Who are we? We are Lemberg Law, a Consumer Law Firm
Lemberg Law is a consumer law firm helping victims of bad manufacturing and run-arounds from auto companies. We are ranked A+ by the BBB. Call our Helpline today! There is no charge unless we win.
It’s becoming more popular to drive compact vehicles such as the 2020 Nissan Kicks. The automaker claims that this vehicle helps owners “flex your technology,” but the overall consensus is that this model is a dud. From the faulty engine to the defective fuel system and poor visibility, Nissan has a lot to answer for.
Click on other model year to view more problems: 2018 2019 2021 2022 2023
Contents
Don’t be stuck with a lemon. You have legal rights to cash, return or buyback.
The law makes Nissan pay legal fees.
We've fixed thousands of lemon problems. Message or call 877-795-3666 today.
NHTSA Complaints for the 2020 Nissan Kicks
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | |
| Engine | |
| Electrical System | |
| Fuel/propulsion System | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Power Train | |
| Air Bags | |
| Lane Departure: Assist |
Problems with the Engine
Arguably, the engine is the most important part of any vehicle. If this component is defective, there’s no way to enjoy the drive.
That’s what this NHTSA complaint discusses. “The car stalled while driving causing a safety concern. The engine was still running. However, the car would not move. After shutting it down and restarting the car a second time, the car started moving again.”
It turns out that there are other engine concerns. Service Bulletin #PM945 talks about vehicles requiring an Engine Control Module calibration to change alternator control and idle speed to resolve trouble with the engine stalling when coming to a stop. With this in mind, it might not be best to “get your Kicks on Rt. 66” with this Nissan model.
Problems with the Fuel System
Working in conjunction with the engine is the fuel system. If this equipment is defective in any way, it will also drastically change the ride and handling.
Here is another NHTSA complaint to look at. “I purchased a 2020 Nissan Kicks with 11 miles on 1/1/20. The car began shaking and stalling when stopped in traffic, and at lights on 1/10/20, with 250 miles on the odometer. After 3 service appointments, taking pictures and using the event recorder as instructed, I was informed on 3/5/20, there is currently no fix for this Kicks. Engineers are aware of the problem, and they will contact me when an update is available that may resolve the problem. This vehicle has stalled out 19 times as of 3/9/20, with 2039 miles on the odometer. The Nissan dealership where I purchased and serviced the vehicle could not repair and would not replace the vehicle, after 3 visits totaling 9 days in the shop within the first 60 days of purchase, I have been directed to follow up with Nissan Consumer Affairs with my concerns. Nissan will be sending an engineer to further inspect the vehicle within the next 2 weeks. Concern: The vehicle shakes/shudders and/or shuts down while driving in stop and go traffic, stopping at traffic lights and signs, and also when stopping to park. During these events the vehicle is in Drive, with brake pedal depressed. No warning lights appear on the dash display except the battery and oil light after the engine has stalled. Each even has been resolved by placing vehicle in Drive and restarting the engine. The events are inconsistent/unpredictable, having occurred twice in the same mile, or up to 358 miles between events; also having occurred 0-4 times every 0-10 days.”
When it comes to the fuel system, Nissan doesn’t really want to discuss any problems. As of now, there are no communications between the automaker and technicians regarding any trouble. Still, it’s clear that owners are unable to “flex” their “technology” due to the lack of care and concern by the Nissan dealerships.
Problems with the Visibility/Wiper
Finally, any vehicle must be equipped with reliable visibility. Otherwise, it becomes difficult to see and puts a lot of people in danger.
Yet, there is another NHTSA complaint about this part of the Kicks. “Back window cleaner keeps leaking, leaving streaks down back window.”
It’s as if the Kicks wants to constantly bathe itself and wash itself clean of all the defects. Still, it’s evident that this isn’t the only design problem with the Nissan model. Service Bulletin #NTB19-111 also talks about how the front seat belt might not extend down from its stowed position, further leaving people in jeopardy. At this point, it might be best if owners “flex” their choice to pick a different car altogether.
