1. Home
  2. Nissan
  3. Kicks 2018
  4. Problems

Nissan Kicks 2018 — Reported problems

Reported by owners to the source below. It is not a verdict on this car: it is what people wrote. 🇺🇸 Local data

87 owners reported problems with the 2018 Nissan Kicks to NHTSA, most often about unknown or other.

Most recent reports

41
SERVICE BRAKES 2026-11-03 · NHTSA 11775530

Component: ABS Actuator & ECU (Bosch 8 ESP, Nissan P/N 47660-5RL0E, serial #3171279). Available for inspection. What happened: While driving normally, the ABS warning light, traction control light, and airbag (SRS) warning light all illuminated simultaneously. Diagnosed with a scan tool: C1111 (ABS pump motor circuit fault — "failed confirmed"), C1A04 (ADAS/ICC ABS/TCS system fault), C1A26 (ECD mode malfunction). After clearing all codes, C1111 returned within 60 seconds as "failed confirmed," indicating a persistent hardware fault in the ABS pump motor circuit. Safety risk: Vehicle is operating without anti-lock braking, traction control, or electronic stability control. The airbag system may be disabled. In an emergency stop or on wet/icy surfaces, the driver has no ABS or stability intervention. The airbag light indicates SRS may not deploy in a collision. Dealer confirmation: Diagnosis performed by owner using an OBD-II scan tool. The "failed confirmed" status on C1111 returning immediately after clearing is consistent with a hard internal component failure (pump motor drive circuit) within the sealed ABS actuator assembly. Prior warning signs: Failure appeared suddenly with no prior intermittent warning lights reported by the previous owner. Additional notes: The same ABS actuator platform (Bosch/ADVICS 8 ESP) was subject to NHTSA recall 20V-xxx for 2015–2019 Murano, Maxima, and Pathfinder due to a pump seal leak causing electrical short and fire risk. The 2018 Kicks uses the same supplier family and architecture but with a different failure mode (internal relay/transistor failure rather than seal leak). The failure mode does not present a fire risk, which is why it was excluded from the recall. The vehicle is 43,000 miles / ~8 years old, within the expected failure window for this component.

ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 2026-10-02 · NHTSA 11768605

Shows an error with the front collision sensor, the engine losses power and eventually shuts down (engine turns off) in the middle of the highway. The check engine light turns on as well as the Automatic Emergency Braking System warning light and the slip indicator light. It also displays the image of the front sensor light on with the warning message “Malfunction. See owners manual” I have taken the car to the shop several times for this specific reason, but nothing fixes this problem. I can start the car again, but it has almost no power, no matter how much I push the gas pedal. Very frustrating and DANGEROUS. This car has been in the family for almost two years and it has always been the same problem with two different drivers.

ENGINE 2026-09-18 · NHTSA 11765216

My transmission failed while traveling on a highway at 60mph almost causing an accident. Issues with this generation of cvt transmissions have been the subject of multiple lawsuits and warrenty extensions. Nissan is knowingly selling defective vehicles and offer no assistance in resolving their failures. Nissan needs to be held accountable for risking the safety of its customers.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 2026-07-25 · NHTSA 11752756

It originally started about two years ago when the check engine light came on (along with others) that point to a code with the Mass Air Flow sensor. It would stall at low RPMs at traffic lights, and was extremely worrying during normal driving. We got it replaced and so far okay, but recently the ABS and traction control lights come on and stay on. Another issue that many MANY Nissan owners experience. Some people thinks it’s a dirty throttle body, dirty front collision sensor, dirfty MAF. The problem is that when any of these issues are fixed, it comes back. We don’t know why the ABS and traction control (plus front collision by the way) lights come on. We took it to a mechanic, it was off for two whole days. Now it’s back on. Can’t wait to have it stall on us in the mean time.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2026-06-09 · NHTSA 11742963

2018 Nissan Kicks evap system has holes in it from Freon that causes the Freon to leak out. The required Freon is contributing to the holes being made in the aluminum evap. It leaks out and the air blows hot. Is there any help with a recall or repair. I was quoted $4000 to fix. Possible lemon laws. If you research on google. The Kicks are notorious for this problem. The mechanics I talked to laughed or knew all about this problem before even looking at it.

