No critical incidents

Complaint Severity Distribution

Breakdown of 62 consumer complaints by severity level.

๐ŸŸ High
2(3%)
๐ŸŸกMedium
17(27%)
๐ŸŸขLow
43(69%)

Mileage Failure Analysis

โš™๏ธEngineering Insight

The peak failure range between 40k-60k miles indicates that existing owners should be vigilant around this mileage mark as potential issues with electric power steering can disrupt handling capabilities. Parents should prioritize having their vehicle inspected thoroughly at these intervals to safeguard their family's travel experience.

๐Ÿ“Š Mileage data extracted from 6 of 62 complaints (10% coverage)
0-20k
1 reports (17%)
20k-40k
1 reports (17%)
40k-60k
2 reports (33%)
60k-80k
0 reports (0%)
80k-100k
2 reports (33%)
100k+
0 reports (0%)
* Analysis based on mileage data extracted from consumer complaint descriptions. Actual failure rates may vary.

๐Ÿ› ๏ธ DIY Diagnosis Center

Experiencing an issue? Select a symptom to find official manufacturer solutions (TSBs).

Primary Risk Areas

STEERING

๐ŸŽฏRisk Areas & Recommended Actions

Based on recall data, these components require verification:

1

Electric Power Steering

Issue: An intermittent electrical connection can disable power steering assist.

โœ…

Schedule an inspection as soon as possible if your vehicle approaches or exceeds the average failure mileage of 54,669 miles.

๐Ÿ”

Inquire about any recall repairs completed and obtain detailed maintenance records before purchasing.

๐Ÿ’กVisit NHTSA.gov or contact your NISSAN dealer to verify recall completion status.

Official Safety Recalls (2)

Campaign: 22V693000

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Summary

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.

Campaign: 23V496000

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Summary

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

Additional Notes

Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.

Manufacturer: Nissan North America, Inc.

NHTSA Investigations

0 investigations
โœ“

No active investigations for this vehicle.

Consumer Complaints

62 total complaints

Consumer-reported issues submitted to NHTSA for 2021 Kicks.

Common Reported SymptomsAI Analysis

Warning35%
Crash/Accident10%
Acceleration Issues10%
Accident8%
Battery5%
Other๐Ÿ”ถ Medium
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Aloha, TSB NTB22-028 and NTB23โ€‘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)

Electricalโš ๏ธ High
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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)

Electrical๐Ÿ”ถ Medium
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

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 โ€œbetter brakes,โ€ 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 15โ€“16, August 6โ€“9, August 19โ€“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.

Engine/Powertrain๐Ÿ”ถ Medium
POWER TRAIN

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.

Electrical๐Ÿ”ถ Medium
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

While driving the car seems to be stalling, slowing down while Iโ€™m driving. The car feels like it doesnโ€™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 Iโ€™m reporting this because itโ€™s unsafe. Secondly the left driver side window goes up in down while Iโ€™m driving. This also makes me feel uncomfortable while driving.

Electrical๐Ÿ”ต Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Iโ€™ve been going in the dealership a lot regarding this car since Iโ€™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)

Body/Interior๐Ÿ”ต Low
STRUCTURE

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.

Other๐Ÿ”ต Low
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

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

Electrical๐Ÿ”ต Low
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

Other๐Ÿ”ต Low
UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common safety concerns for the 2021 Nissan Kicks?

Common safety concerns for the 2021 Nissan Kicks primarily revolve around its electric power steering system. The NHTSA has reported two recalls related to potential failures in steering assist due to electrical connectivity issues. This is particularly important to consider since compromised steering can affect handling and emergency maneuverability.

How does mileage affect reliability in the Nissan Kicks?

Mileage plays a crucial role in identifying potential reliability issues within the Nissan Kicks, especially within the peak failure range of 40k-60k miles. Owners should be proactive at these intervals by monitoring any warning lights or unusual handling characteristics tied to the electric power steering system and ensure timely inspections.

๐Ÿ“ŠYear-over-Year Context

๐Ÿ“‰Elevated Activity

Compared to earlier years, the 2021 model shows declining reliability trends, largely due to new steering components introduced in this generation. Recall frequency increased 100% versus the 2020 version.

๐ŸงญWhat This Means for You

Both current owners and prospective buyers benefit from reviewing this safety analysis before making decisions.

If you're unsure, we recommend starting with a VIN check or consulting a certified mechanic.

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If You Own This Vehicle

  • Immediate Action: If any recalls are listed as 'incomplete', contact a certified NISSAN service centerโ€”repairs are performed at no cost to you.
  • Unaddressed recalls pose real-world risks. Prioritize scheduling any pending repairs to maintain vehicle integrity.
  • Proactive tip: Enroll in NISSAN's owner notification program for real-time safety updates.
๐Ÿ›’

If You're Buying Used

  • Obtain proof of recall completion for all 2 campaigns before purchase.
  • Account for potential service downtime when calculating your initial ownership budget.

This page is designed to help you decide, not alarm you.

Compare with Similar Vehicles

Data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Last updated: February 23, 2026.