NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2023 Nissan Kicks Safety Ratings
The 2023 Nissan Kicks scores 89 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 1 recall, and 30 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2023 Nissan Kicks achieves a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100, positioning it in the Strong band. This assessment is based on a solid crash-test performance and the inclusion of a full suite of standard crash-avoidance technology. One active recall, however, warrants attention prior to purchase or continued operation.
The 2023 Nissan Kicks received a 4-out-of-5-star overall NHTSA crash-test rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 89/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test and recall data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 139 SUVs from 2023 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2023 Nissan Kicks ranks 49 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 | 89 / 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 | 30 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 49 of 139 SUVs tested for 2023 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2023 Nissan Kicks?
The 2023 Nissan Kicks faced a significant recall concerning its frontal driver-side air bag inflator module. This single recall, part of a broader Nissan campaign, notably influenced the vehicle's defect record, which scored 17.75 out of 20 points. Despite this, the Kicks achieved a Safety Index of 89 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band, a slight decrease from the 2022 model year's 90/100 Exceptional rating. Crash protection data shows a 5-star side-impact rating, alongside 4-star scores for both frontal crash and rollover resistance. This performance contributed 61 of a possible 70 points in the crash protection category. The Kicks earned a perfect 10 out of 10 for avoidance technology, with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all included as standard features. However, owner complaints introduce a point of concern; 30 complaints were registered, with alleged Forward Collision Avoidance issues being a leading category. These complaints stand in contrast to the perfect score assigned to the vehicle's avoidance systems. The 2023 Kicks presents as a strong-performing compact SUV based on federal safety metrics, though the air bag recall and the volume of avoidance-system allegations are key distinguishing factors from an unblemished record.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2023 Nissan Kicks perform in crash tests?
The 2023 Nissan Kicks earned an overall 4 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's safety ratings. Its side-impact protection is a particular strength, achieving 5 out of 5 stars. Frontal crash protection and the rollover resistance assessment each rated 4 out of 5 stars. The measured rollover risk is 16 percent, with the dynamic tip test concluding in a No Tip result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 18957
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2023 Nissan Kicks have any recalls?
The 2023 Nissan Kicks carries one recall campaign: a frontal driver-side air bag inflator module defect. This campaign also covers 2024 Titan, Frontier, Infiniti QX60, Pathfinder, and 2023-2024 Sentra and Versa models. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the available data, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN through NHTSA.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE24V154000
Risk: An air bag that deploys improperly may not protect the driver as intended during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front driver's air bag assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 10, 2024. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PD103, PD104, and PMA34.
Reported 2024-02-27
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2023 Nissan Kicks?
Thirty unverified consumer complaints have been reported to NHTSA for the 2023 Kicks. Alleged problem areas include Forward Collision Avoidance (11 reports), Electrical System (7), Unknown Or Other (6), Engine (5), Back Over Prevention (4), and Service Brakes (4). These are unverified allegations, not confirmed defects.
30 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2023 Nissan Kicks?
The 2023 Nissan Kicks carries a significant open recall concerning its frontal air bag inflator. This critical safety component requires verification of recall completion via the NHTSA database when considering a used model. A Nissan dealership should address this before any sale.
- The 2023 Kicks carries one NHTSA recall specific to this model year: a frontal driver-side air bag inflator module campaign shared with several other 2023-2024 Nissan and Infiniti nameplates - VIN verification of remedy completion is essential.
- Side-impact protection earned a perfect 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA this model year, the single strongest individual result in the crash-test suite and a key contributor to the 61/70 crash protection score.
- The Safety Index dropped one point from the 2022 model year's 90/100 Exceptional rating to 89/100 Strong, a change driven primarily by the defect record component scoring 17.75/20 rather than a higher figure.
- Eleven of the 30 unverified NHTSA complaints target the Forward Collision Avoidance system - the same technology that scores a perfect 10/10 in the index - making this the most complaint-dense component to monitor for this specific model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2023 Nissan Kicks places
The 2023 Nissan Kicks qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2023 Nissan Kicks safety questions
Was the 2023 Nissan Kicks crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2023 Nissan Kicks, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 89 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 2023 Nissan Kicks crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2023 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 2023 Nissan Kicks have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 1 vehicle recall is on file for the 2023 Nissan Kicks. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2023 Nissan Kicks?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 30 owner complaints are on file for the 2023 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 (2023)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 Tesla Model X Later Release | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Early Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Tesla Model Y Rwd Later Release | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2023 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2023 Lexus Rz 450e | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 18957), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Kicks 2023.
- 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 49 of 139 in the SUV class for 2023.
- 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.