NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Nissan Kicks Play
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
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.
The 2025 Nissan Kicks Play earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 4 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers 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.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
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 // RECALLSRecall record
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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
31 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.