Used Nissan Kicks 1st Gen (2018-2024): Buyer's Guide

The 2019 Nissan Kicks drew 226 NHTSA complaints — the most of any year in the generation. The top issue was not the engine. It was not the transmission. The automatic emergency braking system was firing on empty highways, slamming the car to a near stop with nothing in front of it. Crashes happened. Injuries were documented. Nissan issued software patches but never a formal recall.

The 2021 refresh largely fixed it. New sensor hardware, revised calibration, substantially fewer complaints. Pre- and post-2021 are functionally two different ownership experiences wearing the same name badge.

The other thing every guide leaves out: this vehicle has never had AWD. Not on a single trim. Not in a single year. Not at any price point, from 2018 through 2024. The first Nissan Kicks with available AWD is the redesigned 2025 second-generation model. Every first-generation Kicks parked in the compact crossover aisle next to AWD competitors is front-wheel drive. That gap between expectation and reality bites buyers in northern states every winter.

This guide covers the 2018-2024 first generation. The 2024 is still first-gen — the 2025 redesign is the second generation, and most guides that say the first gen ended in 2023 are wrong. If you're looking at a "new 2024 Kicks" on a dealer lot, you're looking at mechanically the same car as a 2023.

This Generation at a Glance

Platform: P15 (Nissan V-platform derivative)

The Kicks launched in the US as a 2018 model, replacing the Juke. It ran through 2024 with one meaningful internal split: the 2021 mid-cycle refresh.

2018-2020 (pre-refresh): Original body, rear drum brakes on all three trims, 7-inch touchscreen on SV and SR, Nissan Safety Shield 360 not standard on base S, and the AEB sensor that triggered phantom braking.

2021-2024 (post-refresh): Redesigned front end with new grille and headlamps, rear disc brakes added to SV and SR (base S kept drums), 8-inch touchscreen across SV and SR, Safety Shield 360 standard on all trims, revised CVT calibration software, and the AEB sensor redesign that fixed the phantom braking.

One powertrain the entire generation. No hybrid option. No turbo. No AWD.

The 3-hp difference between model eras is a SAE measurement recalibration, not a mechanical change. Same engine, same power output. EPA fuel economy is identical across all years and all trims.

Real-world highway fuel economy frequently beats the EPA 36 mpg figure. Owners on NissanKicksForum.com regularly report 37-40 mpg on highway trips. City driving comes in closer to 28-30 mpg in heavy stop-and-go.

See year-specific inventory data at /market/nissan/kicks/2021, /market/nissan/kicks/2022, and /market/nissan/kicks/2023.

Powertrain and CVT Breakdown

1.6L HR16DE and the RE0F11B CVT

There is one engine across the entire first-generation Kicks, paired to one transmission. Understanding both in detail is what separates a confident used Kicks purchase from a regret.

The HR16DE is a 1.6-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder. It's not a powerful engine — 122-125 horsepower moves a 2,800-pound vehicle through city traffic fine, but merging onto a highway at 60 mph requires planning, not instinct. That's not a flaw, just the car's reality. The engine itself is durable. Owners who maintain it routinely reach 150,000-200,000 miles.

The transmission is a Nissan Xtronic CVT, specifically the RE0F11B variant. This is important context that most guides skip entirely: the RE0F11B is not the same CVT that failed in the third-generation Pathfinder or the early Rogue. Those vehicles used the RE0F10A and RE0F10D, which had a specific catastrophic failure mode involving coolant from the transmission oil cooler mixing into the CVT fluid. The Kicks does not have that failure mode. Its CVT is smaller, lighter-duty, and designed for the 1.6L engine specifically.

That said, the RE0F11B has its own documented problems on 2018-2020 models.

CVT shudder and failure (2018-2020 primary concern)

The failure pattern: the RE0F11B has tight hydraulic tolerances and a friction curve that degrades under heat stress. In stop-and-go traffic, after 15+ minutes, the CVT builds heat. The fluid starts to slip against the pulleys. The transmission control module doesn't register a fault until internal damage has accumulated. By then, you're already losing the transmission.

