NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2019 Nissan Kicks Safety Ratings
The 2019 Nissan Kicks scores 84 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 132 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2019 Nissan Kicks achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 84/100, positioning it within our Strong safety band. Its four-star overall NHTSA rating provides a solid foundation for evaluating its protective capabilities. This standing is further supported by a single recall on record. However, the vehicle's modest score in avoidance technology aspects slightly tempers an otherwise positive safety assessment.
The 2019 Nissan Kicks received a four-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 84/100, sourced from NHTSA federal safety data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 93 SUVs from 2019 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2019 Nissan Kicks ranks 36 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 84 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.5% |
| Recalls on file | 1 |
| Owner complaints | 132 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 36 of 93 SUVs tested for 2019 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2019 Nissan Kicks?
The 2019 Nissan Kicks achieves a NHTSA Safety Index score of 84 out of 100. This debut year for the Kicks establishes a new baseline for the model. Its crash protection earned 61 of a possible 70 points, marked by the NHTSA five-star side-impact rating and four-star results in both frontal and rollover evaluations. The vehicle's avoidance technology sub-score of 7 out of 10 was limited by the absence of standard lane departure warning, setting it apart from competitors offering more active-safety features in the 2019 model year. The defect record, scoring 15.75 out of 20, is influenced by a single recall concerning the rearview camera sensing system. This is a critical component given federal back-over prevention mandates. Owner complaints for this model year total 132. Of these, 41 reports specifically detail issues with the Forward Collision Avoidance system. This volume of complaints warrants scrutiny, particularly as this system is a key factor in the vehicle's avoidance-tech assessment. The 2019 Kicks demonstrates strong structural performance in crash scenarios, with its active-safety equipment presenting the primary area for improvement in this model year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2019 Nissan Kicks perform in crash tests?
NHTSA awarded the 2019 Nissan Kicks four stars overall, four stars in frontal protection, and four stars in rollover resistance, with a 16 percent rollover risk and a No Tip result in dynamic testing. The standout is a perfect five stars in the side-crash evaluation, the single category where this model year excels.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 13463
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2019 Nissan Kicks have any recalls?
The 2019 Nissan Kicks carries one recall campaign: a back-over prevention issue affecting the rearview camera sensing system, issued by Nissan North America and covering certain 2018-2019 Nissan models including the Kicks. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive is on file for this campaign, but buyers should confirm remedy completion by VIN before purchase.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA19V654000
Risk: The lack of an image in the back-up camera display increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners in phases, having dealers update the back-up camera settings software, free of charge. The recall began November 11, 2019 and all affected VINs should be activated. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669 or INFINITI customer service at 1-800-662-6200.
Reported 2019-09-12
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2019 Nissan Kicks?
NHTSA has logged 132 unverified consumer complaints against the 2019 Kicks. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Forward Collision Avoidance with 41 reports, Electrical System with 38, and Engine with 34. These are unverified allegations only and have not been established as confirmed defects.
132 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2019 Nissan Kicks?
The 2019 Nissan Kicks carries a significant safety concern regarding its rearview camera system. A recall was issued for this model year due to a malfunction in the rearview camera sensing system. Prospective buyers should verify through the NHTSA database that this critical repair has been completed by an authorized Nissan dealership before purchase.
- The 2019 Kicks earned a five-star NHTSA side-crash rating, its strongest individual result, while frontal and rollover protection each came in at four stars with a 16 percent rollover risk.
- A single recall specific to this model year targets the back-over prevention rearview camera sensing system, a safety-critical component that used-market buyers must verify as remedied by VIN.
- Lane departure warning is not standard on this model year, which directly limits the avoidance-tech sub-score to 7 out of 10 and distinguishes the 2019 Kicks from competitors offering broader active-safety packages in this segment.
- Forward Collision Avoidance is the most alleged problem area in the 132 unverified NHTSA complaints for this model year, with 41 reports, a pattern that warrants scrutiny given that the system is also a rated safety feature.
RANKINGSWhere the 2019 Nissan Kicks places
The 2019 Nissan Kicks qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2019 Nissan Kicks safety questions
Was the 2019 Nissan Kicks crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2019 Nissan Kicks, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 84 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 2019 Nissan Kicks crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2019 Nissan Kicks 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 2019 Nissan Kicks have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2019 Nissan Kicks. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2019 Nissan Kicks?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 132 owner complaints are on file for the 2019 Nissan Kicks. 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.
Other Kicks years
Rivals in SUV (2019)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 Tesla Model X 60d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 75d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X 90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P100d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Tesla Model X P90d | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2019 Nissan Murano | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 13463), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Kicks 2019.
- 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 36 of 93 in the SUV class for 2019.
- 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.