Nissan Kicks owners have reported 22 steering related problems since 1996. Table 1 shows the 1 most common steering problems. The number one most common problem is related to the vehicle's steering (22 problems). For details of each of the problem category, use the links in the table.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Steering problems |
The contact owns a 2025 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that there was a popping sound coming from the steering wheel while making a left or right turn. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the sound. The dealer had not diagnosed or repaired the vehicle. The contact stated that the sound had become more prominent and persistent. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.
Nissan of macomb, all of them know us by name mike & bev steering issue- does not drive straight down the highway, slightest touch and off it goes in whatever direction you touched the steering wheel, and it will not recover, it will continue that direction until corrected. . Dangerous to drive Nissan of macomb, alignment one of 7 (with hubcaps on, broke a hubcap, never replaced ), worse than when we brought it in received with 190 miles on it, a porter drove it from ohio to michigan, rear quarter was caved in, sun faded front quarter plastic, steering wheel kinked to the left at least 30 degrees, headlights aimed straight up in the air, rear wipers didn’t work, remote start didn’t work (still no labels even knowing it’s installed), approach lighting didn’t work, cracked door sills and ripped rubber surrounds during dealer installed options, exhaust system rattling, did the porter hit something and not report it to keep his job “?” first 30 days of ownership, we were in possession of the vehicle for roughly 5-7 days, back n forth constantly and no one would repair the problems, driving loaner vehicles. . No one would help us, here’s your car see ya seven (7) days leading up to a must drive to florida, repeatedl phone calls to gm cliff and service mngr amere, no call back, no answer of phones, messages left on their desks by the service girls answering the phones, nothing. . 4-5 times a day every day, even texted the sales server phone number, it’s not easy for us to just pickup and drive an hour down there, disabled heart patient is always with us. . Nightmare drive all the way to florida, the fatigue the stress, my hands hurt holding on to the steering wheel. . Many close calls shifting in lane and side smacking other vehicles. Dangerous to drive on highway.
2026 Nissan Kicks, less than 1,500 mi. Computer system several warning lights appeared without notice; caused car to shut off and sputter before starting several times. The first time the warning lights that came on were: warning (exclamation point inside triangle); malfunction see owner's manual (in orange box on panel) with all collision symbols showing [pictures avail on request] second warning lights ( warning temporarily disabled clean sensor area see owner's manual) in bigger yellow / orange box on computer screen with exclamation point in triangle symbols and crash symbol) [pics avail] vehicle problem both duplicated and inspected at dealership. Connector pin harness needed repair/replaced. Oil light flashed after repairs. Clicks heard while turning right or left. Vehicle diagnostic inspected at another Nissan dealership out of state. [audio and vid avail] Nissan dealership ocala FL could not duplicate either problem with test drive. Problem persisted. Scheduled appointment at an ice cold air. Problem was identified as possible cv axle problems and referred to Nissan dealership since have warrenty. Went to maas Nissan dealership in brooksville FL. Dealership was able to hear and duplicate customer complaint with noise turning wheel. Dealership had to replace both right and left front axles of brand new 2026 Nissan Kicks car, a major repair less than 1,900 miles. [service records avail].
The likely failed component is the electronic steering column lock (escl). Associated systems include the steering column, bcm, and eps motor. Yes, the vehicle and component are available for inspection upon request (owner: [xxx] , [xxx] ). The safety of the owner and other drivers was put at risk by the sudden, unpredictable loss of steering control (locking mid-turn). This makes it impossible to safely navigate curves or avoid hazards, leading to a high risk of a severe crash, injury, or fatality. The no-start condition also strands the owner. Unknown. The report only states that the symptoms strongly align with an escl failure based on a diagnostic summary, but does not explicitly confirm a dealer or independent service center has reproduced or confirmed the specific escl component failure. Unknown. The report does not mention inspection by the manufacturer (Nissan), police, or insurance representatives. The main warning symptom is the intermittent brake warning light (randomly turning on and off while driving, with no clear cause). The problems have been ongoing for the past year and appear to be worsened by the extreme heat in [xxx] . The vehicle generally does not display helpful diagnostic codes despite serious failures. The incident involves multiple, recurring, safety-critical failures in a 2021 Nissan Kicks, including the catastrophic loss of steering function while driving. The core issue is assessed to be a malfunctioning electronic steering column lock (escl). This failure causes the steering wheel to jam/lock, intermittent no-start conditions, and electrical inconsistencies (random brake light/lack of diagnostic codes). These failures are beyond the driver's control, unpredictable, and create an extreme safety hazard, rendering the vehicle unsafe to operate. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
The contact owns a 2025 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle with the telescoping steering wheel locked into position, the steering wheel erroneously moved from the locked position. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
Description of the problem on August 28, 2025, I had my vehicle serviced at Nissan of dearborn due to a transmission malfunction. After the service was completed, I noticed the front end was pulling to the right, as time progress I became concerned. I took the vehicle to an independent service center for a front-end alignment. During the inspection, I was informed that the control arms were loose and needed to be replaced. Responses to required questions what component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? the transmission initially malfunctioned, and later the front suspension/control arms were found to be loose after the transmission was replaced. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? loose control arms and steering misalignment significantly compromised vehicle stability, creating a risk of loss of control while driving, which could lead to an accident. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes, the issue with the control arms was confirmed by an independent service center during the alignment inspection. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? the vehicle has not yet been inspected by Nissan corporate or other authorities, but it is available for inspection. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? there were no warning lamps or messages prior to the transmission malfunction. The pulling to the right began immediately after the dealership service on August 28, 2025. Safety concern I purchased this vehicle, August 22, 2024, but have not owned it long enough to expect major component failures. This situation has created a serious safety risk, and I am requesting Nissan corporate to investigate this matter urgently and provide a resolution, including repair or reimbursement.
