Nissan Kicks Years to Avoid in Canada: Used-Buyer Guide

Shopping for a used Nissan Kicks in Canada can feel wonderfully simple at first. It is compact, relatively affordable, easy to park, and usually easier on fuel than a larger SUV. Then we start researching reliability, and suddenly the question becomes much more complicated: Are there Nissan Kicks years to avoid in Canada?

The short answer is yes—but with an important qualification.

If we were shopping for a used Kicks today, we would approach the 2018, 2019, and 2020 model years with the most caution, mainly because they are the earliest versions of the first-generation Kicks and because age, maintenance history, and CVT condition become increasingly important. The 2021 Kicks also deserves careful inspection, particularly because some Canadian vehicles were involved in an electric power-steering recall. Meanwhile, the completely redesigned 2025 Kicks has already accumulated several Canadian recalls, but it is still too new to fairly label it an unreliable model year.

For many Canadian used-car shoppers, 2023 and 2024 Kicks models represent a more attractive middle ground. They arrived late enough in the original generation that Nissan had years to refine the vehicle, yet they remain mechanically straightforward compared with some newer crossovers.

That does not mean every 2019 Kicks is troublesome or every 2024 example is perfect. Condition beats the calendar. A carefully maintained older Kicks with complete records can be a better purchase than a neglected newer one.

So instead of simply stamping certain years "bad," let's look at what actually matters.

Quick Answer: Which Nissan Kicks Years Should We Avoid?

For Canadian buyers, our used-car shortlist would look roughly like this:

• 2018: Highest caution because it is an early-production model and now among the oldest Canadian Kicks examples.
• 2019: Another year we'd inspect particularly closely, especially for CVT behaviour and evidence of proper maintenance.
• 2020: Not automatically a bad purchase, but we would still favour later first-generation examples if prices are similar.
• 2021: Generally more appealing, although affected vehicles should be checked carefully for completion of the power-steering recall.
• 2022: Worth considering, but some vehicles were also covered by the steering campaign.
• 2023–2024: Among our preferred used first-generation Kicks years when condition and price are comparable.
• 2025: Completely redesigned and substantially different, but numerous early recalls mean we would check its VIN carefully before purchasing.

Transport Canada specifically listed certain 2021 and 2022 Kicks vehicles in a recall involving an electric power-steering torque sensor that could result in loss of steering assistance. A later Transport Canada campaign again covered certain 2021 vehicles and required another inspection in some cases.

That gives us an important lesson immediately: model year alone is never enough.

Why the Nissan Kicks Is Popular in Canada

The Kicks sits in a useful spot between a small hatchback and a traditional SUV. It offers the upright driving position many Canadians want without the weight, fuel consumption, or price that often comes with a larger crossover.

The formula is simple rather than glamorous.

We get a small four-cylinder engine, an automatic continuously variable transmission, useful cargo room, relatively compact dimensions, and enough technology for everyday commuting.

That simplicity is part of the appeal.

For someone driving from a suburban neighbourhood into Toronto, Montréal, Calgary, Vancouver, Ottawa, or another busy Canadian city, the Kicks can make much more sense than hauling around a midsize SUV every day.

But affordability comes with compromises.

The Kicks Was Built Around Efficiency

The original Kicks was never intended to behave like a sports crossover. Its powertrain prioritizes low fuel consumption and accessible pricing rather than strong acceleration.

That is why understanding the CVT matters so much when buying used.

A continuously variable transmission feels different from a conventional automatic. Engine rpm can rise and remain relatively high during acceleration rather than moving through clearly defined gears.

Some behaviour that feels strange to a driver unfamiliar with a CVT can therefore be normal.

Shuddering, slipping sensations, abnormal whining, severe hesitation, or unpredictable power delivery are another story.

2018 Nissan Kicks: The Year We'd Approach Most Carefully

The 2018 Kicks earns the top spot on our caution list mainly because it combines two characteristics that rarely make used-car shoppers comfortable: first-model-year status and age.

Being the oldest Kicks does not automatically make it defective. Plenty of 2018 examples continue running perfectly well.

However, think of buying the first production year like buying version 1.0 of a piece of software. It may work beautifully, but later versions often receive quiet refinements that never appear on the brochure.

Why Age Matters as Much as Design

By 2026, a 2018 vehicle can already have accumulated substantial kilometres.