The specific fault codes to know:

• P17F0 / P17F1: CVT judder detection flags — slip and shudder. These indicate the CVT's pulley-to-belt slip is outside calibration.
• P0744: Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Intermittent. On the Kicks, this code is frequently misdiagnosed as a standalone solenoid problem. Replacing the solenoid alone does not fix it. The P0744 on a Kicks almost always indicates valve body replacement or full CVT replacement is needed.

What does early failure feel like? A shudder at launch from a stop. RPM flare — the engine revs up but forward motion lags. A faint whine near 40 mph. In extreme cases, the car loses acceleration above 20 km/h with no warning. NHTSA complaint data from 2020 shows multiple reports of transmission failure between 50,000 and 80,000 miles.

Repair costs:

• CVT fluid drain and refill (Nissan NS-3 fluid only): $150-$300
• Valve body replacement: $800-$1,500 in parts and labor
• Full CVT replacement: $3,500-$5,000 for the unit, plus $1,400+ in labor — total $4,500-$6,500 at a dealer

The settlement question. Nissan settled a class-action lawsuit covering defective CVTs in the Sentra, Versa, Murano, and Maxima, extending warranty coverage to 84 months or 84,000 miles on those models. The Kicks is not covered by that settlement. Standard powertrain warranty only: 60 months or 60,000 miles from original sale date. Many buyers assume they have extended coverage. They don't.

2021 CVT update. The post-refresh Kicks received revised CVT calibration software. Forum threads on NissanKicksForum.com from 2022 and 2023 consistently note fewer shudder and hesitation complaints compared to the 2019-2020 threads. The hardware is the same CVT, but the software mapping meaningfully reduced the heat-related failure pattern. Post-2021 CVT complaints in NHTSA data dropped significantly compared to the 2019 peak.

The one intervention that changes outcomes: CVT fluid.

The factory service interval is 60,000 miles under normal conditions and 30,000 miles under severe conditions (stop-and-go traffic, extreme heat, towing). Most used Kicks buyers are looking at cars in stop-and-go city traffic. The severe interval applies.

Do not buy a used Kicks if the CVT fluid has not been changed and there is no documentation to prove it. A $150-$300 NS-3 fluid change is the difference between a car that goes 200,000 miles and one that fails at 80,000. The fluid is Nissan NS-3 specifically — do not let an independent shop substitute a generic CVT fluid. Incompatible fluid accelerates the friction degradation that causes the shudder failure.

AEB Phantom Braking (2018-2020)

The AEB phantom braking issue is the most reported complaint on the pre-refresh Kicks, and it's the reason to avoid 2018-2020 models unless the price reflects the risk.

The forward collision radar sensor on these models intermittently detected obstacles that were not present. The AEB system activated. The car decelerated sharply. The dashboard showed "Unavailable Front Radar Obstruction." This happened in clear highway traffic, on open roads, with no object ahead of the car. Per NHTSA complaint data, approximately 14 crashes and 5 injuries across the Nissan fleet were documented from AEB malfunctions during the peak complaint period.

Nissan issued software updates — TSB NTB18-041 and subsequent amendments — but no formal recall. The distinction matters. A recall means Nissan is legally obligated to fix every affected vehicle for free, track completion rates, and notify owners. A TSB means a service bulletin is available if a dealer applies it. Dealers only apply TSBs reactively, when owners bring the car in with the complaint. A pre-owned Kicks that was never brought in for the AEB issue may never have received the update.

The 2021 refresh changed the sensor hardware in addition to updating software. Post-2021 AEB complaints dropped materially. Buying a 2021 or newer eliminates this as a concern. Buying 2018-2020 means verifying the TSB was applied — and even then, intermittent recurrence is documented.

Oil Consumption (HR16DE)

The HR16DE engine has documented oil consumption across its applications in other markets. On the US-market Kicks, it appears in individual reports rather than a systematic epidemic: valve guide seal leakage causing brief smoke on cold starts, piston ring wear contributing to higher oil consumption at 30,000+ miles. One 2019 Kicks SV owner reported 1 quart per 200 miles with oily spark plugs — an extreme case, but it's in the forum record.

