Free used car buyer guide / P15 first generation / 2018-2024
Nissan Kicks common problems and best years
By BYBA Research - how we score cars
Updated 2026-06-12
BYBA Buy Score
6.0/10
3 walk-away risks, 3 serious faults, 2 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: xtronic cvt shudder, flare, or failure. Score methodology.
The 2018-2024 Nissan Kicks is cheap to run and easy to park, but the used-car risk is concentrated in the CVT, front radar/AEB system, and recall paperwork. The traps are Jatco CVT shudder or failure, false automatic emergency braking, 2021 electric power steering torque-sensor recalls, 2023-2024 driver airbag inflator recall, weak 12V/MAF-related warning cascades, and the 2018-2019 backup-camera recall. The safest buy is a 2022-2024 SV/SR with documented CVT fluid service, no AEB warnings, and closed airbag recall. Current owners should service the CVT earlier than Nissan's marketing suggests and keep diagnostic printouts because intermittent sensor faults are difficult to prove later.
Faults covered
8
Highest risk
Xtronic CVT shudder,
Best years
2022-2024
Best buys
- 2022-2024 Kicks SV/SR with quiet CVT, clean AEB operation, and recall file closed.
- 2021 car only if EPS recalls 22V693 and 23V496 are closed by VIN.
- Lower-mile 2019-2020 car with CVT fluid history and no radar warning history.
Inspect hard
- Any 2018-2021 car for CVT judder, delayed take-up, and prior transmission replacement.
- Any Kicks for front radar/AEB warnings after rain, snow, or dirty grille emblem.
- Any 2023-2024 car for 24V154 driver airbag inflator completion.
Avoid
- Car that flares revs, loses acceleration, or has CVT judder with no Nissan diagnosis.
- AEB light or random braking complaint that seller calls normal weather behaviour.
- Open EPS or airbag recall where seller blocks dealer/VIN verification.
Next checks
Before you contact the seller
Check the car's history first. Then bring the right tools if it still looks worth viewing.
Primary next step
Check history, title, and recall status
The faults above matter more if the car also has accident history, finance flags, missing service records, or open safety recalls.
Viewing kit
Bring the right tools
Four cheap tools catch most of the faults on this page at a Nissan Kicks viewing.
Printable workflow
Take the inspection pack
The PDF is the ordered checklist for the viewing: documents, walk-around, test drive, and scan.
Open PDF optionSome links here are partner links. If you buy through one, BYBA earns a commission. The price you pay does not change. How we make money.
Engines and trims
Which Nissan Kicks should you buy?
On most used cars, the engine and trim choice changes the risk more than the mileage does. Narrow this down before you start viewing cars.
1.6 HR16DE petrol with Xtronic CVT
2018-2020
BUY ONLY AFTER CVT TEST
The engine is simple and economical; the transmission is the expensive part. Early cars are now cheap enough that one CVT replacement can exceed the saving over a cleaner later car.
1.6 HR16DE petrol with revised equipment/software
2021-2024
BEST US-MARKET CHOICE
Later P15 cars have the same basic formula but more safety tech and fewer age-led problems. They still need CVT fluid records, AEB verification, and recall lookup.
1.3 turbo / 1.5 petrol regional Kicks
2018-2024 outside North America
MARKET-SPECIFIC
Engines and transmissions vary by market, so import buyers should verify the exact drivetrain from the VIN. The buyer risks remain similar: CVT behaviour, radar calibration, parts support, and recall access.
Kicks e-Power hybrid
2020-2024 in selected markets
SPECIALIST SCAN ONLY
e-Power cars drive electrically but use a petrol generator. They are outside the normal US Kicks pattern and need hybrid-system scan capability, battery warranty proof, and local parts support.
Year notes
Year-by-year buyer advice
Use this to narrow the search before you spend time travelling to view a car.
2018
First US-market Kicks year; 19V654 backup-camera recall later covers 2018-2019 cars.
Buyer: Cheap only if the CVT is smooth and the camera recall is closed.
Owner: Start CVT fluid records now; age is catching up with early cars.
2019
Second year; NHTSA complaint volume is high in the early P15 window.
Buyer: Spend more time on CVT and AEB behaviour than on cosmetic trim.