I went to have car checked and mechanic said it was a recall and the problem is an unstable electrical connection within the sensor that measures the force the driver applies to the steering wheel during turns and can result in the power steering feature being disabled. I can have inspection done at any time. I drive my family to work and my infant grandson around. I don’t want to have an accident or put my family at risk. Other vehicles that were of the same yr and make have been recalled but mine was made in a different country so it has not been recalled as of yet but I need answers due to the risk factor of driving this vehicle.
We took our car to mclarty daniel Nissan for new tire installation and wheel alignment. During checkout, we noticed that the alignment printout shows some of the values were still out of spec (see attached photo) and the red warning note stated that this may result in tire wear, handling and safety problems. The service advisor said those are not adjustable so there is nothing they could do. I reached out to Nissan consumer affairs and they did not take responsibility either and asked me to work with the dealer. The dealer says it is a manufacturing issue and is not willing to do anything. I am so disappointed with both parties and hoping you will help with this issue so we do not have to drive an unsafe car. Thank you.
My steering is erratic and sometimes it feels like it’s pulling hard to one side or the other and when I try to correct it actually over corrects. I’ve read about the eps problems when looking into options for repair/replace. I feel it too dangerous for driving anywhere. It is a 2018 Nissan Kicks. Thank you.
Something or power steering seems to be affected, especially more so during rainy or snowy seasons. Wheel needs no assistance to turn and turn very easily as I turned/spun it to one side and other. Seems to go passed its lock point. Especially noticeable during reverse and park/when parking.
1. Maf sensor replaced 3 times within a few months of replacing each time. (took it to the Nissan dealership multiple times and all they do is replace it without further diagnosing as to why) 2. Replaced the transmission in March 2025 (Nissan wanted to charge me ($8300. 00). I took it to glen burnie transmission ($5708. 00) 3. Replaced the alternator on 7 June 2025. 4. Vehicle has been hesitating and stalling while driving. 5. Vehicle doesn't want to start when I push the button and put my foot on the brake pedal. 6. Power steering issues (the steering wheel goes loose at times when I make turns or while trying to back up and then the vehicle stalls and then accelerates on it's own. 7. Vehicle is making a clicking sound. *vehicle is currently at firestone being diagnosed for the issues 4-7 mentioned above. *I stopped taking it to Nissan because they charge way to much for these issues that seem to be a constant issue but won't due any recalls on the 2020 Kicks. Vehicle purchased in may 2020. I will have to provide the repair receipts once I get the vehicle back from firestone because all of the documents are in the vehicle.
Broken front springs. Yes, it is available for inspection. Possible front tire failure, due to rupture of tire by broken spring. Yes, confirmed by Nissan of stratham nh. No, not at this time. No warning at all. Found broken spring on July 1, 2024. Inspected by Nissan of stratham on July 8 2024.
Hello, I noticed my battery light came Friday, April 5th, but the indicator light went off after about 45 seconds. Saturday, April 6th, I was driving and the battery light came on again, after 5 minutes the acceleration stopped working as I turned into the subdivision. The vehicle was going 5mph, I was able to make to a relatives house. Once I pull in the driveway, all of the indicator lights came on and a warning message appeared, malfunction see owners manual. My cousin tried jumping the battery, but it still wouldn't start, so he tried again. I was finally able to start the vehicle, but I was only able to move it from the driveway to the street before the power steering went out and the vehicle shut off. I had the vehicle towed to the dealership Monday, April, 8th, they did a diagnostic Tuesday, April 9th. I was told the battery lost 3 cells, so they replaced it and told me I can take it home. After I finished my night workout, I'm driving home, it's now around 12 am Wednesday, April 10th (today) and the same thing happens. Battery light comes on, no acceleration, power steering goes out, all of the indicator lights are on with the malfunction warning, and finally the vehicle cuts off. I left it parked in a random neighborhood, and I'm having it towed again this evening after work. I have pictures and video evidence. This vehicle is not safe to drive. Thank you.
I was driving in traffic in a 30mph zone and my car turned off, and I was unable to push down on the brakes. I had to use my emergency brake a could hardly turn my wheel and stop in the center divider of the road. I turned on my hazards and waited 15 minutes and was able to restart the car a drive home. This was very dangerous and could have caused an accident.
