Nissan Quest Problems: 4 Common Issues (Explained)

Inside, the Quest has almost everything a driver would need. From comfy seats, driver-assist features, and quality materials.

Despite this, the Nissan Quest is no perfect minivan. In this article, we look at some complaints about the Quest.

We researched and found some issues to be more familiar to Nissan Quest models of various generations.

Before we start, make sure to check our article about how long the Nissan Quest models last.

Nissan Quest is one of the most reliable minivans in the market.

It is currently on the list of the five best minivans. The Quest has a reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0.

The 2016 Nissan Quest is touted for being fuel-efficient. It has an EPA rating of 20 MPG in the city and 27 MPG on the highway.

1. Transmission problems

Transmission-related problems are common for several Nissan Quest models. The issues range from unresponsiveness to rough transition during a shift.

Other transmission-related problems include abrupt deceleration, weak acceleration, and premature transmission failure.

Unfortunately, it may be costly if you try to replace your transmission. That doesn’t mean you won’t experience more problems after replacing your transmission.

The issue may continue even after installing a new transmission.

Sometimes, you may be at the traffic light, and your Nissan Quest may stop giving any power. Or, when you press the gas, the vehicle may not move.

What makes this problem more frustrating is that it happens without giving any warning. Today your Nissan Quest may be fine.

But the next day, the transmission may be malfunctioning.

When you check the dashboard, there won’t be any light indicators. Some transmission problems may cause the following issues:

• The Nissan Quest transmission tends to jerk while driving.
• You will have problems engaging gears.
• Even the improved automatic transmission of the Nissan Quest may hesitate while shifting between gears.
• You may experience random shaking of the vehicle when accelerating.
• Your car may suddenly stop.
• Other users of the Nissan Quest complain about the rattling sound and lugging.

Possible causes and solutions

• Lack of transmission fluid cooling
  One of the significant causes of transmission problems of the Nissan Quest is the lack of transmission liquid cooling.

When your vehicle has inadequate transmission fluid, it will overheat and cause premature transmission failure.

If your transmission overheats, the transmission module will detect this issue and put your Nissan Quest in fail-safe mode. Hence, sometimes your Quest stops suddenly.

Here are some solutions to the transmission problem of Nissan Quest:

• Check the transmission fluid
  the very first thing you should check is the transmission oil. If it is too low, your transmission is not likely to function well.
• Replace your transmission
  schedule an appointment with a mechanic to look at your transmission. If your mechanic recommends that you change it, don’t delay. Replace it as soon as you can.

The cost of replacing or fixing the transmission depends on the model of the Nissan Quest. For instance, for a 2017 Nissan Quest, you may spend between $150 to $3500.

2. Engine Problems

When you own a Nissan Quest, expect to experience engine problems. Your engine may also develop strange rattling noises.

While your engine can continue running despite the rattling noise, it will get damaged at some point.

Most Nissan Quest manufactured from 1993 to 2012 are likely to have this problem. Here are some of the engine problems of the Nissan Quest:

• The Nissan Quest may not start sometimes.
• The engine may stall.
• The faulty engine will cause a thumping sound on the floor.
• Your dirty injector may fail and cause drivability concerns.
• There are times when you will hear the timing belt rattling.
• The exhaust manifold of the Nissan Quest may sometimes warp and cause the studs to break off.
• Your vehicle may have a high Idle After cleaning the throttle body.

Possible causes and solutions

Let’s take a look at some possible causes and solutions for the engine of your Nissan Quests:

• The distribution
  The distributor shaft of your Nissan Quest may become rusty and cause your engine to stall or not to start.

The distributor shaft bearing can become rusty and seize, causing the engine to stall or not start. The failed distributor will commonly require replacement.

Solution: Consider replacing rusty parts with new ones.

• Fuel injections
  Your fuel injections of your Nissan Quest may cause drivability problems for your vehicle.

Cause: Corrosion of the connector or clogging beyond the point of cleaning may cause the fuel injection issue.

Solution: Your mechanic may have to replace the fuel injections to solve this problem.

• Exhaust manifold
  Your engine may not be functioning well because of the warps and crack on your exhaust manifold.

