2020 Nissan Kicks transmission problems

Filed Sep 26, 2026 · Transmission · NC

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)

Filed Sep 16, 2026 · Transmission · 150,000 miles · TX

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.

Filed Sep 10, 2026 · Transmission · TX

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)

Filed Jul 11, 2026 · Transmission · TX

CVT issues-car is sputtering and gears slipping. Vehicle has 148,000 miles.

Filed Feb 25, 2026 · Transmission · NH

Vehicle was just purchased from a Nissan Dealership (2020 Kicks) and less than 1,300 miles of driving throwing a code stating there is a problem with CVT transmission. Will not produce enough power when going uphill. RPMs will suddenly not go over 1 when given gas uphill. There was a recall for this problem on other 2020 kicks but ours isn't covered and we just purchased this vehicle and drove it home less than 2 months ago.

Filed Nov 3, 2025 · Transmission · TX

When driving my car the crash light comes on in traffic and sometimes when braking. Recently it started to flash the hydroplaning symbol and now the check engine is on. I’ve seen other people online having the same issue with their vehicles as well.

Filed Jun 25, 2025 · Steering, Transmission · MD

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). I took it to Glen Burnie Transmission ($5708.00) 3. Replaced the Alternator on 7 June 2025. 4. Vehicle has been hesitating and stalling while driving. 5. Vehicle doesn't want to start when I push the button and put my foot on the brake pedal. 6. Power Steering issues (the steering wheel goes loose at times when I make turns or while trying to back up and then the vehicle stalls and then accelerates on it's own. 7. Vehicle is making a clicking sound. *Vehicle is currently at Firestone being diagnosed for the issues 4-7 mentioned above. *I stopped taking it to Nissan because they charge way to much for these issues that seem to be a constant issue but won't due any recalls on the 2020 Kicks. Vehicle purchased in May 2020. I will have to provide the repair receipts once I get the vehicle back from Firestone because all of the documents are in the vehicle.

Filed May 13, 2025 · Transmission · NC

Transmission went out with no warning

Filed Mar 2, 2025 · Acceleration, Electrical · MI

The transmission control module or, (TCM), is the system that failed and or malfunctioned and it is available for inspection upon request of the company. The safety of myself and my husband was put at risk when this component failed and the vehicle would not move forward in traffic. Yes the problem has been reproduced and confirmed, NOT by a dealer, but by myself. No the component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance, or other representatives with the Nissan Co.. Yes there were warning lamps such as the check engine light no messages and no other symptoms of the problem prior to its failure. The issue first appeared last week of February 2025 so, from my perspective, just last week. 02/25/2025 was date of incident.

Filed Feb 5, 2025 · Brakes, Transmission · PR

The dealer checked my car and changed some transmission parts but I feel the revs drop when I drive. The dealer cannot find anything. I MUST use the emergency brakes because the car moves in parking even in a flat place. The dealer said it was normal.