Lemon Law Analysis

2022 Nissan Kicks

NHTSA Complaints · Active Recalls · California Lemon Law Data

✓ Reviewed by Jacob Shayesteh, Esq. · Updated June 2026
20
NHTSA Complaints
Active Recalls
2-4
Avg. Repair Attempts

The NHTSA tracks consumer complaints, manufacturer recalls, and safety investigations for every vehicle sold in the United States. These publicly available records are a critical resource for California lemon law cases because they establish patterns of recurring defects.

As of June 2026, the NHTSA has logged 20 complaints against the 2022 Nissan Kicks. Each complaint is filed by a vehicle owner or lessee through the NHTSA’s Vehicle Safety Hotline or online portal at SaferCar.gov. You can review all 2022 Nissan Kicks complaints directly on the NHTSA complaint database.

The 2022 Nissan Kicks has generated 20 NHTSA complaints on file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. If your 2022 Nissan Kicks has experienced a defect that the dealer has been unable to repair after multiple visits, you may qualify for a full repurchase or replacement under California lemon law. Nissan pays all attorney fees when we prevail. You pay nothing.

Engine

Emerging PatternSong-Beverly Strength: Very Strong

Engine and cooling problems are among the most serious defects under California’s Song-Beverly Act. Owners of the 2022 Nissan Kicks have reported issues including stalling, overheating, loss of power, rough idling, excessive oil consumption, and check engine lights that return after dealer repairs. With 3 NHTSA complaints on record, this defect pattern is well-documented. Owner reports include: “The contact owns a 2022 Nissan Kicks. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle decelerated while the accelerator pedal was being depressed. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a local dealer; where it was diagnosed; however, the failure was not replicated. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed by the same local dealer and remained with the dealer for further diagnostic tests. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000. The VIN was not available.” (NHTSA Complaint #11652100)

Steering,Suspension,Wheels

Emerging PatternSong-Beverly Strength: Strong

Steering defects can create unpredictable vehicle behavior and qualify as safety-related under California lemon law. Reported issues on the 2022 Nissan Kicks include pulling, vibration, loss of power steering, and electronic steering warnings. 2 NHTSA complaints have been filed in this category. Owner reports include: “Description of the Problem On August 28, 2025, I had my vehicle serviced at Nissan of Dearborn due to a transmission malfunction. After the service was completed, I noticed the front end was pulling to the right, as time progress I became concerned. I took the vehicle to an independent service center for a front-end alignment. During the inspection, I was informed that the control arms were loose and needed to be replaced. Responses to Required Questions What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The transmission initially malfunctioned, and later the front suspension/control arms were found to be loose after the transmission was replaced. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Loose control arms and steering misalignment significantly compromised vehicle stability, creating a risk of loss of control while driving, which could lead to an accident. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the issue with the control arms was confirmed by an independent service center during the alignment inspection. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle has not yet been inspected by Nissan Corporate or other authorities, but it is available for inspection. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lamps or messages prior to the transmission malfunction. The pulling to the right began immediately after the dealership service on August 28, 2025. Safety Concern I purchased this vehicle, August 22, 2024, but have not owned it long enough to expect major component failures. This situation has created a serious safety risk, and I am requesting Nissan Corporate to investigate this matter urgently and provide a resolution, including repair or reimbursement.” (NHTSA Complaint #11699698)

Forward Collision System

Emerging PatternSong-Beverly Strength: Moderate

Advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) defects — including malfunctioning forward collision warnings, lane keep assist failures, and erratic automatic emergency braking — can create dangerous driving conditions. The 2022 Nissan Kicks has 2 NHTSA complaints for this defect type. Owner reports include: “The forward collision sensor and system malfunctioned such that it would cause the car to drive erratically. The car would swerve on its own and would need driver inputs to get it back on course. It would also tend to make the car slow down and stop in the middle of the road. This system malfunction occurred just after the car reached the 36000 mileage mark. An inspection of the cover for the forward collision sensor covered revealed it to be attached to car on only one side. The cover is made out of plastic and the side that is free was bent over and no longer square with the direction of travel.” (NHTSA Complaint #11625160)

Power Train,Unknown Or Other

Emerging PatternSong-Beverly Strength: Moderate

Powertrain and transmission defects directly impair the vehicle’s core function and are generally considered substantial defects under California lemon law. Owners of the 2022 Nissan Kicks have reported harsh shifting, shuddering, slipping, and transmission warning lights. 1 NHTSA complaint have been submitted for this defect category. Owner reports include: “Vehicle will not go forward when accelerating, the vehicle does go in reverse. It is available for inspection at Nissan Vacaville. It is a safety risk as I was driving, it stalled in turning lane on street and wouldn’t go. I had to have it put in neutral so I could get it to a safe location so I could have it towed to my residence. I have a service report saying that there’s a faulty piece in the transmission by Nissan In Vacaville. No indication that there were any issues to the vehicle when I took it for service on Saturday 2/28/26. No lights came on the car or anything that would warrant an issue.” (NHTSA Complaint #11721705)

