Is the 2021 Nissan KICKS reliable?

The 2021 Nissan KICKS has 99 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.0x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: average. Most common issue: BODY/STRUCTURE problems.

What are common problems with the 2021 Nissan KICKS?

Top problems: BODY/STRUCTURE (24 complaints, avg repair $500); DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS (19 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (15 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2021 Nissan KICKS?

Yes, there are 2 recall(s): STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM, STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM. Contact any Nissan dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Nissan KICKS?

The 2021 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 2021 Nissan KICKS?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2021 Nissan KICKS is approximately $1,654/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.

2021 Nissan KICKS

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Average

Quick Summary

The 2021 Nissan KICKS has 99 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.0x the segment average of 99. The most common issue is body/structure problems (24% of all complaints), specifically: 2021nissan kicks[xxx]paint chipping -fleet unit - paint chipping above upper crease of windshield of vehicle, some rusting present. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year.

6 crash reports 2 injuries

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

4/5

Safety Stars

1.0x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

BODY/STRUCTURE

24 complaints

24%

• 2021Nissan Kicks[XXX]Paint Chipping -Fleet Unit - Paint chipping above upper crease of windshield of vehicle, some rusting present. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
• 2021Nissan Kicks[XXX]Paint Chipping -Fleet Unit - Paint chipping above upper crease of windshield of vehicle, some rusting present. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
• 2021Nissan Kicks[XXX]Paint Chipping -Fleet Unit - Paint chipping above upper crease of windshield of vehicle, some rusting present. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“2021Nissan Kicks[XXX]Paint Chipping -Fleet Unit - Paint chipping above upper crease of windshield of vehicle, some rusting present. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (2)

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM15/09/2022

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Versa and Kicks vehicles. An intermittent electrical connection in the electric power steering (EPS) torque sensor can disable the power steering assist.

Risk: Loss of power steering assist can increase the steering effort required, especially at low speeds, and increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the steering column torque sensor lot code, and replace the column, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 9, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PMA10 / PMA25.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 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 2021 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

$1,654

Full coverage / month

$138

Liability only / year

$598

vs US avg

-1%

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 age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$1654

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 2021 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

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

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

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 99 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: 2021Nissan Kicks[XXX]Paint Chipping -Fleet Unit - Paint chipping above upper crease of windshield of vehicle, some rusting present. INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS: I have experienced my forward collision warning light coming on when driving toward the sun in the mornings on my way to work. When I go into a shade it turns off but immediately pops back on and slows my car down when I return into the sunlight. It has not done this since I bought in July 2021 unti
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: Vehicle not drivable will not shift gears
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: Blend doors on the heater do not work. If the temperature is set to 62 degrees, cold air as expected comes out of vents. If set to 63 degrees, maximum hot air comes out of vents, even after the cabin is warmed up. This is distracting to keep fumbling with the temperature control, toggling between 62
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Nissan dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)