Verdict · NHTSA data
Worth extra scrutiny
The 2000 Nissan Quest sits mid-pack among Quest years: 120 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 92, with 2 recalls and one closed investigation. Reports tied to this model year include 2 deaths and 16 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across lighting (20), speed control (19), and electrical system (12), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
120
NHTSA complaints
2
Recalls
1
Investigations
15
Crash-involved
4
Fires reported
16
Injuries
2
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lighting | 20 | 17% | ▲ up |
| Speed Control | 19 | 16% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 12 | 10% | — flat |
| Body & Structure | 11 | 9% | ▲ up |
| Engine | 9 | 8% | — flat |
| Airbags | 8 | 7% | ▲ up |
| Other | 6 | 5% | — flat |
| Brakes | 5 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 5 | 4% | — flat |
| Tires & Wheels | 5 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 4 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 4 | 3% | ▲ up |
| Steering | 4 | 3% | — flat |
| Seats | 3 | 3% | — flat |
| Fuel System | 3 | 3% | — flat |
| Suspension | 2 | 2% | ▼ down |
2 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: PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TRW SEAT BELT BUCKLE ASSEMBLIES. THE BUCKLE BASE OF THESE SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES WERE NOT PROPERLY HEAT TREATED AND THEREFORE DO NOT PASS THE LOAD BEARING REQUIREMENT OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 209, "SEAT BELT ASSEMBLIES."
Consequence
IN THE EVENT OF A VEHICLE CRASH, THE OCCUPANT MAY NOT BE PROPERLY RESTRAINED.
Remedy
DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DATE CODE ON CERTAIN SEAT BELT BUCKLES OF YOUR VEHICLE AND REPLACE ALL SEAT BELT BUCKLES THAT FALL WITHIN THE SUSPECT DATE CODE RANGE.
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“I'M THE OWNER OF 2000 NISSAN QUEST , MY CAR STARTING GIVE ME A PROBLEM LAST MONTH WHEN THE RIGHT SIDE HEADLAMP ITS WENT OUT [FAILURE] , I DID FOUND OUT ITS SOMTHING WORNG WITH THE SOCKET , IF I USED MY HAND HOLD THE SOCKET THE LIGHT WILL CAME ON. NOW EVERYNIGHT IF I HAVE TO DRIVE AT NIGHT I HAVE TO…”
“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 NISSAN QUEST. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AFTER THE VEHICLE CAME TO A STOP, IT ACCELERATED. WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS ENGAGED THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY LUNGED FORWARD. THE FAILURE HAD BECOME PROGRESSIVELY WORSE OVER TIME. NISSAN WAS NOT NOTIFIED ABOUT THE FAILURE WHEN THE…”
“MY CAR HAD NO PREVIOUS PROBLEMS AS COULD BE SEEN. I BOUGHT IT OFF THE LOT AT 72,000 MILES. I STOPPED IN THE LEFT HAND LANE AND THE CAR JUST STALLED. I SAW BLACK SMOKE AND THOUGHT I WAS OVERHEATING BUT THERE WHEN I LOOKED IT WAS NOT. I WAS AT A VERY BUSY INTERSECTION WITH MY 10 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER IN…”
“I START DRIVING VERY SLOW OUT OF PARKING SPACE WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATE BY ITSELF, REACHING HIGH SPEED WITHIN SECONDS, THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK AT ALL,FOOT PEDAL OR EMERGENCY BRAKE. IT SEEMS THAT THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS STUCK. MY FOOT WAS NOT IN THE ACCELERATOR BUT CAR CONTINUE INCREASING SPEED. I…”
“MY CAR HAD NO PREVIOUS PROBLEMS AS COULD BE SEEN. I BOUGHT IT OFF THE LOT AT 72,000 MILES. I STOPPED IN THE LEFT HAND LANE AND THE CAR JUST STALLED. I SAW BLACK SMOKE AND THOUGHT I WAS OVERHEATING BUT THERE WHEN I LOOKED IT WAS NOT. I WAS AT A VERY BUSY INTERSECTION WITH MY 10 YEAR OLD DAUGHTER IN…”
It is close to typical for the Quest: 120 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are lighting (20 complaints), speed control (19 complaints), electrical system (12 complaints).
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2000 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.