Nissan Kicks 2010 - a compact crossover, which became one of the first representatives of the budget segment in the line of the Japanese brand. Despite its modest dimensions, the model attracted attention due to its practicality, efficiency and ease of maintenance. However, like any used car, Kicks 2010 has its own characteristics that you should know about before purchasing.
This article will help you understand the technical characteristics, typical problems and operating nuances Nissan Kicks first generation. We will analyze engines, transmissions, suspension, and also give recommendations on choosing a used vehicle. We will pay special attention unique to this year, an issue with the engine control unit (ECU) electronics that may occur during operation in high humidity conditions.
Specifications Nissan Kicks 2010
Under the hood Nissan Kicks In 2010, two gasoline engines were installed, which had already proven themselves on other alliance models Renault-Nissan:
- 🔧 HR16DE — 1.6-liter naturally aspirated engine with a power of 114 hp, equipped with a system of continuously variable valve timing CVTC.
- 🔧 MR20DE — 2.0-liter unit with 140 hp, which was offered in top trim levels and was distinguished by more confident dynamics.
Both engines were combined with a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatically. The drive is exclusively front-wheel drive, which simplifies the design and reduces maintenance costs. Combined cycle fuel consumption varied from 6.5 l/100 km (1.6 manual transmission) up to 8.2 l/100 km (2.0 automatic transmission).
Suspension Kicks built according to the classical scheme: in front - McPherson, at the rear there is a semi-independent beam. This solution provided comfort on uneven roads, but required attention to the condition of the bushings and shock absorbers after 80,000–100,000 km mileage
| Parameter | HR16DE (1.6) | MR20DE (2.0) |
|---|---|---|
| Volume, l | 1.6 | 2.0 |
| Power, hp | 114 | 140 |
| Torque, Nm | 153 | 198 |
| Consumption (mixed), l/100 km | 6.5–7.2 | 7.8–8.2 |
| Recommended oil | 5W-30 (SN/GF-5) |
5W-40 (SN/GF-5) |
- 1.6 HR16DE (economical)
- 2.0 MR20DE (dynamic)
- It doesn’t matter, the main thing is the condition
- Another option
Typical problems and weaknesses
Despite the simple design, Nissan Kicks 2010 has several “diseases” that appear with age. Here are the most common ones:
- ⚡ Electronics: Oxidation of contacts in the fuse and relay box, which leads to unstable operation of headlights, windshield wipers, or even failure to start the engine. This is especially true for machines operated in regions with high humidity.
- 🔥 Engine HR16DE: Increased oil consumption (up to
1 l/10,000 km) after150,000 kmdue to wear of the oil scraper rings. In advanced cases, major repairs are required. - 🛞 Suspension: Rapid wear of the rear beam bushings and stabilizer links. A characteristic symptom is knocking noises when driving over bumps at low speed.
- 🔧 Automatic transmission: Jerks when shifting gears to “cold” due to wear of the solenoids or contamination of the valve body. Solved by changing the oil (every
60,000 km) or repair.
⚠️ Attention: If the instrument panel lights up when you start the engine.Check Engineand the scanner shows an errorP0300(multiple misfires), do not ignore the problem! In 30% of cases this is due to defective ignition coils, which are HR16DE often fail after 100,000 km. Replacement will cost less than repairing cylinders due to detonation.
Another common problem is corrosion of sills and arches. Nissan Kicks The 2010 model did not have a galvanized body, so rust may appear after 5–7 years of operation in salty winter conditions. Check the condition of the side members and suspension mounting points during inspection!
How to check an automatic transmission before buying?
1. Warm up the box to operating temperature (drive 10–15 km).
2. On a flat surface, switch the selector to all modes (P-R-N-D-L) - there should be no jerks or delays.
3. Accelerate to 60 km/h and sharply press the gas pedal: if the speed “fails” before accelerating, this is a sign of wear on the clutches.
4. Check the color and smell of the transmission oil: black color and a burning smell indicate critical wear.
Owner reviews: pros and cons
Owners Nissan Kicks 2010 note the following advantages of the model:
- ✅ Reliability: A simple design without any bells and whistles makes repairs easier and reduces its cost.