Check the dipstick at purchase. If the seller doesn't know the car's oil consumption history, budget for monitoring during the first 3,000 miles of ownership.

Air Conditioning

AC compressor failures appear sporadically across 2018-2021 models. The fault code B20C7-1 (AC clutch circuit short or open) has been documented on Kicks. Symptoms: intermittent warm air, compressor clicking on and off, occasional non-cooling on hot days. Full compressor replacement runs $800-$1,500 at most shops.

Test the AC before purchase: run it on maximum cool for five minutes. Any cycling that produces warm air or an audible click-stop from the compressor area is a flag.

Trim-Specific Notes

Three trims across the generation: S, SV, and SR. The SR Two-Tone, added in 2021, is the SR trim with a contrasting roof color — same mechanicals.

S trim is the entry point and the one to avoid in 2021-2024 models. After the refresh, the S kept rear drum brakes while the SV and SR received disc brakes. Rear drums have longer stopping distances and more fade under sustained braking. The S also had no center armrest and the smaller 7-inch screen pre-2021. Starting 2021, Safety Shield 360 went standard on S, which is a genuine improvement. But the drum brakes make the SV the minimum worth buying from 2021 onward.

SV trim is the sweet spot for used buyers. After 2021, it has rear disc brakes, 8-inch touchscreen, Safety Shield 360, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It comes at a meaningful price discount from the SR with no major feature sacrifice.

SR trim adds sport styling, 17-inch alloys, and some interior upgrades over the SV. Same drivetrain, same reliability profile. The SR Two-Tone pays a small premium for a two-tone paint package. Same mechanicals. Pay it if you like the look.

Apple CarPlay / Android Auto: Standard on SV and SR from 2018. Added to S starting with the 2021 refresh.

Rear disc brakes: SV and SR only, from 2021. The 2021 S and all 2018-2020 trims use rear drum brakes.

Which Model Years to Target Within This Gen

The 2021 SV is the sweet spot. The 2021 refresh solved the two biggest problems from the first three years: the phantom AEB braking and the drum-only brake setup. CVT calibration improved. Safety Shield 360 went standard. This year represents the largest quality improvement per dollar in the generation. Two recalls exist for 2021 (EPS torque sensor and a safety tech bulletin), but both are minor, dealer-fixable free of charge, and easily verified via VIN.

The 2022 is the cleanest year. No recalls. Lowest complaint volume. Carryover from the improved 2021. Costs more than a 2021 but less than a 2023, which makes it the quiet recommendation when budget isn't tight.

Avoid 2018 and 2019. The 2019 has the worst NHTSA complaint record in the generation. The AEB issue caused real crashes. CVT failures are documented. These are not theoretical risks. The 2020 is marginally better but still pre-refresh with the same underlying problems.

The 2024 note. The 2025 second-gen Kicks brings a 141-hp 2.0L engine and available AWD. The 2024 Kicks has neither. A 2024 first-gen and a 2023 are mechanically identical, so the 2024 should be priced accordingly. If a dealer is asking near-new money for a 2024 first-gen, the 2025 redesign is the better spend.

Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

All years — before you drive:

• Pull the oil dipstick. It should be at the full mark. Low oil between service intervals suggests consumption. Ask if there's a history of needing to add oil between changes.
• Run the AC on max cool for five minutes before the test drive. Confirm it cools and stays cold. Listen for the compressor clutch cycling on and off repeatedly.

CVT test — do this on every Kicks regardless of year:

• Drive in stop-and-go traffic for at least 15 continuous minutes before the CVT test. The shudder failure manifests when warm, not cold.
• From a complete stop, accelerate firmly to 35 mph. Listen for any shudder or vibration at the launch point. Feel for RPM flare where the engine revs up but the car doesn't accelerate with it. Either symptom means walk away or demand a pre-purchase inspection with code pull.
• On a highway on-ramp, attempt a hard 50-to-70 mph acceleration. If there is a "nothing is happening" dead zone where the pedal is down and speed doesn't increase, have a shop pull codes before proceeding.
• Ask any independent shop to pull stored and pending fault codes before purchase. P0744, P17F0, or P17F1 on a Kicks means transmission damage in progress. Do not negotiate around these codes — walk.
• Ask for documentation that CVT fluid was changed before 40,000 miles using Nissan NS-3 fluid. No documentation = budget $150-$300 for an immediate fluid change.