ENGINE 2026-04-19 · NHTSA 11732218

Vehicle experienced sudden engine stall/shutdown after warning indicators illuminated. While driving at low speed, the ABS warning light, front collision warning light, and check engine light appeared. After placing the vehicle in Park, the engine shut off unexpectedly. Vehicle would then restart but stall again within several seconds. This created a serious safety concern because the vehicle could lose power unexpectedly in traffic or while entering an intersection, reducing ability to accelerate, steer safely with traffic flow, or avoid a collision. OBD diagnostic codes retrieved were P0101, P0102, and P0113. Based on research into common 2018-2020 Nissan Kicks issues, these codes may be secondary/false airflow sensor warnings caused by a failing or sticking electronic throttle body rather than an actual mass air flow sensor failure. Sudden stalling and restart-then-stall behavior are consistent with throttle body malfunction. Problem appears intermittent. Vehicle/component is available for inspection upon request. No prior warning lamps were present before the incident.

ENGINE 2026-04-07 · NHTSA 11729769

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled and lost motive power, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions and was diagnosed with airflow sensor failure. The contact was informed that the airflow sensor needed to be replaced. The airflow sensor was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was returned to the dealer and again diagnosed with a failed airflow sensor that required replacement. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure continued. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 100,574.

ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 2026-03-18 · NHTSA 11725369

When put in park car started idling rough and then stalled. Engine light, collision warning light, and traction control light came on. Code scanned as a P0101 code.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY/WIPER,LANE DEPARTURE 2026-03-04 · NHTSA 11721890

Radio skips songs back and forth randomly, and now radio screen and buttons are block.

SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 2026-02-10 · NHTSA 11717137

Intermittently for the last year, car will show 3 dash lights: 1. AEB light 2. Slip indicator light 3. Master warning light When this occurs, the car can be slow to accelerate. When the three lights are on, the problem will persist until the engine is shut off for a period of several minutes. It does not occur every time the car is driven. In the last 3 months, there have been 3-4 instances where the check engine light has come on as well. The code every time has been P1010 or no code displayed. We tried changing out the MAF sensor with a third party part, and the issue occurred even more frequently. We then went back to the first sensor after cleaning it with MAF sensor cleaner. This seemed to resolve the issue for a month, but then it started to reoccur. The last two occurrences of the check engine light have occurred after rapid acceleration. - Yes original part is available for inspection. - Safety is at risk for self and others as car can have issues accelerating, which makes it dangerous to enter freeways and highways (which are necessary for my commute). - Dealer has not reproduced the error, however they have not seen it with a check engine code (taking the car in tomorrow). - no inspection by insurance, police, or manufacturer. - before the 3 error lights started to come on fairly regularly (several times a week) I had a few issues of intermittent sluggish acceleration over the course of 1-2 years when this issue first started, but no lights came on at first.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 2026-02-09 · NHTSA 11716621

The p0101 code has been going on and off of this car since purchase (3 years) the MAF sensor has been replaced twice and the check engine light comes back on after just a few days each time. This poses a safety risk because the car stops at stop lights and turns off, the car shakes at idle, the car refuses to accelerate risking pulling out in front of another car without being able to accelerate. The check engine light comes on and off and the traction control light as well, its so random and the only fix is to "change the sensor" which does not fix it because it happens again immediately after. Its dangerous and needs an actual fix.

SERVICE BRAKES 2026-01-27 · NHTSA 11713616

All brake failure warning lights remain on while driving and ABS no longer works. It is a very common safety failure that Nissan is making a small fortune on. It is a definate safety item.

