repaired · 2025 Q3
Steering: electric power assist system
Risk. Loss of power steering assist can increase the steering effort required, especially at low speeds, and increase the risk of a crash.
2021 Nissan KicksProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 78 owner complaints about the 2021 Nissan Kicks, most often about the structure. It is covered by 2 safety recalls, and for recall 22V-693 the manufacturer reports only 86% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through October 9, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Elise240SX, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2021 Nissan Kicks has problems
78 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
24Structure
15Forward collision avoidance1 crash/fire/injury
12Electrical system1 crash/fire/injury
11Power train1 crash/fire/injury
9Engine
4Service brakes
4Air bags
3Vehicle speed control
3Steering
98 other systems2 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 24 | 0 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 15 | 1 |
| Electrical system | 12 | 1 |
| Power train | 11 | 1 |
| Engine | 9 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 4 | 0 |
| Air bags | 4 | 4 |
| Vehicle speed control | 3 | 0 |
| Steering | 3 | 0 |
| 8 other systems | 9 | 2 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
2 recalls
2021 Nissan Kicks recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2025 Q1
Steering: electric power assist system
Risk. Loss of power steering assist can increase the steering effort required, especially at low speeds, and increase the risk of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Nissan.
Best & worst years
2021 vs. every other Kicks year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Kicks median. How we score
'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2021 Nissan Kicks safety ratings
2021 Nissan Kicks SUV FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★Overall rating
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (15.5% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Standard
- Lane departure warning: Standard
In owners' words
What Kicks owners report
Recent structure complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
We have had several problems with our 2021 Nissan Kicks, all of which are safety concerns, and all of which have have occurred at well under 100,000 miles. We purchased the vehicle from a Nissan dealer in January of 2022. 1 - Rust is bubbling up from under the paint. I am told this is perforating…
Drivers side door lock will not function properly. The remote will successfully lock/unlock all of the other doors. If the drivers door is locked with the key it will remain locked despite the other doors unlocking with the remote. This problem has been widely reported on Nissan online forums,…
2021Nissan Kicks[XXX]Paint Chipping -Fleet Unit - Paint chipping above upper crease of windshield of vehicle, some rusting present. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Own a 2021 Kicks?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.