NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Nissan Kicks Safety Ratings
The 2021 Nissan Kicks scores 86 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 2 recalls, and 70 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
Two recalls affecting the electric power steering system define the primary safety concern for the 2021 Nissan Kicks. Despite this issue, the model earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. Its crash-test performance and full suite of avoidance technology support a solid overall safety picture.
The 2021 Nissan Kicks received a 5-star side-impact rating and an overall 4-star NHTSA crash-test score, with a NHTSA Safety Index of 86 out of 100, based on NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Nissan Kicks ranks 52 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 | 2 |
| Owner complaints | 70 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 52 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Nissan Kicks?
The 2021 Nissan Kicks achieved a perfect 5-star side-impact rating from NHTSA, contributing to a strong crash-protection sub-score of 61 out of 70. Its active-safety suite also earned a maximum 10 out of 10 in avoidance technology, with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all standard. However, the overall NHTSA Safety Index score for the 2021 Kicks stands at 86 out of 100, a slight decrease from the 2020 model year's 87. This one-point reduction stems from its defect record, which scored 15 out of 20, impacted by two electric power steering recall campaigns issued in 2022 and 2023. Owner complaints show a notable signal in the structural category, with 24 unverified allegations. Additionally, 15 unverified reports concern Forward Collision Avoidance, a system central to the vehicle's high avoidance-tech score. This model year presents a profile of robust active-safety features and solid crash-test performance, but its steering-system defect record requires careful consideration.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Nissan Kicks perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Nissan Kicks achieved an overall safety rating of 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its side-impact protection is a particular strength, earning a full 5 out of 5 stars. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance both registered 4 out of 5 stars. The measured rollover risk stands at 16 percent, with the dynamic tip test confirming a "No Tip" result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15536
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Nissan Kicks have any recalls?
The 2021 Nissan Kicks has two recalls on record, both targeting the electric power assist steering system. Nissan issued the first campaign in September 2022 and a second in July 2023, each addressing an intermittent electrical connection in the system. Neither campaign carries a park-outside or do-not-drive designation based on available data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN.
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM23V496000
Risk: Loss of power steering assist can increase the steering effort required, especially at low speeds, and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering column torque sensor lot code and replace the steering column assembly, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed September 8, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PMA26. This recall involves vehicles that were previously inspected, but did not receive a st
Reported 2023-07-18
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM22V693000
Risk: Loss of power steering assist can increase the steering effort required, especially at low speeds, and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the steering column torque sensor lot code, and replace the column, if necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed November 9, 2022. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PMA10 / PMA25.
Reported 2022-09-15
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Nissan Kicks?
Seventy owner complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2021 Kicks, including alleged reports tied to 5 crashes and 2 injuries. These are unverified allegations. The most frequently cited components are Structure with 24 reports, Forward Collision Avoidance and Unknown Or Other each with 15, and the Electrical System with 11.
70 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Nissan Kicks?
Shoppers considering a used 2021 Nissan Kicks should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database to confirm whether both electric power steering recall campaigns have been completed. An unresolved steering recall on a used vehicle is a concrete safety item, not a minor paperwork detail, and remedy verification should happen before any purchase decision.
- Two separate recall campaigns, both issued after the model year's sale date in 2022 and 2023, target the same electric power assist steering system on the 2021 Kicks, making VIN-level remedy verification a critical step for used-market buyers.
- The 2021 Kicks scored a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's side-impact test, the strongest individual result in its crash-test profile and one point above its frontal and rollover scores.
- The Safety Index dropped one point from the 2020 model year's 87 to 86 for 2021, a movement driven by the defect record sub-score of 15 out of 20 rather than any decline in crash-test or avoidance-tech performance.
- Forward Collision Avoidance is the source of 15 unverified owner complaint allegations reported to NHTSA, a notable figure for a system that also contributes to the model year's maximum 10-out-of-10 avoidance-tech sub-score.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Nissan Kicks places
The 2021 Nissan Kicks qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Nissan Kicks safety questions
Was the 2021 Nissan Kicks crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Nissan Kicks, 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 2021 Nissan Kicks crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 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 2021 Nissan Kicks have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 2 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Nissan Kicks. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Nissan Kicks?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 70 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 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 (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15536), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Kicks 2021.
- 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 52 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- 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.