Owner: Clean radar/emblem area and keep service invoices because intermittent AEB faults return.
2020
Carryover before facelift; no US recall result in the NHTSA API snapshot checked.
Buyer: Good budget year if CVT, front radar, and battery test clean.
Owner: Do not skip transmission service just because there is no recall.
2021
Facelift; EPS torque-sensor recalls 22V693 and 23V496 affect certain Versa/Kicks vehicles.
Buyer: Run the VIN before test drive and check steering assist at parking speeds.
Owner: Complete EPS recall and keep the work order; steering warnings scare buyers.
2022
Later first-gen car with lower complaint volume in the checked NHTSA data.
Buyer: Best value if CVT fluid history exists and AEB does not misbehave.
Owner: Use this year to build a clean maintenance file before higher mileage.
2023
Driver airbag inflator recall 24V154 affects some 2023-2024 Kicks.
Buyer: Late car still needs recall lookup, especially airbag and AEB behaviour.
Owner: Close airbag action immediately and document it.
2024
Final first-gen US year before redesign; 24V154 remains the major recall check.
Buyer: Do not overpay for a 2024 with unresolved airbag or CVT complaints.
Owner: Keep airbag campaign and CVT service records to protect resale.
Common problems
Faults to check before buying
What fails, what it looks like, what it costs, and the quick checks you can do at the viewing - ranked by how badly each one can hurt you.
Fault 1
Xtronic CVT shudder, flare, or failure
Affects
2018-2024 Kicks with CVT, especially higher-mile and poorly serviced cars.
Symptoms
Judder, whining, delayed drive/reverse, rpm flare, loss of acceleration, limp mode.
Typical repair cost
EUR 250-600 fluid service; EUR 3,500-7,000+ replacement CVT.
Codes / scan clues
P17F0, P17F1, pressure-control, ratio, or step-motor related codes depending scan.
Root cause: CVT belt/pulley wear, heat, fluid breakdown, and pressure-control faults.
Quick check
- Start cold and shift P-R-D while stationary.
- Crawl in traffic and accelerate firmly onto a faster road.
- Listen for whine and watch rpm versus road speed.
- Scan the transmission module, not only engine OBD.
Buyer note
A bad CVT is the Kicks deal-breaker.
Owner note
Service the fluid early and stop driving if shudder appears.
Fault 2
False AEB activation or front radar warning
Affects
2018-2024 Kicks with front automatic emergency braking.
Symptoms
Brake warning, sudden braking with no obstacle, disabled cruise/AEB, radar blocked message.
Typical repair cost
EUR 150-350 cleaning/diagnosis; EUR 800-1,800 radar sensor and calibration.
Codes / scan clues
ADAS/radar calibration and front sensor faults.
Root cause: Front radar sensor/emblem contamination, misalignment, sensor failure, or calibration fault.
Quick check
- Inspect front emblem/radar area for cracks, film, dirt, or accident repair.
- Drive with AEB enabled in dry conditions and watch for warnings.
- Scan ADAS/radar module and check calibration status.
- Ask whether the radar sensor was replaced or only cleaned.
Buyer note
Random braking is not a normal personality trait; it needs diagnosis.
Owner note
Keep the sensor area clean and document every dealer visit for AEB faults.
Fault 3
Electric power steering torque-sensor recalls
Affects
Certain 2021 Kicks under NHTSA 22V693 and 23V496.
Symptoms
Heavy steering, EPS warning, intermittent assist loss, steering effort changes while parking.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 recall; EUR 900-2,000+ steering column/EPS repair.
Codes / scan clues
EPS torque sensor and steering assist codes.
Root cause: Intermittent electrical connection in EPS torque sensor can disable assist.
Quick check
- Run VIN for 22V693 and 23V496.
- Turn lock-to-lock at idle and low speed.
- Scan EPS module for stored torque-sensor faults.
- Reject any active steering warning until dealer repair is complete.
Buyer note
A 2021 Kicks without EPS recall proof is not ready to buy.
Owner note
Close both recall records if applicable; some cars appear in expansion handling.
Fault 4
Driver airbag inflator moisture recall
Affects
Certain 2023-2024 Kicks under NHTSA 24V154.
Symptoms
Usually no symptom; airbag warning possible if SRS fault is present.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 recall; SRS retail repairs vary.
