Verdict · NHTSA data
One of the years to avoid
With 165 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.8 times the median Quest year — the 1999 model ranks #6 of 25 Quest years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across speed control (40), brakes (31), and visibility & wipers (12), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
165
NHTSA complaints
4
Recalls
1
Investigations
4
Crash-involved
2
Fires reported
9
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed Control | 40 | 24% | ▲ up |
| Brakes | 31 | 19% | ▲ up |
| Visibility & Wipers | 12 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Electrical System | 11 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 10 | 6% | ▲ up |
| Other | 8 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 8 | 5% | ▲ up |
| Suspension | 7 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Lighting | 7 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 6 | 4% | ▲ up |
| Latches & Locks | 4 | 2% | — flat |
| Seats | 4 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 4 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Body & Structure | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Child Seat | 2 | 1% | new |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1% | — flat |
| Climate Control (A/C & Heat) | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
4 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS. ONE OR MORE OF THE FIVE BOLTS THAT MOUNT THE RACK AND PINION STEERING GEAR TO THE VEHICLE MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY TIGHTENED.
Consequence
THERE COULD BE A LOOSENESS IN THE STEERING, WHICH MAY BE ACCOMPANIED BY NOISE OR VIBRATION.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE VEHICLES AND, IF THE BOLTS ARE MISSING, WILL REPLACE THE STEERING GEAR MOUNTING BOLTS. ALL BOLTS WILL BE TIGHTENED TO THE SPECIFIED TORQUE.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS AND LIGHT DUTY TRUCKS. THE TAIL LIGHT SOCKET MAY HAVE BEEN IMPROPERLY MOLDED, RESULTING IN THE LOCKING TAB HAVING INSUFFICIENT FORCE TO RETAIN THE BULB.
Consequence
IF THE BULB FALLS OUT OF THE SOCKET, THE BRAKE OR TAIL LAMP FUNCTION CANNOT OCCUR.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE TAIL LAMP SOCKETS.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS. THE FUEL TANK RETENTION STRAP (TWO STRAPS PER VEHICLE) CAN BREAK AT THE SPOT WELDS CAUSING AN UNDERBODY RATTLE.
Consequence
THERE IS ALSO A POTENTIAL FOR FUEL TANK SEPARATION OR FUEL LEAK, INCREASING THE RISK OF A FIRE.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK RETENTION STRAPS.
Defect
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH E-Z ENTRY SEATS. THE AFFECTED VEHICLES MAY HAVE A SECOND ROW RIGHT HAND SIDE CAPTAIN CHAIR THAT HAS INADEQUATE LUBRICATION OF THE EASY ENTRY AND EXIT LATCH SYSTEM. IN SOME CASES, THE ACTUATOR SPRING IN THE LATCH COULD DEFORM AFTER REPEATED USE, CAUSING THE LATCH TO REMAIN IN THE UNLATCHED POSITION. IF THIS OCCURS, THE SEAT WILL SLIDE FREELY ON THE SEAT TRACK AND THE SPRINGS ON THE TRACK WILL MOVE THE SEAT TO THE EASY ENTRY POSITION TOWARD THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE.
Consequence
AN UNLATCHED SEAT TRACK COULD RESULT IN AN INCREASED RISK OF INJURY IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAT TRACK FOR THE SECOND ROW RIGHT HAND SIDE CAPTAIN'S CHAIR, WHICH INCLUDES THE EASY ENTRY AND EXIT LATCH MECHANISM.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“THE THROTTLE BODY HAS NOW BEEN CLEANED 3 TIMES BECAUSE THE GAS PEDAL CONTIUES TO STICK. THE CAR WAS UNDER WARRANTY ONCE AND THE LAWSUIT AGAINST NISSAN PAID FOR THE SECOND, BUT I RECENTLY PAID FOR THE THIRD. THIS HAS OCCURRED AT ABOUT 30,000 MILES, 55,000 MIILES AND NOW 81,000 MILES. THIS IS A LIFE…”
“VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND WITHOUT WARNING, CAUGHT ON FIRE. VEHICLE WAS TOTALED. FIREFIGHTERS STATED THAT FIRE WAS CAUSED BY FRICTION FROM BRAKE LINES. DEALERSHIP FOUND NO EVIDENCE OF DEFECT. CONSUMER STATED THAT BEFORE THE FIRE THERE WAS A BURNING SMELL IN THE BRAKE LINES. DEALERSHIP ADVISED THAT THIS…”
“EXTERIOR MIRROR ON DRIVER'S SIDE VIBRATES EXCESSIVELY, CREATING AN ILLUSION OF VEHICLE BEHIND/BESIDES YOU. MIRROR WAS REPLACED BY THE DEALERSHIP IN AUGUST OF 1999 UNDER WARRANTY FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. MANUFACTURER WAS NOT WILLING TO REPLACE MIRROR FREE OF CHARGE THIS TIME. PLEASE PROVIDE ANY FURTHER…”
“DT: THE CONTACT OWNS A 1999 NISSAN QUEST. THE CONTACT STATES THAT ON SATURDAY 10, 2005 WHILE DRIVING HIS VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. IT LOOKED AS IF IT STARTED FROM THE COOLANT FAN. THE DAMAGE $500-1000. THE CONTACT'S WIFE SMELLED SMOKE AND DROVE TO THE NEAREST PARKING LOT AND IT CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE…”
“WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHICH CAME TO A STOP AFTER SPINNING AND CRASHING INTO A POWER POLE, A POSSIBLE REASON TO THIS CRASH WAS A LOOSE NUT ON THE SUSPENSION RIGHT FRONT SIDE WHEEL AND A CRACK IN THE PLATE, THE CONSUMER SUSTAINED MINOR INJURIES DUE TO THE AIR BAGS…”
NHTSA data argues against it: 165 complaints put the 1999 model at #6 of 25 Quest years. It is one of the Quest years to avoid.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are speed control (40 complaints), brakes (31 complaints), visibility & wipers (12 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns affecting the 1999 Nissan Quest. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.
NHTSA opened one investigation into this model year; all are now closed.
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.
Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.
Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.