DTC P17F4 STORED IN 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 âAUXILIARY GEARBOX (CL JUDDER)â is stored in the TCM. ï· 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.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2020 Nissan Kicks powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2020 Nissan Kicks have filed 17 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
17
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2018 Kicks | 7 |
| 2019 Kicks | 19 |
| 2020 Kicks (this page) | 17 |
| 2021 Kicks | 7 |
What stands out
Powertrain accounts for 18% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 7 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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.
CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗DTC P0746, P0776, P0841, P0965, P17F0 AND/OR P17F1 STORED IN THE TCM This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗DRIVE SHAFT BOOT SERVICE INFORMATION SERVICE INFORMATION If a Drive Shaft (Axle Shaft) Boot on an APPLIED VEHICLE is found to be leaking grease, AND There is no abnormal noise or obvious CV Joint risk due to water intrusion and/or complete grease loss, check for REPAIR KIT-DUST BOOT (CV Joint Boot Kit) availability. ï· If there is a REPAIR KIT-DUST BOOT (CV Joint Boot Kit) available for the vehicle being repaired, do NOT replace the axle. Install a new boot kit following the procedure in the ESM. o Refer to the ESM: TRANSMISSION & DRIVELINE > FRONT AXLE > REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION > FRONT DRIVE SHAFT BOOT o If the complete axle (drive shaft) is replaced when only a new boot is required, the
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION 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 2020 Nissan Kicks powertrain complaints center on CVT transmission failure. Owners describe slipping, shuddering, hesitation during acceleration, and complete loss of power—particularly dangerous when entering traffic or climbing grades. Transmission failure has occurred as early as under 15,000 miles, with at least one vehicle requiring two replacement transmissions. Dealers sometimes claim issues are normal or cannot diagnose them; one owner found a technical bulletin (NTB19-040D) suggesting the problem is known. Some owners mention a recall for other 2020 Kicks models that did not cover their vehicles.
Beyond transmission issues, owners report the transmission control module failing and leaving vehicles unable to move in traffic. Check engine lights frequently appear with or without specific diagnostic codes. The forward collision warning light comes on repeatedly during driving and braking—dealers acknowledge this is a known issue, but owners haven't seen official recalls.
Secondary powertrain problems include engine ticking noise (suspected upper motor issues), rapid battery drain requiring frequent jump-starts, loss of traction while driving, braking failures including inability to stop in emergencies, and poor snow performance. One owner reports the vehicle rolls in a flat parking lot despite brake application. Dealers sometimes deny these are defects, attributing them to normal operation or refusing warranty coverage.
Same Nissan Kicks powertrain reports on nearby years: 2019
Failure modes owners describe
CVT Transmission Slipping, Shuddering, and Hesitation
Transmission exhibits slipping, shuddering, and hesitation during acceleration. Multiple owners report the transmission has failed completely, requiring replacement. Some vehicles experience repeated failures—one owner had transmission replaced twice by 15,000 miles. Owners describe the car not moving when depressing the accelerator or providing insufficient power for highway entry or uphill acceleration.
When: As early as under 15,000 miles; also reported at 38,477 miles and 54,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Slipping and shuddering; Hesitation when accelerating from stop or at highway speeds; No power on uphill grades or during acceleration; RPMs not reaching expected levels under load; Vehicle juddering during normal driving
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (no specific codes provided by owners)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement; some vehicles required two replacements. One dealer mentioned changing some transmission parts. Owners report repair costs around $8,000 for transmission replacement; warranty typically expired after failures occurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owners reference technical bulletin NTB19-040D and classification AT19-002D. Some owners mention a recall existed for other 2020 Kicks models but their vehicles were not covered. Dealers sometimes claimed issues were normal or undiagnosable.
TCM (Transmission Control Module) Malfunction
Transmission control module failure resulted in vehicle losing ability to move forward in traffic, creating a safety hazard. Owner reports TCM failure confirmed and reproducible but not inspected by manufacturer.
When: Last week of February 2025 (less than 5 years old vehicle)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle would not move forward in traffic; Check engine light present
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (no specific codes recorded)
Limp Mode on Highway
Vehicle entered limp mode while driving on highway in remote area, leaving driver stranded or severely compromised.
When: During highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Limp mode activation
Forward Collision Warning Light Malfunction
Forward collision warning light comes on repeatedly during normal driving and traffic. Light illuminates constantly or flashes intermittently; owners report this is a known issue but have not seen recalls. One fleet vehicle required multiple service visits for this issue.
When: Throughout ownership; reported at 38,477 miles on fleet vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Forward collision light comes on in traffic; Light illuminates when braking; Light flashes persistently
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers acknowledge this is a known issue but no recall information provided by owners.
Engine Noise and Upper Motor Issues
Owner reports constant ticking noise from engine with suspected upper motor issues. Owner concerned motor could fail on highway; Nissan apparently not covering under powertrain warranty.
When: During normal driving
Symptoms owners cite: Constant ticking noise from engine; Suspected upper motor component failure
Codes mentioned: Check engine light
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan allegedly refusing to cover under powertrain warranty.
Electrical System / Battery Drain
Vehicle exhibits rapid battery discharge requiring frequent jump-starts and battery replacement. One owner reports batteries die regularly despite replacement.
When: Throughout ownership of new vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Batteries dying regularly; Needs frequent jump-starts; Battery requires constant replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement (multiple times)
Brake System / Traction Control Issues
Vehicle exhibits traction loss while driving and brake system concerns. One owner reports vehicle will not stop in emergencies; another reports vehicle moves in parking lot on flat surface despite brake application. Hydroplaning symbol flashes intermittently.
When: Throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Randomly loses traction and slips at approximately 40 mph; Will not stop in emergencies; Vehicle rolls in parking lot on flat surface; Hydroplaning symbol flashes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer changed some transmission-related parts but issues persist
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers claim some behaviors are normal.
Poor Snow and Cold Weather Performance
Vehicle will not accelerate or move in snow conditions, creating a safety hazard.
When: During winter/snow conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Will not accelerate in snow; Will not move in snow
Synthesized from 17 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 5 most recent
Transmission failed before the car reaching 15,000 miles. The car dealership replaced the transmission after two week in the shop. They did not provide a loner car so I was without a car for 2 weeks. After the car was worked and the new transmission installed, it was given back to me. Today 12/16 I had to take it back to the dealership because it’s giving a check engine indication. The dealership…
Car acceleration delayed. Batteries dying and needing replaced regularly. Needs constant jump starts. Will not accelerate or move in the snow. Does not stop in emergencies. The vehicle was bought brand new and I have had bad luck with the Nissan kicks 2020 since purchasing it.
Entering highway or traffic car hesitates no power . Seems like the engine isnt providing enough gas for take off, this is with the pedal accelerator completely pressed down. This has happened several times. Scary when your entereing traffic. Had back to dealer once and said all was fine. It happens almost every time I drive it but not all the time mainly when you come to an almost stop and try…
The transmission has always juddered and got the run around that nothing was wrong and now the car judders more
When driving my car the crash light comes on in traffic and sometimes when braking. Recently it started to flash the hydroplaning symbol and now the check engine is on. I’ve seen other people online having the same issue with their vehicles as well.
Had powertrain trouble with your 2020 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 powertrain problem on the 2020 Nissan Kicks?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 17 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 17 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 54,000 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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/2020/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.