NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2025 Nissan Kicks Safety Ratings
The 2025 Nissan Kicks scores 81 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 31 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
A notable eight-point drop from the 2024 model year tempers the 2025 Nissan Kicks' NHTSA Safety Index of 81/100, which otherwise places it in the Strong band. Four active recall campaigns further qualify this assessment. Verifying recall completion is a firm priority before purchase.
The 2025 Nissan Kicks holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 81/100 and a 3-out-of-5-star NHTSA frontal crash rating, according to federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 153 SUVs from 2025 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2025 Nissan Kicks ranks 138 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 | 81 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 3 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 17.9% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 31 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 138 of 153 SUVs tested for 2025 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2025 Nissan Kicks?
The 2025 Nissan Kicks records a significant decline in its Safety Index, dropping eight points to 81/100 from the 2024 model's 89/100. This places it in the lower half of the "Strong" safety band. The primary factor in this reduction is a defect record sub-score of 14.75 out of 20, reflecting the weight of four distinct recall campaigns issued for this single model year. Crash protection for the Kicks earns 56 out of 70, anchored by a 5-star side impact rating. However, this is counterbalanced by a 3-star frontal crash result, the lowest individual star rating in its NHTSA profile. Avoidance technology performs cleanly, achieving a full 10 out of 10, as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are all standard features. The four recalls cover diverse issues: instrument cluster software, a back-over camera display fault, a labeling error, and a park-warning BCM issue. For prospective buyers, verifying the VIN for recall completion is a necessary safety step, not merely a formality.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2025 Nissan Kicks perform in crash tests?
The 2025 Nissan Kicks achieved a perfect 5-star rating in side-impact protection from NHTSA. Its overall rating stands at 4 out of 5 stars, with frontal impact protection earning 3 stars. Rollover risk is assessed at 18 percent, receiving a 4-star rating and a "no-tip" dynamic test result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 20760
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2025 Nissan Kicks have any recalls?
Yes, four recall campaigns cover the 2025 Kicks. They address: a combination meter software error affecting the instrument cluster, a center information display issue impairing back-over prevention, an incorrect certification label, and a Body Control Module fault where the Shift-to-Park warning may fail to activate. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data provided.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER/PANEL26V331000
Risk: A partial or blank screen display will not show critical safety information such as vehicle speed and warning lights, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will resume the software reprogramming of the combination meter software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 6, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261. Nissan's number for this recall is PMA66. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on May 22, 2026.
Reported 2026-05-21
BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE25V324000
Risk: A rearview image that does not display can reduce the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the software on the vehicle’s center information display, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 10, 2025. The manufacturer numbers for this recall are PD152 and PMA48.
Reported 2025-06-04
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS25V188000
Risk: An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash. Vehicles with incorrect wheel and tire information may lead to tires that are inflated improperly, which can also increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will install new labels, free of charge. Additionally, dealers will mail replacement labels to owners. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2025. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PD136 and PMA47.
Reported 2025-04-18
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:BODY CONTROL MODULE/BCM24V969000
Risk: When the vehicle is not in "Park" and the ignition is shut off, the vehicle could move unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a vehicle rollaway and crash.
Remedy: Dealers will reconfigure the body control module (BCM) to activate the "Shift-to-Park" warning, free of charge. Some owner notification letters were mailed January 29, 2025. The remaining owner notification letters will be mailed at a future date, anticipated, May 7, 2025. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall is PMA42.
Reported 2024-12-23
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2025 Nissan Kicks?
Owners have filed 31 unverified complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently alleged problem areas are Visibility and Wipers with 6 reports, followed by Steering with 5, and Electrical System and Back Over Prevention each with 4. Two alleged crashes and one alleged injury appear in the data.
31 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2025 Nissan Kicks?
Any shopper considering a 2025 Kicks on the used market should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool before purchase. All four recall campaigns must be confirmed as remedied, particularly the BCM Shift-to-Park warning fault and the back-over prevention display issue, since neither involves a trivial labeling fix.
- The 2025 Kicks Safety Index dropped eight points year over year, from 89 in 2024 to 81, with the four-recall defect record being the primary driver of that decline.
- The frontal crash rating of 3 out of 5 stars is the lowest individual NHTSA score this model year received and stands in sharp contrast to the perfect 5-star side-impact result.
- A BCM recall means the Shift-to-Park warning may not activate correctly, a specific 2025 model year safety issue buyers should confirm has been remedied by VIN before driving the vehicle.
- Thirty-one unverified owner complaints include four alleged Back Over Prevention reports, which aligns with one of the four active recall campaigns targeting the center information display used for reversing.
RANKINGSWhere the 2025 Nissan Kicks places
The 2025 Nissan Kicks qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2025 Nissan Kicks safety questions
Was the 2025 Nissan Kicks crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2025 Nissan Kicks, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 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 2025 Nissan Kicks crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2025 Nissan Kicks earned 4 out of 5 stars for overall, 3 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 17.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2025 Nissan Kicks have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2025 Nissan Kicks. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2025 Nissan Kicks?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 31 owner complaints are on file for the 2025 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 (2025)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Lexus Rz 300e | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2025 Tesla Model X | 96/100 | not rated | 3 |
| 2025 Acura ADX | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2025 Buick Envision | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 20760), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Kicks 2025.
- 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 138 of 153 in the SUV class for 2025.
- 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.