P0101 engine code, sudden loss of power, multiple dashboard warning lights- ABS, traction control, head on collision when in winding rods or braking suddenly. Vehicle loses power end up having to turn off and on to reset it. Dangerous on highways ir roads that you cannot pull over. I bought this car in Sept 2026 and it has had this issue about 10 times since then. I am putting the most recent date
The worst 2020 Nissan Kicks problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Driver assistance37
- Electrical27
- Engine21
- Transmission21
- Fuel system13
- Brakes11
- Acceleration7
- Airbags7
- Steering3
- Body2
- Tires2
- Visibility2
- Seat belts1
- Suspension1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2020 Nissan Kicks
Check engine light 14Collision warning 11Warning lights 10ABS 9Stalling 9Transmission failure 8Hesitation 7Lane assist 5
Trouble codes owners of the 2020 Nissan Kicks mention
P0101 7
Recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Technical service bulletins for the 2020 Nissan Kicks 124
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Wiring harness repair information
- Certification label and VIN plate replacement service information
- DTC P17F4 stored in the TCM if you confirm
- Intelligent cruise control inoperative and AEB/feb warning light on or radar obstruction message displayed...
- Automatic emergency braking warning light blinking applied systems
- Lane camera aiming vehicle reference values not in esm service information
- DTC B00A0-00 stored
- CAN communication codes – diagnostic tips and guidelines
- CAN communication – network diagnostic flow chart
- Vehicle key not detected / authenticated, engine will not start
2020 Nissan Kicks fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6L 4‑cyl | FWD | 31 | 36 | 33 |
What 2020 Nissan Kicks owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
When driving, if the wind blows or we hit a small bump in the road, the traction control light will flash & and the car will completely lose the ability to accelerate. Then, the car will have to come to a complete stop to regain acceleration. We have taken the car to Nissan at least 5 times, and they only suggested replacing the front sensors on the car as well as the front guard. We did. This did not fix the issue. We then took it to a local mechanic. They suggested replacing the alternator because it wasn’t getting enough power to the battery. We did. This did not fix the issue. We have now spent 4k and the car is still randomly losing acceleration during normal driving.
Date: XXXTo:the federal safety agencyOffice of Defects Investigation (ODI)1200 New Jersey Avenue, SEWest BuildingWashington, DC 20590From:[XXX] [XXX]: FORMAL VEHICLE SAFETY COMPLAINT – Sudden Loss of Propulsion and Traffic Hesitation / 2020 Nissan Kicks (VIN: [XXX])To the Office of Defects Investigation,I am writing to formally report a critical, life-threatening vehicle safety defect involving the powertrain/automatic transmission assembly on my 2020 Nissan Kicks FWD SV.While operating the vehicle at 61,564 miles in active traffic, the vehicle suffered a sudden and dangerous loss of propulsion without any prior warning. Upon pressing the accelerator pedal, the transmission slipped severely, causing the vehicle to hazardously shudder, shake, and hesitate to move forward. This unexpected lag in acceleration left the vehicle moving dangerously slow in a live traffic lane, creating an immediate and imminent risk of a severe rear-end collision.The vehicle was driven to a certified facility, Vann York's High Point Nissan (located in [XXX]), for an emergency mechanical diagnosis. A diagnostic scan revealed active Diagnostic Trouble Codes DTC P17F0 (CVT Judder) and DTC P2859 (Clutch A Pressure). The certified dealership technician explicitly documented on Repair Order #XXX that the transaxle assembly "WONT MOVE AND IS NOISY," prescribing a complete transmission replacement due to internal component failure.Following this diagnosis, I was forced to navigate the vehicle back to my residence under highly hazardous conditions using hazard lights. Due to the high risk of a total sudden stall or sudden loss of acceleration on public roadways, the vehicle has been grounded at my residence and is currently parked as completely undrivable due to severe safety fears.Nissan has a widespread, heavily documented historical record of manufactur INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Kicks. While driving from a stop, the vehicle started sputtering and lost motive power. While driving 70 MPH, the vehicle unintendedly decelerated to 45 MPH while driving uphill with the RPM elevated. The failure occurred while the outdoor temperature was above 95 degrees. The failure had persisted over time. The contact stated that the floorboard was extremely hot during the failure. The contact was concerned about being in a crash with her child in the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the transmission was flushed, but the failure reoccurred. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer, Trophy Nissan Service (5031 N Galloway Ave, Mesquite, TX 75150), but the cause of the failure was not determined. Additionally, an independent mechanic was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The manufacturer, Nissan, was called, and a voice mail was left for customer service, but there was no response. An email was sent to the manufacturer. The failure mileage was approximately 150,000.
My tire is 205 50r17 and they gave me a 235 tire which made my car feel funny . I’ve been sitting here for an hour waiting on a tire and they messed up my rim
My car when in over 95 degree weather, literally will not have power to get up hills and starts to jerk and looses power to make the hills. When the temps outside are cooler the car works fine. I live in [XXX] and I drive long distance to work. I also have a [XXX] son that has to be in the car with me. I can’t have my car messing up all because it’s hot outside and it obviously doesn’t like the heat. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My 2020 Nissan Kicks with 62,000 miles, went into limp mode on XXX and after a diagnostic test by the Pinnacle Nissan dealership in Scottsdale ([XXX]), it was determined a "Throttle Body Replacement" was needed. I paid $1,143.69 for that work. On XXX, the car went into limp mode again while on the freeway and the Pinnacle Nissan dealership in Scottsdale stated it needed an "Engine Wire Harness" replacement that would cost $8,057.83. I then contacted Nissan consumer affairs and after one month of review, it was determined that the car was out of warranty and there was nothing they can do. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My vehicle over the last 3-4 years has been showing P0101 code errors, resulting in issues with idle, performance, and fuel economy. Cleaning the MAF sensor does nothing. This causes all sensors to turn off and stay off until the car is subsequently turned off again. I have taken it in to Nissan to be inspected and refuse to pay over $500 just for them to diagnose the issue. Have seen this also being a recurring issue with other owners.
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. As soon as my car hits 2000 RPM, the front and rear collision lights and traction light come on… my car almost doesn’t move when I press the gas to go after this happens and the rpm’s are up to 3000-4000 just going 30 mph
CVT issues-car is sputtering and gears slipping. Vehicle has 148,000 miles.
Compare the 2020 Nissan Kicks
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Other model years
Questions about the 2020 Nissan Kicks
Is the 2020 Nissan Kicks reliable?
Owners have filed 99 complaints about the 2020 Nissan Kicks, close to a typical Kicks model year.
What is the 2020 Nissan Kicks year score?
The 2020 Nissan Kicks scores 68 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Nissan Kicks: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2020 Nissan Kicks?
Driver assistance and stability, with 37 complaints, typically around 3,000 miles. Next is electrical (27).
How many recalls does the 2020 Nissan Kicks have?
No recalls on record.
What year does the Nissan Kicks have the most driver assistance problems?
The Nissan Kicks model years with the most driver assistance complaints are 2019 (47 complaints), 2020 (37 complaints) and 2018 (33 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2020 Nissan Kicks get?
Official estimates for the 2020 Nissan Kicks range from 33 mpg combined. The most efficient version (1.6L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 31 city and 36 highway.
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