ENGINE 2025-12-22 · NHTSA 11706522

Getting code p0101. When car first starts the throttle response is very low. Once the car warms up to seems to go away but it appears to be a consistent problem. Others are reporting as well for this vehicle.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 2025-12-07 · NHTSA 11703524

For over a year, I have experienced repeated failures of the front radar system, specially during rain or wet weather, when it rains the vehicle displays multiple warning such as: "Front radar unavailable" "automatic emergency braking unavailable" "Front sensor malfunction" This disable essentials safety systems, including the automatic emergency breaking (AEB) and forward collision warning, the Nissan Dealership has attempted several repairs, but the malfunction continues every time it rains, Because this is a critical safety issue that affect the vehicle braking and collision-avoidance and multiple repair have failed

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 2025-09-14 · NHTSA 11687188

The Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to idle roughly, stall unexpectedly, and trigger continuous beeping. During the failure, the power steering locked, making it extremely difficult to steer and creating a serious safety hazard for myself and others on the road. The issue was reproduced and confirmed by a service center, and the sensor was replaced by a Nissan dealership with the system reset/rebooted. However, despite this repair, the vehicle has again begun experiencing the same symptoms, including rough idling, stalling, beeping, and loss of steering control. The recurrence of this problem after dealership repair indicates that the issue may extend beyond a single component and presents an ongoing safety concern. The vehicle and repair records remain available for inspection upon request.

SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 2025-09-11 · NHTSA 11686580

The ABS and forward collision system failed. This caused the car not to respond during a hard brake when it was raining. I almost had an accident. The car was inspected on September 4, 2025, by Universal Nissan (12785 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, Florida). Universal Nissan found a malfunction in the ABS control (Actuator & ECU Assy antiskid) with a repair cost of $2,448. The car has 18,689 miles. The warning lamps appear as soon as the malfunction starts. The Nissan Kicks owner forum reports this ABS problem as recurrent. There are multiple reports on the website. I contacted Nissan Consumer Affairs (Case #5576215). They did not take responsibility for the ABS problem.

SUSPENSION,ENGINE 2025-09-03 · NHTSA 11684867

I purchased a 2018 Nissan Kicks with under 6k miles from Atlanta Luxury Motors (ALM Marietta) on April 29, 2022. The dealer failed to disclose the car was a Canadian import, which voided the manufacturer’s warranty and left me responsible for unsafe defects. At under 30,000 miles, the suspension (struts) failed and had to be replaced, and by 60,000 miles the CVT transmission began showing fault codes, slipping, and jerking, creating serious safety risks while driving. The undercarriage also showed early rust. These problems were confirmed by independent mechanics and service centers, and I have paid over $3,000 in repairs and will inquire more if transmission has to be replaced costing between 6-8k. The vehicle’s defects put me and others at risk of loss of control, and I request NHTSA investigation to determine if this model or imported versions are unsafe for U.S. consumers.

ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 2025-08-20 · NHTSA 11682015

Code P0101 comes up which indicates an issue with the car’s MAF system triggering a check engine light. This is widely known to be a software issue and is chronic in many Nissan Kick’s manufactured around 2018-2020. This is a faulty error code and ends up visiting consumers hundreds of dollars to repair and almost always returns despite actions being taken to repair the issue.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE 2025-07-24 · NHTSA 11675888

Frequently we get error P0101 and the car loses power. It says "Mass or Volume Air Flow, A Circuit Range/Poerformance error. For us that means the car loses power, limps along or jerks suddenly and the lights flash, this can happen at any time. Happens about one or twice a month at very random times, not dependant on the weather. We have changed the MAF sensor as instructed but this still happens and it quite dangerous when driving or pulling away from a stop.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 2025-07-09 · NHTSA 11672377

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle occasionally experienced reduction in automotive power with the "System Malfunction" message displayed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the battery had been replaced twice however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 2025-06-29 · NHTSA 11670107

I was driving on the road like normal and suddenly I got a front collision warning on the dash, the car wouldn’t accelerate and lost all power. Check engine light also came on with code reading P0101. I’ve had this issue before and the dealer doesn’t know what to do or they want to charge me a lot of money to fix it. I’ve read online many many people having the same issue. Luckily this hasn’t happened on the highway but if it does happen it could be catastrophic

UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2025-04-21 · NHTSA 11655900

P0101 Mass air flow sensor code keeping appearing after repairing it. It causes the car to stall and shut off frequently on its own.

