Nissan Quest Best and Worst Years (2005–2017)
Avoid the 2007, 2008, and 2012 Nissan Quest. The 2007 has a complaint index of 100 (worst of all years) with fuel system problems dominating, 2008 carries three recalls including brakes and airbags, and 2012 shows a 91 complaint index led by transmission and powertrain issues. The 2013, 2016, and 2017 model years rate Best.
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
- Model years
- 12
- 2005–2017
- NHTSA complaints
- 682
- Recall campaigns
- 7
- Crashes reported
- 19
- Fires reported
- 13
- Top problem area
- Fuel System
Quest Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Nissan Quest problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Caution | 64 | 82 | 3 | 2 | 2 | Engine | 19 | — |
| 2006 | Caution | 55 | 74 | 1 | 2 | 1 | Engine | 19 | — |
| 2007 | Avoid | 100 | 228 | 3 | 1 | 1 | Fuel System | 19 | — |
| 2008 | Avoid | 82 | 50 | 3 | 3 | 3 | Fuel System | 19 | — |
| 2009 | Good | 45 | 22 | 2 | 1 | 2 | Structure & Body | 19 | — |
| 2011 | Caution | 73 | 66 | 2 | 0 | 1 | Fuel System | 21 | — |
| 2012 | Avoid | 91 | 93 | 5 | 2 | 1 | Transmission & Powertrain | 21 | — |
| 2013 | Best | 18 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Transmission & Powertrain | 21 | — |
| 2014 | Good | 36 | 18 | 0 | 1 | 0 | Transmission & Powertrain | 21 | — |
| 2015 | Good | 27 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Electrical System | 22 | — |
| 2016 | Best | 9 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Transmission & Powertrain | 22 | — |
| 2017 | Best | 0 | 6 | 0 | 1 | 0 | Transmission & Powertrain | 22 | — |
Quest years to avoid: what went wrong
2007 Nissan Quest Index 100 · 228 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2007 Quest has the highest complaint index of any year at 100, with 228 total complaints. Fuel system problems make up 48% of those complaints, with a median failure mileage of 107,000 miles. Engine complaints account for another 25%, failing at a median of about 100,634 miles. Owners describe brake pumping needed at higher speeds and unexpected engine surging near stop lights or stop signs. One recall covers a suspension bolt that may not have been tightened correctly at the factory. Structure and electrical issues were also reported.
2007 fuel system problems →2007 engine problems →2007 electrical system problems →
2012 Nissan Quest Index 91 · 93 complaints · 1 recalls
The 2012 Quest has a complaint index of 91, the second-worst of all years, with 93 total complaints. Transmission and powertrain problems lead at 30% of complaints, failing at a median of 82,000 miles, followed by engine issues failing much earlier at a median of 30,000 miles. Owners describe the vehicle stalling on downhill slopes with fuel remaining, sudden unintended acceleration into obstacles, and airbags failing to deploy in a collision. A recall addresses a fuel pump control module software issue tied to stalling on inclines.
2012 transmission & powertrain problems →2012 engine problems →2012 fuel system problems →
2008 Nissan Quest Index 82 · 50 complaints · 3 recalls
The 2008 Quest carries a complaint index of 82 and three separate recall campaigns, covering airbags, brakes, and seat structure. Owners report spongy brakes that failed to engage in traffic, brake warning lights paired with burning smells and hot rims, and a rollover incident where airbags did not deploy. Fuel system complaints are the largest category at 28%, with brakes close behind at 22%, failing at a median of 47,775 miles. The mix of safety recalls alongside brake and airbag complaints pushes this year into Avoid territory despite fewer total complaints than 2007.
Most common Nissan Quest problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.
- Fuel System193 (28%)
- Engine152 (22%)
- Transmission & Powertrain114 (17%)
- Electrical System113 (17%)
- Structure & Body74 (11%)
- Brakes65 (10%)
- Other63 (9%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires55 (8%)
- Airbags34 (5%)
- Steering25 (4%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- Which Nissan Quest years should I avoid?
- NHTSA data points to 2007, 2008, and 2012 as the years to avoid, with complaint indexes of 100, 82, and 91 respectively out of the 12 model years covered.
- What is the best Nissan Quest year to buy?
- The 2013, 2016, and 2017 model years rate Best, with complaint indexes of 18, 9, and 0 and zero recall campaigns each.
- Does the 2007 Nissan Quest have known problems?
- Yes. The 2007 Quest has the highest complaint index (100) of any Quest year, with fuel system complaints making up 48% of its 228 total complaints, typically failing around 107,000 miles.
- Why is the 2012 Nissan Quest rated Avoid?
- The 2012 Quest has a complaint index of 91 driven mainly by transmission and powertrain complaints (30% share), plus a recall for a fuel pump control module software problem tied to stalling on slopes.
- How many complaints and recalls does the Nissan Quest have overall?
- Across the 2005-2017 model years, NHTSA lists 682 total complaints and 7 recall campaigns for the Nissan Quest.