Model Hub8 model years analyzed

Nissan Kicks ReliabilityAll Years Ranked (20182025)

Side-by-side KeepScores, risk levels, and owner-cost projections for every Nissan Kicks we've analyzed. Identify the best years to buy, the ones to avoid, and the problems that follow the Kicks across generations.

Average KeepScore

84/100

Best Year

2022 Nissan Kicks

Score 88

Weakest Year

2018 Nissan Kicks

Score 78

Every Nissan Kicks Ranked

Sorted by KeepScore. Each link opens the full year-specific report.

88
2022 Nissan KicksLOW RISKGrade A-

A remarkably reliable and budget-friendly urban crossover, perfect for those prioritizing economy over performance.

Top risks: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) · Infotainment System · Minor Electrical Components

87
2020 Nissan KicksLOW RISKGrade B+

A practical and economical choice that largely avoids major headaches, but keep an eye on the CVT.

Top risks: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) · Front Suspension Components · Infotainment System

87
2023 Nissan KicksLOW RISKGrade B+

A practical, fuel-efficient crossover with proven core components, but maintain that CVT diligently.

Top risks: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) · Electrical System (Sensors & Infotainment) · Steering System (Power Steering Assist)

85
2019 Nissan KicksLOW RISKGrade B+

A smart, economical urban choice, but proceed with caution and a meticulous focus on CVT maintenance.

Top risks: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) · Infotainment & Electrical Systems · Suspension Components

83
2024 Nissan KicksLOW RISKGrade B

A highly practical and efficient urban crossover, offering strong value with a focus on ease of ownership.

Top risks: Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) · Electrical/Infotainment System · Suspension Components

82
2021 Nissan KicksMODERATEGrade B

An economical and practical choice for city driving, but buyer beware of the CVT's specific maintenance requirements for lasting reliability.

Top risks: CVT Transmission · HVAC System · Infotainment/Electrical

78
2018 Nissan KicksMODERATEGrade C+

An economical urban crossover that provides excellent value, but its continuously variable transmission is a major reliability wildcard.

Top risks: CVT Transmission · Minor Electrical Systems · Suspension Components

78
2025 Nissan KicksMODERATEGrade C+

A promising redesign with inherent first-year unknowns, requiring owners to monitor early vehicle performance closely.

Top risks: Powertrain Longevity · Electrical & Infotainment Systems · Transmission (CVT) Performance

Problems That Follow the Kicks Across Generations

Issues that appear in the top-3 risks across multiple model years — the cost of ownership you can actually predict.

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

Appears in 5 model years · 62% of generations

Suspension Components

Appears in 3 model years · 38% of generations

CVT Transmission

Appears in 2 model years · 25% of generations

Infotainment System

Appears in 2 model years · 25% of generations

Buying a Used Kicks?

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Score, risk level, top risk areas, repair costs, mileage danger zones, and "what I would do" guidance — all in under 60 seconds.

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Full Detail

Pick a year. Get the full report.

Side-by-side rankings are a great start, but the detailed repair costs, mileage danger zones, and buyer checklist live inside each year's full reliability report.