VehicleVerdict

1994 Nissan Quest problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 195 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.1 times the median Quest year — the 1994 model ranks #4 of 25 Quest years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 4 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 61 reports (31% of the total).

195

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

9

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

4

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1994 compare to other Quest years?

Quest NHTSA complaints by model year, 1994 highlighted651 complaints1991: 1 complaints1992: 4 complaints1993: 164 complaints1994: 195 complaints1995: 205 complaints1996: 174 complaints1997: 127 complaints1998: 56 complaints1999: 165 complaints2000: 120 complaints2001: 57 complaints2002: 38 complaints2004: 651 complaints2005: 124 complaints2006: 108 complaints2007: 311 complaints2008: 75 complaints2009: 29 complaints2011: 92 complaints2012: 139 complaints2013: 22 complaints2014: 22 complaints2015: 16 complaints2016: 16 complaints2017: 7 complaints
Quest NHTSA complaints by model year, 1994 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Quest years to avoid →

What are the most common 1994 Nissan Quest problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine6131%
Fuel System2613%
Brakes189%
Body & Structure179%
Lighting137%
Visibility & Wipers95%
Airbags84%
Latches & Locks74%
Transmission74%
Seat Belts63%
Steering42%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)42%
Other42%
Speed Control42%
Tires & Wheels32%
Electrical System32%
Suspension11%

Does the 1994 Nissan Quest have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

00V419001Fuel SystemDecember 15, 2000 · 268,229 units

Defect

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

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

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VENT HOSE.

96V253004LightingAugust 17, 1998 · 62,370 units

Defect

THE REAR LAMP SOCKET MAY NOT ILLUMINATE BECAUSE THE METAL CAN IN THE LAMP SOCKET MOVES OR SEPARATES FROM THE PLASTIC SOCKET HOUSING.

Consequence

THIS CAN RESULT IN MALFUNCTION OF THE STOP OR REAR RUNNING LAMPS. CENTER HIGH MOUNT STOP LAMP FUNCTION IS UNAFFECTED. REAR LAMP MALFUNCTION CAN RESULT IN FOLLOWING DRIVERS NOT BEING ALERTED TO THE SUBJECT VEHICLE'S PRESENCE OR INTENDED ACTIONS, PARTICULARLY IN THE CASE IN WHICH BOTH LAMPS HAVE MALFUNCTIONED.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED REAR LAMP SOCKET AND WIRING ASSEMBLIES.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“THE EXHAUST MANIFOLDS STUBS BROKE OFF INSIDE THE ENGINE ALLOWING THE EXHAUST MANIFOLDS TO SEPARATE FROM THE ENGINE BLOCK, THIS ALLOWS EXHAUST GAS TO ESCAPE FROM THE CRACK BETWEEN THE MANIFOLD AND ENGINE BLOCK THUS CAUSING A PUTTERING NOISE IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT, NISSAN IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine

“FUEL LINE LEAKS FUEL ONTO THE ENGINE BLOCK, BENEATH THE INTAKE PLENUM. WHEN ENGINE IS RUNNING, VISIBLE DRIPS OCCUR (ABOUT 1 DROP PER 1 OR 2 SECONDS).”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 23, 1998 · fire

“ABS: WHILE DRIVING HIGHWAY SPEED, APPLIED BRAKES, VEHICLE STARTED SKIDDING (LIKE FISHTAIL) LOST STEERING CONTROL; HIT GUARDRAIL; DRY SURFACE. TT”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · December 9, 1995 · crash

“REAR PASSENGER SIDE SLIDING DOOR COMES OPEN WHILE DRIVING,EVEN THOUGH DOOR SEEMS TO BE SHUT AND LOCKED. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS PARKED ON A INCLINE. INTERIOR LIGHT COMES ON, INDICATING THAT DOOR IS OPEN. DEAELR HAS BEEN CONTACTED. *AK”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure

“THE REAR LAMP SOCKET COMES ON AND OFF INTERMITTENTLY DUE TO METAL SEPARATING FROM PLASTIC SOCKETS, WHICH CAUSED THE REAR LIGHTS TO FAIL. *AK THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED THE SAME DEFECT AS STATED IN RECALL 96V253004, BUT THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER WAS NOT INCLUDED. CONSUMER FEELS IF THE VEHICLE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · August 22, 2003

1994 Nissan Quest — common questions

Is the 1994 Nissan Quest reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 195 complaints put the 1994 model at #4 of 25 Quest years. It is one of the Quest years to avoid.

What are the most common 1994 Quest problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (61 complaints), fuel system (26 complaints), brakes (18 complaints).

Does the 1994 Nissan Quest have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1994 Nissan Quest. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1994 Nissan Quest under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Nissan Quest years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Quest years to avoid are 2004, 2007, 1995, 1994, 1996, 1999, 1993, 2012. The cleanest record among Quest years belongs to 1991.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.