DTC P17F4 STORED IN THE TCM IF YOU CONFIRM The customer reports transmission vibration when accelerating, HINT: Vibration occurs during quick reacceleration after braking, during a 2-1 downshift of the auxiliary gearbox. AND DTC P17F4 for “AUXILIARY GEARBOX (CL JUDDER)” is stored in the TCM. · If DTCs other than P17F4 are stored, this bulletin does not apply. Refer to the ESM for further diagnostic information. ACTION Refer to the Repair Overview on page 2 to determine if this bulletin applies. IMPORTANT: The purpose of ACTION (above) is to give you a quick idea of the work you will be performing. You MUST closely follow the entire SERVICE PROCEDURE as it contains information that is essenti
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Nissan Kicks electrical problems
moderate Owners of the 2018 Nissan Kicks have filed 18 NHTSA complaints about the electrical at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
18
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 Kicks (this page) | 18 |
| 2019 Kicks | 38 |
| 2020 Kicks | 23 |
| 2021 Kicks | 10 |
When does it fail?
Of the 18 electrical complaints filed for the 2018 Nissan Kicks, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Among the 6 model years of Nissan Kicks in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Electrical accounts for 22% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 6 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
INTELLIGENT CRUISE CONTROL INOPERATIVE AND AEB/FEB WARNING LIGHT ON OR RADAR OBSTRUCTION MESSAGE DISPLAYED WITH DTC C1A16 OR C2582 IF YOU CONFIRM IMPORTANT: The purpose of ACTION (on the next page) is to give you a quick idea of the work you will be performing. You MUST closely follow the entire SERVICE PROCEDURE as it contains information that is essential to successfully completing this repair. Nissan Bulletins are intended for use by qualified technicians, not 'do-it-yourselfers'. Qualified technicians are properly trained individuals who have the equipment, tools, safety instruction, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. NOTE: If you believe that a described condition may apply t
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2018 Kicks electrical system exhibits multiple recurring failures that dealerships struggle to fix permanently. The most persistent issue is the Mass Air Flow sensor: owners report P0101 codes triggering rough idle, stalling at lights, and loss of acceleration. Three years of ownership show the sensor being replaced twice with the code and symptoms returning within days each time—unsafe when pulling into traffic. One owner at 88k miles is replacing the engine computer as a last resort.
The automatic emergency braking system generates false "Unavailable Front Radar Obstruction" warnings while driving normally, regardless of weather or actual objects. One owner reports the sensor replaced twice with no resolution and a dealership that never confirmed the replacement part arrived. Another's AEB light stays on continuously after service.
Vehicle stalling without warning is a second major hazard. One owner documents stalling repeatedly since 18k miles, with dealership replacing the idle air control valve sensor twice—it kept stalling. A second was nearly hit by an 18-wheeler when the car shut down. A third experienced three freeway stalls requiring 15-30 minute restarts.
Additional electrical gremlins include fuel gauge failure (won't rise after refueling, displays nonsensical range estimates), backup camera freezing during reverse, and cascading dashboard warning lights (slip, malfunction, collision) that activate together and cause stalling. One owner at 51k miles faced a $6000 wiring harness repair. Infotainment systems skip songs and lose USB connectivity. Dealership repairs have not held.
Same Nissan Kicks electrical reports on nearby years: 2019 · 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Mass Air Flow (MAF) Sensor Malfunction
MAF sensor fails intermittently or persistently, triggering P0101 code and causing rough idle, stalling, loss of acceleration, and shaking. The sensor has been replaced multiple times on affected vehicles, yet the issue recurs within days or weeks after repair. Some owners report power steering lockup and continuous beeping during these events. One owner replaced the MAF sensor twice over three years with no lasting resolution. Another had the sensor replaced by dealership, reset the system, but symptoms returned immediately.
When: Begins early in ownership (3+ years recurring); one owner reported immediate recurrence after dealership replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Rough idle; Stalling at stop lights and in traffic; Loss of acceleration; Check engine light (P0101); Shaking at idle; Vehicle refuses to accelerate when pulling out; Power steering lockup; Continuous beeping; Traction control light on/off; Random recurrence after repair
Codes mentioned: P0101
Repairs/costs cited: MAF sensor replaced multiple times (instances of 2-3 replacements noted); dealership system reset/reboot attempted; one owner replacing computer at 88k miles to address underlying issue
Front Radar / Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) System Malfunction
AEB system triggers false warnings and malfunctions, displaying 'Unavailable Front Radar Obstruction' message and collision warning light randomly during normal driving. The warning appears regardless of weather, driving conditions, or actual obstructions. Blind spot warning lights also malfunction simultaneously. One owner reported the sensor has been replaced twice with no resolution and dealership never confirmed the replacement part arrival. Another reports the AEB light stays on continuously after dealership service.