Codes / scan clues
SRS/driver airbag inflator codes if detected.
Root cause: Manufacturing issue may let driver airbag inflator absorb moisture and deploy improperly.
Quick check
- Run VIN for 24V154.
- Check airbag lamp proves out and clears.
- Scan SRS module.
- Ask for completed recall invoice before deposit.
Buyer note
A late-model Kicks with an open airbag recall should be fixed before sale.
Owner note
Complete the recall early; it is a core safety-system record.
Fault 5
Backup camera image unavailable recall
Affects
2018-2019 Kicks under NHTSA 19V654.
Symptoms
Rear camera image missing after settings change, blank display, reverse view not shown.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0 recall; EUR 100-300 software/diagnosis.
Codes / scan clues
Infotainment/camera codes vary; often software setting related.
Root cause: Backup-camera display settings can be retained so the rear view image is not visible.
Quick check
- Run VIN for 19V654.
- Select reverse repeatedly and change display settings if possible.
- Confirm image returns every time after restart.
- Check for infotainment software update invoice.
Buyer note
The camera recall is simple, but an unfixed car shows poor maintenance discipline.
Owner note
Close the campaign before resale.
Fault 6
Weak battery, MAF, or intake faults triggering warning cascades
Affects
2018-2024 Kicks, especially short-trip cars.
Symptoms
Multiple dash warnings, no acceleration, rough idle, stalling, AEB/RAB/ESC messages together.
Typical repair cost
EUR 80-300 sensor/battery service; EUR 400-900 if wiring or catalyst diagnosis follows.
Codes / scan clues
P0101, MAF/intake, low-voltage, ESC/ADAS communication codes.
Root cause: Low voltage or airflow faults can confuse engine and driver-assist modules at the same time.
Quick check
- Load-test the 12V battery.
- Inspect air filter, intake hose, and MAF sensor.
- Scan all modules before clearing any warning.
- Road test after restart to see whether warnings return.
Buyer note
A dashboard full of warnings may start cheap, but only a scan tells you that.
Owner note
Fix low voltage and intake faults before they create false ADAS symptoms.
Fault 7
Engine stalling or loss of acceleration complaints
Affects
2018-2024 Kicks owner complaint pattern, often overlapping CVT, MAF, or AEB faults.
Symptoms
Stall at stops, hesitation, no throttle response, slip light, warning lights, limp mode.
Typical repair cost
EUR 120-300 diagnosis; EUR 300-1,200 sensors; more if CVT is root cause.
Codes / scan clues
P0101, throttle, crank/cam, CVT pressure, or communication codes.
Root cause: Can be airflow, throttle, sensor, CVT pressure, or module communication; complaint must be reproduced.
Quick check
- Cold-start and idle with AC on.
- Accelerate from stop several times and merge onto a faster road.
- Scan engine and CVT modules after the drive.
- Reject a car that loses drive or throttle response during viewing.
Buyer note
Do not buy a Kicks that hesitates into traffic until the cause is proven.
Owner note
Keep diagnostic printouts; repeated no-fault-found visits hurt resale.
Fault 8
Suspension, tyre, and alignment wear on cheap urban cars
Affects
2018-2024 Kicks used in pothole-heavy city driving.
Symptoms
Clunks, uneven tyre wear, steering vibration, wandering, ABS/traction sensitivity.
Typical repair cost
EUR 250-900 for tyres, alignment, links, mounts, or control-arm work.
Codes / scan clues
Usually none; wheel-speed plausibility codes if tyre sizes mismatch badly.
Root cause: Light suspension and low-cost tyres suffer in urban use; poor alignment can aggravate ADAS and braking feel.
Quick check
- Inspect tyre dates, brands, and tread wear.
- Drive over rough road at low speed listening for clunks.
- Check steering wheel centering and braking pull.
- Inspect lower arms, links, struts, and wheel bearings.
Buyer note
Cheap tyres and clunks are price leverage, but not a reason to skip CVT and AEB checks.
Owner note
Keep tyres matched and align after pothole impacts.
Inspection pack
Printable checklist for the viewing
The free page helps you decide whether the car is worth seeing. The paid guide is the ordered, printable checklist you use at the car.
Documents
- VIN recall printout for 19V654, 22V693, 23V496, and 24V154 as applicable.