Your Lemon Law Legal Rights
Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Nissan pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.
Share your story
Does this ring a bell? Have you had a bad experience too? Sound off and share your experience with other visitors in the comment box below.
About the Author:
Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
See more posts from Brian Jones
Bought my Kicks April 2023,
As soon as I got it, the radio started shutting off about 6-8 times per trip, Brought it in and they said that nothing was wrong and everything was working fine. Last year my car out of nowhere turned off and wouldn’t turn back on, we would jump start and hitting the mile mark it would shut off. Got my battery replaced under warranty. My car recently started having issues starting, where I need to press the button multiple times in order for it to start for like approx. 5 mins. Today I was struggling for more than 10 minutes at home and 10 minutes after dropping my son off at school. On Friday I put gas, and what would normally gives me half a tank got me 2 miles. The gas lines went up but the numbers didn’t. so now I have “half” a tank but only 40 miles..
I only have put 33,000 miles on it.
Called today to where I purchased my car, and they said that this is not covered by the warranty.
Now I need to pay a diagnostic fee per concern plus whatever amount to get it fixed.
I purchased a new 2023 Kicks SV on February 21, 2023. March 2023 two warning messages appeared on the dashboard sporadically with only 600 miles. Warning Malfunction See Owner’s Manual (Rear Automatic Brake Symbol) and Warning Parking Sensor Error See Owner’s Manual. April, messages appeared each time I start my vehicle and remain on while driving. The messages are within a flashing yellow rectangle on the dashboard. After pressing ok on each message, the flashing rectangle reduces to two symbols on the dashboard. Two additional symbols appear sporadically, Parking Sensor Off and Check Rear Seat for All Articles. Sales manager phoned my home in April. I informed him of error messages, and he said, bring it in, it just needs to be reset. Purchasing dealership service appointments in April and June, no repair. Service manager only mentioned diagnostic testing and refused to answer questions. I tried another Nissan location in May and diagnostic test revealed two codes relating to sonar system, but no repair completed. Another person purchased identical vehicle from same dealership. She began having problems with sensors and horn. Purchasing dealership have not repaired her vehicle either. May, I canceled 2 extended warranties which I didn’t want. Finance manager submitted one warranty to lien holder in June. Lien holder have not received second warranty. Finance manager refused to cancel third warranty, which he included in the cost of my vehicle as an accessory for product that wasn’t applied to my vehicle. I believe cancellation of warranties have a direct effect on their lack of interest in resolving the problems with my vehicle which obviously was present before I purchased it. I take very good care of my vehicle. I am sure Nissan is aware of the various problems and know what is causing them. Nissan scan tool read codes and vehicle history. Nissan employees doesn’t appear to realize Nissan Tech Bulletins are available for review.
My 2020 Kicks and works fine but the tires keep on warning about refilling with air, replace tires.
My 2020 Nissan kicks stalls front end collision lights ECM REPPLACED -another module replaced and a calibration done on front end collision radar system still light is on. Contacting Consumers Affairs to see what is causing this as per dealership. Been without vehicle about 1 month or more spend nearly 11800.00 already still not fixed. Can anyone say lemon?
The only issue I have with my 2020 kicks is the Pcv valve in cold winters we live in Canada cars should be able to handle winters here. Condensation builds up and the pressure is to much to handle my dip stick pops out and gets oil all over my engine. I had to get a new alternator and valve Thank God it’s still under warranty. Apparently a newer valve is coming and supposed to fix the problem let’s hope so cause I won’t be able to get this car fixed if it keeps happening.
