Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

2019 Nissan Kicks pre-purchase inspection checklist

What to check before you buy, built from NHTSA recall data, owner-reported failures, and mechanic intel. Print it or bring it to your mechanic.

Pre-purchase inspection · 2019 Nissan Kicks
Check another vehicle
2019 Nissan Kicks
S / SV / SR (P15, 2018-2024; the P15 continued for 2025 as the Kicks Play)
Low Risk

The P15 Kicks is Nissan's most fuel-efficient non-hybrid crossover — 36 mpg combined with the 1.6L naturally-aspirated engine. FWD only (no AWD option). CVT fluid service every 30k miles with NS-3 fluid is the critical maintenance item. Exterior styling is distinctive. Outstanding commuter value for urban buyers who don't need AWD.

Items to check
12
Open recalls
2
NHTSA complaints
65
Top concern
CVT fluid history / FWD-only limitation

Powertrain

Xtronic CVT fluid service

High Attention
CVT requires NS-3 fluid every 30k miles. Same failure profile as Altima and Rogue on neglected service.
Request CVT fluid service receipts.
Est. cost: $200–$350 service / $3,000–$4,500 CVT Source: Nissan CVT standard

1.6L MR16 engine oil consumption

Low Risk
Naturally-aspirated and generally reliable. Standard pre-purchase check.
Pull dipstick before driving.
Est. cost: Maintenance only Source: Consumer pattern

Electrical

NissanConnect infotainment

Low Risk
Known freeze and connectivity issues. Software updates resolve most.
Test all functions.
Est. cost: $0 update Source: Nissan campaigns

Suspension

Front strut wear at high mileage

Low Risk
Standard wear at 80k+ miles.
Bounce test each corner.
Est. cost: $300–$600 per strut Source: Common wear

Body

Exterior panel and trim durability

Low Risk
P15 trim quality is adequate. Check door panel fit and paint condition.
Inspect paint and panel gaps.
Est. cost: $0–$200 Source: Standard inspection

Documentation

CVT fluid history + recall check

High Attention
CVT history is the primary document.
Run nhtsa.gov/recalls. Require CVT fluid receipts.
Est. cost: Walk away from CVT without history Source: NHTSA

NHTSA Recalls (verify completion via VIN)

19V-654
Backup Camera Display Setting
Rear-view image can be adjusted to invisible and the setting persists into the next reverse (FMVSS 111) — 2018-2019 Kicks. Dealer updates the camera settings software.
Multiple
Open recalls — VIN check
Campaigns vary by build date. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and require every open recall closed before purchase.
After you buy: common DIY repair guides
Planning the upkeep this car will need? Our step-by-step guides cover oil changes, brake pads & rotors, battery replacement, transmission fluid, coolant flushes, and spark plugs — each with the tools, parts, torque specs, and common mistakes that matter. Browse all repair guides →

More Nissan checklists

2013 Altima · 2017 Armada · 2017 Pathfinder · 2017 Rogue · 2017 Sentra · 2017 Titan · 2018 Frontier · 2018 Maxima · 2018 Murano · 2018 Rogue Sport · 2019 Altima · 2019 LEAF · 2021 Rogue · 2022 Frontier · 2022 Pathfinder
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