That introduces variables far beyond factory reliability:

• Transmission-fluid history
• Battery replacements
• Suspension wear
• Wheel bearings
• Brake condition
• Corrosion exposure
• Accident repairs
• Previous rental or fleet use
• Tire quality
• General maintenance habits

A Toronto Kicks that spent eight winters swimming through road salt has lived a completely different life from a lightly driven Vancouver example stored in a garage.

Mileage tells only half the story.

Would We Buy a 2018 Nissan Kicks?

Yes—but only at the right price and after a proper pre-purchase inspection.

If a 2018 costs just slightly less than a comparable 2021 or 2022 Kicks, we would generally move toward the newer vehicle.

The savings need to compensate us for accepting additional age and uncertainty.

2019 Nissan Kicks: Another Year Requiring Extra Caution

The 2019 model is not dramatically different from the original formula, which means our thinking is similar.

We would pay particular attention to how the transmission behaves during a long test drive.

Independent used-car guidance for the 2018–2023 Kicks has specifically advised shoppers to watch for unusual CVT humming or whining and notes that transmission replacement can become expensive if failure occurs.

This does not prove that every 2019 Kicks will experience a CVT failure. Far from it.

It simply means the transmission deserves more attention than checking whether the touchscreen works.

How Should the CVT Feel?

Drive the vehicle from cold if possible.

Accelerate gently. Accelerate firmly. Climb a hill. Drive at urban speeds and then merge onto a motorway.

The powertrain should respond consistently.

Warning Signs We'd Take Seriously

We would hesitate if we noticed repeated shuddering, a pronounced delay engaging Drive or Reverse, abnormal metallic or whining noises, unexpectedly rising engine speed without corresponding acceleration, warning lights, or an obvious burning smell after the test drive.

One symptom does not automatically condemn the transmission, but expensive uncertainty is not something we want packaged with our used crossover.

2020 Nissan Kicks: Better, but Still Shop Carefully

The 2020 model sits in a somewhat awkward position.

It is newer than the original launch vehicles but not late enough in the generation to receive our strongest recommendation.

Would we call it a year to completely avoid?

No.

In fact, a well-maintained 2020 Kicks could make a very sensible Canadian commuter.

Our issue is relative value.

If a 2020 and 2023 model have similar kilometres and the newer vehicle costs only modestly more, we'd probably spend the extra money.

Maintenance History Changes the Equation

Give us a one-owner 2020 Kicks with detailed service documentation over a mystery-history 2023 vehicle, though, and we'll take the 2020.

You might be interested in this content.Nissan Kicks Play vs Kicks Canada: Which One Should You Buy?

This is where internet lists of "worst years" become too simplistic.

Cars do not read reliability rankings.

Maintenance matters.

2021 Nissan Kicks: Watch the Steering Recall

The 2021 Kicks deserves its own category because Canadian recall history becomes particularly relevant.

Transport Canada reported that certain 2021 Kicks vehicles could have a problem with the torque sensor in the electric power-steering system. The problem could cause a loss of power-steering assist, increasing the amount of effort required to turn the vehicle.

A later Transport Canada recall again covered certain 2021 Kicks vehicles. It stated that vehicles inspected under the earlier campaign also required inspection unless the steering column had already been replaced.

That sounds worrying—and it should be taken seriously—but recalls need context.

A Recall Doesn't Automatically Make a Car Bad

Recalls are corrective actions.

A vehicle affected by a recall that received the proper repair may actually concern us less than a vehicle with incomplete records.

What we do not want is uncertainty.

Before buying a 2021 Kicks, check the VIN against Canadian recall information and request documentation showing that required work was completed.

Nissan Canada itself provides a VIN-based recall lookup, although its site currently advises owners that Transport Canada's database should also be checked because Nissan has identified a potential issue with its own lookup results.

2022 Nissan Kicks: Generally Attractive With One Caveat

The 2022 Kicks moves closer to the part of the generation we like.

However, certain 2022 vehicles were included alongside the 2021 model in Transport Canada's electric power-steering recall.

Once again, this does not mean we'd automatically reject the vehicle.

We would simply verify recall completion.

Beyond that, we're starting to benefit from a newer vehicle without jumping into the first year of the next generation.

When a 2022 Makes Sense

A clean 2022 can be particularly appealing if a dealer has priced it substantially below a 2023 or 2024 example.

Check service records, accident history, tires, brakes, CVT operation, and recalls.

If everything lines up, there is little reason to dismiss the model simply because of its year.

2023 Nissan Kicks: One of Our Preferred Used Years

If we were trying to balance price, age, and maturity of design, 2023 would be near the top of our shopping list.

By this stage, the basic first-generation Kicks formula was well established.

