Is the 2021 Nissan Kicks a reliable year?

Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2021 Nissan Kicks ranks #4 of 8 among Kicks model years (Complaint Index 57/100, verdict: Caution). It has 76 complaints and 2 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.

What are the most common problems with the 2021 Nissan Kicks?

The most reported problem areas are structure & body (26 complaints), collision avoidance & cameras (15 complaints), and electrical system (11 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 68,508 miles.

Does the 2021 Nissan Kicks have any recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2021 Nissan Kicks, most recently reported 2023, covering steering.

What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Nissan Kicks?

EPA rates the 2021 Nissan Kicks at 33 MPG combined (31 city / 36 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,950. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.

2021 Nissan Kicks Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Caution

Complaint Index

57/100

#4 most-complained of 8 Kicks years

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

The 2021 Nissan Kicks has 76 owner complaints and 2 safety recalls on file with NHTSA. Its Complaint Index is 57 out of 100 — #4 highest of 8 Kicks model years (verdict: Caution). The most reported problem area is structure & body (26 complaints, 34% of the total). Complaints report 6 crashes and 2 injuries.

Complaints: 76
Recalls: 2
Crashes / fires: 6 / 0
Injuries / deaths: 2 / 0
NHTSA overall rating: 4 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG: 33; 31 city / 36 hwy

2021 Nissan Kicks recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

NHTSA 23V496000Jul 18, 2023Steering11,824 vehicles
Steering:electric power assist system
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Versa and Kicks vehicles. An intermittent electrical connection in the electric power steering (EPS) torque sensor can disable the power steering assist.
Risk: Loss of power steering assist can increase the steering effort required, especially at low speeds, and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering column torque sensor lot code and replace the steering column assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PMA26. This recall involves vehicles that were previously inspected, but did not receive a steering column replacement, under recall number 22V-693. These vehicles will need to be reinspected for this recall.
NHTSA 22V693000Sep 15, 2022Steering20,040 vehicles
Steering:electric power assist system
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Versa and Kicks vehicles. An intermittent electrical connection in the electric power steering (EPS) torque sensor can disable the power steering assist.
Risk: Loss of power steering assist can increase the steering effort required, especially at low speeds, and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering column torque sensor lot code, and replace the column, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 9, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PMA10 / PMA25.

2021 Nissan Kicks fuel economy and fuel cost

City: 31 MPG
Highway: 36 MPG
Combined: 33 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA): $1,950; 15,000 mi/yr
Fuel: Regular
Current regular gas: $4.32/gal; national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2021 compared with other Kicks years

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Recalls	MPG
2019	Avoid	86	134	1	33
2020	Avoid	100	96	0	33
2021	Caution	57	76	2	33
2022	Best	14	23	0	33
2023	Best	0	18	1	33

All Nissan Kicks years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2021 Nissan Kicks a reliable year?: Judged by NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2021 Nissan Kicks ranks #4 of 8 among Kicks model years (Complaint Index 57/100, verdict: Caution). It has 76 complaints and 2 recalls on file. This reflects reported safety-related problems, not an overall reliability rating.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Nissan Kicks?: The most reported problem areas are structure & body (26 complaints), collision avoidance & cameras (15 complaints), and electrical system (11 complaints). The median mileage at the time of failure in complaints that report it is 68,508 miles.
Does the 2021 Nissan Kicks have any recalls?: Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2021 Nissan Kicks, most recently reported 2023, covering steering.
What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Nissan Kicks?: EPA rates the 2021 Nissan Kicks at 33 MPG combined (31 city / 36 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $1,950. Where several configurations exist, the median is shown.