2023 Nissan Kicks Safety Report

2023 Nissan Kicks shows good crash test scores but faces multiple electrical, engine, and advanced safety system complaints, alongside an airbag recall.

24Complaints
1Recalls
★★★★☆Safety Rating
60/100Reliability Score
1Crash Reports
1Injuries
Most reported components: Unknown Or Other (2)Electrical System (2)Back Over Prevention,Forward Collision Avoidance (2)Structure (2)Visibility/Wiper (1)Electrical System,Forward Collision Avoidance (1)Engine And Engine Cooling,Exterior Lighting (1)Steering,Electrical System (1)Electrical System,Vehicle Speed Control,Unknown Or Other (1)Air Bags (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2023 Nissan Kicks

The 2023 Nissan Kicks presents a mixed safety picture based on available NHTSA data. While it achieved respectable crash test ratings, including an Overall 4-star rating, 4 stars for Frontal crash, 5 stars for Side crash, and 4 stars for Rollover, there are notable concerns from consumer complaints. With 24 total complaints, including 1 crash and 1 injury, several patterns emerge. A significant issue is the 'AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE' recall affecting the 2023 Kicks, which could lead to improper airbag deployment and increased injury risk. Beyond the recall, a concerning number of complaints relate to the vehicle's advanced safety systems, specifically 'BACK OVER PREVENTION,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE' and 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER', with multiple reports of phantom braking and unintended emergency braking. Engine stalling and electrical system malfunctions are also frequently cited, with instances of the vehicle stalling in traffic or failing to start, posing potential hazards.

Reliability Score

The 2023 Nissan Kicks receives a reliability score of 60 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2023 Nissan Kicks

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2023 Nissan Kicks:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Engine Stalling/Failure To Accelerate
Multiple reports of the engine stalling while in motion or at a stop, and failure to accelerate, posing a significant safety hazard in traffic.
High Occasional 2000-10000 miles
Phantom Braking/Aeb Malfunction
The Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) and Rear Automatic Braking (RAB) systems activate without cause, causing the vehicle to suddenly brake or stop unexpectedly.
High Common new-10000 miles
Electrical System Malfunctions
Issues include intermittent dimming headlights, battery light warnings, and various warning lights (e.g., front collision, traction control) illuminating, sometimes disabling cruise control.
Medium Common new-10000 miles
Spontaneous Rear Window Shattering
Reports of the back window shattering spontaneously without impact, indicating a potential structural or manufacturing defect.
Medium Rare new-5000 miles
Airbag Inflator Module Recall
Recall for the driver-side frontal airbag inflator module, which may deploy improperly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
High Common N/A miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2023 Nissan Kicks:

Unknown Or Other 8% of complaints

General issues not categorized, potentially related to overall vehicle performance or unspecified malfunctions.

Electrical System 8% of complaints

Various electrical glitches including dimming lights, battery warnings, and sensor errors.

Back Over Prevention,Forward Collision Avoidance 8% of complaints

Malfunctions of the automatic emergency braking and collision avoidance systems, including phantom braking.

Structure 8% of complaints

Includes issues like spontaneous rear window shattering and hood flying open.

Air Bags 4% of complaints

Failure of airbags to deploy in a collision, as well as the recall for the inflator module.

Engine And Engine Cooling 4% of complaints

Engine stalling while driving or at a stop, and failure to start.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2023 Nissan Kicks

Is the 2023 Nissan Kicks safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2023 Nissan Kicks received good crash test ratings (4-star Overall, 5-star Side), but there are significant safety concerns from 24 consumer complaints. These include an airbag recall, multiple reports of phantom braking, engine stalling, and electrical system malfunctions, which could compromise safety.

What are common problems with the 2023 Nissan Kicks?

The most reported issues for the 2023 Nissan Kicks include malfunctions of the Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) and Rear Automatic Braking (RAB) systems (8% of top complaints), engine stalling or failure to accelerate (4% of top complaints), and various electrical system problems (8% of top complaints). There's also a recall for the driver-side frontal airbag inflator module.

Are there any recalls for the 2023 Nissan Kicks?

Yes, there is one recall for the 2023 Nissan Kicks concerning the 'AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE'. This manufacturing defect can cause the airbag to deploy improperly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

How does the 2023 Nissan Kicks perform in crash tests?

The 2023 Nissan Kicks performed well in NHTSA crash tests, earning an Overall 4-star safety rating. It received 4 stars for Frontal crash, an excellent 5 stars for Side crash, and 4 stars for Rollover resistance.

Should I be concerned about the advanced safety features in the 2023 Nissan Kicks?

Yes, there are multiple complaints regarding the advanced safety features, specifically the Forward Emergency Braking (FEB) and Rear Automatic Braking (RAB) systems. Several owners reported instances of 'phantom braking' where the vehicle applied brakes without an obstruction, which is a significant safety concern.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While the 2023 Nissan Kicks has solid crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the airbag recall and numerous complaints regarding engine stalling, electrical issues, and phantom braking from the advanced safety systems. Thoroughly check for recall completion and test drive the vehicle extensively to observe for any unusual braking or engine behavior.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2023 Nissan Kicks

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2023 Nissan Kicks. The data includes 24 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 1 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 1 reported crashes, 1 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2023 Nissan Kicks an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.