2022 Nissan Kicks Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2022 Nissan Kicks has no open NHTSA recalls. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Automatic emergency braking unintended activation.” 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.

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 for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2022 Nissan Kicks.

Reported to NHTSA

Automatic emergency braking unintended activation

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

4 NHTSA complaints · 2022-03 → 2026-06

The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle independently came to an abrupt stop, with the brake warning light flashing on the instrument panel. The contact stated that the roadway was clear, and there were no objects in the path of the vehicle
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11509675
The automatic emergency braking warning light started to randomly flash while driving and would come on and off. I took the car into the dealership and they told me I had codes appearing that led them to look at my battery first. They said my battery was bad and replaced that
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11622835
Someone was on a handheld scooter on the sidewalk and when reaching the corner, turned right abruptly still remaining on the sidewalk. My car slammed on the brakes believing this person was entering the street or was already in the street?
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11741873
The forward collision sensor and system malfunctioned such that it would cause the car to drive erratically. The car would swerve on its own and would need driver inputs to get it back on course. It would also tend to make the car slow down and stop in the middle of the road
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11625160

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Steering instability in crosswind conditions

STEERING, UNKNOWN OR OTHER

4 NHTSA complaints · 2022-12 → 2023-11

Drove the car approximately 100 miles and while driving on the Interstate on the return trip there was a slight wind under 10 mph. The vehicle was difficult to control as the slightest wind causes the vehicle steering to drift over and the steering is so temperamental that the…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11498776
Not sure what causes this failure in the Kicks but if there is any wind at all when driving over 45 mph and/or traveling on a Highway, Interstate the steering becomes super sloppy and the car is difficult to control and maintain lanes in moderate wind conditions
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11524574
It ran great but when driving on the Interstate when a slight crosswind kicked up the vehicle steering was almost unmanageable. It was difficult keeping the vehicle on the road below the posted speed with only 5 -10 mile winds. Tire inflation was proper and everything worked…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11555948

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Engine stall and loss of forward propulsion

ENGINE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2022-03 → 2025-04

I was driving home from picking it up at the dealership with only 14 miles on the odometer when I was stopped at a red light and the car shuddered and stalled. The battery and oil dash lights came on. I had to place the car into Park, turn it off, and turn it back on to get it…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11456982
Driving down the highway when the car shut down in the middle of the freeway. I was able to get to the shoulder before the vehicle completely shut down and would not restart. I had it towed to a shop and upon further investigation the motor had blown up
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11595490
The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle decelerated while the accelerator pedal was being depressed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer; where it was diagnosed; however, the failure was not replicated
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11652100
I was driving, slowed down to stop at a red light. As I proceeded to stop the car made a noise like something was in front of me as I was driving too close. I made a grinding noise and would not go forward as I proceeded to go. I was in the street, had to put on emergency flasher
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11680853

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Hood latch release while driving

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

2 NHTSA complaints · 2024-06 → 2025-07

The contact stated that while his daughter was driving approximately 70 MPH, the hood inadvertently flew open, shattering the windshield. The vehicle was steered over to the side of the road and a rope was used to securely close the hood
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11670530
The hood flew open unexpectedly while driving on the highway causing significant damage. No lights or indicators appeared on dashboard. Car has 9,000 miles and Nissan is currently doing an investigation with inspection on car June 20, 2024
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11595268

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Powertrain failure with loss of forward drive

POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER

2 NHTSA complaints · 2025-08 → 2026-03

Vehicle will not go forward when accelerating, the vehicle does go in reverse. It is available for inspection at Nissan Vacaville. It is a safety risk as I was driving, it stalled in turning lane on street and wouldn't go. I had to have it put in neutral so I could get it to…
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11721705
I was driving, slowed down to stop at a red light. As I proceeded to stop the car made a noise like something was in front of me as I was driving too close. I made a grinding noise and would not go forward as I proceeded to go. I was in the street, had to put on emergency flasher
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11680853

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

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

Rogue AWD, Murano AWD, Pathfinder 4WD: 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)

8 crashes 2010–2024

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

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.

2

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 2022 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.