A software issue in certain 2025-2026 Nissan Kicks models can cause the instrument cluster display to turn blue, partially disappear, or go completely blank during startup. The recall affects 51,598 vehicles in the United States, and Nissan says dealers will install a free software update to correct the problem.
Nissan is recalling more than 51,000 Kicks SUVs after identifying a software defect that can prevent drivers from seeing key information on the dashboard display. The issue affects model year 2025 and 2026 vehicles built between June 24, 2024, and January 9, 2026.
According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the defect involves the vehicle’s combination meter, also known as the instrument cluster. Under certain conditions during a cold startup, a software logic error can trigger a communication failure between electronic controllers, causing the display to malfunction.
Software Fault Can Disable Critical Dashboard Information
According to Nissan’s filing with federal regulators, the display may show only a partial image, a blue screen, or no image at all when the fault occurs. The malfunction can prevent warning lights, indicators, and other safety-related information from appearing on the dashboard.
The company stated that if the combination meter display cannot show safety-related telltales and indicators, a driver may unknowingly operate the vehicle in an unsafe condition, increasing the risk of a crash. The defect also places the affected vehicles out of compliance with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 101, which governs vehicle controls and displays.
Nissan said owners receive no warning before the fault appears. Recall documents indicate that less than one percent of the recalled vehicle population is expected to experience the issue.
The investigation began after Nissan received a field report involving a 2025 Kicks with a blank instrument display at startup. Technicians initially could not reproduce the problem, although diagnostic trouble codes related to the instrument cluster and communication systems had been recorded in the vehicle.
Investigation Traced Issue to Instrument Cluster Communication Failure
Over the following months, Nissan worked with supplier Continental to examine additional reports involving intermittent blank or blue-screen displays. According to the recall documents, engineers ultimately traced the problem to a malfunction involving integrated circuits within the instrument cluster.
Testing showed that the fault could trigger an internal error flag, causing the software to enter a continuous loop. This, in turn, could disrupt communication between the graphic controller and automotive controller integrated circuits and result in the display going blank.
Nissan reported that it identified seven technical reports and 205 warranty claims related to the issue between October 2024 and April 2026. The automaker also said it is not aware of any crashes or injuries connected to the defect.
A production fix was implemented on January 16, 2026, according to reports. To address the problem in affected vehicles already on the road, Nissan dealers will update the combination meter software at no cost to owners. The company said the repair is expected to take approximately30 minutes.
Dealer notifications began on May 22, while owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed starting July 1, 2026. Nissan said customers can contact its customer service line and reference recall number PMA66 for additional information.