TransmissionMedium
CVT drone and reduced performance over time.
- Typically appears
- 60,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Test-drive under load and check CVT fluid service history.
2018 Nissan Kicks problems
A 2018 Nissan Kicks is now 8 years old, so an average example has covered around 108,000 miles. This is the first model year of the generation · early-build cars carry the highest share of teething faults and the most recall activity, so check the service history for completed recall work. Check the state safety inspection and service history alongside the documented faults below, which are sorted by whether a 2018 car has usually reached the mileage where they appear.
Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
The 2018 Nissan Kicks is 8 years old, so an average example has covered roughly 108,000 miles. At that mileage 2 of the documented faults are already due, so check those first.
Faults a 2018 example has usually reached
Documented onset mileage is at or below the ~108k miles an average 2018 car has covered.
BrakesLow
Front pad wear and light rotor scoring.
- Typically appears
- 40,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Inspect pad thickness and braking feel.
Faults that appear at any mileage
Age, electronics and build-related issues that are not mileage-driven.
ElectricalLow
Infotainment lag and Bluetooth dropouts.
- Typically appears
- Any
- What to inspect
- Test the touchscreen and phone pairing.
EngineLow
Underpowered 1.6L feel and occasional stalling.
- Typically appears
- Any
- What to inspect
- Confirm smooth idle and acceptable performance.
Inspecting a 2018 Nissan Kicks?
Generate a tickable pre-purchase checklist for this exact year, mileage and variant · add photos and notes as you inspect.
Check this exact carNissan Kicks · frequently asked questions
Is the Nissan Kicks reliable?
Yes for a budget car — mostly minor issues, but mind the CVT on higher-mileage examples.
Does the Kicks have transmission problems?
No widespread failures, but the CVT benefits from regular fluid changes.
What should I check on a used Kicks?
CVT feel and service history, infotainment and brakes.