You are not buying the very earliest version of the platform, and you are not stepping into a completely redesigned first-year vehicle either.

That is often a sweet spot in the used-car market.

Why Late-Generation Cars Can Be Smart Buys

Manufacturers typically make incremental production improvements over a vehicle's life cycle.

Not all of them are visible.

Some might involve suppliers, software, production processes, components, or minor calibration changes.

It is one reason we often like vehicles built near the latter half of a mature generation.

Think of it like ordering dinner from a restaurant that has been making the same signature dish for years. The kitchen knows the recipe.

2024 Nissan Kicks: Probably the First-Generation Pick

For someone specifically wanting the original Kicks, 2024 may be the year we'd target first, assuming the price is reasonable.

It combines late-generation maturity with relatively young age.

A 2024 vehicle can still cost noticeably more than a 2020 or 2021 example, of course, and reliability is not the only consideration.

Depreciation matters too.

If a nearly new 2024 approaches the price of a newer-generation Kicks, comparing both becomes essential.

The Main Downside Is Price

The better model year is not necessarily the better deal.

Suppose we find:

A beautifully maintained 2021 Kicks with 45,000 km for a compelling price.

Next to it sits a 2024 with 25,000 km costing thousands more.

If the older vehicle passes inspection and all recalls have been addressed, the 2021 may still deliver better value.

Reliability must always be considered alongside purchase price.

2025 Nissan Kicks: New Generation, New Questions

The 2025 Kicks changes the conversation completely.

Nissan redesigned the crossover and gave the Canadian-market vehicle a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine producing 141 horsepower, paired with Nissan's Xtronic CVT. The redesigned generation also introduced available all-wheel drive, an important change for Canadian shoppers.

It is substantially different from the previous Kicks.

That's exciting—but first-year redesigns deserve scrutiny.

Canadian 2025 Nissan Kicks Recalls

Several Transport Canada campaigns have already involved the 2025 Kicks.

One concerned incorrect information on certain compliance labels, including GVWR/GAWR information and, on particular SR configurations, wheel and tire information.

Another addressed warnings associated with switching off the ignition while the gear selector was not in Park; Transport Canada said an affected vehicle could potentially move unexpectedly.

A separate 2025 campaign addressed software that could prevent the rearview-camera image from displaying when Reverse was selected.

You might be interested in this content.Nissan Kicks SV vs SR Canada: Which Trim Is Better?

Additional Canadian recall activity has subsequently covered 2025–2026 Kicks vehicles, reinforcing why VIN checks are essential when shopping for the redesigned generation.

Should We Avoid the 2025 Nissan Kicks?

Not necessarily.

Recall count and long-term mechanical reliability are not the same thing.

Software and compliance recalls that manufacturers correct should not automatically be interpreted as evidence that an engine or transmission will fail prematurely.

More importantly, the 2025 model simply has not accumulated enough years of real-world use for us to confidently evaluate long-term durability.

So our verdict is wait-and-see, not "avoid at all costs."

What About the 2026 Nissan Kicks?

The current Canadian Kicks continues with a 2.0-litre direct-injection four-cylinder producing 141 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque, paired with an Xtronic CVT. Nissan Canada's specifications also list both front-wheel-drive and available all-wheel-drive configurations depending on trim.

As with the 2025 model, it is simply too new to make meaningful claims about ten-year reliability.

Anyone telling us with absolute certainty that a 2026 vehicle will be reliable for 250,000 kilometres is looking into a crystal ball.

We prefer evidence.

The Nissan Kicks CVT: Should Canadian Buyers Be Worried?

Mention Nissan and CVT in the same sentence online and conversations can get dramatic quickly.

Some Nissan models have developed a poor reputation surrounding continuously variable transmissions, but we should avoid assuming every Nissan CVT application is identical or that every Kicks is destined for transmission failure.

Independent Kicks ownership guidance notes that reported CVT complaints have not necessarily been overwhelming while still recommending buyers remain cautious because replacement can be costly.

That is a sensible middle ground.

What Matters Most When Buying One Used

Service history matters.

Driving behaviour matters.

Mileage matters.

Previous neglect matters.

We would rather purchase a Kicks whose owner treated its drivetrain gently and maintained it properly than one that spent its life being driven like a rental car escaping an airport parking lot.

Canadian Winters Add Another Reliability Variable

Reliability advice written for Arizona or Florida does not completely translate to Ontario, Québec, Alberta, or Atlantic Canada.

Winter changes things.

