2020 model year · 1,140+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 1,140+ owner reports, the 2020 Nissan Kicks has 5 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. The most commonly reported issue is CVT Overheating During Highway Driving with 450 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $0 to $3,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
On the 2018-2024 Nissan Kicks 1.6L, the Nissan Kicks CVT transmission (Jatco CVT7 W/R) overheats during sustained highway driving, particularly in hot weather or hilly terrain. The transmission enters limp mode to protect itself, limiting speed to 40-50 mph. The small displacement 1.6L engine forces the CVT to work harder at highway speeds, contributing to heat buildup.
Ensure CVT fluid is fresh with Nissan NS-3 (change every 30,000 miles). Avoid sustained high-speed driving in extreme heat. Some owners install auxiliary transmission coolers ($150-300 DIY). If overheating is chronic, TCM software update may be available at dealer.
Parts and tips from 450+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2018-2025 Nissan Kicks, the Kicks' CVT produces excessive drone and noise at highway speeds (60-75 MPH). The CVT holds high RPMs (3,500-4,000) for highway cruising due to the small 1.6L engine's limited torque, creating a constant loud droning noise in the cabin. This is partly a design characteristic of the powertrain but is significantly louder than competitors. Sound deadening in the Kicks is minimal.
This is largely a design characteristic that cannot be fully eliminated. Aftermarket sound deadening material (Dynamat or similar) applied to the doors, floor, and firewall can reduce interior noise by 3-5 dB ($200-$500 DIY). Higher-quality tires designed for low road noise (Michelin Defender, Continental TrueContact) also help. Some owners report slightly lower RPMs and noise after a CVT fluid change.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2018-2024 Nissan Kicks 1.6L, the Nissan Kicks has widespread complaints about weak air conditioning performance, especially in temperatures above 90F. The undersized A/C system struggles to cool the cabin adequately. Nissan issued TSB NTB19-041 addressing A/C performance concerns. The issue is partially due to the small compressor paired with the 1.6L engine.
Verify refrigerant charge is correct (do not overfill). Check A/C condenser for debris blocking airflow. Dealer may apply TSB NTB19-041 software update to optimize compressor operation. Some owners add tinted windows or a cabin air recirculation fix to improve cooling.
Parts and tips from 380+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2018-2024 Nissan Kicks HR16DE, the Kicks HR16DE 1.6L engine produces excessive noise and vibration that transmits into the cabin, particularly at highway RPMs where the CVT holds the engine at 3,000-4,000 RPM. The lack of sound insulation and the CVT's tendency to keep RPMs high under load amplifies the issue.
Check engine and transmission mounts for wear. Add sound deadening material to firewall and floor ($100-300 DIY). Some owners report improvement after dealer applies ECM calibration update that adjusts CVT shift points to lower cruising RPM.
Parts and tips from 310+ owners who fixed this issue
On the 2018-2025 Nissan Kicks 1.6L HR16DE I4, the Kicks uses rear drum brakes (a cost-saving measure) that develop squealing, grinding, and poor performance from brake dust accumulation. The semi-sealed drum design traps dust and debris, causing noise and inconsistent braking. The issue is worse in dusty or wet environments. The drums also warp easily, causing a pulsation felt through the brake pedal.
Remove rear drums and clean all components with brake cleaner. Inspect shoes for glazing and contamination — sand the shoe surface lightly with 120-grit sandpaper if glazed. Check drums for scoring and measure for out-of-round (max 0.006"). Replace shoes and drums if worn. Apply brake grease to the backing plate contact points. Clean rear brakes every 20,000 miles as preventive maintenance.
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024 Titan, Frontier, Infiniti QX60, Pathfinder, 2023-2024 Sentra, Versa, Kicks, Infiniti QX50, and 2023 Rogue vehicles. Due to a manufacturing issue, the driver's air bag inflator may absorb moisture, and cause the air bag to deploy improperly.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Kicks vehicles. The "Shift-to-Park" warning may not activate as intended when the vehicle is shut off and still in a gear other than "Park." As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection and Rollaway Prevention."
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Kicks vehicles. The certification label may have been printed with the incorrect Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) and Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) values, which can result in the vehicle being overloaded. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of 49 CFR Part 567, "Certification." Additionally, certain 2025 Nissan Kicks SR trim level vehicles equipped with an optional 19-inch wheel package may have a certification label that states an incorrect wheel size. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025 Frontier and Kicks vehicles. The center information display unit may display a blank screen when shifted into reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2021 Versa and Kicks vehicles. An intermittent electrical connection in the electric power steering (EPS) torque sensor can disable the power steering assist.
+ 1 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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According to Au7o's analysis of 1,140+ owner reports, the 2020-2020 Nissan Kicks has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: CVT Overheating During Highway Driving, Weak A/C Performance in Hot Weather, Excessive Engine Noise and Vibration (HR16DE). None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.
The 2020-2020 Nissan Kicks has 5 known issues documented across 1,140+ owner reports. No issues are rated critical, suggesting generally good reliability. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Nissan Kicks issues range from $0 to $3,500, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
The Nissan Kicks CVT transmission (Jatco CVT7 W/R) overheats during sustained highway driving, particularly in hot weather or hilly terrain. The transmission enters limp mode to protect itself, limiting speed to 40-50 mph. The small displacement 1.6L engine forces the CVT to work… Repairs typically run $150-$3,500. Severity: medium.
The Nissan Kicks has widespread complaints about weak air conditioning performance, especially in temperatures above 90F. The undersized A/C system struggles to cool the cabin adequately. Nissan issued TSB NTB19-041 addressing A/C performance concerns. The issue is partially due… Repairs typically run $0-$500. Severity: low.
The Kicks HR16DE 1.6L engine produces excessive noise and vibration that transmits into the cabin, particularly at highway RPMs where the CVT holds the engine at 3,000-4,000 RPM. The lack of sound insulation and the CVT's tendency to keep RPMs high under load amplifies the issue. Repairs typically run $0-$500. Severity: low.
The Kicks uses rear drum brakes (a cost-saving measure) that develop squealing, grinding, and poor performance from brake dust accumulation. The semi-sealed drum design traps dust and debris, causing noise and inconsistent braking. The issue is worse in dusty or wet environments. Repairs typically run $50-$300. Severity: low.
The Kicks' CVT produces excessive drone and noise at highway speeds (60-75 MPH). The CVT holds high RPMs (3,500-4,000) for highway cruising due to the small 1.6L engine's limited torque, creating a constant loud droning noise in the cabin. This is partly a design characteristic o… Repairs typically run $0-$500. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
