Is the 2020 Nissan KICKS reliable?

The 2020 Nissan KICKS has 179 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.8x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS problems.

What are common problems with the 2020 Nissan KICKS?

Top problems: DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS (56 complaints, avg repair $500); ELECTRICAL (26 complaints, avg repair $500); ENGINE (19 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2020 Nissan KICKS?

No recalls have been issued for the 2020 Nissan KICKS.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2020 Nissan KICKS?

The 2020 Nissan KICKS gets 33 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1455. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2020 Nissan KICKS?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2020 Nissan KICKS is approximately $1,575/year (sedan-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2020 Nissan KICKS

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2020 Nissan KICKS has 179 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.8x the segment average of 99. The most common issue is driver assist/cameras problems (31% of all complaints), specifically: while entering tunnel approx 40 mph vehicle briefly applied feb.

9 crash reports 2 injuries

179

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

4/5

Safety Stars

1.8x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS

56 complaints

31%

• WHILE ENTERING TUNNEL APPROX 40 MPH VEHICLE BRIEFLY APPLIED FEB
• WHEN ENTERING TUNNEL FEB SYSTEM ILLUMINATED AS THOUGH A VEHICLE HAD ENTERED THE PATH OF THE VEHICLE. NOTHING WAS IN THE PATH OF THE VEHICLE. FORWARD MOTION APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH.
• VEHICLE IS READING TAR LINES IN THE ROAD AS LANE DEPARTURE.

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 2 crashes

“WHILE ENTERING TUNNEL APPROX 40 MPH VEHICLE BRIEFLY APPLIED FEB”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2020 Nissan KICKS

Based on 38 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 6K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

In line with typicalmedian 1K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS

In line with typicalmedian 45 mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 2K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2020 Nissan KICKS

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,455

Per month

$121

Per mile

12.1¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$1,549/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,334/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2020 Nissan KICKS

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,575

Full coverage / month

$131

Liability only / year

$598

vs US avg

-6%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (sedan-midsize)0.96x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.98x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1575

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Nissan KICKS Service Intervals

Oil change

5K mi / 6 mo

Tire rotation

5K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

105K mi

Spark plugs

105K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

CVT-equipped models (Altima, Sentra, Rogue, Pathfinder) MUST use Nissan NS-3 CVT fluid, not conventional ATF. Frequent CVT service extends life significantly.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Nissan New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Nissan. If you're buying a used 2020 KICKS, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Nissan dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 179 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: WHILE ENTERING TUNNEL APPROX 40 MPH VEHICLE BRIEFLY APPLIED FEB
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Forward Collision - Warning lights How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - Vehicle slowed to a stop and would not move forward. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a de
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ENGINE: 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.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: ENTERING HIGHWAY OR TRAFFIC CAR HESITATES NO POWER . SEEMS LIKE THE ENGINE ISNT PROVIDING ENOUGH GAS FOR TAKE OFF, THIS IS WITH THE PEDAL ACCELERATOR COMPLETELY PRESSED DOWN. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. SCARY WHEN YOUR ENTEREING TRAFFIC. HAD BACK TO DEALER ONCE AND SAID ALL WAS FINE. IT HAPPENS
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)