Road salt can attack metal components. Freeze-thaw cycles punish seals and suspension parts. Batteries lose cranking performance in extreme cold. Potholes beat up tires, alignment, wheels, and suspension.

Inspect the Underside

Put the Kicks on a lift.

Seriously.

A ten-minute look underneath may tell us more about its future than an hour staring at the paint.

Moderate surface corrosion is different from serious structural corrosion or heavily deteriorated components.

Check These Areas

Have a mechanic inspect the subframes and mounting points, brake and fuel lines, suspension components, exhaust, wheel areas, underbody damage, leaks, and evidence of poorly repaired collision damage.

Canadian used-car shopping means looking below the surface—literally.

Does Mileage Matter More Than Model Year?

Sometimes.

Imagine two vehicles.

The first is a 2019 Kicks with 55,000 km, one owner, meticulous service records, no collision history, and gentle suburban use.

The second is a 2023 with 145,000 km, incomplete records, several owners, and obvious signs of hard commercial driving.

Which would we choose?

Probably the 2019.

Model year provides context. It does not replace inspection.

How Many Kilometres Is Too Many for a Used Kicks?

There is no magic number where a Nissan Kicks suddenly expires.

At around 50,000 km, we care mostly about maintenance history and accident damage.

At 100,000 km, drivetrain condition becomes increasingly important.

Above 150,000 km, we would budget more aggressively for wear items and future repairs.

Once mileage climbs toward 200,000 km, purchase price needs to reflect the higher probability of significant component replacement.

A high-mileage Kicks can still be a good purchase.

It simply should not carry a low-mileage price.

Pre-Purchase Inspection: Don't Skip It

A pre-purchase inspection is especially valuable when buying an older Kicks.

Spending a modest amount before buying could prevent us from inheriting thousands of dollars in repairs afterward.

Ask the Mechanic to Focus on the CVT

Don't just request a generic safety inspection.

Tell the technician that you are considering buying the vehicle.

Ask specifically for evidence of leaks, abnormal transmission behaviour, stored diagnostic codes, suspension wear, corrosion, previous collision repairs, braking condition, cooling-system problems, and engine-fluid leaks.

Scan the Electronics Too

Modern cars are computers wearing tires.

You might be interested in this content.Nissan Kicks Reliability Rating Canada: Is It a Dependable SUV?

A diagnostic scan can reveal stored codes even when the dashboard currently looks perfectly innocent.

That little check-engine light does not need to be illuminated today for a problem to have happened yesterday.

Always Check the VIN for Canadian Recalls

This step costs nothing and takes little time.

Transport Canada's recall information should be checked using the exact VIN before purchase, especially for the 2021, 2022, and redesigned 2025 models discussed above. Nissan Canada also operates a recall lookup page.

Do not rely solely on a seller saying, "Everything was done."

Get documentation.

Red Flags When Test-Driving a Used Nissan Kicks

A Kicks should feel simple and predictable.

That's one of its strengths.

If the vehicle behaves dramatically, something deserves investigation.

Watch for transmission shuddering, unusually delayed engagement, excessive vibration, persistent steering noises, steering effort that changes unexpectedly, warning lights, suspension clunks, uneven tire wear, overheating, electrical glitches, poor air-conditioning performance, or unexplained smells.

One red flag might be repairable.

Several together usually tell us to keep shopping.

There are plenty of used cars in Canada. We don't need to fall in love with the first shiny one.

Best Nissan Kicks Years to Buy Used in Canada

So which years would we actually search for?

First Choice: 2024

For shoppers wanting the mature original-generation Kicks, 2024 is our favourite place to begin.

It is newer, sits at the end of a long production run, and avoids the uncertainty that naturally surrounds the first year of a redesign.

Second Choice: 2023

The 2023 model may offer better value because depreciation has had additional time to work.

That makes it arguably the sweet spot.

Third Choice: 2022

A properly maintained 2022 can be a strong choice too, but remember that certain Canadian examples were included in the power-steering recall. Verify VIN-specific recall completion.

Budget Choice: 2020 or 2021

We would consider either if the price is attractive and the vehicle has an excellent history.

The 2021 requires particular attention to its steering-recall status.

Which Nissan Kicks Year Offers the Best Value?

Our answer is 2023, assuming used-market pricing is sensible.

It is new enough to avoid much of the age-related uncertainty affecting early Kicks models yet old enough to have depreciated meaningfully from new-car pricing.

That's the balance we want.

A 2024 may be technically more appealing, but if the seller demands a large premium, its value advantage disappears.