When: Began shortly after purchase in early 2019; recurs continuously; one instance noted October 2021 with no stop since
Symptoms owners cite: False 'Unavailable Front Radar Obstruction' message; AEB warning light (collision icon) appears randomly; Blind spot warning lights malfunction; Backup camera glitches or freezes; False collision detection while lane-changing or with no vehicle ahead; AEB light on continuously
Repairs/costs cited: Sensor replaced twice with no resolution; dealership service completed but issue persists; owner reported dealership never confirmed part arrival on last service
Intermittent Engine Stalling and Starting Failure
Vehicle stalls and shuts off without warning during idle, at traffic lights, or in motion. Restart attempts fail or require multiple tries. One owner reported 18-week wait for dealership service. Another documented stalling over several years starting at 18k miles, with dealership claiming idle air control valve sensor was the cause—sensor cleaned and replaced but issue persisted. At 88k miles, owner is replacing the engine computer. A third owner has experienced freeway stalling three times with slow restart (15-30 minutes).
When: Begins early in ownership; one instance at 18k miles, continuing sporadically over 70k additional miles; recent freeway incidents after 2+ repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shuts off during idle or at traffic lights; Vehicle shuts off while driving; Multiple restart attempts required; Slow restart (15-30 minutes reported); Gauges stop working after stall; Unsafe on freeways with traffic; Recurs after dealership repair
Repairs/costs cited: Idle air control valve sensor cleaned and replaced; dealership unable to pinpoint root cause; owner planning engine computer replacement at 88k miles; repairs completed twice without resolution
Fuel Gauge and Range Indicator Failure
Fuel gauge fails to accurately display fuel level or range to empty. Gauge does not increase after refueling, displays incorrect mileage estimates, and shows nonsensical values (dashes, zero, or decreasing estimates despite active fuel consumption). Dealership investigated three times without resolution. Creates risk of driver being stranded without fuel on highway.
When: Began 4 months after purchase (November 2018 for July 2018 purchase)
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel gauge bar does not increase after refueling; Approximate mileage displays as dashes (----); Range display drops more slowly than actual fuel consumption; Fuel gauge bar suddenly jumps or changes erratically
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership service investigated more than three times; dealership software unable to identify cause or solution
Wiring Harness Defect
Wiring harness fault causes misfire in cylinder 1, triggering check engine light and rough running. Dealership diagnostic identified wiring harness issue requiring $6000 repair, partially covered by manufacturer. Vehicle had only 51k miles and repair was not covered by warranty.
When: At 51,000 miles (certified used purchase)
Symptoms owners cite: Rough start/idle; Yellow check engine light flashing; Misfire in cylinder 1; Check engine light returns as stored code
Repairs/costs cited: $6000 repair required for wiring harness; manufacturer covered portion of cost; not covered by vehicle warranty
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer covered partial cost of $6000 wiring harness repair
Infotainment System / Radio Malfunction
Head unit and radio display experience connectivity and playback issues. Android Auto connection fails, songs skip randomly, screen and buttons become unresponsive or blocked. Multiple owners report widespread reports online of identical issues affecting Nissan vehicles.
When: Recurring throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Android Auto connection issues; Constant 5-second song skips; USB input disconnection; Radio screen unresponsive; Radio buttons blocked; Random song skipping forward and backward
Backup Camera Malfunction
Backup camera display goes dark or freezes while vehicle is in reverse, creating visibility hazard during backing operations.
When: Intermittent, mid-reverse operation
Symptoms owners cite: Display goes dark suddenly while reversing; Camera freezes or glitches during backup
Dashboard Warning Light Cascade and Sensor Integration Failure
Multiple warning lights (slip indicator, malfunction light, collision light, traction control light) activate together in cascade without clear trigger. Vehicle struggles to stay running, loses power, or stalls completely when these lights activate. Owner describes the issue as a broader sensor system electrical failure rather than isolated component failures. Occurs sporadically over years with no permanent resolution despite multiple dealership visits.
When: Sporadically over years; one instance noted at any driving speed
Symptoms owners cite: Slip indicator illuminates; Malfunction light and collision light activate simultaneously; Vehicle struggles to maintain running; Vehicle stalls and shuts off when placed in park; Traction control light flashes on/off randomly; Sensory lights trigger followed by vehicle shutdown; Multiple warnings activate together without clear cause
Synthesized from 18 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Purchased my 2018 Nissan kicks new in february of 2019. Have had many issues starting within 3 months of purchase. My first issue was while waiting at a light the vehicle cut off and took 3 attempts to restart. Next issue was while driving the key light glowed as if the key was not in the vehicle. The car stutters and don't pick up speed. Crash light and other lights coming on without…
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…
The audio head until has tech issues connecting and playing android auto. It constantly skips 5 seconds at a time. There is also issues with the USB input staying connected. Looking online, there are hundreds of people with nissans that have the same issue.
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.…
Nissan kicks 2018 (bought july 2018) - problems with fuel gauge indicator and approximate mileage data. Problems with fuel gauge after tank refilled and during moving. Problem exists permanently and released in november 2018, just 4 months after buying. Dealership service could not realize what is wrong with fuel gauge after more then 3 investigations. Their software could not realize the…
Had electrical trouble with your 2018 Nissan Kicks?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the electrical problem on the 2018 Nissan Kicks?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 18 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 18 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 11,705 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2018/Nissan/Kicks.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.