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1996 Nissan Quest

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Quest years

Owner complaints for the 1996 Nissan Quest are substantially higher than the model-year median of 66.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 27 of 134 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Latches/locks/linkages. Review the 26 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 18 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Structure. Review the 16 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

4 crash reports6 fire reports3 injury reports

Engine And Engine Cooling complaints

15 reports
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152,799 miles · Mar 12, 2014
Engine And Engine CoolingSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 NISSAN QUEST. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY EVERY FOUR MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INDICATED THE VEHICLE HA…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 NISSAN QUEST. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE OCCURRED APPROXIMATELY EVERY FOUR MONTHS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO INDICATED THE VEHICLE HAD A DESIGN FLAW AND THE MOTOR MOUNTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED THREE TIMES FOR THE SAME FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 152,799. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10568736

53,706 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Air BagsEngine And Engine CoolingEquipment

WEIRD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS,I HAVE TAKEN TO 2 DIFFERENT PEOPLE, 1 OF WHICH SPECIALIZES IN TRANSMISSIONS, THE PROBLEM IS THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE IS WARMED UP THE TRANSMISSION DOESN'T KNOW WHAT GEAR IT IS IN, ON INITIAL INVESTIGATION THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE THE TROTTLE POSITION SENSOR BUT THAT WAS REPLACED AND STILL NO FIX. THEY HOO…

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WEIRD ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS,I HAVE TAKEN TO 2 DIFFERENT PEOPLE, 1 OF WHICH SPECIALIZES IN TRANSMISSIONS, THE PROBLEM IS THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE IS WARMED UP THE TRANSMISSION DOESN'T KNOW WHAT GEAR IT IS IN, ON INITIAL INVESTIGATION THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE THE TROTTLE POSITION SENSOR BUT THAT WAS REPLACED AND STILL NO FIX. THEY HOOKED UP COMPUTERS TO THE CAR WHILE DRIVING AND SAY THE COMPUTER DOESN'T READ THE TPS BEING OPERATIVE DURING DRIVING BUT NO PROBLEMS CAN BE FOUND WITH THE WIRING AND COMPUTER BOARD. WHEN THE ENGINE TRANSMISSION STARTS TO MESS UP THE LOCKS START TO LOCK AND UNLOCK BY THEMSELVES WHILE DRIVING, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT IS ON AND THE OVERDRIVE LIGHT BLINKS OFF AND ON. AT ONE TIME THE AIR BAG LIGHT COME ON FOR NO REASON IT WAS CHECKED AND PROBLEM FOUND. THE SLIDING DOOR LATCH BROKE WITHIN A COUPLE OF MONTHS OF BUYING. THE BACK WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR WOULD ALSO COME ON BY ITSELF, WE ENDED UP TAKING THE FUSE OUT FOR THAT.

NHTSA ODI #10070045

Mileage unknown · Jan 15, 2004
Engine And Engine CoolingUnknown Or Other

MY QUEST WOULD TAKE A LONG TIME TO GET HEAT INTO THE INTERIOR. RECENTLY IT STARTED OVERHEATING AS WELL. I REPLACED THE THERMOSTAT, BUT ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS SAY TO INSTALL THE THERMOSTAT SO THE SPRING IS FACING TO THE INSIDE OF THE ENGINE. HOWEVER, THE T'STAT LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE WILL NOT FIT WITH THE SPRING TO THE INSIDE O…

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MY QUEST WOULD TAKE A LONG TIME TO GET HEAT INTO THE INTERIOR. RECENTLY IT STARTED OVERHEATING AS WELL. I REPLACED THE THERMOSTAT, BUT ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS SAY TO INSTALL THE THERMOSTAT SO THE SPRING IS FACING TO THE INSIDE OF THE ENGINE. HOWEVER, THE T'STAT LISTED FOR THIS VEHICLE WILL NOT FIT WITH THE SPRING TO THE INSIDE OF THE ENGINE; AND THE ORIGINAL T'STAT (I DON'T THINK IT HAS EVER BEEN REPLACED - IT HAD NISSAN ON IT) WAS INSTALLED WITH THE SPRING END FACING THE HOSE END. SO I INSTALLED A SHORTER T'STAT SO THE SPRING WOULD FIT TOWARD THE ENGINE. NOW THE INTERIOR GETS HEAT QUICKLY, BUT THE ENGINE STILL OVERHEATS. THE RADIATOR CAP HAS BEEN REPLACED, AND THE COOLING SYSTEM FLUSHED. THE PROBLEM EPRSISTS.

