NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Nissan Kicks Play Safety Ratings
The 2025 Nissan Kicks Play scores 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 31 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2025 Nissan Kicks Play achieves a 5 out of 5 star rating in side-impact crash testing, contributing to its overall NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100. This score places the vehicle in the Strong safety band. However, the presence of four active recall campaigns warrants careful consideration for prospective buyers. The model does receive full credit for its crash-avoidance technology, indicating a comprehensive suite of active safety features.
The 2025 Nissan Kicks Play received an overall 4-star NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 153 SUVs from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play ranks 109 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 86 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.5% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 31 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 109 of 153 SUVs tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play?
The 2025 Nissan Kicks Play is the first model year on file for this variant, so no prior-year Safety Index exists for direct comparison. What distinguishes this specific year is the combination of a strong crash-protection subscore of 61 out of 70, a perfect 10 out of 10 avoidance-tech score reflecting standard forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, and a defect-record subscore of 14.8 out of 20 that reflects the weight of four active recall campaigns. The 5-star side-crash result is the single most impressive data point for this year, while the four-star frontal and rollover results are competitive without being exceptional. The four recalls span software, labeling, and a safety-warning system, and the Shift-to-Park warning recall in particular involves a feature drivers rely on to prevent unintended vehicle movement. The 31 reported complaints, led by alleged Visibility and Wiper issues, add a layer of early-ownership concern worth monitoring as the fleet ages.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Nissan Kicks Play earned a 4 out of 5 overall star rating from NHTSA. Its side-crash protection was rated a perfect 5 stars. Frontal crash protection and the rollover resistance assessment each returned 4 stars. The dynamic rollover tip test concluded with a No Tip result, indicating a 16 percent rollover risk.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20802
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play have any recalls?
Yes, four recall campaigns cover this model year. They address a combination meter software error shared with 2026 Kicks, a backup-camera display fault shared with the 2025 Frontier, an incorrectly printed certification label, and a Shift-to-Park warning that may not activate as intended. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is noted in the available data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL26V331000
Risk: 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 are expected to be mailed July 1, 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.
Reported 2026-05-21
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V324000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2025-06-04
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS25V188000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2025-04-18
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM24V969000
Risk: 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.
Reported 2024-12-23
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play?
Thirty-one unverified consumer complaints have been filed with NHTSA for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Visibility and Wipers with 6 reports, Steering with 5, and Electrical System and Back Over Prevention each with 4. These are unverified allegations, not confirmed defects.
31 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play?
The 2025 Nissan Kicks Play's four recall campaigns necessitate a specific VIN check on NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase. Remedy completion for these recalls varies by individual vehicle. Written confirmation of closed campaigns is advised.
- The 2025 Nissan Kicks Play carries four active NHTSA recall campaigns, covering a combination meter software fault, a backup-camera display error, an incorrect certification label, and a Shift-to-Park warning that may not engage as intended.
- The side-crash star rating of 5 out of 5 is the strongest single result in the NHTSA test suite for this model year, separating it from the 4-star frontal and rollover scores.
- The defect-record subscore of 14.8 out of a possible 20 is the primary drag on the overall Safety Index, a direct consequence of the four recall campaigns issued against this model year.
- Thirty-one unverified NHTSA complaints have been filed, with Visibility and Wipers leading at 6 alleged reports, followed closely by Steering at 5 and both Electrical System and Back Over Prevention at 4 each.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play places
The 2025 Nissan Kicks Play qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Nissan Kicks Play safety questions
Was the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 15.5%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 31 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 Nissan Kicks Play. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Rivals in SUV (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Tesla Model X | 96/100 | not rated | 3 |
| 2025 Acura ADX | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20802), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Kicks Play 2025.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 109 of 153 in the SUV class for 2025.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.