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Engine & cooling

2018 Nissan Kicks Engine problems

Owners have filed 23 complaints about the 2018 Nissan Kicks's engine & cooling with NHTSA - 26% of all its complaints, most recently on October 2, 2026. Stalling, loss of power, oil consumption, overheating, head gaskets, timing chains and engine failure.

Complaints
23
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Fires
0
Injuries
0
Deaths
0

Engine complaints

Engine & coolingDriver assistance

Shows an error with the front collision sensor, the engine losses power and eventually shuts down (engine turns off) in the middle of the highway. The check engine light turns on as well as the Automatic Emergency Braking System warning light and the slip indicator light. It also displays the image of the front sensor light on with the warning message "Malfunction. See owners manual" I have taken the car to the shop several times for this specific reason, but nothing fixes this problem. I can start the car...

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again, but it has almost no power, no matter how much I push the gas pedal. Very frustrating and DANGEROUS. This car has been in the family for almost two years and it has always been the same problem with two different drivers.

Filed Incident Engine · Forward collision avoidanceNHTSA 11768605
Engine & cooling

My transmission failed while traveling on a highway at 60mph almost causing an accident. Issues with this generation of cvt transmissions have been the subject of multiple lawsuits and warrenty extensions. Nissan is knowingly selling defective vehicles and offer no assistance in resolving their failures. Nissan needs to be held accountable for risking the safety of its customers.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11765216
Electrical systemEngine & coolingDriver assistance

It originally started about two years ago when the check engine light came on (along with others) that point to a code with the Mass Air Flow sensor. It would stall at low RPMs at traffic lights, and was extremely worrying during normal driving. We got it replaced and so far okay, but recently the ABS and traction control lights come on and stay on. Another issue that many MANY Nissan owners experience. Some people thinks it's a dirty throttle body, dirty front collision sensor, dirfty MAF. The problem is that when...

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any of these issues are fixed, it comes back. We don't know why the ABS and traction control (plus front collision by the way) lights come on. We took it to a mechanic, it was off for two whole days. Now it's back on. Can't wait to have it stall on us in the mean time.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Engine · Forward collision avoidanceNHTSA 11752756
Engine & cooling

Vehicle experienced sudden engine stall/shutdown after warning indicators illuminated. While driving at low speed, the ABS warning light, front collision warning light, and check engine light appeared. After placing the vehicle in Park, the engine shut off unexpectedly. Vehicle would then restart but stall again within several seconds. This created a serious safety concern because the vehicle could lose power unexpectedly in traffic or while entering an intersection, reducing ability to accelerate, steer safely...

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with traffic flow, or avoid a collision. OBD diagnostic codes retrieved were P0101, P0102, and P0113. Based on research into common 2018-2020 Nissan Kicks issues, these codes may be secondary/false airflow sensor warnings caused by a failing or sticking electronic throttle body rather than an actual mass air flow sensor failure. Sudden stalling and restart-then-stall behavior are consistent with throttle body malfunction. Problem appears intermittent. Vehicle/component is available for inspection upon request. No prior warning lamps were present before the incident.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11732218
Engine & cooling

The contact owns a 2018 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle unexpectedly stalled and lost motive power, with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions and was diagnosed with airflow sensor failure. The contact was informed that the airflow sensor needed to be replaced. The airflow sensor was replaced; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle...

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was returned to the dealer and again diagnosed with a failed airflow sensor that required replacement. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure continued. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 100,574.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11729769
Engine & coolingDriver assistance

When put in park car started idling rough and then stalled. Engine light, collision warning light, and traction control light came on. Code scanned as a P0101 code.

Filed Incident Engine · Forward collision avoidanceNHTSA 11725369
BrakesEngine & coolingDriver assistance

Intermittently for the last year, car will show 3 dash lights: 1. AEB light 2. Slip indicator light 3. Master warning light When this occurs, the car can be slow to accelerate. When the three lights are on, the problem will persist until the engine is shut off for a period of several minutes. It does not occur every time the car is driven. In the last 3 months, there have been 3-4 instances where the check engine light has come on as well. The code every time has been P1010 or no code displayed. We tried...

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changing out the MAF sensor with a third party part, and the issue occurred even more frequently. We then went back to the first sensor after cleaning it with MAF sensor cleaner. This seemed to resolve the issue for a month, but then it started to reoccur. The last two occurrences of the check engine light have occurred after rapid acceleration. - Yes original part is available for inspection. - Safety is at risk for self and others as car can have issues accelerating, which makes it dangerous to enter freeways and highways (which are necessary for my commute). - Dealer has not reproduced the error, however they have not seen it with a check engine code (taking the car in tomorrow). - no inspection by insurance, police, or manufacturer. - before the 3 error lights started to come on fairly regularly (several times a week) I had a few issues of intermittent sluggish acceleration over the course of 1-2 years when this issue first started, but no lights came on at first.

