The Lemon Index
2024
2nd generation
Too new: partial score · still collecting complaintsThe 2025 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 2025 cars, which have had the same time on the road. It can change as more owners file.
Too new: partial score · most complaints: wipers & visibility
43 owner complaints, first 3 years 30–33 mpg combined, EPA
Similar cars, same year
2025 Hyundai Palisade2025 Chevrolet Blazer2025 Mitsubishi Outlander
When problems show up
Only 13 complaints listed a mileage: too few to say when problems show up.
Questions to ask the seller
- Were recalls 26V331000 (electrical), 25V324000 (back over prevention) and 25V188000 (equipment) done? It has 4 recalls in all. Ask for the dealer printout, or check the VIN.
- Do the wipers, washers, defrost and mirrors all work?
- 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 15 repair notes for this car. Was this one done: “Fuel filler tube lower seal is leaking and dtc p0456 is stored in the ecm if you confirm the…”?
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 43 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 →
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 0K to 15K miles (1K to 24K km) on the car (13 of all 43 complaints filed so far listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
In owners' words
The windshield cracks and breaks super easy this is a hazard because the windshield protects us. There needs to be a recall for a better sturdier windshield. I am not the only one with the nissan kicks who has this issue!
2025 Nissan Kicks owner · NHTSA complaint 11700839
Fixes owners look up most.
From 129 YouTube videos · 5.9M views · 2025 Nissan Kicks
Most-watched topics
- Oil changes & service10K views
2025 Nissan kicks sr oil changesmall engine guys · 10K views - Timing chain & engine600 views
2021 to 2025 Nissan kicks cylinder 2 MisFire replace ignition coil $50RB The Mechanic · 600 views - Windows, doors & mirrors135 views
Nissan Kicks 2nd Gen (2025-Up) Roof Rack Cross Bars | Bare Roof & Flush Rail ShowcaseRoof Rack Rail · 135 views
Before you buy, watch
Should You Buy a 2025 Nissan Kicks? Thorough Review By A MechanicThe Car Care Nut Reviews · 357K views
2025 Nissan Kicks S vs 2025 Nissan Kicks SV Comparison | Which one Should you Buy?Cars Unlocked · 86K views
2025 Nissan Kicks vs Nissan Kicks Play Review and Comparison WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU BUY?Cars Unlocked · 44K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them. The 2025 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 15 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Fuel filler tube lower seal is leaking and dtc p0456 is stored in the ecm if you confirm the…
- Vent control valve in active test inoperative in consult 4 service information an issue in…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Recalls 4
- Electrical · recall issued 2026 New: most likely still open
A software error in the combination meter may cause the screen display to go partially or fully blank.
- Back over prevention · recall issued 2025
The center information display unit may display a blank screen when shifted into reverse.
- Equipment · recall issued 2025
The certification label may have been printed with the incorrect Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) values, which can result in the vehicle being overloaded.
Show all 4 recalls
- Electrical · recall issued 2024
The "Shift-to-Park" warning may not activate as intended when the vehicle is shut off and still in a gear other than "Park." As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety St…
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 SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Nissan Kicks SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Nissan Kicks Play SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1,800–$2,000 (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, 2.0L 4-cyl.
Every Nissan Kicks year. 2025 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 2025 bar is highlighted.
<iframe src="https://lemonindex.com/embed/cars/nissan-kicks/?y=2025" 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/2025/">Lemon Index</a> (2025 Nissan Kicks reliability)</p>Quick answers
Is the 2025 Nissan Kicks reliable?
It's too early to be sure. So far it has drawn about two-thirds as many complaints as the average car per car sold, against other 2025 cars after the same time on the road (early Lemon Index 69; 100 is average). The Nissan Kicks year with the fewest complaints per car sold is 2022.
What are the most common 2025 Nissan Kicks problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are wipers & visibility (16%), electrical (16%) and transmission & drivetrain (12%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2025 Nissan Kicks have?
4 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2025 Nissan Kicks get?
30 to 33 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2025 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 2025 Nissan Kicks have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 12% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2025 Nissan Kicks cost in fuel a year?
About $1,800 to $2,000 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2025 Nissan Kicks have?
1.6L 4-cyl, 2.0L 4-cyl.
What Nissan Kicks year is better than the 2025?
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