VehicleVerdict

2005 Nissan Quest problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2005 Nissan Quest sits mid-pack among Quest years: 124 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 92, with 2 recalls and one closed investigation.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (20), electrical system (17), and transmission (14), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

124

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

1

Investigations

6

Crash-involved

4

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Quest years?

Quest NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 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, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Quest years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Nissan Quest problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine2016%
Electrical System1714%
Transmission1411%
Body & Structure119%
Tires & Wheels76%
Seats65%
Visibility & Wipers65%
Other65%
Airbags54%
Speed Control54%
Brakes43%
Steering43%
Latches & Locks43%
Suspension43%
Fuel System43%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)32%
Seat Belts22%
Lighting22%

Does the 2005 Nissan Quest have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

05V480000SeatsOctober 17, 2005 · 33,042 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH A FOLDING THIRD ROW REAR SEAT, WHEN THE THIRD ROW SEAT IS RAISED FROM ITS STOWED POSITION, IT ENGAGES STRIKER BRACKETS, ONE ON EACH SIDE OF THE SEAT CUSHION. THE FOLD-AWAY STRIKER LOOP IS WELDED TO A MOUNTING BRACKET. THE STRIKER MAY BECOME DETACHED FROM ITS MOUNTING BRACKET DUE TO A BROKEN WELD AT THE POINT OF ATTACHMENT TO THE BRACKET.

Consequence

IF THE THIRD ROW SEAT STRIKER WELD FAILS, THE STRIKER COULD SEPARATE FROM THE MOUNTING BRACKET. STRIKER SEPARATION COULD AFFECT THE RISK OF INJURY IN CERTAIN TYPES OF CRASHES.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE THIRD ROW SEAT STRIKER BRACKETS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 19, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

05V474000SeatsOctober 13, 2005 · 109,437 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, THERE IS A SEAT ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM THAT CONTAINS EXPOSED MOVING COMPONENTS LOCATED AT THE REAR INSIDE EDGE OF THE SECOND ROW SEAT.

Consequence

WHEN THE OPERATOR ATTEMPTS SEAT ADJUSTMENT, A FINGER MAY BE PINCHED IN THE MOVING SEAT ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM WHICH COULD CAUSE AN INJURY.

Remedy

ON EARLIER MODEL VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH JUNE 28, 2004, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE INBOARD SECOND ROW SEAT ADJUSTMENT HANDLE, RIVET A PLASTIC REINFORCEMENT TO BACKSIDE OF THE EXISTING SEAT BACK COVER CARPETING, INSTALL TIE-DOWNS AND A FLANGE TO THE INBOARD SIDE SHIELD. ON VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM JUNE 29, 2004 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 26, 2005, DEALERS WILL RIVET A PLASTIC REINFORCEMENT TO THE BACKSIDE OF THE EXISTING SEAT BACK COVER CARPETING, INSTALL TIE-DOWNS AND A FLANGE ON THE INBOARD SIDE SHIELD. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 19, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“I WAS DRIVING TO THE DOCTOR WHEN MY VAN LOST ALL POWER IN A LINE OF TRAFFIC ALL MODE GOT HIT BY A TRUCK IN THE REAR END. DO NOT WHAT HAPPENED JUST KNOW IT IS DOWN .CAR HAS NO POWER WILL NOT PULL OUT OR DRIVEWAY”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 5, 2018 · crash

“ON FEBRUARY 3, 2008 AFTER RETURNING HOME FROM A TRIP TO THE GROCERY STORE, I PARKED MY CAR AS I NORMALLY WOULD AND ENGAGED THE EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE. AFTER GOING IN THE HOUSE, I NOTICED THE SMELL OF SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER MY CARPORT. WHEN OPENING THE DOOR, I FOUND MY CAR ENGULFED IN WHITE SMOKE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 3, 2008 · fire

“I WAS DRIVING TO THE DOCTOR WHEN MY VAN LOST ALL POWER IN A LINE OF TRAFFIC ALL MODE GOT HIT BY A TRUCK IN THE REAR END. DO NOT WHAT HAPPENED JUST KNOW IT IS DOWN .CAR HAS NO POWER WILL NOT PULL OUT OR DRIVEWAY”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 5, 2018 · crash

“THE ALIGNMENT ADJUSTMENT BOLT, THE BOLT THAT GOES THROUGH THE UNIBODY, BROKE AND DROPPED THE A-ARM SECTION THAT HOLDS THE BACK PASSENGER TIRE, ONTO THE HIGHWAY. I HAD THREE TIRES GOING STRAIGHT AND THE BACK PASSENGER TIRE TURNED IN AT 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY WITH SPARKS AND SWERVING INTO THE ONCOMING…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · November 21, 2011 · crash

“ONGOING ISSUE WITH A SUSPECTED DEFECTIVE TIRE VALVE/TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM ON MY 2005 NISSAN QUEST VAN. RECENTLY TOLD BY TIRE COMPANY THAT THIS ISSUE APPEARS TO BE A DEFECT BECAUSE OF THE PSI MONITORING DEVICE KEEPS COMING LOOSE CAUSING AIR PRESSURE TO BE RELEASE. THIS IS AN ALL IN ONE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Tires & Wheels · September 1, 2008

2005 Nissan Quest — common questions

Is the 2005 Nissan Quest reliable?

It is close to typical for the Quest: 124 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2005 Quest problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (20 complaints), electrical system (17 complaints), transmission (14 complaints).

Does the 2005 Nissan Quest have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 Nissan Quest. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2005 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.