- ✅ Economical: Fuel consumption at the level
6.5–7.5 l/100 kmin the city makes the car profitable to operate. - ✅ Patency: Despite front-wheel drive, high ground clearance (
200 mm) allows you to overcome light off-road conditions. - ✅ Spare parts price: Details from Renault Duster the first generation is often suitable, which reduces the cost of maintenance.
Among the disadvantages most often mentioned are:
- ❌ Noisiness: Poor sound insulation makes traveling at high speeds tiresome.
- ❌ Salon: Hard plastics and uncomfortable seats in the basic trim levels.
- ❌ Dynamics: The 1.6-liter engine is a bit dull when overtaking, especially with an automatic transmission.
- ❌ Ergonomics: Inconvenient location of climate control and multimedia buttons.
Interestingly, many owners praise Kicks for ease of repair. For example, replacing spark plugs or an air filter takes no more than 20 minutes, even for beginners. But access to the rear brake mechanisms may be difficult due to the design of the beam.
Before purchasing Nissan Kicks 2010 be sure to check your service history! Pay special attention to the timing belt replacement records (every 100,000 km) and oil in the automatic transmission. Lack of receipts is a reason for bargaining or refusal of the transaction.
Comparison with competitors: which is better?
In 2010 Nissan Kicks there were few direct competitors in the compact crossover segment. Let's compare it with the most popular models:
| Parameter | Nissan Kicks 1.6 | Renault Duster 1.6 | Suzuki SX4 1.6 | Kia Soul 1.6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (2010), rub. | ~550 000 | ~520 000 | ~600 000 | ~650 000 |
| Power, hp | 114 | 114 | 106 | 126 |
| Consumption (city), l/100 km | 7.5 | 8.0 | 7.8 | 8.2 |
| Ground clearance, mm | 200 | 210 | 180 | 165 |
| Four-wheel drive | ❌ No | ✅ Yes (optional) | ✅ Yes (optional) | ❌ No |
Nissan Kicks compares favorably with Renault Duster more modern interior design and better sound insulation, but loses in terms of cross-country ability. Compared to Suzuki SX4, y Kicks easier and cheaper maintenance, however SX4 offers all-wheel drive. Kia Soul It is more comfortable, but more expensive to repair.
If you care budget and unpretentious car for the city, Kicks - an excellent choice. For off-road travel it is better to consider Duster with all-wheel drive, and for comfort - Soul or Hyundai ix20.
Nissan Kicks 2010 is the best option for those who value simplicity, efficiency and low cost of ownership. However, if you want all-wheel drive or premium trim, it's worth looking at the alternatives.
Recommendations for choosing a used Nissan Kicks 2010
Upon purchase Nissan Kicks 2010 on the secondary market, pay attention to the following points:
Originality of the paintwork (check with a thickness gauge)
Condition of the timing belt and rollers (replacement every 100,000 km)
Level and color of automatic transmission oil (should be red, without a burning smell)
Electronics operation (turn on all consumers: headlights, heater, air conditioner)
Suspension condition (knocking, play, shock absorber leaks) -->
Documents: Make sure that the vehicle title does not contain any records of accidents with serious body damage. Check your history through services like Autocode or CarVertical - this will help identify incorrect mileage or participation in accidents.
Engine: When taking a test drive, pay attention to:
- 🔊 Extraneous noises (knock of pistons, timing chains).
- 💨 Smoke from the exhaust pipe (blue - oil, white - antifreeze).
- 📉 Difficulties during acceleration (may indicate problems with the fuel system or ignition).
Price: Cost for 2023 Nissan Kicks 2010 in good condition varies from 350 000 to 500,000 rubles, depending on mileage and equipment. Instances with mileage up to 100,000 km are rare and cost 20–30% more expensive than the market average.
⚠️ Attention: If the seller claims that the car is “under warranty” or “has been serviced only by an authorized dealer,” ask for documentation! In 2023, the original warranty for Kicks 2010 has long expired, and the lack of maintenance receipts should be alarming.
