The 2025 Kicks represents Nissan's second-generation subcompact crossover with either traditional CVT or e-Power hybrid drivetrain. Early reports show typical Nissan CVT concerns on gas models, plus emerging e-Power-specific electrical gremlins and timing chain stretch issues inherited from the HR16DE engine family.
CVT Transmission Overheating and Judder (Gas Models)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 40,000-80,000 mi
Symptoms: Shuddering or hesitation during acceleration, especially uphill, Burning smell from transmission area after highway driving, Transmission entering limp mode with P17F0 code, Delayed engagement when shifting from Park to Drive
Fix: CVT fluid flush with Nissan NS-3 fluid often temporarily helps, but most cases require CVT replacement. Transmission oil cooler upgrade kit (separate recall-adjacent TSB) extends life if done early. Full CVT swap: 8-10 hours labor.
Estimated cost: $4,500-6,800
HR16DE Timing Chain Stretch and Guide Wear
Occasional · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Cold-start rattle lasting 3-5 seconds, louder in winter, Check engine light with P0011/P0021 VVT codes, Rough idle with misfire codes after extended use, Metallic rattling from timing cover area
Fix: Full timing chain kit with guides, tensioner, and VVT solenoids required. Often find damaged lifters during teardown adding cost. Front cover removal job: 6-8 hours. Always inspect oil control valve screens—common root cause if oil changes were extended.
Estimated cost: $1,800-3,200
e-Power System Battery Cooling Fan Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Symptoms: Reduced power warning with turtle mode activation, Battery temperature warning on dash, Intermittent loss of electric motor assist, Fan noise absent when charging or under load
Fix: e-Power-specific issue—battery pack cooling fan motor or control module fails. Diagnostic requires Nissan Consult III scanner. Fan assembly replacement: 2-3 hours. Module reflash sometimes resolves if caught early (covered under powertrain warranty on newer units).
Estimated cost: $800-1,400
Body Control Module Software Glitches
Common · low severity
Symptoms: Backup camera intermittently black screen or frozen, Push-button start fails to recognize key fob in cabin, Automatic headlights cycling on/off randomly, Climate control unresponsive to temperature adjustments
Fix: Multiple TSBs and one recall for BCM software. Dealer reflash typically resolves: 0.5-1 hour. Some cases require BCM replacement if module hardware failed (less common). Independent shops need J2534 pass-thru device for reprogramming.
Estimated cost: $150-250 (reflash) or $600-900 (module replacement)
Premature Front Strut Mount Bearing Failure
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 30,000-60,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking noise over bumps from front suspension, Steering wheel not returning to center after turns, Grinding or popping when turning at low speeds, Uneven tire wear on inside edge of front tires
Fix: Upper strut mount bearings fail early—combination of lightweight design and road salt exposure. Replace both mounts with OE or Moog equivalent. Includes alignment: 2-3 hours labor. Inspect struts themselves; often still fine at this mileage.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Fuel Pump Control Module Corrosion (e-Power Models)
Rare · high severity
Symptoms: Engine won't start despite full 12V battery and ready indicator, P0230 fuel pump circuit code, Intermittent stalling when generator engine tries to activate, Strong fuel smell from rear of vehicle
Fix: e-Power uses small gas engine as generator; its fuel system control module (rear cargo area, driver side) prone to moisture intrusion through poorly-sealed connector. Module replacement plus harness repair: 2 hours. Check for TSB updates on connector revision.
Estimated cost: $500-900
Owner tips
CVT fluid changes every 30k miles with Nissan NS-3 spec only—aftermarket fluids cause shudder on this generation
e-Power models: monitor 12V battery health religiously; weak battery causes cascading BCM and starter-generator faults
Use 0W-20 full synthetic and keep oil changes at 5k intervals max to prevent timing chain stretch—this engine runs tight tolerances
Inspect transmission cooler lines at 40k miles for seepage; early catch prevents CVT overheating damage
Skip the CVT gas models entirely; if buying used, go e-Power with full service history and remaining factory hybrid warranty—timing chain and BCM issues are manageable, CVT replacement isn't.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: e-Power hybrid system uses smaller auxiliary battery; main hybrid battery is separate; AGM required for start-stop functionality
As an Amazon Associate, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Every control module on the 2021-2026 Nissan Kicks — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
⚠️ Controls lighting, wipers, door locks, power windows; VIN and vehicle configuration programming required; key registration required; gateway function integrated
📍 Integrated within BCM or separate module behind instrument panel
🔧 Nissan CONSULT-III Plus with NTIS
⚠️ All keys must be re-registered; security PIN code required from Nissan; ECM pairing required; critical security module; enhanced security on 2023+ models
⚠️ Mileage programming required by law; VIN and vehicle configuration must be programmed; digital display on higher trims
Sonar Control Module (SONAR)0.8 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind rear bumper, center or driver side
🔧 Nissan CONSULT-III Plus or aftermarket scan tool
⚠️ Standard on higher trims 2021+; sensor calibration may be required after replacement
Power Window Master Switch (PWMS)0.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Driver door, armrest, master switch assembly
🔧 Manual initialization procedure or scan tool
⚠️ Window auto-up/down initialization required after replacement; can often be done manually without scan tool
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Kicks vehicles. A software error in the combination meter may cause the screen display to go partially or fully blank. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 101, "Control and Displays."
Consequence: A partial or blank screen display will not show critical safety information such as vehicle speed and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the combination meter software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 6, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261. Nissan's number for this recall is PMA66. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 22, 2026.
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE · 25V324000
2025-06-04
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."
Consequence: A rearview image that does not display can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the software on the vehicle’s center information display, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 10, 2025. The manufacturer numbers for this recall are PD152 and PMA48.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · 25V188000
2025-04-18
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."
Consequence: An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash. Vehicles with incorrect wheel and tire information may lead to tires that are inflated improperly, which can also increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install new labels, free of charge. Additionally, dealers will mail replacement labels to owners. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2025. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PD136 and PMA47.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM · 24V969000
2024-12-23
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."
Consequence: When the vehicle is not in "Park" and the ignition is shut off, the vehicle could move unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a vehicle rollaway and crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reconfigure the body control module (BCM) to activate the "Shift-to-Park" warning, free of charge. Some owner notification letters were mailed January 29, 2025. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated, May 7, 2025. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PMA42.
Performance
Horsepower
141hp
Torque
221lb-ft
0–60 mph
8.8sec
Quarter mile
16.8sec
Top speed
105mph
Capability & size
Payload
850lb
Curb weight
3,135lb
Wiper blades
Second generation continues with same specifications as 2024.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2025 Nissan Kicks 1.6L I4 e-Power HR16DE and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.