Power Train Problems of Nissan Kicks - part 1

When I was pulling out of my driveway, my car wouldn't accelerate and started making a terrible noise. I lost all power and couldn't get it to move leaving me stuck in the middle of the road. It wouldn't even let me coast off to the side of the road. I have had this same problem before with this transmission and had it replaced with a new manufactured for my car by Nissan transmission.

See all problems of the 2019 Nissan Kicks 🔎.

Vehicle will not go forward when accelerating, the vehicle does go in reverse. It is available for inspection at Nissan vacaville. It is a safety risk as I was driving, it stalled in turning lane on street and wouldn't go. I had to have it put in neutral so I could get it to a safe location so I could have it towed to my residence. I have a service report saying that there's a faulty piece in the transmission by Nissan in vacaville. No indication that there were any issues to the vehicle when I took it for service on Saturday 2/28/26. No lights came on the car or anything that would warrant an issue.

See all problems of the 2022 Nissan Kicks 🔎.

Vehicle was just purchased from a Nissan dealership (2020 Kicks) and less than 1,300 miles of driving throwing a code stating there is a problem with cvt transmission. Will not produce enough power when going uphill. Rpms will suddenly not go over 1 when given gas uphill. There was a recall for this problem on other 2020 Kicks but ours isn't covered and we just purchased this vehicle and drove it home less than 2 months ago.

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The contact owns a 2025 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 mph, there was a loud vibrating sound coming from the rear driver’s side of the vehicle, with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that on several occasions, the vehicle wobbled unexpectedly, with a grinding sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure persisted and that the vehicle was towed on several occasions. The vehicle was towed to several dealers; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. An undisclosed dealer stated that the loud clunking sound was coming from the front tires during a test drive. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 8,958.

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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 contact owns a 2021 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 mph, there was a loud boom coming from the engine compartment with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the traffic light turned red, and the contact stopped the vehicle, and the vehicle failed to move when the light turned green. The contact stated that the driver behind started honking the horn however, the contact was unable to drive off and waved the other driver to go around. The contact stated that when the vehicle finally responded, the vehicle reversed instead and crashed into another vehicle. The police was called, and a police report was filed. The contact sustained a left side muscle strain from the neck down to the hip. The contact received medical attention at the emergency room. The contact called the insurance provider, and the vehicle was towed to a collision center. The contact was informed that the failure was transmission related. The insurance provider stated that the damages to the body of the vehicle would be repaired however, any failures to the transmission was not covered, and referred the contact to the manufacturer for assistance. The insurance provider stated that there were transmission related recalls for similar vehicles; however, the contact had not received any notifications of a transmission recall. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

See all problems of the 2021 Nissan Kicks 🔎.

When driving my car the crash light comes on in traffic and sometimes when braking. Recently it started to flash the hydroplaning symbol and now the check engine is on. I’ve seen other people online having the same issue with their vehicles as well.

I was driving, slowed down to stop at a red light. As I proceeded to stop the car made a noise like something was in front of me as I was driving too close. I made a grinding noise and would not go forward as I proceeded to go. I was in the street, had to put on emergency flasher so no one would hit me from the rear. Once traffic cleared I was able drive the car in reverse to a safe location. I called aaa road side assistance had the vehicle tolled back to my daughter house, called the dealership to retrieve warranty document so I can take it to a Nissan dealership to have it inspected. There were no warning signs, lamps, or message from the screen to show there was a problem. No warning signs prior to the vehicle malfunctioning.

I was driving on the road like normal and suddenly I got a front collision warning on the dash, the car wouldn’t accelerate and lost all power. Check engine light also came on with code reading p0101. I’ve had this issue before and the dealer doesn’t know what to do or they want to charge me a lot of money to fix it. I’ve read online many many people having the same issue. Luckily this hasn’t happened on the highway but if it does happen it could be catastrophic.

See all problems of the 2018 Nissan Kicks 🔎.

Transmission went out with no warning.

The dealer checked my car and changed some transmission parts but I feel the revs drop when I drive. The dealer cannot find anything. I must use the emergency brakes because the car moves in parking even in a flat place. The dealer said it was normal.

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle occasionally experienced reduction in automotive power with the "system malfunction" message displayed. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the battery had been replaced twice however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that no cause for the failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

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.

We have had several problems with our 2021 Nissan Kicks, all of which are safety concerns, and all of which have have occurred at well under 100,000 miles. We purchased the vehicle from a Nissan dealer in January of 2022. 1 - rust is bubbling up from under the paint. I am told this is perforating rust that could easily spread to or originate from the frame of the vehicle. This could cause the entire structure to fail. Despite the 5 year, no mileage limitation warranty for perforating rust, Nissan has refused to comply with the warranty. At the executive complaint level, they have admitted that the warranty exists, but at the repair level, Nissan has repeatedly informed the dealer that the vehicle is not covered by a rust warranty or that the warranty expired based on mileage. The person at the corporate complaint level refuses to speak with the dealer or affirm the coverage in writing. At the repair level, Nissan has offered a fix outside of warranty coverage (a patch) which does not provide the continuing coverage provided by a warranty repair (which requires replacement of the panel). I have spent countless hours taking the car in to have it looked at and on the phone to try to get coverage with no success. 2 - the structural metal on the inside of the drivers door is cracking. We took the car in for repair because the window was not working but when they opened it up, they found that the the structural metal of the door itself where the window mechanism is attached has cracked. We have video indicating this may be a design defect in addition to poor materials. The Nissan dealer is not helpful, saying only that they don't have a body shop. Body shops say the entire door needs to be replaced but do not want to get involved with seeking help from Nissan. 3 - the cvt transmission failed just after the manufacturers warranty expired which is way too early for this problem. By some miracle, most of the cost was covered by a third party warranty company.