Not sure what causes this failure in the Kicks but if there is any wind at all when driving over 45 mph and/or traveling on a highway, interstate the steering becomes super sloppy and the car is difficult to control and maintain lanes in moderate wind conditions. You have to grip the steering wheel hard and fight to maintain your lane in the wind or pull off until the wind is under 10 mph. It is a serious hazard to occupants and anyone else on the road. All systems were in line and the vehicle only had between 800 - 1000 miles on it, tire pressure was good and all systems were good - the Kicks should not be driven in any weather-related conditions. It was so bad I took a $10k loss on the vehicle with under 6000 miles and traded it in within less than 6 months of purchase. I am on a fixed income so this was a huge expense and not an easy choice to lose that kind of money but it was better than the alternative and trying to drive it in the wind. Please investigate the Kicks before someone dies from this problem. Of note I have a friend with a versa that looks a lot like the Kicks that has the same problem - her solution if there is any wind she stays home and does not drive.
Purchased vehicle new and the dealership delivered it to the house the mileage was under 300. Drove the car approximately 100 miles and while driving on the interstate on the return trip there was a slight wind under 10 mph. The vehicle was difficult to control as the slightest wind causes the vehicle steering to drift over and the steering is so temperamental that the slightest correction can make you overcorrect. Driving in windy conditions is very difficult and you have to hold the steering wheel tightly to keep the vehicle from leaving the roadway. Passing trucks also cause the vehicle steering to be a problem. I do not know if it is due to vehicle weight, the design of the body, or the steering system. I have a friend with a versa that is almost identical to my car and she experiences the same problem with her steering in the wind - her solution is she never drives if there is the slightest wind. I wish I had not purchased the vehicle unfortunately it had already been a week or two since purchase when I drove it more than a mile from my home. It now has almost 5000 miles on it and with the recent storms and 20 mph winds, it is not safe to operate on any highway or interstate due to the steering issue. The car was bought outright from the dealership.
I bought a brand new Kicks sport s that was delivered to me with 231 miles on it. It ran great but when driving on the interstate when a slight crosswind kicked up the vehicle steering was almost unmanageable. It was difficult keeping the vehicle on the road below the posted speed with only 5 -10 mile winds. Tire inflation was proper and everything worked great until there was even the slightest wind. I traded the car in at under 4000 miles due to this fact since it was not safe to drive and took a $10,000 loss only months after purchase and paid in full at the time of purchase. This is the biggest scam for a vehicle and should not be on the road they are dangerous and sorry but after losing almost a year's income on this vehicle I wish I had never seen one of them much less bought one. Very unsafe people will end up dying buying this vehicle. I would not put my children or grandkids in this car if there was any wind whatsoever nor would I ever ride in one with any wind ever again.
The contact owns a 2022 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated while driving at 65 mph, the steering wheel turned all the way to the left independently. The contact stated that upon steering, the steering wheel veered to the right and he lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle veered to the right and crashed into a concrete barrier. The air bags deployed. The contact was transported to the hospital with the assistance of the emergency units. The contact sustained a fractured back and had surgery. The contact also sustained pain in the lower back and was currently hospitalized. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact did not recall whether the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 300.
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 secomd time, the car started moving again.
I purchased this vehicle a Nissan Kicks 2019 at naples Nissan in may 2019 at 5 miles and it started having problems in September 2019. Swaying and shimmy feelings, floating on the highway especially over bumps and lane changes in the rain its worse. I took it to naples Nissan told them the problem they said the road was unlevel after requesting the manager they put it on machine and claim it needed a wheel alignment. I got the wheel alignment same situation. Honestly I didn't think it was a wheel alignment issue because the steering wheel was not off but what do I know. All I knew was it felt the same way scary ,unsafe and dangerous. I contacted Nissan corporate office and was told to take to another dealer which I did. After taking it to surtherlin Nissan they check the vehicle and claim there was nothing wrong said it was the wind. They had my vehicle all day and only drove the car for 6 miles and stated 2 people drove vehicle and found no problems and that since I had a truck which was a Nissan armanda theres a difference. I drive this car one and half hours every day, I have numerous amount of cars never felt this before. I almost got into accident due to car going in its on direction. I had to take days off of work. I am scare to drive or allow my daughter to drive this car it's a serious problem it's scary,unsafe and dangerous for my life and others I need someone help. Thank you.
Car oversteers,almost rolling over; when on incline or steep driveway, (steep driveway like my home) car rolls back several feet; when shifting from park to reverse, Kicks makes grinding noise and shifts very roughly; have made numerous concerns to Nissan, several near accidents.
At random times when the car is started the engine starts but none of the instruments in the dashboard (digital gauge, sensors, etc. . . ) including the stereo would turn on. In addition power steering is not functional. It takes several tries of restarting the car in order to get all the gauges, sensors, stereo and power steering to function. This issur can happen when the car is completely off and it is turned on. I even took a video showing the issue.