VehicleVerdict

1997 Nissan Quest problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 1997 Nissan Quest sits mid-pack among Quest years: 127 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 92, with 2 recalls and 2 closed investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 6 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across body & structure (16), electrical system (15), and fuel system (11), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

127

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

2

Investigations

10

Crash-involved

7

Fires reported

6

Injuries

2

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1997 compare to other Quest years?

Quest NHTSA complaints by model year, 1997 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, 1997 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Quest years to avoid →

What are the most common 1997 Nissan Quest problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure1613%
Electrical System1512%
Fuel System119%
Airbags108%
Engine108%
Latches & Locks97%
Visibility & Wipers86%
Brakes86%
Other65%
Transmission65%
Tires & Wheels65%
Seat Belts54%
Suspension54%
Steering43%
Speed Control43%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)43%

Does the 1997 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.

97V184002Electrical SystemOctober 28, 1997 · 66 units

Defect

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: PASSENGER MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMOTIVE BATTERIES SUPPLIED BY GNB TECHNOLOGIES. THESE BATTERIES HAVE A DEFECTIVE NEGATIVE POST THAT CAN CAUSE ACID LEAKAGE AND RELATED CORROSION DAMAGE.

Consequence

THIS CONDITION CAN CAUSE A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE OF THE BATTERY WHICH COULD LEAD TO AN ENGINE FIRE OR BATTERY EXPLOSION.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THESE BATTERIES. UNTIL A NEW BATTERY IS OBTAINED, OWNERS SHOULD NOT ATTEMPT TO "JUMP START" THESE BATTERIES.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“DURING A VEHICLE CRASH THE WINDOW AND DOOR LOCKS MALFUCNTIONED WHILE BEING IN A "LOCKED" POSITION, AND THE OCCUPANT WASN'T ABLE TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE, HAD TO GO THROUGH A BROKEN WINDOW TO GET OUT. *AK ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · April 2, 1998 · crash

“WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED THE CONSUMER HEARD THE VEHICLES HORN BLOWING AND WENT TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. UPON REACHING THE VEHICLE THE CONSUMER SAW SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD OF THE VEHICLE. THE INSURANCE INVESTIGATOR INDICATED THAT THE WIRE WITHIN THE ENGINE LOOM SHORTED AND MELTED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · July 28, 2002 · fire

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 NISSAN QUEST CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS COMPLETELY DESTROYED. A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE CONTACT HAS PICTURES OF THE FAILURE. TWO DAYS LATER, SHE RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER 00V419001 (FUEL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 13, 2008 · fire

“FRONT COLLISION AT 50 MPH, NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED, CONSUMER SUFFERED SEVERE WHIPLASH. DAMAGE TO VEHICLE WAS $ 4300.00. ON 27 APRIL 2002, FRONT COLLISION AT 40 MPH, NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED, NO INJURIES. DAMAGE TO VEHICLE WAS $ 4500.00. *AK *YH”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 15, 2001 · crash

“PURCHASED USED 56K W/IN 30DAYS ENGINE LIGHT AIR CONDITIONER WORKEDAT FIRST, THEN SOMETIMES NOT AIR CONDITIONER NEVER COOLED THE CAR LIKE OTHERS WE USE. WHEN DRIVING MORE THAN 60 MILES OR SO. I HAVE HAD THE CAR STOP/STALLED. ALL PANEL LIGHTS COME ON/ENG LIGHT. I WAS STALLED TWICE ON THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 15, 2003

1997 Nissan Quest — common questions

Is the 1997 Nissan Quest reliable?

It is close to typical for the Quest: 127 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 2 investigations on file.

What are the most common 1997 Quest problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (16 complaints), electrical system (15 complaints), fuel system (11 complaints).

Does the 1997 Nissan Quest have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 1997 Nissan Quest. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1997 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.