VehicleVerdict

1996 Nissan Quest problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 174 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.9 times the median Quest year — the 1996 model ranks #5 of 25 Quest years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across latches & locks (26), fuel system (22), and airbags (18), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

174

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

7

Crash-involved

7

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1996 compare to other Quest years?

Quest NHTSA complaints by model year, 1996 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, 1996 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Quest years to avoid →

What are the most common 1996 Nissan Quest problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Latches & Locks2615%
Fuel System2213%
Airbags1810%
Engine1710%
Body & Structure169%
Electrical System148%
Other148%
Visibility & Wipers116%
Steering106%
Seat Belts74%
Brakes63%
Transmission42%
Tires & Wheels32%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)21%
Suspension21%
Speed Control21%

Does the 1996 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.

98V012002Visibility & WipersMarch 3, 1998 · 46,500 units

Defect

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

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“AIRBAG LIGHT FLASHING/SYSTEM INOPERABLE. WARRANTY EXPIRED 5 MONTHS AGO.DEALER WILL INSPECT FOR $75.///DOORS LOCK/UNLOCK BY THEMSELVES. DEALER REPLACED LOCKS AT COST OF $393.///SLIDING DOOR DOESN'T CLOSE PROPERLY AND SOMETIMES WILL NOT OPEN. SUSPECT LOCK FAILURE.///POWER STEERING FAILS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Latches & Locks · May 16, 2001

“HAD GASOLINE SMELL FOR QUITE A WHILE. THE DEALER INFORMED ME OF A RECALL ON A VAPOR VENT HOSE FOR MY VAN AND REPLACED IT BUT THE GASOLINE SMELL NEVER WENT AWAY. I TOOK IT BACK A SECOND TIME BUT THE DEALER COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING. LESS THEN A YEAR AND WHILE DRIVING WITH THE SAME SMELL OF GASOLINE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 18, 2003 · fire

“ENGINE LIGHT ON - COMPUTER CODE: ANTI-KNOCK SENSOR ESTIMATED REPAIR @$350. DID NOT REPAIR; RESET SYSTEM, LIGHT DID NOT REAPPEAR FOR 3,000 MILES, RESET AGAIN. DOOR LOCKS INTERMITTENT PROBLEM, ESP. WITH SLIDER. AIRBAG LIGHT FLASHING, CANNOT AFFORD REPAIR. READ LIGHT BURNING OUT BULBS (TWICE WITHIN 3…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · June 15, 2002 · crash

“THE FUEL TANK VENT LINE FLEXIBLE RUBBER HOSE BETWEEN THE FUEL TANK AND THE METAL VENT PIPE DEVELOPED AT LEAST TWO CRACKS IN IT. THIS IS CAUSING FUEL TO LEAK OUT OF THIS CONNECTING HOSE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS REFUELD. THIS LEAKAGE OCCURS UNTIL THE LEVEL IN THE FUEL TANK IS LOW ENOUGH THAT IT IS BELOW…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · September 24, 2000

“THE DOOR LOCKS INTERMITTENTLY LOCK BY THEMSELVES FOR NO REASON. THE LAST TIME THIS HAPPENED, MY TWO CHILDREN WERE LEFT LOCKED IN THE CAR, IN 110 DEGREE WEATHER WHILE MY WIFE FRANTICALLY CALLED THE POLICE TO HELP GET THEM OUT. THIS IS A DANGEROUS SITUATION AND NISSAN NEEDS TO ISSUE A RECALL TO FIX…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure

1996 Nissan Quest — common questions

Is the 1996 Nissan Quest reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 174 complaints put the 1996 model at #5 of 25 Quest years. It is one of the Quest years to avoid.

What are the most common 1996 Quest problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are latches & locks (26 complaints), fuel system (22 complaints), airbags (18 complaints).

Does the 1996 Nissan Quest have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1996 Nissan Quest. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1996 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.