2026 Nissan KICKS: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
7 owner complaints analyzed
3 distinct recall campaigns
2,086 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2026 model year. Data snapshot: . 1 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Unknown Or Other is the most frequently named component, appearing in 4 of 7 complaints (57.1%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 1 | 14.3% |
| Steering behavior | 1 | 14.3% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Unknown Or Other | 4 |
| Electrical System | 2 |
| Steering | 2 |
| Wheels | 2 |
| Engine | 1 |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 1 |
| Power Train | 1 |
| Service Brakes | 1 |
Unknown Or Other: 4; Electrical System: 2; Steering: 2; Wheels: 2; Engine: 1; Fuel/Propulsion System: 1; Power Train: 1; Service Brakes: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 1 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 0 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 0 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 1; 25,000 to 49,999: 0; 50,000 to 74,999: 0; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (1). 6 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 7 |
2026: 7
Pattern summary
Unknown Or Other leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 1 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11716741 · 2026-02-09 (February 9, 2026)
2026 Nissan Kicks, less than 1,500 mi. Computer system several warning lights appeared without notice; caused car to shut off and sputter before starting several times. The first time the warning lights that came on were: Warning (exclamation point inside triangle); Malfunction See Owner's Manual (In Orange box on panel) with all collision symbols showing [pictures avail on request] Second warning lights ( Warning Temporarily disabled clean sensor area See Owner's Manual) in bigger yellow / orange box on computer screen with exclamation point…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11716741 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11722288 · 2026-03-05 (March 5, 2026)
To whom it may concern: I am writing to express my concern regarding the recurring issues with the safety cameras on my 2026 Nissan Kicks, which were purchased on [XXX]. Despite multiple visits to the dealership for repairs and replacements, the problem persists. Initially, the cameras were not functioning properly on [XXX], and subsequent visits to the dealership on February 21st, February 28th, and March 3rd did not resolve the issue. The dealership's attempts to reset the camera, replace the camera, and change the module, respectively, have …
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11722288 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11735737 · 2026-05-05 (May 5, 2026)
I am writing to file a formal safety complaint concerning a rental vehicle provided to me by Hertz, 1) because I want to help ensure this does not happen to anyone else, and 2) to request action that prevents a similar safety failure from recurring. Hertz rented me a near-new vehicle to transport my medically fragile daughter, but it had a slow-leaking front tire that Discount Tire documented as “not repairable” due to an existing non–RMA-approved rope plug repair, which is unsuitable for passenger vehicles. When this was discovered, I had alr…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11735737 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11750036 · 2026-07-13 (July 13, 2026)
This vehicle has an open recall; the dealership has stated that they cannot fix the recall because Nissan doesn’t have a solution for it. Consequently, I have had to take it in three times now to have the drive axles replaced. At first they told me they had it fixed and then tell me that it’s another drive axle that needs to be repaired. This car was purchased in January 2026 off the showroom floor and I’ve had nothing but trouble since then.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11750036 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11753446 · 2026-07-29 (July 29, 2026)
The issue involves defective malfunction of the dashboard (usb,audio, and sometimes warning lights are hidden then appear) and improperly unbalanced wheels. Which has significantly impacted the safety, reliability, and usability of my vehicle.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11753446 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11754398 · 2026-08-03 (August 3, 2026)
The contact owns 2026 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The brakes and steering wheel were locked. All the warning lights were illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, who confirmed there was a total communication failure across the modules. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 2,086.
Owner-reported narrative. 2,086 miles reported. Look up ODI 11754398 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11757299 · 2026-08-16 (August 16, 2026)
2026 Nissan Kicks SV intermittently fails to accelerate despite accelerator pedal application. Vehicle may remain at approximately 20 mph. Dealer has been unable to duplicate the failure despite extended testing. Owner considers the vehicle unsafe because sudden loss of acceleration could result in collision.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11757299 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
3 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
26V023000 · Latches/Locks/Linkages:Doors:Latch
Reported: 2026-01-20 (January 20, 2026)
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Altima, Sentra, 2025-2026 Frontier, and 2026 Kicks vehicles. The door strikers may have been improperly welded and break, allowing the door to open while moving. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 206, "Door Locks and Door Retention Components."
Consequence: A door that opens unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion increases the risk of injury or a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the door strikers, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PD185 and PMA61. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning January 28, 2026.
NHTSA campaign record ↗26V145000 · Seats
Reported: 2026-03-13 (March 13, 2026)
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2026 Kicks and Sentra vehicles. The hook bracket of the front seat frames may be insufficiently welded, which can cause the front seat frames to become loose. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 207, "Seating Systems" and 210, "Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages."
Consequence: A loose seat may not restrain the occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front seat assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 18, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261. Nissan's number for this recall is PMA64. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 13, 2026.
NHTSA campaign record ↗26V331000 · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/Panel
Reported: 2026-05-21 (May 21, 2026)
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Kicks vehicles. A software error in the combination meter may cause the screen display to go partially or fully blank. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
Consequence: A partial or blank screen display will not show critical safety information such as vehicle speed and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will resume the software reprogramming of the combination meter software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 6, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261. Nissan's number for this recall is PMA66. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 22, 2026.
NHTSA campaign record ↗