Filed Incident Service brakes · Engine · Forward collision avoidanceNHTSA 11717137
Electrical systemEngine & coolingFuel system

The p0101 code has been going on and off of this car since purchase (3 years) the MAF sensor has been replaced twice and the check engine light comes back on after just a few days each time. This poses a safety risk because the car stops at stop lights and turns off, the car shakes at idle, the car refuses to accelerate risking pulling out in front of another car without being able to accelerate. The check engine light comes on and off and the traction control light as well, its so random and the only fix is to "change the sensor" which does not fix it because it happens again immediately after. Its dangerous and needs an actual fix.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11716621
Engine & cooling

Getting code p0101. When car first starts the throttle response is very low. Once the car warms up to seems to go away but it appears to be a consistent problem. Others are reporting as well for this vehicle.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11706522
Electrical systemEngine & coolingDriver assistance

The Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to idle roughly, stall unexpectedly, and trigger continuous beeping. During the failure, the power steering locked, making it extremely difficult to steer and creating a serious safety hazard for myself and others on the road. The issue was reproduced and confirmed by a service center, and the sensor was replaced by a Nissan dealership with the system reset/rebooted. However, despite this repair, the vehicle has again begun experiencing the same...

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symptoms, including rough idling, stalling, beeping, and loss of steering control. The recurrence of this problem after dealership repair indicates that the issue may extend beyond a single component and presents an ongoing safety concern. The vehicle and repair records remain available for inspection upon request.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Engine · Forward collision avoidanceNHTSA 11687188
SuspensionEngine & cooling

I purchased a 2018 Nissan Kicks with under 6k miles from Atlanta Luxury Motors (ALM Marietta) on April 29, 2022. The dealer failed to disclose the car was a Canadian import, which voided the manufacturer's warranty and left me responsible for unsafe defects. At under 30,000 miles, the suspension (struts) failed and had to be replaced, and by 60,000 miles the CVT transmission began showing fault codes, slipping, and jerking, creating serious safety risks while driving. The undercarriage also showed early rust. These...

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problems were confirmed by independent mechanics and service centers, and I have paid over $3,000 in repairs and will inquire more if transmission has to be replaced costing between 6-8k. The vehicle's defects put me and others at risk of loss of control, and I request NHTSA investigation to determine if this model or imported versions are unsafe for U.S. consumers.

Filed Incident Suspension · EngineNHTSA 11684867
Engine & coolingFuel system

Code P0101 comes up which indicates an issue with the car's MAF system triggering a check engine light. This is widely known to be a software issue and is chronic in many Nissan Kick's manufactured around 2018-2020. This is a faulty error code and ends up visiting consumers hundreds of dollars to repair and almost always returns despite actions being taken to repair the issue.

Filed Incident Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11682015
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

Frequently we get error P0101 and the car loses power. It says "Mass or Volume Air Flow, A Circuit Range/Poerformance error. For us that means the car loses power, limps along or jerks suddenly and the lights flash, this can happen at any time. Happens about one or twice a month at very random times, not dependant on the weather. We have changed the MAF sensor as instructed but this still happens and it quite dangerous when driving or pulling away from a stop.

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11675888
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11672377
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & coolingDriver assistance

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

Filed Incident Power train · Engine · Forward collision avoidanceNHTSA 11670107
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

while driving will stall and power off in the middle of traffic, the dealer said this issue was caused by the idle air control valve sensor, but continued to do this even after the sensor was cleaned and replaced, this has been happening over several years. it started when i received the vehicle 18k miles and continued periodically, it is extremely unsafe, now it is unusable, at 88k miles i am replacing the computer. i hope this will finally fix the issue.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11581803
SteeringEngine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident Steering · Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11553121
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

Car started/idled rough but stopped after acceleration. Mile into drive, yellow ck engine light flashing. Drove home and took it to auto store for free diagnostic. Misfire cylinder 1. Took to nussan dealer where purchased (certified used) to have them check it out. Light is now off, but code is stored. They moved plugs around and sent ne on my way to see if it happened again. Later that day, same thing only worse abd ck engine solid. Had it towed back. Told it was wiring harness. 6000 repair( nissan covering some). Big expense for a car with only 51,000 miles, and not covered by warrenty.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11539198
Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

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...

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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.

Filed Incident Power train · Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11486653
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

This car has been shutting down without warning, everything goes haywire and shuts off. When or if it start back up, the gauges aren't working. Several times I have had to jump start the vehicle. I was almost hit by an 18-wheeler, and I cringe at the fact my Dad or Son could have been driving or I could had my nieces or grandchildren in the car with me. My Dad purchased this car last year and it still doesn't have 45,000 miles on it. I tried to get it into a Nissan Services center, and I have to wait until the end of next week to have it checked out. This vehicle is a death trap.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11472977
Electrical systemEngine & coolingDriver assistance

When driving my car the slip indicator will come on. My car will then struggle to stay running and then the malfunction light and car collision lights will also pop on. This happens when I am driving at any speed and if I place in park the car will completely shut down.

Filed Incident Electrical system · Engine · Forward collision avoidanceNHTSA 11466520
Wheels & tiresEngine & cooling

205/55/R17 I've taken the car to Nissan Jackie cooper in Tulsa ok they've replaced the battery from running on low power. Left it there for two days & they said the computer system is failing always restarting while I'm driving backup camera doesn't work sometimes or is very very blurry. My car has stalled on me almost daily & shuts down i put it in park & it's fine but it's a ticking time bomb it has 47,000 miles always put Mobil 1 full synthetic & a Mobil one oil filter top of the line these things should absolutely not be happening & also the air filter that lets air into the engine accordion has been loose since i received the car from them. These recalls need to be taken care of.

Filed Incident Tires · EngineNHTSA 11438445
Electrical systemEngine & cooling

The vehicle has turned off 3 times on the freeway. And it won't start fast it takes from 15 minutes to half an hour. They have already repaired it 2 times and it continues with the same problem. *Tr

Filed Incident Electrical system · EngineNHTSA 11329825

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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