NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2026 Nissan Kicks Safety Ratings
The 2026 Nissan Kicks scores 83 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 4-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 3 recalls, and 3 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
Three active recalls presently apply to the 2026 Nissan Kicks, which otherwise presents a broadly solid safety profile. With a NHTSA Safety Index of 83/100, the Kicks stands in our "Strong" band. This assessment is supported by its crash-test profile and full credit for avoidance technology. Shoppers should verify recall remedy completion by VIN for any Kicks under consideration.
The 2026 Nissan Kicks holds a NHTSA Safety Index of 83/100 and a 5-star NHTSA side-crash rating, according to federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 143 SUVs from 2026 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2026 Nissan Kicks ranks 124 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 | 83 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 4 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 3 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 17.9% |
| Recalls on file | 3 |
| Owner complaints | 3 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 124 of 143 SUVs tested for 2026 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2026 Nissan Kicks?
The 2026 Nissan Kicks launched with a notable cluster of three recall campaigns, covering door strikers, front seat frame hardware, and combination meter software. These issues, spanning structural, seating, and electrical systems, necessitate a VIN check for all prospective buyers; it is the most critical safety step before purchase. While none of these recalls carries an urgent do not drive directive, their breadth is significant. This model year achieved a Safety Index of 83 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band and marking a two point gain over the 2025 model's 81. Its defect record sub-score is 17 out of 20. The Kicks earned a perfect 10 out of 10 for crash avoidance technology, with forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control all included as standard equipment. Crash protection received 56 out of 70, reflecting a 3 star frontal crash result alongside a 5 star side crash score. Rollover risk was measured at 18 percent, and a no tip dynamic result contributed to a 4 star rollover rating.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2026 Nissan Kicks perform in crash tests?
The 2026 Nissan Kicks earns a 4 out of 5 stars overall from NHTSA, with a perfect 5-star side-crash rating. Its frontal protection is a relative weak point at 3 out of 5 stars. Rollover testing resulted in 4 stars, indicating an 18-percent risk, though dynamic testing produced no tip.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 21078
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2026 Nissan Kicks have any recalls?
Three recall campaigns cover the 2026 Kicks. The first addresses a door-striker latch issue. The second involves a front seat-frame hook bracket that may be incorrectly positioned. The third targets a combination-meter software error shared with 2025-2026 Kicks vehicles. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the supplied campaign data, but owners should confirm remedy status by VIN.
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
SEATS26V145000
Risk: A loose seat may not restrain the occupant as intended, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front seat assemblies, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 18, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261. Nissan's number for this recall is PMA64. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall became searchable on NHTSA.gov on March 13, 2026.
Reported 2026-03-13
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH26V023000
Risk: A door that opens unexpectedly while the vehicle is in motion increases the risk of injury or a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the door strikers, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 17, 2026. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 800-647-7261. Nissan's numbers for this recall are PD185 and PMA61. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning January 28, 2026.
Reported 2026-01-21
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2026 Nissan Kicks?
NHTSA has logged 3 owner complaints for the 2026 Kicks. Alleged problem areas include Wheels, Steering, Power Train, and the Electrical System, plus one unclassified report. No crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths are alleged. All reports are unverified consumer allegations submitted to NHTSA.
3 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2026 Nissan Kicks?
Three open recall campaigns on the current model year, spanning door latches, seat frames, and instrument-cluster software, necessitate that any prospective buyer conduct a VIN lookup on NHTSA's database to confirm all remedies have been completed or scheduled.
- The 2026 Kicks gained two Safety Index points over the 2025 model, moving from 81 to 83 out of 100, driven by a strong defect-record sub-score of 17 out of 20 and a perfect avoidance-tech score.
- Three distinct recall campaigns were issued for this model year, addressing door-striker latches, front seat-frame hook brackets, and a combination-meter software error - shoppers should verify remedy completion for all three by VIN.
- The 5-star NHTSA side-crash result is the strongest single data point in the crash profile, while the 3-star frontal rating is the lowest and represents the most notable gap in crash protection for this year.
- With only 3 owner complaints logged and no alleged crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths reported to NHTSA, the complaint volume for this model year is low, though the vehicle is new to market and complaint totals typically grow over time.
RANKINGSWhere the 2026 Nissan Kicks places
The 2026 Nissan Kicks qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2026 Nissan Kicks safety questions
Was the 2026 Nissan Kicks crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2026 Nissan Kicks, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 83 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 2026 Nissan Kicks crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2026 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 2026 Nissan Kicks have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 3 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2026 Nissan Kicks. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2026 Nissan Kicks?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 3 owner complaints are on file for the 2026 Nissan Kicks. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Kicks years
Rivals in SUV (2026)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Lexus GX 550 | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 350e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Lexus Rz 550e BEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander MHEV | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2026 Toyota Corolla Cross Hybrid | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 21078), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Nissan Kicks 2026.
- 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 124 of 143 in the SUV class for 2026.
- 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.