Maintenance and repair: cost and frequency
One of the main advantages Nissan Kicks 2010 is low cost of maintenance. Here are the estimated prices for basic work (as of 2023):
| Type of work | Cost, rub. | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Oil and filter change (HR16DE) | 2 500–3 500 | Every 10,000 km |
| Replacing timing belt + rollers | 8 000–12 000 | Every 100,000 km |
| Changing the automatic transmission oil | 4 000–6 000 | Every 60,000 km |
| Replacing front brake pads | 3 000–4 500 | Every 30,000–40,000 km |
| Electronics diagnostics | 1 500–2 500 | When errors occur |
Using analogue spare parts. For example, filters and belts from Renault or Samsung (Korean Kicks first generation were assembled on one assembly line) are often cheaper than the original ones, but are not inferior in quality.
If you plan to service the car yourself, pay attention to the following nuances:
- 🔧 Access to spark plugs on HR16DE difficult - you will need to remove the intake manifold.
- 🔧 Changing the automatic transmission oil requires a special tool to unscrew the drain plug (8 mm square).
- 🔧 Brake discs often “stick” to the hub - treat the connection before replacing
WD-40.
For self-repair, you will need a manual. Nissan Kicks (article SM1E-1J31U0). It can be found in electronic form on thematic forums or purchased in paper version from official dealers.
Tuning and modernization
Owners Nissan Kicks 2010 models often resort to tuning to improve the appearance or dynamics of the car. Here are some popular destinations:
- 🎨 External tuning:
- Installation of body kits from Nismo or universal whales.
- Window tinting (allowed standard -
70%light transmission for the front). - Replacing standard headlights with LED or xenon ones (requires adjustment of optics!).
- 🚀 Engine and transmission:
- Chip tuning (ECU firmware) to increase power by
10–15 hp. - Installation of a “spider” (4-2-1 exhaust manifold) to improve performance at high speeds.
- Replacing a CVT with a manual transmission (rare, but practiced by enthusiasts).
- Chip tuning (ECU firmware) to increase power by
- 🛋️ Salon:
- Covering the doors and ceiling with leatherette.
- Installing a multimedia system with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay.
- Replacing standard seats with sports ones (for example, from Recaro).
However, before any modifications it is worth remembering legal restrictions. For example, a change in clearance by more than ±50 mm will require changes to the title, and the installation of xenon without headlight washers is prohibited by traffic regulations.
⚠️ Attention: Engine chip tuning HR16DE Without upgrading the cooling system it can lead to overheating! Power increase by 20% or more requires installation of a more efficient radiator and fan.
If you are planning serious tuning, pay attention to projects based on Nissan Juke - many parts (for example, brake calipers or suspension elements) are interchangeable with Kicks.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the 2010 Nissan Kicks
Which engine is more reliable: 1.6 or 2.0?
1.6 HR16DE easier to maintain and more economical, but after 150,000 km may begin to “eat” oil. 2.0 MR20DE more dynamic and less subject to wear, but more expensive to repair (for example, a timing chain instead of a belt). For the city, 1.6 is optimal, for the highway - 2.0.
Can gas equipment be installed on the Kicks 2010?
Yes, but with reservations. Engines HR16DE And MR20DE compatible with 4th generation HBO. However:
- 🔧 The ECU will need to be reconfigured (preferably from official installers).
- 🔧 Gas consumption will be at
10–15%higher than gasoline. - 🔧 Not recommended for cars with more than
200,000 km— risk of valve burnout.
What kind of oil should I put in the automatic transmission?
Official recommendation - Nissan Matic Fluid D (article KE908-99932). Analogues: Mobil ATF 3309 or Idemitsu ATF Type-J. Volume for a complete replacement - 7.5 l, for partial - 3.5–4 l.
What to do if the air conditioner does not work?
Most often the problem is:
- Freon leak (check the tubes for cracks).
- Compressor malfunction (a characteristic sign is a hum when turned on).
- Clogged filter drier (requires replacement every 2 years).
The cost of refilling freon is from 2,000 rub., compressor repair - from 15,000 rub..
Where can I find parts for my 2010 Kicks?
Original parts can be ordered by VIN code from official dealers Nissan. Look for analogues from:
- 🛒 Exist.ru — wide range of non-original spare parts.
- 🛒 Autodoc - European and Asian analogues.
- 🛒 Local showdown - details from Renault Duster or Samsung QM3 often come up.
Average delivery time for original parts: 2–4 weeks, analogues - 3–7 days.