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What are some common issues with the Nissan Kicks' CVT transmission?

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37 answers

★ Top Answer
Freddy R.

The Nissan Kicks is facing numerous complaints and a lawsuit over issues with its continuously variable transmission (CVT). Drivers are reporting problems like engine shuddering, difficulty shifting gears, stuck shifters, and grinding noises. They've also encountered delayed acceleration and unresponsive gas pedals. The lawsuit is ongoing and could lead to compensation or a recall.

More answers

  • C j

    I just made a purchase - how will I be supported if issues arise?

  • Pedro.l

    I've had my 2019 Kicks for 2 years now, and about a week or two after purchasing it, I began to notice a vibration when braking, especially when almost coming to a full stop. Despite reaching out to the dealership where I bought the car multiple times over the following weeks, they were reluctant to schedule a check-up at the service center while the vehicle was still under warranty. Now, fast forward to today, my warranty has expired, and I'm experiencing issues with the final drive gear slipping and jerking during gear shifts. I'm facing a repair cost that is well beyond my budget, and I'm unsure about how to proceed. Nissan has been unhelpful in resolving the problem, leaving me in a difficult situation.

  • Angela W.

    I also experienced the shifting problem with my new Nissan Kicks. When I switch gears, it jerks and makes a grinding noise. I've noticed issues with acceleration, especially when the air conditioning is on.

  • Reginald G.

    I messed up big time - I recently purchased a 2023 model and it's already having transmission issues when it shifts around 40 mph. Now, after reading about all these problems, I regret not going with a Ford instead. I'm 70 years old, disabled, and feeling really down about this. Plus, my income is limited.

  • Valerie A.

    I purchased my 2021 Nissan Kicks in July, and just 7 months later, the transmission broke down, so we had to take it in for repairs.

  • F j Alvis

    Nissan was supposed to replace my 2018 Kicks back in June, with a deadline of August. However, by December, they claimed they couldn't fulfill the replacement. Now in January, they are asking me to sign a gag order and refund all my payments for a Kicks that has been nothing but trouble since reaching 8,000 miles. I have documented multiple issues with videos showing breakdowns while driving, strange sounds, error messages, and system failures. Despite having evidence, Nissan and the BBB are not taking responsibility. I am exploring alternative options as Nissan is now proposing that I accept a reduced payment, deducting mileage used since the initial replacement order, as well as costs for tires and additional features I added assuming I would own the car outright, in exchange for signing a non-litigation agreement. Is anyone else experiencing a similar situation?

  • Dave B

    This car is a complete piece of junk! Nissan should feel embarrassed. The era of exceptional Nissans is long gone. Every time I go to the dealership, they just give me excuses. The dashboard lights up with all sorts of warnings and the car randomly loses power.

  • Quinn

    I didn't know about the transmission issue with my 2021 kicks when I purchased them. What are my options if it's not covered by insurance?

  • Ronnie M

    2020 is not picking up speed as expected.

  • Andre J.

    In 2021, a Nissan Kicks with 19000 kilometers had its transmission replaced. The new transmission behaves strangely, running at a higher RPM than usual. For instance, on a flat road at 120 km/h, it now operates at just over 3000 rpm compared to under 2000 rpm previously. Additionally, it revs excessively high when lightly pressing on the gas while going up a slight incline, and also experiences hesitation during takeoff. Fortunately, it's a leased vehicle.

  • Dora B

    I recently purchased a 2021 Kicks brand new, but after only 6 months, the transmission has failed. I am currently waiting for up to 2 months for a replacement to arrive.

  • Ernesto R

    I purchased a 2019 model car called "kicks," and it began experiencing problems like stuttering when I accelerated. There were no warning signs or dashboard lights on Saturday. I had the oil changed on Saturday, but by Tuesday, my car suddenly stopped accelerating and wouldn't shift gears. I had to have it towed to the dealer, where they informed me that it was a transmission issue. The estimated cost to fix it is a whopping $8,600! What a shock!

  • Stef

    In 2019, the owner of a Nissan Kicks experienced a transmission failure that cost them $6000 to repair. The owner believes that Nissan should issue a recall and compensate affected owners, as the refurbished transmissions with a limited warranty installed by repair shops are not a satisfactory solution. This situation has left many owners in a difficult position financially and in terms of reselling their cars. Nissan is being criticized for not adequately addressing the issue and causing inconvenience to consumers.

  • David F

    In 2020, they should have replaced the faulty transmission in their car, costing $7000. Why did they wait so long to address the issue when they knew it was not functioning properly?

  • Miriam R.

    In 2019, the engine light in my Nissan Kicks came on at 14,000 miles. I brought it in for service and learned that a valve replacement was required in the transmission. It took the Nissan technician 4.5 hours to fix it. Luckily, the repair was covered by the warranty. Ultimately, I decided to sell the car.

  • Austin P.

    Frequent issues with the Nissan Kicks CVT transmission involve both transmission malfunctions and experiencing gear slippage.

  • Kelly T

    I had to swap out the transmission in my 2020 Kicks after only 5000 miles. I know it's only a matter of time before this new one gives out too. The design is terrible, especially when it's in sport mode. I can't stand this car.