AEB check — critical for 2018-2020:

• During the highway portion of the test drive, watch the dashboard for "Front Radar Obstruction" warnings on clear road. Any unexplained deceleration with no obstacle ahead is the AEB phantom braking issue.
• Ask a Nissan dealer to confirm TSB NTB18-041 and its amendments have been applied. This should appear in service history. If the car was only serviced at an independent shop, the TSB was almost certainly never applied.
• Run the VIN through /tools/recall-lookup to confirm the backup camera recall (2018-2019) is closed.

2021+ specific:

• Confirm the EPS torque sensor recall (2021 models) has been completed — free at any Nissan dealer. Check via VIN recall lookup.
• On 2023-2024 models: confirm the airbag inflator recall (campaign PD103/PD104/PMA34) is complete. Also free, also easy.
• On SV and SR (rear discs): ask to see brake pad thickness and rotor condition. Consumer Reports flagged premature pad and rotor wear on 2023 models in city traffic. If rotors are at or near minimum thickness, negotiate that into the price.

Running Costs

The CVT fluid change is the most leveraged maintenance item on this vehicle. It costs $150-$300. Skipping it risks a $5,000 transmission. On a used purchase with no service records, treat the CVT fluid as a day-one expense.

FAQ

Is the Nissan Kicks CVT reliable? The RE0F11B CVT in 2018-2020 Kicks models has documented shudder and failure issues, with complaints peaking in 2019. Models from 2021 onward received revised calibration software and have significantly fewer reported problems. The Kicks CVT is not covered by Nissan's extended class-action settlement; only the standard 60-month/60,000-mile powertrain warranty applies. Change the CVT fluid immediately on any used purchase if documentation is absent.

Does the Nissan Kicks have AWD? No. Every 2018-2024 first-generation Nissan Kicks sold in the United States is front-wheel drive only. AWD was not offered on any trim at any price point during the first generation. The first Kicks with available AWD is the redesigned 2025 model.

What year Nissan Kicks should I avoid? Avoid 2018 and 2019. The 2019 generated 226 NHTSA complaints — the highest in the generation — driven by phantom AEB activation and CVT shudder. The 2018 shares the same problems as a first-year model. The 2021 refresh meaningfully addressed both issues. Buy 2021 or newer.

How many miles will a first-gen Nissan Kicks last? Well-maintained examples reach 150,000-200,000 miles. The HR16DE engine is durable. The CVT is the longevity variable. CVT failures on units with no fluid change history are documented as early as 57,000 miles. Units with documented fluid changes at 30,000-40,000 mile intervals consistently reach high mileage without major transmission issues.

Is the 2021 Nissan Kicks significantly better than the 2020? Yes. The 2021 gets rear disc brakes on SV and SR trims (all 2018-2020 trims use rear drums), an updated 8-inch touchscreen, Safety Shield 360 standard across all trims, revised CVT calibration software, and a new AEB sensor that fixed the phantom braking issue that plagued 2018-2020 models. NHTSA complaint volume dropped significantly from 2020 to 2021. The improvement is real and well-documented.

Bottom Line

Skip 2018 and 2019 entirely. The 2022 SV is the cleanest buy in the generation: no recalls, lowest complaint volume, rear disc brakes, improved CVT, and enough used supply to negotiate. The 2021 SV gets you the same mechanical improvements at a lower price point. Either way, run the VIN through a recall check, pull codes before committing, and get documentation on CVT fluid history. And remember: every first-gen Kicks is front-wheel drive. That's the car.

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Data sourced from NHTSA recalls database, EPA fuel economy data, and real owner experiences from NissanKicksForum.com, NissanHelp.com, CarComplaints.com, and Reddit communities including r/NissanKicks and r/whatcarshouldibuy. Technical CVT documentation sourced from Gears Magazine. See the full Nissan Kicks market data for current pricing and inventory.