Summary
The Nissan Quest has 43 recalls spanning the 1993–2012 production run; the most serious recent issue affects 2007 models, where a front suspension bolt can work completely loose and cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle.
The final production years carry a handful of notable issues. On 2011–2012 models, a software error in the fuel pump control program can cut fuel supply to the engine while driving slowly or idling on a downhill grade with a quarter-tank or less of fuel, stalling the vehicle. The 2008 model year has a seat track assembly that can prevent the front seat pawl from fully engaging, meaning the seat may not hold its position in a crash.
The mid-2000s generation has a cluster of recalls. The 2005 model has a third-row seat striker weld that can break and detach from its mounting bracket, reducing crash protection for rear occupants, as well as a driver-side third-row curtain airbag that can be installed slightly out of position and deploy late or not at all in a side impact. On 2004 models, a power sliding door actuator can bind in cold weather and allow the door to open unexpectedly during rapid acceleration, risking an occupant falling out. Also on 2004 models, the passenger seat airbag suppression system may fail to deactivate the airbag when a child is seated in front, and the plastic emblem on the driver's airbag cover can break free as a projectile when the airbag fires.
Going back further, 1999 models have two concerns: the steering rack mounting bolts may not have been properly tightened, which can cause the rack to loosen and make steering imprecise, and the fuel tank retention straps can crack at their spot welds, potentially dropping the tank or leaking fuel. The 2001 model has a seat belt buckle bolt that can loosen over time and leave an occupant inadequately restrained in a crash. The 2000 model year has seat belt buckles that can fail under crash loads. The 1997 and 1998 model years share a battery defect involving a fractured negative terminal that can leak acid and cause a fire or battery explosion.
Earlier 1993–1994 production has the heaviest concentration of issues. The 1993 model has multiple fuel system concerns: the fuel filler hose can be cut through and leak, the fuel tank vent hose can crack and leak fuel when the tank heats up after a short trip, and the brake master cylinder can fail internally and reduce braking to only two of the four wheels. The 1993 model also has a cowl screen that allows leaves and debris to accumulate near the blower motor resistor, where they can ignite and start a fire in the HVAC housing. The 1994 model has a rear lamp socket where the metal contact can shift or separate, disabling the stop and tail lamps.
