Nissan Kicks Blank Instrument Display
Nissan has announced a defect affecting certain 2025 and 2026 Nissan Kicks vehicles due to a software issue that can cause the instrument cluster display to go partially or completely blank. The issue affects approximately 51,598 vehicles and has been assigned NHTSA Campaign Number 26V-331.
According to Nissan, the problem involves the vehicle's Combination Meter Display Unit, which is responsible for displaying critical vehicle information, warning lights, and safety-related indicators. If the display fails, drivers may not be able to see important warnings or vehicle status information, potentially increasing the risk of a crash.
What Is the Problem?
The recall involves a software logic error within the Combination Meter, often referred to as the instrument cluster or dashboard display.
Nissan says a communication failure can occur between the graphic controller and automotive controller integrated circuits inside the display unit. When this happens during a cold startup, the screen may appear partially blank, completely blank, or in some cases display only a blue screen.
Because the display may fail to illuminate required warning lights and telltales, the vehicles do not comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 101, Controls and Displays.
If the display cannot show safety-related warnings, drivers could unknowingly operate the vehicle with a mechanical or safety issue that would normally trigger a warning indicator.
Which Vehicles Are Affected?
The recall affects certain:
- 2025 Nissan Kicks
- 2026 Nissan Kicks
Nissan has stated that the issue is limited to specific Kicks vehicles equipped with the affected Combination Meter Display Unit. Based on production records, no other Nissan or INFINITI models are affected by this recall.
How Was the Problem Discovered?
Nissan's investigation began on February 4, 2025, after receiving a field report involving a 2025 Nissan Kicks whose instrument cluster display was blank at startup.
Although technicians could not immediately duplicate the issue, diagnostic trouble codes related to the combination meter and communication systems were stored in the vehicle. Nissan collected the affected component and launched a joint investigation with its supplier.
Over the following months, Nissan and the supplier gathered additional reports and collected twelve more instrument cluster units exhibiting intermittent blue-screen or blank-screen conditions.
Extensive testing eventually revealed a weakness within an integrated circuit used in the display system. Engineers determined that repeated thermal and power cycles could trigger an internal error flag within the circuit. Once activated, the software could enter a continuous loop without a recovery mechanism, causing communication to stop between key display controllers and resulting in a blank instrument cluster screen.
Nissan's Investigation and Solution
Between late 2025 and early 2026, the supplier developed and validated a software fix designed to prevent the communication failure.
The updated software underwent extensive validation testing across temperatures ranging from -40°C to +80°C and accumulated more than 375 hours of testing before being approved.
The corrected software was implemented into production on January 16, 2026.
Following additional safety and compliance reviews, Nissan determined that the condition could prevent federally required warning indicators from illuminating properly and decided to conduct a voluntary recall on May 14, 2026.
Are There Any Warning Signs?
Unfortunately, the display failure may occur without advance warning.
Owners may notice:
- A partially blank display screen
- A completely blank instrument cluster
- A blue screen replacing normal display information
- Missing warning lights or indicators
If any of these symptoms occur, owners should contact a Nissan dealer for diagnosis and repair.
What Is the Safety Risk?
The issue does not affect vehicle steering, braking, or propulsion systems directly. However, a blank instrument cluster can prevent drivers from seeing critical information such as warning lights, telltales, and vehicle status indicators.
Without these warnings, a driver may unknowingly continue operating the vehicle while another safety-related condition exists, potentially increasing the risk of a crash.
What Is Nissan Doing to Fix the Problem?
Nissan dealers will update the Combination Meter software free of charge. The software update is designed to prevent the communication failure that can cause the display to become blank during startup.
What Owners Should Do
Owners of affected vehicles should:
- Watch for any signs of a blank or partially blank display.
- Schedule the recall repair once notified by Nissan.
- Contact their Nissan dealer if they experience display issues.
- Ensure the recall software update is completed as soon as possible.
Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed beginning July 1, 2026.
Recall Information
- NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-331
- Nissan Recall Number: PMA66
- Vehicles Affected: Approximately 51,598
- Component: Electrical System / Combination Meter Display
As of the recall announcement, Nissan had received seven technical reports and 205 warranty claims related to the issue. The company stated it was not aware of any crashes, injuries, or fatalities associated with the condition.