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 ↗2021 Nissan Kicks electrical problems
severe 10 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
1crash
What stands out
No new NHTSA electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 4 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
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 ↗AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING WARNING LIGHT BLINKING APPLIED SYSTEMS: Vehicles equipped with a lane camera (see Figure 1) SERVICE INFORMATION If the Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) warning light or is blinking (but not illuminated steadily) or the customer states it is blinking, and there are no related DTCs, inspect the windshield. A blinking AEB warning light may occur under the following conditions: When contamination or foreign material adhere to the lane camera viewing window on the windshield. When driving while it is snowing or when frost forms on the lane camera viewing window on the windshield. When the lane camera viewing window on the windshield is temporarily fogged up. Fig
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗DTC B2E01-96 (INTERNAL BATTERY) STORED AS CURRENT IN IVC This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin. SERVICE INFORMATION The APPLIED VEHICLES that come equipped with a factory installed SOS switch, located near the overhead map lamp, also come equipped with a wireless communication device called a Telematics Communication Unit (TCU). With an active NissanConnect® Services subscription, the TCU communicates with the Nissan Data Center to provide various security and convenience services. CONSULT has been updated to allow DTC B2E01-96 for “Internal battery” to be cleared in the TCU. If DTC B2E01-96 is Current/Active
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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of this 2021 Kicks describe a range of electrical and electronic control failures that recur across multiple vehicles in this cluster. The most serious complaint involves sudden unintended braking—vehicles brake hard without driver input, sometimes dropping from 60 mph to 45 mph in seconds or rolling forward even after being placed in Park. These events coincide with loud crunching and dragging noises from the brakes, along with intermittent warning lights on the dash.
Transmission and drivetrain control also shows electronic problems: one owner reported accelerator input triggering braking instead of acceleration on the highway, with no sensor alerts logged. Another described difficulty shifting between gears and transmission shifting issues tied to the same warning-light pattern.
Battery drain is chronic—one owner replaces the battery every six months and needs daily jumpstarts despite AutoZone finding no battery fault, suggesting a parasitic electrical draw. Key fob detection fails intermittently. One dealer quoted $5,561 to replace an electrical intake valve, EMC Unit, EMC Bracket, and audio unit due to wiring faults.
Climate control exhibits an on/off defect with no intermediate settings: 62°F produces cold air, 63°F produces maximum heat. Driver-side windows operate without input. False collision and skid-control warnings trigger randomly, especially in cold weather, with the vehicle braking in response to phantom alerts. Dealership involvement across multiple inspections and Nissan North America review has not resolved these failures.
Same Nissan Kicks electrical reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Sudden unintended braking / brake intervention
Vehicle applies brakes without driver input, causing rapid deceleration or near-collisions. Occurs intermittently during normal driving. Associated with loud crunching/dragging noises from brakes.
When: Started July 2025, ongoing at time of report; multiple occurrences over several months
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle brakes suddenly without pedal input; Loud crunching and dragging noises when braking or starting to move; Dramatic unintended slowing on highway (60 to 45 mph drop); Vehicle continues rolling forward even after placed in Park at low speed; Hazard warning icon flashing on dashboard with audible alarm
Codes mentioned: P0706 (inferred from transmission/shift issues reported), Collision warning and skid control warnings (unverified sensor faults)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership offered 'better brakes' for out-of-pocket cost despite warranty; no successful repair documented across four dealership visits
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Repeated dealership inspections (July 15–16, August 6–9, August 19–22, September 26, 2025); initial claims of no problem found, later acknowledged noises; case reviewed by Nissan North America Consumer Affairs; no recall or TSB mentioned
Battery drain and key fob detection failures
Vehicle battery drains excessively, requiring frequent jumpstarts and battery replacements. Key fob fails to detect vehicle intermittently despite new batteries. Electrical system unable to maintain charge.
When: Reported since purchase (May 2025 for complaint #5; August 2023 radio failure in complaint #2)
Symptoms owners cite: Battery drains almost daily; Requires jumps every day or near-daily; Key fob often does not detect vehicle; Radio non-functional since August 2023 (complaint #2)
Codes mentioned: Electrical intake valve fault (complaint #2), EMC Unit and EMC Bracket faults (complaint #2)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership quoted $5,561 for replacement of electrical intake valve, EMC Unit, EMC Bracket, and audio unit (complaint #2); battery replaced every six months due to drain
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSB or recall cited; customer service contact offered $500 discount off repair (complaint #2)
Transmission/drivetrain electronic control failure
Vehicle exhibits unintended braking response when accelerator is engaged, coupled with transmission sensing or control faults. No transmission fluid leak; electronic sensors and modules appear to be the source.