The transmission has always juddered and got the run around that nothing was wrong and now the car judders more.

The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning light was illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure with an unidentified recall for a cvt transmission failure; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Limp mode defect occured while on highway in the middle of the country of USA.

Pc solenoid b car reduces power & hesitates while driving.

At 54,000 miles on my car my car was shaking and not wanting to go past 20miles an hour. My check engine light came on. Safety was at risk, there was no warning that my car was having trouble. It was driving fine one minute and ttem all of a sudden check engine light came on. Feel that the cvt engines in Nissan are not safe.

They have replaced the transmission two times and this transmission is going bad, it's slipping, shuddering, and hesitating when you hit the gas. This car is a death trap waiting to happen. Nissan knows they put junk transmissions in these cars but still sells them. Nissan is going to end up hurting/killing a lot of innocent lives. It's not safe to be driving this car around, half the time the car doesn't want to go when you hit the gas. My daughter turns 16 and will not be driving this death trap. Nissan needs to recall the 2020 Nissan Kicks sv transmissions too. I do have all the paperwork from the transmissions being put it. I get the run around with the dealer. The vibration issue and they say it'll do that at 90. The collision light is always coming on (I have pictures of that too).

The transmission on my 2019 Nissan Kicks shudders, jerks and experiences acceleration problems intermittently. This began more noticeably at the end of the 5 year factory warranty.

When I try to accelerate after a red light, I feel a bang from my car, later the car don't move to any direction, engine still running. It have to be towed to repair shop. The diagnostic was catastrophic failure. The option was replace the transmission. The car previously never give me a sing of failure.

Xtronic cvt transmission--available for inspection the car stalled out on a busy interstate exit. The dealership has inspected it and said that they can't pull any codes off of it and looks mechanically sound.

Transmission failed before the car reaching 15,000 miles. The car dealership replaced the transmission after two week in the shop. They did not provide a loner car so I was without a car for 2 weeks. After the car was worked and the new transmission installed, it was given back to me. Today 12/16 I had to take it back to the dealership because it’s giving a check engine indication. The dealership informed it is a known issue with this cars but I haven’t seen any recalls. Today, my car has no warranty since it expired. This is unacceptable.

The contact rented a 2021 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving at a low speed in heavy traffic, the vehicle inadvertently lost all motive power. After coming to a complete stop and shifting into park, the contact became aware that the transmission had seized and the gear selector was unable to shift back into drive. Upon having the vehicle towed, the tow company was only able to shift the gear selector into reverse. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the rental company's service center for repair; as a result, the diagnosis of the failure was unknown to the contact. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 54,000.

The cvt transmission in my Kicks slips every time I try to accelerate. It will also stall out from time to time, lose power and die. I've had this happen on an interstate before, almost causing a serious wreck. I have taken it to the dealership multiple times and they keep telling me that there is nothing wrong with it mechanically that they can see.

The motor/engine consumes excess oil creating a burnt smell and a lot of whitesmoke coming out of the muffler. The vehicle is stalling constantly and won’t accelerate properly while driving. Creating an unsafe environment for me and those driving near me. I have repair and install new piece but non of them would fix the problem. I took it to the dealer and they didn’t find the problem. I have heard of a lot of people having the same issue with this model of vehicle.

My gear snapped off when I was putting it back into park.

Front crash sensor comes on occassionally, drive train is now knocking, and radio now has a mind of its own won't display will just randomly increase volume.

Transmission failed for 2019 Nissan Kicks need to b replaced n it’s expensive.

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds or after driving from a complete stop, the vehicle was hesitating while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact also stated that there was hesitation while shifting between gears. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact made a local dealer aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not yet taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 54,000.

Motor issues constant ticking noise the motor is making looks like Nissan is not wanting to cover powertrain warranty looks like upper part of motor has issues and could stop working at anytime especially on a busy highway.

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated while trying to place the vehicle into reverse (r) the gear shift lever would not move. The contact said she had turned the vehicle off and on several times and had to wait over 20 minutes before the shift lever would move into reverse (r). The contact stated that the failure started as an intermittent failure but was now constant. The contact stated the "check engine" warning was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where she had not had the vehicle diagnosed due to a fee being charged. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 4,000.

Transmission is defective by design. Fails in an unsafe manner which leaves the vehicle in a fully driving state throwing no error codes. The car however with randomly loose traction and slip while driving at roughly 40 mph. Nissan refused to address the issue without ~$8k to replace the transmission and online articles suggest these are defective and will just break again soon after replacing.

Here I am for a 3rd time reporting an issue with this car. After work I went to get in my car. I could not turn it on, I was not able to push the brake and a lot of lights came on. I decided it needed jumped so I got jumped. The next day I remote start the car and see it did not turn on. So I went out to start it and it once again didnt start. I jumped it again. I then decided it needed a new battery as it was the original to the car. I went to batteries plus and the guy was not even sure how I managed to jump it as it was completely drained. He mentioned something about the alternator. The one I just had replaced a year ago for my car stopping on me at speeds of 50+. He recommended me not to drive it and get it towed to a dealership. He tested my alternator and said it is not testing where is should. I had a tow truck driver follow me to south colorado springs Nissan. I took it in they said the battery test (brand new battery that was only hours old) and my alternator both failed testing. They then let me car sit over the weekend and of course its acting normal now. Clearly something is triggering the alternator to fail quickly as I had just got this one replaced a year ago. That needs to be looked into more. They didn't find anything and sent me on my way. The photos attached are from the 2 years worth of problems I have had.