2020 Nissan Kicks: complete transmission failure

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 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 Aug 21, 2024 · Transmission · VA

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. Nissan refused to address the issue without ~$8k to replace the transmission and online articles suggest these are defective and will just break again soon after replacing.

Filed May 14, 2024 · Driver assistance, Transmission · PA

They have replaced the transmission two times and this transmission is going bad, it's slipping, shuddering, and hesitating when you hit the gas. This car is a death trap waiting to happen. Nissan knows they put junk transmissions in these cars but still sells them. Nissan is going to end up hurting/killing a lot of innocent lives. It's not safe to be driving this car around, half the time the car doesn't want to go when you hit the gas. My daughter turns 16 and will not be driving this death trap. Nissan needs to recall the 2020 Nissan Kicks SV transmissions too. I do have all the paperwork from the transmissions being put it. I get the run around with the dealer. The vibration issue and they say it'll do that at 90. The collision light is ALWAYS coming on (I have pictures of that too)

Filed Dec 26, 2023 · Transmission · PR

Transmission failed before the car reaching 15,000 miles. The car dealership replaced the transmission after two week in the shop. They did not provide a loner car so I was without a car for 2 weeks. After the car was worked and the new transmission installed, it was given back to me. Today 12/16 I had to take it back to the dealership because it’s giving a check engine indication. The dealership informed it is a known issue with this cars but I haven’t seen any recalls. Today, my car has no warranty since it expired. This is unacceptable.

Filed Nov 3, 2021 · Engine · AZ

*Engine or transmission failure - 27,165 current mileage *safety Risk - During moderate traffic conditions , vehicle was traveling approximtely 45 miles per hour, when it suddenly be gain to slow down. By the vehicle slowing in the manner that it did, could have caused the traffic following the vehicle to come to an abrupt stop resulting in a rear end collision. * The vehicle is currently at the Larry Miller Nissan for inspection and diagnostics * Check engine light illuminated seconds before the vehicle stalled there were no other indicators of distress such as burning smells or leaking fluids prior to the incident.

Filed Mar 10, 2021 · 14,000 miles · TX

I purchased a 2020 nissan kick in october 2020. On march 5, 2021, I was in the highway driving when my vehicle suddenly slowed down and would not let me accelerate. My entire transmission blew out and I need a replacement transmission. My vehicle only has 14,000 miles.