The Lemon Index
202220241st generation
Too new: partial score · still collecting complaintsThe 2023 Nissan Kicks hasn't finished its 3-year window yet. This counts every owner complaint filed so far (through October 2026) and compares it with other 2023 cars, which have had the same time on the road. It can change as more owners file.
Not enough data. Only 18 complaints in its first 3 years: too few to score.
18 owner complaints, first 3 years 33 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2023 Hyundai Palisade2023 Chevrolet Blazer2023 Mitsubishi Outlander Sport
When problems show up
No complaints for this year listed a mileage, so we can't say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recall 24V154000 (airbags) done? Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Has it ever braked hard for no reason? Ask whether the safety-system software was updated.
- Do all the lights, screens and power features work? Has the battery, alternator or any wiring been replaced?
- Any slipping, hard or late shifts, or a transmission warning light? Ask for transmission fluid service records.
- Nissan sent dealers 41 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Dtcs c1b53-04 and/or c1b54-04 stored in the adas control module if you confirm dtcs c1b53-04…”?
From this year's own recalls, top problems, top repair bills and Nissan's repair notes. Recall repairs are free at any dealer.
How serious. Out of all 18 owner complaints filed so far (every year since it was sold, not just the first 3), owners reported:
“Average car” = what the same number of complaints would include at the rate across every model year we track. Owners report these themselves; NHTSA doesn't confirm the cause.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
Check engine light on? Look up any code →
Fixes owners look up most.
From 200 YouTube videos · 15.9M views · 2018–2024 Nissan Kicks
Most-watched topics
- Heat, A/C & blend door128K views
Nissan Kicks (2018-2024): Cabin Air Filter Replacement. Air Flow Direction Explained!Morozov Automotive · 68K views · 2 videos - Infotainment, battery & electrical114K views
2018 - 2021 Nissan Kicks Key Fob Battery Replacement - How To Replace Change Kicks Remote BatteriesPYR Automotive · 95K views · 2 videos - Transmission & shifter69K views
How to Change Transmission Fluid/Filter 2019-2021 Nissan Kicks/Cars without Transmission dipstickAliMECH · 69K views - Oil changes & service36K views
How to change Engine OIL on 2021 Nissan Kicks/How to reset scheduled maintenance on Nissan KicksAliMECH · 36K views
Show 2 more
- Intake, EGR & engine sensors30K views
Clean or Replace MAF Sensor on Nissan Kicks (2018-2024) | Fix Stalling & Rough IdleEspanglish Garage · 30K views - No-start: theft light, key & ignition30K views
2018 Nissan Kicks Won't Crank no start Issue...1 Click...Fixed...Peter L · 30K views
Before you buy, watch
2021 Nissan Kicks vs 2021 Toyota CHR Which One Should You Buy?Cars Unlocked · 75K views
2020 Nissan Kicks E-Power Review : Kicks Ass or Ass-Kicked? - CarBuyer.com.sg SingaporeCarBuyer Singapore · 63K views
2023 Nissan Kicks Review | Behind the WheelAutoDeal.com.ph · 682K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them. The 2023 is the same generation.
Costs are the middle (median) of the dollar amounts people say out loud in these videos, so one wild number can't swing it. They aren't verified bills or sales; real prices depend on year, miles, condition and where you live. Tap Hear it to jump to the moment.
Problems Nissan told dealers about
Nissan sent dealers 41 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Dtcs c1b53-04 and/or c1b54-04 stored in the adas control module if you confirm dtcs c1b53-04…
- DTC B2E01-96 (INTERNAL BATTERY) STORED AS CURRENT IN IVC This bulletin has been amended
- 12 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 1
- Airbags · recall issued 2024
Due to a manufacturing issue, the driver's air bag inflator may absorb moisture, and cause the air bag to deploy improperly.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Canada? See recalls at Transport Canada
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Kicks Later Release SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Nissan Kicks Early Release SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1,800 (USD) a year in fuel (EPA estimate at U.S. prices, 15,000 miles or 24,000 km a year). Engines: 1.6L 4-cyl.
Every Nissan Kicks year. 2023 is highlighted. Lower is better.
Newest year first. Red = worse than average, gray = about average, too new (2023+: a partial score, marked “partial”) or too few complaints to score. #1, #2… = that year's YouTube rank among the 7 Nissan Kicks years with enough videos (#1 = the year owners and reviewers talk about most positively). It is not a reliability rank.
Embed this chart
Put this chart on your site, blog or forum. Free, with the credit line built in; the 2023 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/nissan-kicks/?y=2023" title="Nissan Kicks reliability by model year (The Lemon Index)" width="100%" height="376" style="border:0;max-width:720px" loading="lazy"></iframe><p style="font-size:13px;margin:4px 0 0">Data: <a href="https://lemonindex.com/cars/nissan-kicks/2023/">Lemon Index</a> (2023 Nissan Kicks reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2023 Nissan Kicks reliable?
There isn't enough data to score it: owners filed only 18 complaints in its first 3 years.
What are the most common 2023 Nissan Kicks problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are automatic emergency braking (44%), electrical (22%) and transmission & drivetrain (22%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2023 Nissan Kicks have?
1 safety recall (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2023 Nissan Kicks get?
33 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2023 Nissan Kicks safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
Does the 2023 Nissan Kicks have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 22% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2023 Nissan Kicks cost in fuel a year?
About $1,800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2023 Nissan Kicks have?
1.6L 4-cyl.
What Nissan Kicks year is better than the 2023?
Nearby, the 2022 drew fewer owner complaints per car sold (about a quarter as many complaints as the average car).
The Lemon Index counts owner complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model years (100 = average, lower is better). It measures complaints, not crash safety. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works