NHTSA ODI #10069968

62,384 miles · Jan 15, 2004
Air BagsEngine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline

I HAVE HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS OUEST.I HAVE REPLACED THE HEATER CONTROL,BOTH SIDE EXHAUST MANIFOLDS,REPLACE ACC C/V BOOT,REPLACE ANTENNA MOTOR,REPLACE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT,REPLACE BACK WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR,REPLACE BOTH FRONT LOWER BALL JOINTS AND THE VENT HOSE. THIS ARE JUST THE MAJOR THINGS. I HAVE SPEND AROUND 7000.00 O…

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I HAVE HAD MANY PROBLEMS WITH THIS OUEST.I HAVE REPLACED THE HEATER CONTROL,BOTH SIDE EXHAUST MANIFOLDS,REPLACE ACC C/V BOOT,REPLACE ANTENNA MOTOR,REPLACE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT,REPLACE BACK WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR,REPLACE BOTH FRONT LOWER BALL JOINTS AND THE VENT HOSE. THIS ARE JUST THE MAJOR THINGS. I HAVE SPEND AROUND 7000.00 ON THIS QUEST FOR REPAIRS AND UP KEEP. I BROUGHT IT NEW IN MAY OF 1996. NEVER AGAIN.

NHTSA ODI #10069383

68,000 miles · May 13, 2003
Electrical SystemEngine And Engine CoolingEquipment

ENGINE KNOCK,ENGINE FAILURE, REPLACE CORRODED THROTTLE BODY, GAS SMELL LEAKS INTO INTERIOR, FAULTY FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT RESTRAINT,VEHICLE NOW HAS 110,000 MILES ON IT AND IS IN THE SHOP FOR A NEW FUEL PUMP. EXCESSIVE NOISE POLLUTION WHEN DRIVING, FAULTY REAR HATCH LOCK(ELECTRICAL), FAULTY ELECT. PWR. DOOR LOCKS, LOCKS WHEN N…

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ENGINE KNOCK,ENGINE FAILURE, REPLACE CORRODED THROTTLE BODY, GAS SMELL LEAKS INTO INTERIOR, FAULTY FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT RESTRAINT,VEHICLE NOW HAS 110,000 MILES ON IT AND IS IN THE SHOP FOR A NEW FUEL PUMP. EXCESSIVE NOISE POLLUTION WHEN DRIVING, FAULTY REAR HATCH LOCK(ELECTRICAL), FAULTY ELECT. PWR. DOOR LOCKS, LOCKS WHEN NOT TOUCHED. THIS VEHICLE IS WHAT LEMON LAWS WERE INTENDED FOR YET NISSAN IS IN DENIAL ABOUT ALL THE PROBLEMS OWNERS HAVE ENDURED WITH NO COMPENSATION. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10018632

Mileage unknown · Feb 28, 2002
Engine And Engine CoolingSteering

VEHICLE WILL LOSE POWER AND STEERING WILL LOCK UP. THIS HAPPENS WHEN CONSUMER IS DRIVING AT SPEEDS BELOW 40 MPH. *AK

NHTSA ODI #8004710

Mileage unknown · Jan 11, 2002
Engine And Engine Cooling

THE HEAD OF A BOLD HOLDING THE HEAD TO THE ENGINE BLOCK FAILED. THE LOOSE BOLT HEAD THEN JAMMED THE CAM SHAFT PREVENTING THE CAM SHAFT FROM ROTATING. WHEN STARTING THE ENGINE, THE TIMING BELT BROKE AT THE DRIVE SHAFT DAMAGING VALVES SINCE THE ENGINE IS A "NON-CLEARANCE" ENGINE. THE BOLT FAILED BY FATIGUE WHICH IS EVIDENT IN T…

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THE HEAD OF A BOLD HOLDING THE HEAD TO THE ENGINE BLOCK FAILED. THE LOOSE BOLT HEAD THEN JAMMED THE CAM SHAFT PREVENTING THE CAM SHAFT FROM ROTATING. WHEN STARTING THE ENGINE, THE TIMING BELT BROKE AT THE DRIVE SHAFT DAMAGING VALVES SINCE THE ENGINE IS A "NON-CLEARANCE" ENGINE. THE BOLT FAILED BY FATIGUE WHICH IS EVIDENT IN THE FAILURE SURFACE. THE FATIGUE FAILURE ORIGINATED AT A LOCATION JUST UNDER THE BOLT HEAD DUE TO A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. IT IS ESTIMATED THAT THE REPAIR WILL COST ABOUT $2000.

