Is the engine a common problem area on the 2018 Nissan Kicks?

Yes. NHTSA lists 25 engine-area complaints for the 2018 Kicks, which is 29% of all 85 complaints filed for that year.

Is there a recall for the 2018 Nissan Kicks engine issue?

No. NHTSA shows no related recalls on file for this engine problem area.

At what mileage do owners report engine problems on the 2018 Kicks?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this engine issue is 8,000 miles.

What specific engine symptoms do 2018 Kicks owners describe?

Owners describe a recurring P0101 code linked to the mass airflow sensor, stalling in traffic, rough idle, and reduced power, with the MAF sensor sometimes replaced more than once.

Were there any crashes or injuries linked to this issue?

NHTSA data for this engine-area complaint set on the 2018 Kicks lists 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries.

2018 Nissan Kicks Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 25 engine-area complaints for the 2018 Nissan Kicks, 29% of all complaints filed for that year, with a median failure mileage of 8,000 miles. There is no related recall on file for this engine issue.

Engine complaints: 25; 29% of 85
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 8,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report a P0101 trouble code tied to the mass airflow (MAF) sensor, causing rough idle, stalling, and reduced throttle response.
Several drivers describe the vehicle stalling or losing power while in traffic, sometimes with a front collision warning or check engine light appearing at the same time.
Multiple complaints mention the MAF sensor being replaced more than once, with the same code and stalling behavior returning within days.
Some owners report the car failing to start or needing a jump, along with a battery that had to be replaced more than once without fixing the underlying problem.
One complaint describes the power steering locking up during a stall event caused by the MAF sensor malfunction.

When 2018 Nissan Kicks engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jan 4, 2019, latest Sep 18, 2026.

25 complaints filed with NHTSA from Jan 2019 to Sep 2026; peak Jul 2025 (2).

Engine recalls for the 2018 Nissan Kicks

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Kicks model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201825 (29%)
201943 (32%)
202025 (26%)
202110 (13%)
20225 (22%)
20235 (28%)
20242 (5%)
20251 (3%)

Frequently asked questions

Is the engine a common problem area on the 2018 Nissan Kicks?: Yes. NHTSA lists 25 engine-area complaints for the 2018 Kicks, which is 29% of all 85 complaints filed for that year.
Is there a recall for the 2018 Nissan Kicks engine issue?: No. NHTSA shows no related recalls on file for this engine problem area.
At what mileage do owners report engine problems on the 2018 Kicks?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this engine issue is 8,000 miles.
What specific engine symptoms do 2018 Kicks owners describe?: Owners describe a recurring P0101 code linked to the mass airflow sensor, stalling in traffic, rough idle, and reduced power, with the MAF sensor sometimes replaced more than once.
Were there any crashes or injuries linked to this issue?: NHTSA data for this engine-area complaint set on the 2018 Kicks lists 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries.