2022 Nissan Kicks problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 22 owner complaints. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
The 2022 Nissan Kicks has 22 NHTSA owner complaints on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is steering at 5 complaints (~$700 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
| Model year | Owner complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 Kicks | 134 | 0 |
| 2020 Kicks | 92 | 0 |
| 2021 Kicks | 72 | 0 |
| 2022 Kicks (this page) | 22 | 0 |
| 2023 Kicks | 30 | 0 |
| 2024 Kicks | 30 | 0 |
Above-average reliability for the segment. Few systemic issues on file.
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
- No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
- Reliability score 8.6/10 — above the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings 4 / 5 overall
Driver-assist features on the tested model: Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: Standard · Lane departure warning: Standard
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2022 Nissan Kicks SUV FWD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2022 Nissan Kicks? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
- steering — 5 owner reports · ~$700 to fix
- engine — 4 owner reports · tends to show around 53,500 mi · ~$3,100 to fix
⚠ The one to take seriously: steering is flagged severe on this model . Inspect it closely on a test drive.
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — no active recalls on this model right now, but confirm none were opened after this car was built.
Verdict for buyers: 8.6/10 model. The priciest documented failure is engine (~$3,100) — get the seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
See the full pre-purchase inspection checklist →Ask anything about your 2022 Nissan Kicks
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
Top trouble spots 2 categories with 3+ complaints
What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
Purchased vehicle new and the dealership delivered it to the house the mileage was under 300. Drove the car approximately 100 miles and while driving on the Interstate on the return trip there was a slight wind under 10 mph. The vehicle was difficult to control as the…
I bought a brand new Kicks Sport S that was delivered to me with 231 miles on it. It ran great but when driving on the Interstate when a slight crosswind kicked up the vehicle steering was almost unmanageable. It was difficult keeping the vehicle on the road below the posted…
Description of the Problem On August 28, 2025, I had my vehicle serviced at Nissan of Dearborn due to a transmission malfunction. After the service was completed, I noticed the front end was pulling to the right, as time progress I became concerned. I took the vehicle to an…
While inflating the tires up to the recommended pressure, due to the low temperatures overnight, I noticed that the right front rotor had multiple cracks running on the bridges between the holes on the brake rotors. There where no indications other than the Low Tire Pressure…
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Common questions
Is the 2022 Nissan Kicks reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.6 out of 10 based on 22 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2022 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.
Should you avoid the 2022 Nissan Kicks?
On the NHTSA data, the 2022 Nissan Kicks does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 8.6/10 — above the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2022 Nissan Kicks?
Inspect the steering first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 5 owner complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2022 Nissan Kicks a good used car to buy?
It scores 8.6 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 22 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is steering. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2022 Nissan Kicks?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 5 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 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 2022 Nissan Kicks?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 22 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, 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 are not always better value.