NHTSA ODI #756703

Mileage unknown · Jun 26, 2001
Engine And Engine Cooling

THE VEHICAL HAS FAILED ON ME FOUR TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED IT USED IN EARLY 2000, WHILE OPERATING UNDER HEAVY STRAIN AT HIGHER ELEVATIONS, THE ENGINE QUITS DEAD WITH NO NOTICE OF THE ON COMING FAILURE, I HAVE HAD IT INTO A DEALER TWICE FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND THEY CAN NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM.IT IS DANGEROUS AND POSSIBLE A DEADL…

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THE VEHICAL HAS FAILED ON ME FOUR TIMES SINCE I PURCHASED IT USED IN EARLY 2000, WHILE OPERATING UNDER HEAVY STRAIN AT HIGHER ELEVATIONS, THE ENGINE QUITS DEAD WITH NO NOTICE OF THE ON COMING FAILURE, I HAVE HAD IT INTO A DEALER TWICE FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND THEY CAN NOT DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM.IT IS DANGEROUS AND POSSIBLE A DEADLY SITUATION FOR ME AND MY FAMILY. I HAVE HAD THE FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR CHECKED AND CHECKS OK. I WOULD NOT NOR WILL NOT SELL THIS CAR TO ANYONE UNDER IT'S CURRENT CONDITION.*AK

NHTSA ODI #747407

Mileage unknown · Jun 25, 2001
Engine And Engine Cooling

DEALERSHIP FIXED LOCK PROBLEM, BUT THEN REFUSED TO FIX ALARM PROBLEM AFTER CAR WAS PAID FOR. THEY TOLD ME IT WASN'T THEIR PROBLEM, AND THAT IT WOULD COST ME ABOUT $500.00 TO FIX IT. I COULDN'T AFFORD TO GET IT FIXED RIGHT. CAN YOU HELP ME WITH THIS PROBLEM. *AK

NHTSA ODI #747383

Mileage unknown · Oct 27, 2000
Engine And Engine Cooling

GAS FUMES WERE LEAKING INTO VEHICLE. VEHICLE BEEN IN DEALER'S SHOP ON TWO OCCASIONS, AND PROBLEM STILL OCCURRING. PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE ANY FURTHER DETAILS. *AK

NHTSA ODI #874059

Official recalls

2

00V419001 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

Dec 15, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS. THE FUEL TANK VENT HOSE ALLOWS AIR TO VENT FROM THE FUEL TANK DURING REFUELING. CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE VENT HOSE. IF (1) THE FUEL TANK IS OVERFILLED, NOT ALLOWING EXCESS FUEL IN THE VENT HOSE TO FLOW BACK INTO THE TANK, (2) THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN ONLY A SHORT DISTANCE AFTER REFUELING AND, (3) THERE IS SUBSEQUENTLY SIGNIFICANT HEATING OF THE FUEL TANK, THE FUEL IN THE TANK CAN EXPAND INTO THE VENT HOSE AND LEAK FUEL.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VENT HOSE.

98V012002 · Visibility:power Window Devices And Controls

Mar 3, 1998

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS. THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH POWER WINDOWS THAT CAN BE CLOSED AFTER THE IGNITION KEY IS TURNED TO THE "OFF" POSITION AND THE RIGHT FRONT (PASSENGER) DOOR IS OPENED. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 118, "POWER-OPERATED WINDOW SYSTEMS."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THERE IS THE POTENTIAL FOR UNSUPERVISED CHILDREN TO OPERATE THE POWER WINDOWS, INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY TO THE CHILD.

Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH A LABEL REMINDING OWNERS NOT TO LEAVE CHILDREN UNATTENDED BECAUSE THE POWER WINDOWS CAN OPERATE FOR 15 MINUTES AFTER THE VEHICLE IGNITION HAS BEEN TURNED OFF UNLESS THE DRIVER'S DOOR IS OPENED. ALSO INCLUDED ARE INSTRUCTIONS DESCRIBING HOW AND WHERE THIS LABEL IS TO BE INSTALLED. IF AN OWNER PREFERS, THEIR DEALER CAN INSTALL THIS LABEL FOR THEM.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