Solution: You can resolve this problem by fixing the cracks and warps on the exhaust manifold.

• The rattling noises
  Your engine may have unpleasant noises caused by worn-out timing chains or timing tensioners.

Solution: Your mechanic can fix this problem by fixing your timing chain, tensioners, or timing chain guides.

The cost of fixing the engine depends on two things. The model of the Nissan Quest, and what the problem with your engine is. The price ranges between $95 to $2261.

3. Accessories and interior Issues

There are myriad issues associated with the accessories and interior of the Nissan Quest. A good example is the instrument cluster on the electrical dashboard.

This instrument provides crucial information such as mileage and fuel levels. Over time, this cluster may malfunction and make it impossible to get all the relevant information about your car.

For Nissan Quest 2011 models, the dashboard may also crack. The cracks may also appear on the passenger side airbag.

If you leave the cracks unattended, it may damage the airbag and put your passengers at risk.

Here are some of the accessories and interior issues of the Nissan Quest:

• A rattling sunroof can make the driving experience uncomfortable.

Solution: Check if your sunroof is loose or if there are parts of it that you should replace.

• Interior lighting issue – Users of the Nissan Quest 2004 complained about a malfunctioning service engine light.

Causes: According to one of the Quest users, the service light has to come three times. It’s not clear what causes this problem.

Solution: Take your Nissan Quest to a mechanic to evaluate the problem and develop a solution.

• Problems with the steering wheel – The 2004 models also reported issues with the power steering.

Causes: Low pressure in tires is one of the most common causes of the steering problem in some Nissan Quest.

Solution: To avoid steering wheel problems, maintain proper air pressure on all your tires. If the problem persists, take your Quest to your mechanic to look at your steering wheel.

The cost of fixing the accessories and internal issues varies from one model to another. The price ranges between $150 to $2000. For example, if you want an AC Evaporator, you may pay $1345.

4. Vibration on the brake system

While the brakes of most Nissan Quests are reliable, they are not perfect. Some car owners have reported an irritating vibration on the brakes.

Not all Quests have this problem, though. It is common in the 2004, 2006, and 2007 models.

Here is how it happens: when you apply the brake, you will feel severe vibrations.

Causes: Overheated brake rotors are the primary cause of this problem. Once this happens, your brake rotors will end up warping. When your vehicle vibrates constantly, this may lead to premature wear of your brake pads.

Solution: Replace brake pads and brake rotors. Once you replace those two parts, the vibration will stop at once.

The cost of fixing or replacing the brakes will depend on the year model of your Nissan Quest.

The average cost for replacing brake pads is $278 to $307. You will pay between $70 and $89 for labor. At the same time, the parts cost between $207 and $218.

Pros and cons Nissan Quest

Pros

• Nissan Quest is an affordable minivan.
• It comes with a handsome interior.
• It is low on fuel.
• The Nissan Quest has a comfortable ride.
• It is a reliable minivan.
• It is suitable for a young family on the go.
• It has a spacious cargo area. The seven-seater has enough space for everyone to sit. It has 25.6 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third-row seats. You will also have a bit of space for your luggage.

Cons

• Nissan Quest has a lower safety score.
• The air con of the 2007 models works poorly.

What Do the Reviews Say?

If reviews are anything to go by, there are several other issues that Nissan Quest should address.

The new Nissan Quest has a recurring CVT transmission problem, according to Consumer Affairs. After every 130,000 miles, you will need to spend $5,000 on a new transmission.

Meanwhile, another Nissan Quest user on Edmunds confirms having a problem with back brakes pads and rotors. Other car owners report issues with their AC Compressor, which they have to repair regularly.

What is the Resale Value of Toyota Corolla?

The 2013 Nissan Quest resale range from $4,940 to $13,243.

The 2016 Nissan Quest has a resale value of $9,999 to $19,331.

Final Thoughts

The year models of the Nissan Quest that you should avoid include 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2012. Suppose you make a point of servicing your Nissan Quest regularly. You won’t experience some of the above problems.

Don’t wait for too long if you are experiencing some of the problems mentioned above. Take your car to your nearest mechanic to take a look at it.

GO BACK: Problems for all Nissans.