Is the Nissan Kicks a Reliable Used SUV Overall?

We would call it a reasonable used-car candidate rather than a bulletproof one.

The formula is relatively simple. There is no turbocharger on the original Canadian Kicks, no complicated conventional multi-speed transmission, and no hybrid battery system to evaluate.

The CVT is the component we'd scrutinize most carefully.

After that, normal used-car fundamentals matter: maintenance, corrosion, accident history, mileage, recalls, and previous ownership.

Buying a used Kicks without an inspection because "these cars are reliable" is risky.

Avoiding every Kicks because "Nissan CVTs are bad" is equally simplistic.

Good buying decisions live somewhere in the middle.

Our Final Ranking of Nissan Kicks Years in Canada

If we had to rank the original-generation Canadian Kicks models purely from a used-buyer perspective, we'd generally place them like this:

2024 → 2023 → 2022 → 2021 → 2020 → 2019 → 2018

That is not a scientific reliability score.

It reflects the combination of age, generation maturity, known recall considerations, and the practical realities of buying a used vehicle.

The redesigned 2025 and 2026 models belong in a different category because they have not been on Canadian roads long enough to judge their long-term durability fairly. The 2025 model has also been subject to several Canadian recall campaigns, so checking recall completion is particularly important.

Conclusion: Nissan Kicks Years to Avoid in Canada

So, what are the Nissan Kicks years to avoid in Canada?

We would be most cautious with 2018 and 2019 models, with the 2020 sitting close behind when newer examples are available for only a little more money. Those vehicles are not automatically bad, but their age and position near the beginning of Kicks production mean we would demand a strong service history and a clean mechanical inspection before buying.

The 2021 and 2022 Kicks can be worthwhile purchases, but Canadian buyers should verify whether their specific vehicle was covered by—and properly repaired under—the Transport Canada power-steering campaigns.

For a used Kicks, 2023 and 2024 are the years we'd shop first.

Meanwhile, we would not yet classify the redesigned 2025 as either a good or bad long-term reliability year. It has experienced several Canadian recalls, but recalls do not automatically predict mechanical longevity, and the generation remains too young for a meaningful long-term verdict.

Ultimately, the badge on the tailgate cannot tell us how the previous owner treated the vehicle.

A good used Kicks should come with records, pass an independent inspection, drive smoothly, show no disturbing CVT behaviour, have manageable corrosion, and have all applicable recalls completed.

Find one like that at the right price, and the Kicks can still be a clever little Canadian runabout—small on the outside, practical on the inside, and far less thirsty than the lumbering SUVs surrounding it in the parking lot.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the worst Nissan Kicks year to buy in Canada?

If we had to choose one year to approach with the most caution, it would be the 2018 Nissan Kicks, largely because it is the earliest model year and therefore now has the greatest exposure to age, mileage, corrosion, wear, and potentially incomplete maintenance. That does not mean every 2018 Kicks should be avoided. A low-mileage example with excellent records and a clean inspection could still be a sensible budget purchase.

2. Is the 2019 Nissan Kicks a bad car?

Not necessarily. We would simply inspect a 2019 Kicks more carefully than a later example. Pay particular attention to CVT behaviour, service history, corrosion, suspension condition, and mileage. If a 2019 vehicle drives smoothly and has been properly maintained, it may still offer good value.

3. Which Nissan Kicks year is the most reliable?

Long-term reliability depends heavily on individual maintenance, so there is no universally "most reliable" year. From a Canadian used-buying standpoint, however, 2023 and 2024 are among the models we'd favour because they come from the mature end of the original Kicks generation while still being relatively young.

You might be interested in this content.Mazda CX-5 Years to Buy in Canada: The Complete Used-Buyer Guide

4. Does the Nissan Kicks have transmission problems?

The Kicks uses Nissan's Xtronic continuously variable transmission. Independent used-vehicle guidance has advised shoppers to watch for abnormal CVT noises and behaviour because replacement can be costly, although that does not mean all Kicks transmissions fail. A thorough test drive and pre-purchase inspection are particularly important when buying a higher-mileage example.

5. Should I avoid a 2025 Nissan Kicks in Canada?

We would not automatically avoid it, but we would be more cautious because 2025 introduced a redesigned Kicks and several Canadian recalls have already affected that model year, including campaigns involving labels, vehicle warnings, and rearview-camera software. Verify all VIN-specific recall work before purchasing. More importantly, the 2025 Kicks is still too new for us to confidently judge its long-term reliability.