STEERING 2025-03-28 · NHTSA 11651290

My steering is erratic and sometimes it feels like it’s pulling hard to one side or the other and when I try to correct it actually over corrects. I’ve read about the eps problems when looking into options for repair/replace. I feel it too dangerous for driving anywhere. It is a 2018 Nissan Kicks. Thank you.

SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 2024-09-26 · NHTSA 11616750

ABS system warning light turns on and off, and ABS fails after 50,000 miles on vehicle. System requires ABS actuator replacement, but replacement isn't reliable. Nissan has been contacted and refused to acknowledge issue or offer assistance with issue. This has been an issue in ALL Nissan Kicks and Leaf models dating back to 2018 and through current models. I believe a recall should be instated for this problem because multiple cars could potentially be driving without their ABS systems active. This could lead to poor ability to stop in inclement weather and could lead to more accidents on highways. The lights randomly turning off could mislead drivers into thinking that nothing is wrong with their vehicles. Upon first inspection at local Nissan dealership they reported no problem but loose battery terminal.

COMMUNICATION 2024-04-19 · NHTSA 11584123

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the crash indicator warning light illuminated causing the vehicle to stall. After several attempts, the vehicle was able to be restarted but was unable to accelerate. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE 2024-04-08 · NHTSA 11581803

while driving will stall and power off in the middle of traffic, the dealer said this issue was caused by the idle air control valve sensor, but continued to do this even after the sensor was cleaned and replaced, this has been happening over several years. it started when i received the vehicle 18k miles and continued periodically, it is extremely unsafe, now it is unusable, at 88k miles i am replacing the computer. i hope this will finally fix the issue.

SERVICE BRAKES, AIR 2024-03-12 · NHTSA 11576778

See attached document for complaint

SUSPENSION 2024-01-04 · NHTSA 11563446

Driver side coil spring broke near the lower part of the spring, spring was still seated and operating but rubbing on strut. There was no way to tell that the spring was broken other than the fact that I found the broken piece laying on the ground - so we immediately took it to Nissan to be repaired. This is the second coil spring to break - the passenger spring broke at the same location at around 46,000 miles - again no way to tell that the spring was broken other than the fact that I had visually inspected the car and noticed the spring broken. This is the exact same issue we had with our 2012 Nissan Versa - both coil springs within 60,000 miles - however Nissan did issue a recall for those parts.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 2023-12-28 · NHTSA 11562228

We had just purchased the car days prior. Assuming it was reliable we traveled an hour from home in clear conditions. Forward collision sensor malfunctioned on the way to our destination. After arriving, we left the vehicle unattended for quite sometime, hoping the issue would resolve. After turning off the forward collision sensor once back in the vehicle, it shut off completely as we were merging on to the interstate, again in clear weather conditions. The vehicle would not move, and had shut down completely. After getting the vehicle back on the road, I had my sales team drop it off at Nissan in Russellville, AR. It has since been seen 3 separate times for the same forward collision sensor malfunction. It will not drive, and I feel very unsafe with this vehicle on the road.

STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE 2023-11-01 · NHTSA 11553121

I was driving in traffic in a 30mph zone and my car turned off, and I was unable to push down on the brakes. I had to use my emergency brake a could hardly turn my wheel and stop in the center divider of the road. I turned on my hazards and waited 15 minutes and was able to restart the car a drive home. This was very dangerous and could have caused an accident.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 2023-09-21 · NHTSA 11545794

I AM NOT SURE WHAT TO CALL IT., THE CAR WILL TURN COMPLETE OFF WHEN DRIVING AND IT WILL ALSO HAVE THE CRASH LIGHT COME ON ALMOST ALL THE TIME ALONG WITH THE CAR WITH THE WIGGLE LIGHT COME ON. ALSO YOU CAN SMELL GAS WHEN YOU PUT GAS IN THE TANK REAL HEAVY FUME.....I BROUGHT THIS CAR ON OCT 1 2022., I EXPLAIN TO THE DEALER SHIP THE SAME THING THEY STATED THEY COULD NOT DO ANYTHING SINCE I BROUGHT THE CAR FROM THE USED CARD DEPARTMENT.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 2023-09-21 · NHTSA 11545924

