MODEL
Nissan Kicks Play Safety
NHTSA safety across every Nissan Kicks Play model year we cover.
Across the 1 model year of the Nissan Kicks Play we cover (2025 to 2025), the strongest crash-test showing is the 2025 at 86 on the NHTSA Safety Index. 4 recalls have been issued across those years.
The 2025 Nissan Kicks Play is a subcompact SUV slotting into one of the most competitive segments in the American market. Aimed at budget-conscious urban and suburban buyers who want crossover practicality without a large footprint or price tag, the Kicks Play positions itself as an accessible, city-friendly option. For shoppers weighing safety alongside value, understanding what the federal data actually shows is essential before signing anything.
Side protection is the clear highlight for the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play, achieving a full 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's crash tests. This indicates strong performance in lateral impacts. Frontal and rollover protection both received 4 out of 5 stars. While solid, this places the Kicks Play below the top tier in these critical categories, particularly frontal impact. The 4-star rollover risk is consistent with the subcompact SUV class's taller, narrower profile. The Kicks Play earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band, a respectable result for its segment. However, 4 recalls have been issued for this single model year. Prospective buyers should scrutinize a vehicle's VIN through NHTSA's database. Owner complaints total 31, including 2 crash-related and 1 injury allegation. These remain unverified, but the complaint pattern warrants monitoring as the model year ages. The Kicks Play posts a credible safety score overall, but its recall record and complaint trajectory require close attention.
WHAT REVIEWERS SAYReviewers generally regard the Nissan Kicks as a practical, easy-to-maneuver subcompact SUV that punches reasonably well for its segment and price point. Most praise its comfortable ride for city driving and its straightforward interior layout, while noting that it does not lead the class in every measurable category. It tends to be described as a sensible, unpretentious choice rather than a segment benchmark.
- The 2025 Kicks Play earned a Strong NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, with a perfect 5-star side-crash rating - its single standout crash-test result.
- Frontal and rollover protection each came in at 4 out of 5 stars, meaning protection is solid but not class-leading in those two areas that account for a large share of serious real-world crashes.
- Four recalls have already been issued for this 2025 model year - shoppers should run a VIN check at NHTSA.gov before taking delivery to confirm all recall repairs have been completed.
- Thirty-one owner complaints have been filed, including 2 crash-related and 1 injury allegation - all unverified - but the volume for a single model year is worth monitoring as a potential early signal of emerging issues.
Most-recalled year on record: 2025 Nissan Kicks Play with 4 recalls.