  • Tobias K

    I have driven 1,300 miles on my vehicle, and the transmission is scheduled to be replaced tomorrow.

  • Gabriella

    Is there anyone willing to email their concerns, details, names of Nissan employees who dealt with their problems, and attorney information to Sexa1@gmail.com? This will be kept confidential. I am aware that two NMAC employees have been terminated for their handling of matters. I am unable to disclose names until Nissan complies with the court's directive.

  • Shannon Smith

    I was driving my car, which has 57,000 miles on it, when the check engine light turned on. I had it checked out, and they said I need to replace the clutch pack in the transmission, which is covered by warranty. Thankfully, Nissan will be replacing it for me.

  • Harry

    I own a 2020 Kicks, purchased in October 2021. In the first year of having it, all the dashboard sensor lights suddenly turned on. After the dealership supposedly fixed it, the issue reoccurred just 10 minutes into driving. This back-and-forth continued, with the car having to be taken back to the dealer multiple times, including having to be towed due to shifting problems and dashboard lights turning on yet again. The dealer claimed it just needed reprogramming, but the problems persist. I have filed a complaint and am now awaiting a response, but I am now considering requesting a replacement for my vehicle due to these recurring issues.

  • HintsFromHomie

    I have a 2018 Kicks and the transmission is vibrating and slipping when I try to speed up. It's slow to shift gears when I start moving. This is my third Nissan and it will definitely be my final one.

  • Raymond S

    Is my car experiencing the same issue as mentioned in the recall notice? Any updates on how to address the problem?

  • Dinner

    I purchased a 2021 Nissan Kicks SR and got a bad deal at Tom Peacock Nissan in Houston, TX. Now, with 31,700 miles on it, I am facing the need for a new transmission. Thankfully, it is still covered under warranty, but I am worried about what will happen once it hits 36,000 miles. I bought this car after my widebody scat pack Challenger was stolen, but it seems like a downgrade that has turned out to be a bad deal for me in the end.

  • JS

    I have a 2019 ride...issue with my paint done three times I call and I have never been able to be served in French...the first time I was able to reach someone who was customer service...really not good service...I am really disappointed...the rust is all along the top of my front window...and the lights come on...I discouraged my son and my girl pal from not buying...

  • Roland C

    Just bought a 2023 Kicks with less than 5000 miles, and it's starting to experience transmission issues when shifting. Due to my busy schedule, I won't be able to have it checked for about 2 weeks. Thankfully, I'm leasing it, so I should be covered.

  • Jamal G.

    So I bought a 2019 Nissan Kicks in March 2022, but within less than a year, it's already on its third transmission, and the replacement is also faulty. It's been a really disappointing experience, as the warranty company had to replace it twice but the problem persists.

  • rogerthat

    I purchased mine less than 2 months ago, and after reading all the other comments, I realized that everyone else is experiencing the same issues as me with my device! I felt like I was losing my mind when I heard the vibration noise!

  • Bobbie G

    I own a 2020 Nissan Kicks, and I've had it for nearly three years. Unfortunately, the transmission gave out after two years, just 5000 miles past the factory warranty. I recommend avoiding the Nissan Kicks unless you want to end up without a car before you finish paying for it.

  • Denis Evans

    The 2019 Nissan Kicks is in excellent condition with 43,000 miles and has been well-maintained. Recently, there has been a slight problem when shifting from first gear to second gear. However, the issue was easily resolved by simply pulling over, adjusting the gears, and then driving normally again.

  • Ged Sanderson

    Informed Devon Nissan about the transmission issues in the 2020 Kicks I purchased, but they were unresponsive. The problem worsened with time, becoming increasingly noticeable as the transmission failed to engage properly and continued slipping. Upon contacting Nissan customer service, I was instructed to bring the vehicle to a local dealership for a $90 diagnostic, confirming the need for a complete transmission replacement costing $6,000. Nissan proposed covering half of the expense, but I expressed concerns about the safety implications and the potential risks of an accident resulting in harm to others. Their response was a nonchalant "hopefully that won't happen.

  • steelman

    I've put 25,000 kilometers on my 2021 Nissan Kicks and now I need a new transmission. This car is a total piece of junk.

  • Brianna

    Sue received a recall notice for her Nissan, along with a loaner car, and she decided to switch to a different company after her loan was paid off.

  • Ramon A.

    I drive a 2020 Nissan Kicks that I purchased in 2022 with 56,000 miles. It currently has 88,000 miles on it. I recently had to take it to a transmission shop because it had trouble in second gear and shook violently when climbing hills. It's costing me over $5000 to repair the CVT. Despite being fuel-efficient, the shop worker mentioned that Nissans are a frequent repair job, regardless of mileage. I plan to trade it in as soon as possible.

  • Juanita A.

    I purchased a pre-owned 2021 Kicks and discovered that the transmission was not functioning properly. Luckily, I was within the 7-day return window.

  • Jennifer T

    I purchased a 2020 Nissan that was brand new, but this is already the second transmission I've had to deal with. Unfortunately, the current one is starting to have issues with slipping, shuddering, and vibrating. After this experience, I will never consider buying another Nissan. It's been nothing but trouble!

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