I bought a 2020 Nissan Kicks at Crown Nissan in Greensboro, North Carolina in October 2020 and in less than a year all the trim work started fading on the car. I reported it to Crown Nissan multiple times and when I realized they weren’t doing anything I contacted Nissan Consumer Affairs. I have a total of 8 case numbers and contact people I have talked to and here it is a year and a half later and my car is still not fixed. I was contacted by Nissan Consumer Affairs a couple months ago and they said they would fix it but now they won’t call and give the dealership 10 minutes from me permission to order the parts they need. I am so tired and fed up with ALL the lies I have been told since the day I bought the car and I am on the verge of trading it but I guess I will have to start all over paying again after I have already paid almost 3 years. I make payments every month to them but it makes me sick they don’t honor what they promised me. My advice is to anyone, Don’t Ever Go To Nissan to purchase a vehicle.
I have a 2020 kicks that I purchased in Nov 2020. In April of 2022 I only had 8,000 miles on the car when I started delivering for Amazon Flex. It now(in Feb 2023) has 34,591 miles on it.
I love the car. Excellent MPG.
The only issue I have had is the front collision avoidance warning light comes on, even though there is nothing in front of me. After driving a while it would stop warning and operate properly.
I took it to the dealer and all was good there. No issues.
After driving it for a while, I noticed that it only happened in colder weather. Specifically when there was frost on the glass when I came out to start and go. While I have been out of the car repair profession for many years, my best guess is that there is frost on the lens of the front radar unit or camera(or whatever it is called that detects objects). This does not happen in rain but sometimes does in snow. We don’t often get a lot of measurable snow in middle Tennessee and, when we do, there is no sense in going anywhere because no one can drive in to work anyway. LOL This frost or snow is fooling the system into thinking there is an object there that does not exist. When it goes away, so does my problem. Fortunately, it’s never applied the brakes on these false alarms, like it did when that deer ran in front of me. LOL Actually, after the repair of the damage done by the deer, I have not had the issue yet. They did replace the radar unit behind the front bumper. Maybe it fixed it as we have had frosty mornings since then.
I have a 2021 Kicks at 6,000 miles my transmission went out. The screen blacks out for no reason. When parked on an incline it’s really hard to put it in gear and makes a horrible noise when you get it in gear. The side sensors go off and engage the braking system. now the latest is my lift gate won’t stay open. I bought this in Dec. 2021 because my other Nissan 2018 Versa the transmission went out in it. The dealer made me pay 1800 for the Versas parts before they would trade it in. I always say I bought a LEMON not an orange kicks
I have a 2020 Nissan Kicks got in November 2021 at 11,000 miles . Do anyone have a problem with your passenger side making a rubbing sound.
T**.L
I purchase Nissan kicks 2020 in March 2021 and at 22 miles (on the second day of my purchase) the car lost power at a signal and didn’t even move at full acceleration. After having fuelling several times, it started moving at a snail speed and later it speeded up. Reported to the dealer and they fixed it after having kept the car for 10 days in their workshop. Again in January 2022 the same problem occured at 13527 miles and it was fixed by the dealer in one week time. And now at 17100 miles the problem has occurred for the third time. Nissan USA is less bothered and doesn’t resolve it for once and for all.Its a nightmare and wouldn’t advise anybody to go for this model. Looks like it’s a failure model.
I also have a 2020 kicks. When I first bought it, it would sometimes make a knocking sound when backing up. Then the CK engine light stays on. Now 3 different warning lights stay on and cruise control is malfunctioning. What next?
I have the 2020 Nissan Kicks and since day one every time I apply the brakes it makes a knocking noise. Now the dashboard warning lights come on after driving for about 30 seconds and stay on. Also once the warning lights come on then the auto diming head lights don’t work. Last week the radio station started changing stations on it’s own. I have taken it to the Nissan dealership and they say they don’t know how to fix! How is this even possible??
Well” my 2020 kicks has not given me any issues yet I have almost 14000 on it and it’s going into the shop for scheduled maintenance on Monday 4th 2021 @8:30. It’s Ben a good car to me . I have the device called fix and run it on my fix ..each time it has scanned the system it has come back with no issues detected. There is always later..we will see. I would hate to give up this car as I have 33 miles to the gallon. All you people out there make me ask my self will I experience later? When ? Who knows but for now ..just dive and take care of it in the way of keeping it washed and vacuumed and oil changes .this all any of us can do until problems hit.