- CVT fluid service invoice with mileage, not only general service stamps.
- AEB/radar diagnostic invoices if warning lights ever appeared.
- Battery, tyre, and alignment records.
Walk around
- Inspect front radar/emblem, bumper repair, and windscreen camera area.
- Check tyres match and look for uneven wear.
- Look for leaks under CVT and engine.
- Confirm backup camera works every time.
In the car
- Check airbag, EPS, AEB, ABS, traction, and check-engine lamps at key-on and after start.
- Run all cameras, sensors, infotainment, AC, locks, and windows.
- Load-test battery if warning history exists.
- Confirm cruise/AEB menus are available.
Test drive
- Start cold, shift P-R-D, and pause in each range.
- Crawl, stop-start, and accelerate hard enough to expose CVT flare.
- Drive with AEB active in clear conditions and watch for warnings.
- Test parking-speed steering assist on a 2021 car.
Scan tool
- Read engine, CVT, ABS, EPS, SRS, body, and ADAS modules.
- Check for low-voltage and communication history.
- Check CVT pressure/ratio codes and freeze-frame data.
- Save a pre-purchase scan report.
Bottom line
Buy: Buy a later SV or SR with closed recalls, smooth CVT behaviour cold and hot, clean AEB operation, and documented CVT fluid service. The Kicks makes sense when it remains a cheap commuter, not when it needs transmission or ADAS work.
Avoid: Avoid any car with CVT shudder, loss of acceleration, active AEB/radar warnings, open EPS recall, or unresolved airbag recall. Those faults remove the reason to buy a budget Nissan in the first place.
Quick answers
Nissan Kicks buyer questions
The short versions of what this page answers in full.
What are the most common Nissan Kicks 2018-2024 problems?
The highest-impact documented faults are: Xtronic CVT shudder, flare, or failure; False AEB activation or front radar warning; Electric power steering torque-sensor recalls. This guide covers 8 faults in total, each with symptoms, typical repair costs, and checks you can do at a viewing.
Which Nissan Kicks years are the best to buy?
2022-2024 stand out in this generation. Buy a later SV or SR with closed recalls, smooth CVT behaviour cold and hot, clean AEB operation, and documented CVT fluid service. The Kicks makes sense when it remains a cheap commuter, not when it needs transmission or ADAS work.
Which Nissan Kicks should I avoid?
Avoid any car with CVT shudder, loss of acceleration, active AEB/radar warnings, open EPS recall, or unresolved airbag recall. Those faults remove the reason to buy a budget Nissan in the first place.
Is the Nissan Kicks 2018-2024 a reliable used buy?
BYBA scores it 6.0/10 (buy with checks). 3 walk-away risks, 3 serious faults, 2 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: xtronic cvt shudder, flare, or failure.
Get updates when this guide changes
Recalls get added, repair costs shift, and new fault patterns show up in the data. Leave an email and we'll tell you when the Nissan Kicks guide gets a meaningful revision. Nothing else, no selling your address.
Research basis
- api.nhtsa.gov: recallsByVehicle
- api.nhtsa.gov: recallsByVehicle
- api.nhtsa.gov: recallsByVehicle
- api.nhtsa.gov: recallsByVehicle
- api.nhtsa.gov: complaintsByVehicle
- nissankicksforum.com: nissan-kicks-2018-sr.38089
- nissankicksforum.com: any-problems.933
- carproblemzoo.com: automatic-emergency-braking-problems.php
- go-parts.com: steering-column-nissan-kicks-2018-2024
- safecarinfo.com: 2024
- reddit.com: 1hg1axe
- reddit.com: m7uycr
- reddit.com: 2021_nissan_kicks_lights_on_dashboard
- api.nhtsa.gov: recallsByVehicle
- carcomplaints.com: recalls
- reddit.com: 1nor2al
- reddit.com: dont_know_what_to_do
- api.nhtsa.gov: complaintsByVehicle
- reddit.com: 2019_nissan_kicks_anyone_have_issues_with_it_just
- api.nhtsa.gov: complaintsByVehicle
- motorandwheels.com: nissan-kicks-problems-7-common-issues-explained
- vinitel.com: 2018
- api.nhtsa.gov: complaintsByVehicle