EA00015 · Fuel Tank Vent Hose Leakage

Opened May 22, 2000 · Closed Jan 4, 2001

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

PERIODIC EXPOSURE TO LIQUID GASOLINE MAY RESULT IN EXTRACTION OF ANTIDEGRADANTS FROM THE SUBJECT FUEL TANK VENT HOSE.HOSES WHICH HAVE SUFFERED LOSS OF ANTIDEGRADANT CAN DEVELOP CRACKS IN AREAS OF HIGH STRAIN.FUEL MAY SPRAY OR DRIP FROM CRACKED VENT HOSES FOLLOWING TANK FILL.STARTING AT JOB#1 1998 MY (CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS VEHICLES) AND JOB#1 1999 MY (FEDERAL EMISSIONS VEHICLES), THE SUBJECT VENT HOSE COMPOSITION CHANGED FROM NITRILE RUBBER HOSES WITH CHLOROPRENE RUBBER COVERS (NBR/CR) TO FLUORACBON RUBBER HOSES WHICH AN OUTER LAYER BLEND OF NBR/PVC.THE CHANGES WER MADE TO IMPROVE HYDRACARBON RESISTANCE FOR COMPLAINCE WITH NEW EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS REGULATIONS.THE MODIFIED HOSES ARE ALSO SIGNIFICANTLY MORE RESISTANT OT DEGRADATION AND CRACIKING. IN A LETTER DATED DECEMBER 14, 2000, NISSAN NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE SUBJECT VENT HOSE IN AFFECTD VEHICLES WITH THE REDESIGNED HOSE.NISSAN WILL BEGIN NOTIFYING OWNERS OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES ON FEBRUARY 5, 2001.NISSAN WILL FINISH ITS OWNER MAILINGS ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2001.OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED IN REVERSE ORDER OF VEHICLE AGE.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

PERIODIC EXPOSURE TO LIQUID GASOLINE MAY RESULT IN EXTRACTION OF ANTIDEGRADANTS FROM THE SUBJECT FUEL TANK VENT HOSE.HOSES WHICH HAVE SUFFERED LOSS OF ANTIDEGRADANT CAN DEVELOP CRACKS IN AREAS OF HIGH STRAIN.FUEL MAY SPRAY OR DRIP FROM CRACKED VENT HOSES FOLLOWING TANK FILL.STARTING AT JOB#1 1998 MY (CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS VEHICLES) AND JOB#1 1999 MY (FEDERAL EMISSIONS VEHICLES), THE SUBJECT VENT HOSE COMPOSITION CHANGED FROM NITRILE RUBBER HOSES WITH CHLOROPRENE RUBBER COVERS (NBR/CR) TO FLUORACBON RUBBER HOSES WHICH AN OUTER LAYER BLEND OF NBR/PVC.THE CHANGES WER MADE TO IMPROVE HYDRACARBON RESISTANCE FOR COMPLAINCE WITH NEW EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS REGULATIONS.THE MODIFIED HOSES ARE ALSO SIGNIFICANTLY MORE RESISTANT OT DEGRADATION AND CRACIKING. IN A LETTER DATED DECEMBER 14, 2000, NISSAN NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE SUBJECT VENT HOSE IN AFFECTD VEHICLES WITH THE REDESIGNED HOSE.NISSAN WILL BEGIN NOTIFYING OWNERS OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES ON FEBRUARY 5, 2001.NISSAN WILL FINISH ITS OWNER MAILINGS ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2001.OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED IN REVERSE ORDER OF VEHICLE AGE.

Vehicle Speed Control:linkages

PERIODIC EXPOSURE TO LIQUID GASOLINE MAY RESULT IN EXTRACTION OF ANTIDEGRADANTS FROM THE SUBJECT FUEL TANK VENT HOSE.HOSES WHICH HAVE SUFFERED LOSS OF ANTIDEGRADANT CAN DEVELOP CRACKS IN AREAS OF HIGH STRAIN.FUEL MAY SPRAY OR DRIP FROM CRACKED VENT HOSES FOLLOWING TANK FILL.STARTING AT JOB#1 1998 MY (CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS VEHICLES) AND JOB#1 1999 MY (FEDERAL EMISSIONS VEHICLES), THE SUBJECT VENT HOSE COMPOSITION CHANGED FROM NITRILE RUBBER HOSES WITH CHLOROPRENE RUBBER COVERS (NBR/CR) TO FLUORACBON RUBBER HOSES WHICH AN OUTER LAYER BLEND OF NBR/PVC.THE CHANGES WER MADE TO IMPROVE HYDRACARBON RESISTANCE FOR COMPLAINCE WITH NEW EVAPORATIVE EMISSIONS REGULATIONS.THE MODIFIED HOSES ARE ALSO SIGNIFICANTLY MORE RESISTANT OT DEGRADATION AND CRACIKING. IN A LETTER DATED DECEMBER 14, 2000, NISSAN NOTIFIED NHTSA THAT IT WILL CONDUCT A SAFETY RECALL CAMPAIGN TO REPLACE THE SUBJECT VENT HOSE IN AFFECTD VEHICLES WITH THE REDESIGNED HOSE.NISSAN WILL BEGIN NOTIFYING OWNERS OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES ON FEBRUARY 5, 2001.NISSAN WILL FINISH ITS OWNER MAILINGS ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2001.OWNERS WILL BE NOTIFIED IN REVERSE ORDER OF VEHICLE AGE.

SQ00008 · Unexpected Opening On Sliding Door

Opened May 12, 2000 · Closed Apr 1, 2002

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Structure

There is no summary currently available