Im getting a front collision warning light with nothing in front of w

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE 2023-08-17 · NHTSA 11539198

Car started/idled rough but stopped after acceleration. Mile into drive, yellow ck engine light flashing. Drove home and took it to auto store for free diagnostic. Misfire cylinder 1. Took to nussan dealer where purchased (certified used) to have them check it out. Light is now off, but code is stored. They moved plugs around and sent ne on my way to see if it happened again. Later that day, same thing only worse abd ck engine solid. Had it towed back. Told it was wiring harness. 6000 repair( nissan covering some). Big expense for a car with only 51,000 miles, and not covered by warrenty.

AIR BAGS 2023-05-01 · NHTSA 11519783

The drive side airbag where the seatbelt is connected is coming out.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER 2023-04-06 · NHTSA 11515874

Constant problems with mass air flow sensor. The traction light turns on and when I’m at a full stop, the car starts shaking and stops accelerating. I fixed this issue, but only for it to come back. Now, I noticed there’s delayed acceleration.

SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 2023-03-30 · NHTSA 11514615

El Panel de control tiene prendidas las luces de ABS, luz de Warning, luces de Resbalizo, luces de choque entre vehículos (4 luces encendidas). Mi vehículo tiene 19,000.00 y casi no se usa y tiene 4 años de comprado. Por favor, ayúdenme con esta Situacion

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 2023-03-05 · NHTSA 11510257

Light in panel appear said warning malfunction automatic emergency breaking light is on all the time and the car go to the dealers they fixed and when used the car this appear again in the panel

POWER TRAIN 2022-12-16 · NHTSA 11497771

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated while trying to place the vehicle into reverse(R) the gear shifter failed to move. The contact turned off the vehicle and on several occasions the contact had to wait for over 20 minutes before the shift lever would move into reverse(R). The contact stated that the failure started as an intermittent failure but was now constant. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed due to a fee being charged. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 2022-11-07 · NHTSA 11492536

Malfunction to the automatic emergency brake, yes available for inspection. Have had that sensor replaced twice and on the the last time was never called to see if the part came in so I'm still have the malfunction. The car brakes without warning, may cause an accident while on the interstate. The sensor has been vhanged multiple times. Been inspected by nissan dealers. First appeared October of 2021 and has not stopped since.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING 2022-10-29 · NHTSA 11491455

My headlights, dome lights and tail lights were flickering changed alternator. Kept doing it took it to the dealership in Daphne, Alabama. Had it put on the machine. They told me it was because it was a refurbished alternator. I finally found a new one in Tampa fla. So I ordered it and had it put on. And it is still doing it. The danger of this is that sometimes they will go off. And you can't see anything if it's dark. There was no warning light prior to the problem. The dealership said its because the refurbished alternator was strong enough. That was the findings from them. But like I said even after the new one was put on its still doing it. This has been going on for a couple of months

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 2022-10-18 · NHTSA 11489695

Intermittent electrical failure that is related to the sensor systems in the vehicle. While driving the car will display sensory (ie. front collision) and traction control lights on the dash, and then the vehicle will shut off while driving. This has happened over the course of years and happens sporadically. This is very dangerous not only for myself as the driver, but also others on the road. This issue has been reported multiple times with no resolve. After researching, it has been noted that others have experienced failures with the same make and model as well as similar vehicles in Nissan’s fleet.

Specifications, safety and listings for this car

Questions

What do owners report most on the 2018 Nissan Kicks?
Most reported: unknown or other, across 87 owner reports on record at NHTSA.
How many owner reports mention a crash or a fire?
Of the 41 most recent reports, a crash is mentioned in 0 and a fire in 0. These are what owners wrote, not confirmed findings.