When: On interstate driving during complaint #3; July 2025 onward for complaint #1
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator input triggers unexpected braking instead of acceleration; Difficulty shifting between Drive, Reverse, and Park; Battery and oil change lights illuminate during event; Vehicle cannot move despite power restoration; AAA technician noted 'no sensors notified to the issue'
Codes mentioned: Transmission control module fault (inferred), Sensor communication failure
Repairs/costs cited: AAA facility initially suspected transmission issue but noted unusual sensor behavior; referred to dealership for repair; no resolution documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership towed vehicle for repair; no outcome provided in complaint narratives
Heating/climate control blend door malfunction
Climate control exhibits on/off behavior with no intermediate temperature control. Setting to 62°F produces cold air; 63°F produces maximum heat. No gradual temperature blending possible.
When: Ongoing; complaint filed at 9,000 miles (complaint #4 involved 9,000-mile vehicle)
Symptoms owners cite: No intermediate temperature settings available; Abrupt switch between cold and hot air; Distracting need to toggle between two settings while driving; Cabin becomes uncomfortably hot on higher setting
Codes mentioned: Blend door actuator fault (inferred)
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempts documented in complaint narrative
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Electronic stability control and collision warning false activations
Vehicle displays collision warning and electronic stability/skid control alerts without actual safety events. Warnings trigger randomly and produce audible beeping. More frequent in cold weather.
When: Random, daily in winter conditions; less frequent in warm weather
Symptoms owners cite: Collision warning light and icon display on dashboard; Skid/sliding warning appears; Red bracket lines outline vehicle on display; Big STOP flashing on dashboard; Vehicle brakes in response to false warning; Continuous beeping while warning is active; Hazard icon flashing with buzzing sound and vibration
Codes mentioned: Collision avoidance system sensor fault, Electronic stability control module fault
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempts documented in complaint narratives
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Window control malfunction
Driver-side window operates unexpectedly during driving, moving up and down without driver input. Creates distraction and safety concern.
When: Ongoing at time of complaint #6
Symptoms owners cite: Left driver-side window moves up and down while driving; Unintended window operation causes driving distraction
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempts documented in complaint narrative
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
AC compressor or refrigerant loss
AC stops cooling and goes offline during driving event, then returns to function after vehicle power cycle. May indicate sensor fault rather than refrigerant loss.
When: During transmission/braking event in complaint #3
Symptoms owners cite: AC stops blowing cold air during driving; AC resumes normal function after vehicle restart cycle
Codes mentioned: AC clutch or compressor control fault (inferred)
Repairs/costs cited: No repair documented; vehicle towed before AC could be serviced
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
Blend doors on the heater do not work. If the temperature is set to 62 degrees, cold air as expected comes out of vents. If set to 63 degrees, maximum hot air comes out of vents, even after the cabin is warmed up. This is distracting to keep fumbling with the temperature control, toggling between 62 and 63 while driving. Keeping the air controller at 63 is also a distraction since the cabin is…
Was driving on the interstate when all of the sudden any time I would hit the accelerator it would start to brake. I went from going 60 to 45 and realized I had to pull over and was able luckily to get to a median to call AAA. Once i got to the median my battery and oil change light appeared and AC stopped working. I attempted to turn my car off and it would just automatically restart. I did that…
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…
While driving the car seems to be stalling, slowing down while I’m driving. The car feels like it doesn’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 I’m reporting this because it’s unsafe. Secondly the left driver side window goes up in down while I’m driving. This also makes…
When I start my car it says collusion warning and skid sliding warning. It don't happen every time but it does happen randomly and beeps while I'm driving the entire time. Happens daily when it's cold like winter, but not as much thru warm weather like spring summer. I've never had a collusion in the 1 1/2 I've had my car while being the only owner!
I’ve been going in the dealership a lot regarding this car since I’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…
Had electrical trouble with your 2021 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 2021 Nissan Kicks?
It's a meaningful issue. 10 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 10 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 9,000 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 $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/2021/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.