Used Nissan Kicks: Inspection checklist

Pick the model year you are going to see. Each sheet lists the checks for the problems owners reported on that year, in the order you would do them at the car. Owners filed 439 complaints across these 9 years; the 2019 drew the most.

Choose a model year

Problems that follow the Kicks from year to year

Each of these is a top-three complaint area in at least two model years. Darker cells mean more complaints that year. Whatever year you are looking at, give these extra time.

Area	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022	2023	2024	2025	Total
Electrical	17	36	21	10		6	2	4	96
Transmission	7	16	16	5					44
Brakes	11	12	7	3		2			35
Body and structure				23		2	2		27
Automatic emergency braking	4	3	7	7	2				23
Steering	4	3	2	2	5	2			18
Wipers and visibility							6	3	9

Kicks generations and updates

First years of a new generation and mid-cycle updates are marked. Each year links to its checklist.

First generation
2018–2025
2021 update: Updated front fascia with larger grille; LED headlights; Upgraded interior features including center armrest and larger touchscreen; Electronic parking brake introduced

Mileages where Kicks problems start

From owner reports for each model year, lowest mileage first. Compare these with the odometer of the car you are seeing.

Typical mileage	Problem	Year
300–4,000 miles	Crosswind steering instability	2022
1,000–2,000 miles	Electrical system failures	2026
1,500–1,900 miles	CV axle problems	2026
18,689–50,000 miles	ABS failure and warning lights	2018
34,000–34,710 miles	ABS warning light, actuator failure	2019
45,000–51,000 miles	Rough running and stalling	2018
54,000–90,000 miles	CVT loss of drive power	2021
59,000–66,541 miles	Warning lights and module failures	2020
60,000–80,000 miles	CVT slipping and transmission failure	2019