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Common Problems With Nissan Kicks And AEB/FCW Systems

A blue car uses radar sensors (represented by blue triangular overlays) to detect a vehicle in front of it.Among the chief complaints on Nissan Kicks SUVs is the “malfunctioning front collision sensor.” These sensors are part of Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking systems. They are used to detect pedestrians, vehicles and other obstacles in front of the Nissan Kicks SUV. When this sensor malfunctions, the FCW and AEB systems do not behave reliably.

To highlight issues with Nissan Kicks Forward Collision Warning and Automatic Emergency Braking, we have compiled some complaints submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Please note that the complaints on Nissan Kicks FCW and AEB systems have been edited for grammar and clarity.

2018 Nissan Kicks

The Nissan emergency braking system is giving out false warnings. The system on my car has given me hundreds of false readings and warnings while in motion, mostly on highways and expressways. Nissan refuses to say they have a problem with this. I fear that the system will malfunction and stop me for no reason on the expressway.

2018 Nissan Kicks

Within the first 300 miles, the sensors started to malfunction. The dealer replaced the side sensors. The front sensor relating to the AEB started to malfunction. I now have 6,000 miles on the car. It has been in and out of shop with no clear solution to the problem. They replaced the front sensor, but within 24 hours, it was malfunctioning again. I was involved in an accident 6 days ago, the AEB did not engage, the sensors did not engage. When this first started (2 days after purchase) it was drizzling, but I was stationary when sensor malfunctioned. It would also malfunction on a dry sunny day in a parking lot. There was no rhyme or reason to the sensor going off or on.

2018 Nissan Kicks

I have been experiencing issues with the warning light that looks like two cars colliding randomly appearing along with a message “Unavailable front radar obstruction.” These warning lights can come on at any given time during the time in which the vehicle is driven, and began shortly after purchase of the vehicle. Weather conditions, etc. have no effect on this issue. The warning light/message has come on when it is sunny. It can come on when changing lanes, and not even having a vehicle directly in front of you. I monitored the behavior for quite a while in order to confirm this was an actual defect. My vehicle is garaged most of the time, and there has been no damage to it whatsoever. After further research, I checked the owner’s manual, and then realized the warning light that I have been seeing is actually the automatic emergency braking (AEB) system warning light. The message that appears on the dash indicates a front radar obstruction, or impact near the front of the car as well. These may be two separate issues, but they occur at the same time every time. I always see the AEB light, and the front radar obstruction warning simultaneously. I have also had problems with the blind spot warning lights randomly appearing, and my back up cam glitching out/freezing in the process of backing up.

2019 Nissan Kicks

The Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and Radar System is faulty which makes the vehicle suddenly brake on its own. My daughter reported that the alert light began coming on about a week ago. Then yesterday (9/26/2021) the vehicle suddenly braked on its own while she was driving. She added that there was no vehicle or object in front of the vehicle at the time of the self-braking. This is a serious safety concern. After research into this matter, I have learned that both Nissan and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are aware of the situation but have yet to issue a recall for the faulty AEB in a number of their models.

2019 Nissan Kicks

Front impact warning light comes on, affecting the cruise control and tries to stop without anything in front of car. This car only has 4,200 miles and has been in shop 5 fives for the same thing and all that the Nissan dealership does is clear code, adjust sensors and/or calibrate sensors but never changes out sensors. There is already several class action lawsuits with Nissan on front sensors and this malfunction. This is clearly a hazard driving the car and is a safety issue to drive since this car can try to stop when nothing is in front of car.

2020 Nissan Kicks

When entering a tunnel, the FEB system illuminated as though a vehicle had entered the path of the vehicle. Nothing was in the path of the vehicle. Our forward motion was approximately 45 mph.

2020 Nissan Kicks

The sensor that states “there has been a malfunction in the front braking system” comes on randomly. The AEB system also stops the car at random times when nothing is in the road, good weather, sometimes going 75mph on the highway. Same thing has also happened driving in a parking garage or down a main road. I have also been in cruise control on the highway and this braking system comes on. I thought it was an isolated incident but it has happened at least 6 times.

2021 Nissan Kicks

I have experienced my forward collision warning light coming on when driving toward the sun in the mornings on my way to work. When I go into the shade, it turns off but immediately pops back on and slows my car down when I return into the sunlight. It has not done this since I bought in July 2021 until last week.

If you have recurring problems with your Nissan Kick’s Forward or Automatic Emergency Braking system, your vehicle may be a lemon. However, Nissan Kicks are not the only Nissan vehicle model experiencing these recurring problems. Read more about common Nissan AEB system problems and your California lemon law rights. If you would like more information, complete the form below to request a free consultation.


Lemon Law Help by Knight Law Group is an automotive lemon law firm that exclusively practices in California. If you are a California resident who purchased or leased a defective vehicle from a licensed dealership in California, we may be able to help you get rid of your potential lemon and recover significant cash compensation. Model year restrictions apply: 2020–Present vehicle models only.

However, we cannot help those who reside outside of California or purchased their vehicle outside of California unless they are active duty members of the Armed Forces, nor will we be able to refer those to a lemon law firm in their states.

To learn more about the California Lemon Law and your legal rights, visit our guide on the California Lemon Law for more information.

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