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ProblemsByVin File / 2018-NISSAN-KICKS
2018 · nissan

nissan Kicks problems

0 safety recalls. 82 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.8 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
0
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 6 categories with 3+ complaints

electrical
18 reports · avg $850
moderate
brakes
11 reports · avg $450
moderate
powertrain
7 reports · avg $2,500
moderate
engine
5 reports · avg $3,100
moderate
steering
4 reports · avg $700
moderate
suspension
3 reports · avg $900
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2018 Kicks · other
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…
12/28/2023 · NHTSA ODI #11562228.0
2018 Kicks · engine
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.
12/22/2025 · NHTSA ODI #11706522.0
2018 Kicks · powertrain
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…
12/16/2022 · NHTSA ODI #11497771.0
2018 Kicks · other
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…
12/07/2025 · NHTSA ODI #11703524.0

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Common questions

Is the 2018 Nissan Kicks reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.8 out of 10 based on 82 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2018 Nissan Kicks is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2018 Nissan Kicks?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is electrical, with 18 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The electrical is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $850 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Nissan Kicks has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2018 Nissan Kicks?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 82 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $850, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 16 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with nissan. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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