NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Nissan Kicks Safety Ratings
The 2020 Nissan Kicks scores 87 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 89 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2020 Nissan Kicks achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 87/100, placing it squarely in the Strong band. This model year carries no recalls on record, a notable distinction. Its safety profile is further bolstered by a comprehensive suite of standard crash-avoidance technologies and solid performance in NHTSA crash testing. For its segment, the 2020 Kicks presents a genuinely favorable safety assessment.
The 2020 Nissan Kicks received a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 out of 100 and a 5-star NHTSA side-crash rating, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Nissan Kicks ranks 36 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 | 87 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.5% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 89 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 36 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Nissan Kicks?
The 2020 Nissan Kicks improved its NHTSA Safety Index by 3 points over the 2019 model, moving from 84 to 87 out of 100, while remaining in the Strong band. That incremental gain is meaningful: the defect record subscore of 15.75 out of 20 was supported by a zero-recall outcome, and the avoidance technology subscore reached a perfect 10 out of 10, reflecting that forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all came standard on this model year. The crash protection subscore of 61 out of 70 aligns with the NHTSA star picture, where a 5-star side result anchors the profile and 4-star scores across frontal and rollover round it out. The 89 total complaints filed with NHTSA are worth watching, particularly the 33 unverified allegations centered on Forward Collision Avoidance, which is the same system that earns the vehicle its full avoidance tech credit. That concentration does not change the index score, but it is a pattern a safety-conscious shopper should note when evaluating a specific used unit.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Nissan Kicks perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Nissan Kicks earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA, with its side-crash performance standing out. The Kicks achieved a perfect 5-star rating in side-impact tests. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance were each rated at 4 stars. The rollover risk was measured at 16 percent, with a dynamic tip test resulting in No Tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14510
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Nissan Kicks have any recalls?
The 2020 Nissan Kicks carries zero NHTSA recall campaigns on file. No recall components are on record, and there are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with this model year. Shoppers should still run a VIN check, as recall status can change after a vehicle leaves the dealership.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Nissan Kicks?
A total of 89 unverified owner allegations have been reported to NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem area is Forward Collision Avoidance, cited in 33 reports, followed by the Electrical System with 26 alleged reports, and the Engine with 19. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
89 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Nissan Kicks?
A 6-year-old used vehicle, the 2020 Nissan Kicks currently shows no open NHTSA recalls. However, recall status can change. Always run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database before purchase to confirm no new campaigns have been issued and that any future remedy has been completed.
- The 2020 model year improved the NHTSA Safety Index by 3 points over 2019, from 84 to 87 out of 100, driven in part by a zero-recall outcome and a perfect avoidance technology subscore.
- NHTSA awarded this model year a 5-star side-crash result, the strongest individual rating in its crash-test profile, while frontal and rollover protection each scored 4 stars.
- Despite zero recalls, 33 unverified NHTSA complaints specifically allege problems with the Forward Collision Avoidance system, the highest complaint concentration of any single component for this model year.
- Forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control were all standard equipment on the 2020 Kicks, earning it a perfect 10 out of 10 avoidance technology subscore in the Safety Index.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Nissan Kicks places
The 2020 Nissan Kicks qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Nissan Kicks safety questions
Was the 2020 Nissan Kicks crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Nissan Kicks, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 87 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 2020 Nissan Kicks crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 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 2020 Nissan Kicks have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Nissan Kicks as of Oct 1, 2026. Equipment recalls, if any, are excluded from the Safety Index. Run your VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup to confirm the status is current.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Nissan Kicks?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 89 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 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 (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14510), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Kicks 2020.
- 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 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- 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.