2025 Nissan Kicks Problems: 2 Issues Every Owner Should Know
2025 model year · 0+ owner reports · Updated April 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 0+ owner reports, the 2025 Nissan Kicks has 2 documented known issues. No issues are rated critical, indicating generally reliable ownership. Across all issues, repair costs range from $0 to $500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
All 2 Known Issues
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.
Common Symptoms
- Squealing or squeaking from rear brakes
- Grinding noise when braking
- Brake pedal pulsation
- Poor rear braking performance
- Noise worse in wet or dusty conditions
How to Fix
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.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
- TipPull the rear drums off yearly and blow out the dust with brake cleaner. The sealed drum design traps everything inside. A 30-minute cleaning prevents the squealing that plagues these brakes.
- UpgradePremium ceramic brake pads for quiet, low-dust braking performance (Wagner ThermoQuiet Ceramic Brake Pads)
- UpgradeDrilled and slotted brake rotors for improved heat dissipation and stopping power (StopTech Sport Drilled/Slotted Brake Rotor)
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.
Common Symptoms
- Loud droning noise at highway speeds
- Engine RPMs stay high at 60-75 MPH
- Difficult to hold conversation at highway speed
- Wind and road noise excessive
- CVT holds RPMs at 3,500-4,000 cruising
How to Fix
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.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue
- TipThe Kicks is noisy by design — small engine + CVT + minimal sound deadening. Two sheets of Dynamat on the floor and doors makes a noticeable improvement. Budget $200 DIY for a weekend project.
- UpgradeCVT fluid specifically formulated for continuous variable transmissions (Valvoline CVT Transmission Fluid)
- UpgradeReplacement CVT transmission filter to maintain fluid cleanliness (ATP CVT Transmission Filter Kit)