Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
For most consumers, buying and driving a new car should be a pleasant and satisfying experience. Unfortunately, some vehicles are more susceptible to defects, which can hinder this enjoyment.
While the 2021 Nissan Kicks is generally well-regarded and does not have many reported issues, there are a few potential problems that buyers should be aware of based on what other consumers have reported online.
In this article, we will explore the most common problems and complaints reported by 2021 Nissan Kicks owners nationwide. Then, we will discuss the lemon law in your state and how you can use it to be compensated for purchasing a defective vehicle.
Common 2021 Nissan Kicks Problems
- Front Collision Avoidance System Issues: Automatic emergency brakes engaging unexpectedly, vehicle dynamic control system failure, faulty front sensors
- Structural Issues: Paint chipping, rusting, bent elements
- Transmission Problems: Failure to accelerate, trouble shifting gears, gear slippage, transmission failure, rollaway
- Electrical Systems Problems: False sensor reports and warning lights, A/C and heating issues
2021 Nissan Kicks Front Collision Avoidance System Problems
Front collision avoidance systems, which include things like automatic emergency braking (AEB), collision sensors, and cruise control, can be sensitive systems in vehicles and therefore prone to malfunction. This seems to be the case for the 2021 Nissan Kicks, as this was the most reported issue by consumers online.
Front collision avoidance system problems usually take the form of unexpected braking or false reports that there are things in front of the vehicle when nothing is actually there.
Consumers can mitigate this issue by not using the impacted systems, but if they experience automatic emergency braking without their input, they should likely take the vehicle to be inspected and repaired. Spontaneous braking can be dangerous if a driver or other vehicles on the road do not anticipate it.
2021 Nissan Kicks Transmission Problems
Transmission issues are typically some of the more commonly reported issues because they manifest dramatically and noticeably. The transmission of a car is responsible for controlling how much power moves from the engine to the wheels, determining how fast the vehicle moves.
This is obviously a very important role in the vehicle as a whole, and a dysfunctional transmission can severely impact the ability of the driver to exert control over their vehicle.
In the 2021 Nissan Kicks, consumers report failures to accelerate, trouble shifting gears, gear slippage, general transmission failure, and rollaway. Transmission problems, once noticed, should be addressed as soon as possible because of how dangerous they can be otherwise.
2021 Nissan Kicks Electrical Problems
Most modern cars come equipped with many different electronic systems, such as the infotainment system or the lighting and air conditioning systems.
The dangerousness of defects in these systems can vary greatly depending on which system is being impacted. In the 2021 Nissan Kicks, two different issues were mentioned most frequently.
The less dangerous issue was A/C and heating issues. These are frustrating, but not likely to be dangerous for the driver. The other electrical issue involves false sensor reports and warning lights.
These can be dangerous, as a driver may improperly modify how they drive based on the vehicle’s sensor reports. If your vehicle begins suddenly giving you a large number of warnings, it may be good to have an authorized mechanic verify whether they are accurate or not.
Example Complaints from Real Nissan Kicks Owners
“When I start my car it says collusion warning and skid sliding warning. It don’t happen every time but it does happen randomly and beeps while I’m driving the entire time. Happens daily when it’s cold like winter, but not as much thru warm weather like spring summer. I’ve never had a collusion in the 1 1/2 I’ve had my car while being the only owner!”
“Cute car but……. -You have to pretty much slam the doors every single time or they don’t shut properly. -The light duty hitch and bike rack that was perfect on my 2017 Sentra sinks the Kicks down so much I can’t clear the slight ramp out of my school parking lot without risking scraping the bottom of the rack. Sentra had no issues whatsoever. -Collision assist randomly comes on when there isn’t a vehicle, human or animal anywhere to be found. -I would have expected better from Nissan”
“While I’m driving, usually while I’m on the freeway, my 2021 Nissan Kicks will think I’m about to get into a head on collision and try to brake for me. I get warnings that come onto my dash and my emergency brake light will come on. This happens about 2-3 times a week and seems to be happening more frequently. My car is still under warranty and I’ve taken it into the dealership three times now and they can’t seem to find an issue.”
How the Lemon Law Could Help with Your 2021 Nissan Kicks Issues
The lemon law provides legal protection for consumers who purchase or lease defective vehicles, allowing them to file claims against the manufacturer for a replacement vehicle or refund. In California, the lemon law follows a “reasonable number of repair attempts” standard.
This typically means that a vehicle must undergo two to four repair attempts before being considered a lemon or be out of service for 30 or more days for the same or similar issue, though these numbers may vary if the defect is particularly hazardous.
The process begins when a consumer identifies a defect and presents the vehicle to an authorized manufacturer dealer for repairs. If the defect persists, additional repair attempts are necessary to allow the manufacturer a reasonable number of attempts to repair the vehicle.
It is crucial for the vehicle owner to meticulously document all repairs, as this information is vital for filing a lemon law claim and to keep copies of all repair receipts.
Once the consumer determines their vehicle is likely a lemon, the consumer should consider hiring an experienced lemon law attorney to assist with filing a lemon law claim against the manufacturer. Consulting with and potentially hiring a skilled lemon law attorney is strongly recommended before taking legal action, as they can provide valuable guidance and organization throughout the claim process.
The remedies available for a California lemon law claim include a refund or a replacement vehicle. A refund includes the reimbursement of all monies spent on the vehicle, including the down payment, interest and taxes, and may also cover incidental fees such as registration renewal costs or rental car or tow car costs.
Alternatively, a replacement vehicle will be of similar make and model, often a current-year model, though not always. Here, the consumer will be responsible for any difference in price. In both cases, the manufacturer deducts a usage fee, which accounts for the time the consumer drove the vehicle without experiencing issues that lead to the vehicle being a lemon.
Call a Skilled Lemon Law Attorney Today!
Dealing with a legal process on top of a defective new vehicle can be incredibly stressful for the average consumer. Luckily, the Lemon Law Experts are here to help!
Our team of excellent attorneys has worked with thousands of cases just like yours and have secured our clients large favorable settlements.
A skilled attorney can make your lemon law claim feel like a breeze. Don’t hesitate to contact us today: lemon law claims are time sensitive depending on the original warranty on your vehicle, and you don’t want to accidentally miss out on a claim because you waited too long.
Call at us (877) 885-5366 or fill out a form online for a free case evaluation today!