Front collision detection failure warning, comes on for no apparent reason goes off with restart. I use a hand free car wash like someone else talked about. Love my Kicks; hope it is a fixable problem.
I’ve had my car a year now I have had it in the shop three times over transmission, And the sea owners manual rear and front sensors going off or flashing stuttering around corners, and on occasion slamming into gear. They say nothings wrong with the car other than a transmission update is needed that was done same issues still occurring. Now I have a check engine light on and another appointment this car is the biggest, largest, Headache I’ve ever owned. I’m fairly certain this will be the last Nissan I buy.
I have a 2020 Nissan kicks. Bought it with 14 miles on it.. I am a commuter and at 75,000 the transmission had to be completely replaced!! Now it’s at 108,000 miles and it’s constantly stalling on me while the car is still running. Almost Everytime I stop , it will not take off when time to go. Gas pedal goes all the way to floor with no movement. Almost been hit by other vehicles more times than I can count! My lights constantly flicker . The headlights and interior lights . This car is the devil and it’s out to get me ..I suggest you skip buying the kicks all together!
I have a 2020 nissan kicks this is the second time the front inercaer light came on. Something to do with the braking system. I only have 1600 Mike’s on it. Dont know how many miles it take for it to stop coming on. The dealership anit much help.
I now have 7200 miles on my 2020 Nissan Kicks. At 1000 miles my front auto break detection warning light came on for no reason. The dealer replaced the radar system. I am now dealing with the rear auto detection warning light coming on. They checked it out and said I must have hit one of the 4 sensors on the rear bumper. I told the dealer I have never hit anything.They asked if I washed my car or took it to a car wash. I take it to a car wash. The dealer said they might have done something to the sensor, and that was a common issue. Nonsense! It only took 2 weeks for the warning light to come on again, and has come on3 times in the last 2 weeks, including today, when my blind spot warning came on , and they ceased working. I am scared to take this car on a long trip. Taking it back to the dealer in the AM. Can’t wait for this diagnosis.!
My 2020 Kicks powered off randomly tonight. No idea why. It turn back on about 10 minutes later. Only had the car for 2 or 3 months.
Got This Car as a Rental While Waiting for My Car to Be Repaired following a Collision!!
This Car Simply Feels Unsafe.
have not felt this insecure driving an automobile since I had to drive My brothers ’73 Pinto during High School!!
Sadly, I am Stuck with Poor Acceleration (Dangerous when merging into Traffic) and al the other things that Make it Feel Unsafe, until My Regular Car is either repaired or Totaled, and God Knows how long That will Take!! I strongly recommend that you pass this model by!! As For Enterprise Rental Cars, You would do yourself well to Pass them By as Well!
Hi i have Nissan kicks 2018,
The light doesn’t switch off in auto mode and doesn’t give the voice signal while opening and closing it. Please advise how can I fix it.
Thanks
I have a 2020 Nissan kicks and I am having an issue with the back rear tire. I took it to get an alignment and they told me that there’s no way that it could be aligned I took it to Nissan and they refused to fix it I called consumer affairs and they refused to help me with the situation I don’t know what else to do it’s wasting at the back of my tire faster than the rest of them. I also took my vehicle in for regular service and they just committed fraud because they didn’t even do the service I requested on my vehicle at the time I had to get a second opinion to find out about the alignment and the defect in the right rear tire if anyone else is having that issue
Have a 2020 Nissan kicks with 747 miles on it and the power training indicator light came on checked it cylinder number 2 miss firing
Has anyone had a problem with the safety system?
Nissan kicks S 2020. I have had issues ranging from the car stalling, radio and camera displays blacking out randomly, car not cranking, auto brake feature going off randomly, and crash sensors going off for no reason. I have taken it to the dealer three times now and raised the concerns and everytime they say”oh we reset the sensors, we updated a chip, or we can’t get it to replicate” I have had this car for only 6 months and only have 13,000 miles on it. I hate this car yet they refuse to replace it or take it back.