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2020 Nissan Kicks Recalls, Problems & Maintenance

The 2020 Nissan Kicks has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 6 recurring issue clusters, led by “Mass air flow sensor code triggering warning-light cascade.” Nissan owner's manuals split service into Schedule 1 (severe) and Schedule 2 (normal). Most US drivers fall under Schedule 1. The biggest preventable failure on Nissan vehicles is CVT transmission damage from extended fluid intervals — owners of Altima, Rogue, Sentra, Pathfinder, and Murano with CVT should not skip it.

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No open recalls on file. NHTSA lists no unrepaired safety recalls for this year, make and model. A recall can be issued at any time, and a specific car can still have one open — check yours by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Known issues & problems for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2020 Nissan Kicks.

Reported to NHTSA

Mass air flow sensor code triggering warning-light cascade

ENGINE

11 NHTSA complaints · 2022-12 → 2026-07

“Check engine light appears on and throws code p0101, mass air flow sensor. Have changed mass air flow sensor twice, had code cleared at mechanic. Drive 5 miles and BAM check engine light appears”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11750491
“The sensor lights constantly come on and then the engine light comes on. When I got the engine light read, it says I need a new mass airflow sensor. I have replaced this sensor 3 times now and the air filter, the same issue is occurring over and over again”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11704269
“1. MAF Sensor replaced 3 times within a few months of replacing each time. (took it to the Nissan Dealership multiple times and all they do is replace it without further diagnosing as to why) 2. Replaced the Transmission in March 2025 (Nissan wanted to charge me ($8300.00)”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11669149

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

CVT transmission slipping, shuddering, and failure

POWER TRAIN

14 NHTSA complaints · 2020-12 → 2026-07

“CVT issues-car is sputtering and gears slipping. Vehicle has 148,000 miles”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11749724
“Transmission is defective by design. Fails in an unsafe manner which leaves the vehicle in a fully driving state throwing no error codes. The car however with randomly loose traction and slip while driving at roughly 40 mph”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11609921
“Transmission failed before the car reaching 15,000 miles. The car dealership replaced the transmission after two week in the shop”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11561839

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Electrical system malfunction with multiple warning lights

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

9 NHTSA complaints · 2023-01 → 2026-06

“The vehicle's ABS Actuator (47660-5RW0D) failed and was replaced. Given the mileage was only 32,827, the component failed prematurely and was nowhere near the end of its lifetime expectancy”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11742524
“The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a failed electronic control module”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11704300
“While driving all the lights come on with a warning that states "malfunction see owners manual" dealership said it needed a battery, replaced the battery and all the lights continues to come on”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11585641

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Forward collision warning and braking activate without cause

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

28 NHTSA complaints · 2021-03 → 2026-01

“Collision warning came on auto brakes for a second. Then light stayed on. Took to Dealership and was told Collision camera was out of alignment due to brackets moved or bent”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11676533
“I have 2 issues. 1. The forward collision light has come on for no apparent reason. This has happened 4 times in the last 2-3 months. The car doesn't do anything with this issue other then the warning indicator”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11492426
“For over a year now the forward collision warning light just flashes at random times as I am going down the road (I've taken numerous photos). I've taken it to Downtown Nashville Nissan to have it fixed (under warranty) and they say it has to be flashing when I bring it in”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11462426

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stalling and loss of power while driving

ENGINE

16 NHTSA complaints · 2020-03 → 2026-08

“I PURCHASED A 2020 NISSAN KICKS WITH 11 MILES ON 1/1/20. THE CAR BEGAN SHAKING AND STALLING WHEN STOPPED IN TRAFFIC, AND AT LIGHTS ON 1/10/20, WITH 250 MILES ON THE ODOMETER”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11318985
“VEHICLE KEEPS SHUTTING OFF WHILE DRIVING, EVEN ON MAJOR HIGHWAY. VENT CONTROL VALVE WAS STUCK OPEN HAD TO BE REPLACED; CORROSION ON A CONNECTOR TO THE WIRING HARNESS HAD TO BE REPLACED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11398972
“Car will shut off on its own when sitting at a red light will get a message showing the word MALFUNCTION, will restart after several attempts of pressing the start button”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11434454

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbags failing to deploy in a collision

AIR BAGS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2022-06 → 2024-03

“A Nissan Rouge hit my car took off the entire front of the car and the air bags did not deploy”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11579376
“The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 MPH while making a turn, a second speeding vehicle crashed into the front drivers side of the vehicle causing significant damage to the front driver side”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11478748
“SIDE IMPACTED BY 52 YEAR OLD JEEP. BOTH DRIVER SIDE DOORS CAVED IN, WINDOWS SHATTERED, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11470890

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Raw data + downloads for this vehicle →

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 5,000 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic oil every 5,000 miles under Schedule 1. Schedule 2: 7,500 miles. VR30DDTT (3.0L twin-turbo): full synthetic only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 5,000 mi

Rotate tires every 5,000 miles. Front-wheel-drive Nissans (Altima, Sentra, Versa) wear front tires fast — don't skip rotations.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

CVT Fluid (NS-3)

Every 60,000 mi

Nissan officially calls CVT fluid 'lifetime,' but independent technicians and Nissan TSBs recommend replacement every 60,000 miles to prevent CVT failure. Use Nissan NS-3 fluid only — substitutes destroy the belt-and-pulley system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$360–$500

Shop

~$255–$355

DIY

~$80–$180

CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Rogue and Pathfinder front pads typically last 35,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 2 years. Dark or amber fluid indicates moisture contamination.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles, sooner if driving on dusty unpaved roads.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium-tipped spark plugs are rated 105,000 miles on QR25, MR20, and VQ35 engines. VR30DDTT: 60,000 miles due to higher cylinder pressures.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Long-Life Coolant

Every 75,000 mi

Nissan Long-Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue/green): first change at 105,000 miles, then every 75,000. Do not mix with other coolant chemistries.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Transfer Case / Rear Diff (AWD models)

Every 60,000 mi

On AWD and 4WD models, replace transfer case fluid and rear differential fluid every 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Located behind the glove box on Altima, Rogue, and Sentra.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

28 crashes 1990–2024

How the 28 occupant deaths break down

22

driver deaths

6

passenger deaths

28

occupant deaths

Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2020 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.

Why we show driver deaths too

Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.

Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.

IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

7

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2020 Nissan Kicks reflects Nissan's published service intervals and the Maintenance Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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