Nissan Kicks transmission failure problems

Filed Oct 3, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · MI

Engine timing and Transmission failed and replaced before 90,000 miles,

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 18, 2026 · Engine · OR

My transmission failed while traveling on a highway at 60mph almost causing an accident. Issues with this generation of cvt transmissions have been the subject of multiple lawsuits and warrenty extensions. Nissan is knowingly selling defective vehicles and offer no assistance in resolving their failures. Nissan needs to be held accountable for risking the safety of its customers.

Filed Aug 28, 2026 · Transmission · 93,100 miles · CO

The contact owns a 2024 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle shuddered, jerked, and felt as though it was about to stall before resuming normal operation. The failure occurred more frequently while making left or right turns. No warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 93,100.

Filed Jul 11, 2026 · Driver assistance, Transmission · IL

My vehicle has experienced transmission-related issues that have affected its safety, reliability, and overall performance. The symptoms include hesitation during acceleration, delayed response when pressing the accelerator, jerking, loss of power, and unpredictable driving behavior. These issues have made it difficult to safely merge into traffic, cross intersections, and maintain normal driving speeds. The transmission problems occurred despite routine maintenance and normal vehicle operation. These symptoms raise serious concerns about the safety and durability of the CVT transmission installed in this vehicle. I am concerned that these issues may represent a broader defect affecting 2019 Nissan Kicks vehicles equipped with CVT transmissions. Drivers should be able to rely on their vehicles to accelerate and operate safely without fear of sudden loss of power or transmission failure. I respectfully request that this matter be thoroughly investigated and that Nissan be held accountable for any manufacturing defects associated with the CVT transmission. I also request consideration for appropriate repairs, reimbursement for related expenses, or any other remedy available if this issue is determined to be a known defect.

Filed Mar 30, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · 180,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2024 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle lost automotive power. The contact pulled over and turned off and restarted the vehicle but was unable to shift to drive(D). There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact stated that prior to the failure the vehicle was taken to a dealer for service and was advised that the transmission fluid needed to be flushed. The transmission fluid was not flushed. Additionally, during an oil change at a fast oil change service, the technician advised the contact that there was an oil leak coming from one of the spark plugs. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or mechanic to be diagnosed. The oil leak was not repaired. The contact had not taken the vehicle to the local dealer or independent mechanic for the transmission failure. The vehicle was diagnosed but was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 180,000.

Filed Feb 4, 2026 · Body, Transmission · FL

We have had several problems with our 2021 Nissan Kicks, all of which are safety concerns, and all of which have have occurred at well under 100,000 miles. We purchased the vehicle from a Nissan dealer in January of 2022. 1 - Rust is bubbling up from under the paint. I am told this is perforating rust that could easily spread to or originate from the frame of the vehicle. This could cause the entire structure to fail. Despite the 5 year, no mileage limitation warranty for perforating rust, Nissan has refused to comply with the warranty. At the executive complaint level, they have admitted that the warranty exists, but at the repair level, Nissan has repeatedly informed the Dealer that the vehicle is not covered by a rust warranty or that the warranty expired based on mileage. The person at the corporate complaint level refuses to speak with the dealer or affirm the coverage in writing. At the repair level, Nissan has offered a fix outside of warranty coverage (a patch) which does not provide the continuing coverage provided by a warranty repair (which requires replacement of the panel). I have spent countless hours taking the car in to have it looked at and on the phone to try to get coverage with no success. 2 - The structural metal on the inside of the drivers door is cracking. We took the car in for repair because the window was not working but when they opened it up, they found that the the structural metal of the door itself where the window mechanism is attached has cracked. We have video indicating this may be a design defect in addition to poor materials. The Nissan dealer is not helpful, saying only that they don't have a body shop. Body shops say the entire door needs to be replaced but do not want to get involved with seeking help from Nissan. 3 - The CVT transmission failed just after the manufacturers warranty expired which is way too early for this problem. By some miracle, most of the cost was covered by a third party warranty company.

Filed Nov 20, 2025 · VA

My 2019 Nissan Kicks experienced a sudden and dangerous CVT transmission failure. The vehicle began jerking, struggled to accelerate, and at times would not move forward when pressing the gas. The check engine light came on during these incidents. The car also revs without engaging properly and loses power unexpectedly, creating a serious hazard when merging into traffic or crossing intersections. This appears to be a widespread issue affecting Nissan CVT units. The sudden loss of acceleration and unpredictable behavior create a significant safety risk for myself and other drivers. Nissan has denied goodwill assistance for the repair, even though this failure occurred under normal driving conditions. I am submitting this complaint for safety review due to the potential risk of collision.

Filed Nov 16, 2025 · Steering, Suspension · MI

Description of the Problem On August 28, 2025, I had my vehicle serviced at Nissan of Dearborn due to a transmission malfunction. After the service was completed, I noticed the front end was pulling to the right, as time progress I became concerned. I took the vehicle to an independent service center for a front-end alignment. During the inspection, I was informed that the control arms were loose and needed to be replaced. Responses to Required Questions What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The transmission initially malfunctioned, and later the front suspension/control arms were found to be loose after the transmission was replaced. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Loose control arms and steering misalignment significantly compromised vehicle stability, creating a risk of loss of control while driving, which could lead to an accident. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the issue with the control arms was confirmed by an independent service center during the alignment inspection. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle has not yet been inspected by Nissan Corporate or other authorities, but it is available for inspection. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the transmission malfunction. The pulling to the right began immediately after the dealership service on August 28, 2025. Safety Concern I purchased this vehicle, August 22, 2024, but have not owned it long enough to expect major component failures. This situation has created a serious safety risk, and I am requesting Nissan Corporate to investigate this matter urgently and provide a resolution, including repair or reimbursement.

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.