Seats

Emerging PatternSong-Beverly Strength: Moderate

The 2022 Nissan Kicks has generated 1 NHTSA complaint for this defect category. If your vehicle has experienced recurring issues in this area that the dealer has been unable to repair after multiple attempts, you may have a qualifying lemon law claim under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. Owner reports include: “I AM INTRIGUED ABOUT THE TUBES UNDER THE SEATS. WHY AREN’T THEY UNDER THE CAR NOT UNDER THE SEATS” (NHTSA Complaint #11698866)

Active NHTSA Recalls — 2022 Nissan Kicks

As of the date of this review, no active recalls have been issued specifically for the 2022 Nissan Kicks. Recall status can change at any time. Check your VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls for the most current information. The absence of a recall does not mean your vehicle is defect-free — many lemon law claims proceed without a recall on file.

California Lemon Law — Song-Beverly Act

California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act (Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1790–1795.8) is one of the strongest lemon laws in the United States. It protects buyers and lessees of new and certified pre-owned vehicles that develop substantial defects the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts.

Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, a lemon law presumption is triggered when any of the following apply to your 2022 Nissan Kicks:

  • 4+ repair attempts for the same non-safety defect without resolution
  • 2+ repair attempts for a defect likely to cause death or serious bodily injury
  • 30+ calendar days out of service for warranty repairs (cumulative, not consecutive)

Once the presumption is triggered, the burden shifts to Nissan to prove the vehicle is not a lemon. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1794(d), Nissan must pay your attorney’s fees if you prevail — meaning qualified representation costs you nothing out of pocket.

What You Can Recover

If your 2022 Nissan Kicks qualifies as a lemon under California law, Nissan may be legally required to:

  • Repurchase your vehicle — Full refund of your down payment, all monthly payments, registration fees, and incidental costs (towing, rentals), minus a mileage offset for miles driven before the first repair attempt
  • Replace your vehicle — Provide a new, comparable vehicle at no cost to you
  • Pay your attorney’s fees — Under § 1794(d), Nissan pays all legal fees if you prevail
  • Civil penalty up to 2x damages — If Nissan willfully violated the Act, courts may award double the actual damages

Steps to Protect Your 2022 Nissan Kicks Claim

Step 1: Document every repair visit. Keep all repair orders, work orders, and dealer invoices. Each visit counts as a repair attempt, even if the dealer says nothing is wrong.

Step 2: Keep returning for repairs. You must give Nissan a reasonable opportunity to fix the defect. Visit different authorized Nissan dealers if needed and ask for written documentation of each visit.

Step 3: Contact a California lemon law attorney. Once you believe the threshold has been met — 4 attempts for non-safety defects, 2 for safety defects, or 30 days out of service — contact an attorney for a free case evaluation. Under § 1794(d), Nissan pays your fees if you win.

Step 4: Send a demand letter. Your attorney will send Nissan a formal demand letter. Most California lemon law cases resolve through negotiation without going to trial.

2022 Nissan Kicks Lemon Law Questions

How many repair attempts qualify my 2022 Nissan Kicks as a lemon?

Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1793.22, four or more repair attempts for the same non-safety defect, or two attempts for a safety-related defect, triggers the lemon law presumption. Additionally, 30 or more cumulative days out of service qualifies regardless of the number of repair attempts.

Does Nissan pay my attorney fees?

Yes. Under Cal. Civ. Code § 1794(d), Nissan is required to pay your reasonable attorney’s fees and court costs if you prevail in a lemon law claim. This means qualified lemon law representation is free to you if your case succeeds.

Can I file a lemon law claim without an active recall?

Yes. A recall is not required to file a lemon law claim. The Song-Beverly Act covers any substantial defect that impairs the use, value, or safety of the vehicle that the manufacturer cannot repair after a reasonable number of attempts. NHTSA complaints support the claim by establishing a pattern, but are not a prerequisite.

What is the time limit to file a lemon law claim for my 2022 Nissan Kicks?

California lemon law claims are generally subject to a four-year statute of limitations from the date you discovered or should have discovered the defect. However, you must still be within the manufacturer’s original warranty period when the defect first appears. Contact an attorney promptly to preserve your rights.

Think Your 2022 Kicks Qualifies?

Get a free case evaluation. Nissan pays our fees if you win — you pay nothing upfront.

Check My Refund Amount →

Related Pages

← View All Nissan Lemon Law Pages