NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 Nissan Kicks Safety Ratings
The 2022 Nissan Kicks scores 90 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Exceptional), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 0 recalls, and 22 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2022 Nissan Kicks demonstrates an exceptional safety profile, achieving a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100. This standing is directly supported by strong crash-test performance across all evaluated categories. Further bolstering its safety credentials, the 2022 Kicks has no federal recalls on record. This is a well-rounded offering for a subcompact SUV on the used market.
The 2022 Nissan Kicks received a 5-star side crash-test rating and a 90/100 NHTSA Safety Index derived from NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 135 SUVs from 2022 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2022 Nissan Kicks ranks 41 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 | 90 / 100 (Exceptional) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15.5% |
| Recalls on file | 0 |
| Owner complaints | 22 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 41 of 135 SUVs tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Nissan Kicks?
The 2022 Nissan Kicks represents a meaningful step forward in the model's safety standing. The NHTSA Safety Index climbed from 86/100 in the Strong band for 2021 to 90/100 in the Exceptional band for 2022, a 4-point gain that pushed it into a higher tier. That improvement is anchored by a near-perfect defect record score of 18.5 out of 20, driven directly by zero recall campaigns on file. The crash protection subscore of 61 out of 70 reflects a solid but not flawless NHTSA performance: a 5-star side result is the headline, while frontal and rollover both land at 4 stars. The avoidance technology subscore is a full 10 out of 10, reflecting that forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all come standard on this model year. The 22 reported complaints include 2 alleged crash-related incidents and 2 alleged injuries, and the concentration of allegations around Forward Collision Avoidance is worth noting given that the system is also one of the model's rated safety strengths. Those remain unverified allegations, but the pattern is specific enough to warrant attention from prospective buyers.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Nissan Kicks perform in crash tests?
The 2022 Nissan Kicks earned an overall 4 out of 5 stars from NHTSA. Its side protection registered a perfect 5 stars, while frontal and rollover protection each scored 4 stars. The rollover risk for the Kicks was measured at 16 percent, with a "No Tip" result in the dynamic tip test.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 17009
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Nissan Kicks have any recalls?
The 2022 Nissan Kicks has zero recall campaigns on file with NHTSA. No components have been flagged, and there are no park-outside or do-not-drive advisories associated with this model year. Used-market shoppers should still run a VIN check to confirm no campaigns have been added since this data was compiled.
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 Nissan Kicks?
NHTSA has logged 22 unverified owner complaints for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Forward Collision Avoidance and Steering, each with 5 reports, followed by Engine with 4. These are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
22 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Nissan Kicks?
A clean defect record distinguishes the 2022 Kicks today, showing zero recalls on file with federal regulators. Used-market purchasers should still consult the NHTSA recall lookup tool by VIN before purchase to confirm this status has not changed and to ensure any future remedies have been completed.
- The 2022 model year achieved a 4-point Safety Index gain over 2021, moving from 86/100 in the Strong band to 90/100 in the Exceptional band, largely on the strength of zero recall campaigns.
- Side crash protection is the standout result at 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA, while frontal and rollover protection each scored 4 stars, with a measured rollover risk of 16 percent.
- All three primary crash-avoidance technologies, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, are standard equipment on this model year, contributing a perfect 10 out of 10 avoidance tech subscore.
- Five of the 22 unverified NHTSA complaints specifically allege issues with the Forward Collision Avoidance system, a concentration worth reviewing against any VIN-specific service history before purchase.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Nissan Kicks places
The 2022 Nissan Kicks qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 Nissan Kicks safety questions
Was the 2022 Nissan Kicks crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 Nissan Kicks, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 90 out of 100, placing it in the Exceptional band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2022 Nissan Kicks crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 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 2022 Nissan Kicks have?
According to NHTSA recall data, no vehicle recalls are on file for the 2022 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 2022 Nissan Kicks?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 22 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 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 (2022)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Infiniti Qx55 | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Envision | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Buick Enclave | 94/100 | 4 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 17009), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Kicks 2022.
- 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 41 of 135 in the SUV class for 2022.
- 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.