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.
- Typical repair
- Routine repair · £180–£700
Is the 2018–2024 Nissan Kicks reliable?
Scored from 8 documented faults · reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
Quick answer
7.3/ 10
SolidOn our documented-fault scoring the Nissan Kicks rates 7.3 out of 10 · solid. We hold 8 known faults for it and none of them are rated critical, so the risk is mostly wear rather than disaster. The weak points cluster around transmission, electrical and engine. A well-serviced example with evidence for the big-ticket items is usually a safe buy; the score describes the model, not the specific car in front of you.
Verdict · Buy, but check the known weak points
What the score is built from
- Critical
- 0
- High
- 0
- Medium
- 3
- Low
- 5
Weak points cluster around transmission, electrical, engine, brakes.
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Build the inspection planThe faults that decide it
Driver Assistance SystemsMedium
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) warning light illuminates randomly, often disabling the cruise control system.
- Typically appears
- 30,000-50,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Start the engine and check the instrument cluster for an amber collision warning light. Inspect the front grille Nissan badge for stone chips, dirt buildup, or loose mounting affecting the radar.
- Typical repair
- Diagnostics & follow-on repair · £90–£700
Rear SuspensionMedium
Knocking or clunking noise from the rear over uneven surfaces due to premature rear shock absorber failure and fluid leakage.
- Typically appears
- 40,000-60,000 miles
- What to inspect
- Shine a torch into the rear wheel arches to check the shock absorber bodies for dark oil weeping. Push down firmly on the boot floor to test for poor rebound damping.
- Typical repair
- Suspension refresh (per axle) · £250–£1,100
ElectricalLow
Infotainment lag and Bluetooth dropouts.
- Typically appears
- Any
- What to inspect
- Test the touchscreen and phone pairing.
- Typical repair
- Infotainment repair or software fix · £120–£1,200
EngineLow
Underpowered 1.6L feel and occasional stalling.
- Typically appears
- Any
- What to inspect
- Confirm smooth idle and acceptable performance.
- Typical repair
- Minor repair or adjustment · £80–£350
Costs are indicative UK independent-garage bands for budgeting and negotiation · never a quote.
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