VehicleVerdict

1998 Nissan Quest problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 1998 Nissan Quest sits mid-pack among Quest years: 56 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 92, with a single recall and one closed investigation.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across visibility & wipers (9), body & structure (6), and climate control (a/c & heat) (5), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

56

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

3

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

2

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 1998 compare to other Quest years?

Quest NHTSA complaints by model year, 1998 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, 1998 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Quest years to avoid →

What are the most common 1998 Nissan Quest problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Visibility & Wipers916%
Body & Structure611%
Engine59%
Fuel System59%
Airbags59%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)59%
Latches & Locks47%
Brakes47%
Electrical System35%
Transmission35%
Suspension24%
Tires & Wheels12%
Seat Belts12%
Other12%
Speed Control12%
Steering12%

Does the 1998 Nissan Quest have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign 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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“WHEN TRYING TO UNLOCK CAR FROM INSIDE USING POWER LOCKS ON BOTH PASSENGER SIDE AND OR DRIVER SIDE , POWER LOCKS WOULD AUTOMATICLLY RE-LOCK DOORS MAKING EXITING VAN IMPOSSIBLE. ALSO AFTER HEAVY RAIN I WOULD GET IN VAN AND FIND CARPET SOAKED IN FRONT PASSENGER SIDE. ALSO WOULD GET SOAKED IF DRIVING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Visibility & Wipers

“VEHICLE LOCKS AUTOMATICALLY, WITHOUT WARNING. THE VAN HAS LOCKED AUTOMATICALLY BOTH WHEN THE IGNITION WAS ON, AND WHEN IT WAS OFF. ALSO, WHEN USING THE KEY TO MANUALLY OPEN THE DOORS, IT IS DIFFICULT TO GET THE DOORS OPEN ON THE FIRST TRY. THIS IS ON ON-GOING PROBLEM. THIS IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · January 1, 2003

“THE ENGINE BEGAN MAKING A TICKING NOISE WHICH GOES AWAY AFTER THE ENGINE WARMS UP. MY MECHANIC THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE THE VALVE LIFTERS BUT ON CLOSER INSPECTION DISCOVERED THAT TWO OF THE SIX BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE MANIFOLD TO THE ENGINE HAD SNAPPED OFF. THE REPAIR WILL COST AROUND $800 TO $900. *LA”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 1, 2003

“WHILE TRAVELING IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC AND ANOTHER VEHICLE JUMPED IN FRONT OF HIM. CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES AND HE HIT MOTORIST FROM BEHIND. UPON IMPACT, AIRBAG DIDN'T GO OFF. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK *JG”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · January 18, 2001 · crash

1998 Nissan Quest — common questions

Is the 1998 Nissan Quest reliable?

Its record is better than the model's norm: 56 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Quest year, with 1 recall and no open investigations.

What are the most common 1998 Quest problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are visibility & wipers (9 complaints), body & structure (6 complaints), climate control (a/c & heat) (5 complaints).

Does the 1998 Nissan Quest have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 1998 Nissan Quest. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 1998 Nissan Quest under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened one investigation 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.