VehicleVerdict

2008 Nissan Quest problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2008 Nissan Quest sits mid-pack among Quest years: 75 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 91, with 3 recalls and one closed investigation.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across fuel system (15), electrical system (12), and brakes (9), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

75

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

1

Investigations

5

Crash-involved

5

Fires reported

6

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2008 compare to other Quest years?

Quest NHTSA complaints by model year, 2008 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, 2008 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Quest years to avoid →

What are the most common 2008 Nissan Quest problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System1520%
Electrical System1216%
Brakes912%
Airbags811%
Body & Structure68%
Engine68%
Other57%
Steering45%
Tires & Wheels34%
Speed Control23%
Suspension23%
Transmission11%
Lighting11%
Seat Belts11%

Does the 2008 Nissan Quest have recalls?

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

23V067000AirbagsFebruary 10, 2023 · 404,690 units

Defect

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2008-2011 Titan, Frontier, Xterra, Pathfinder, Armada, and 2008-2009 Quest vehicles. The resin emblem on the driver's air bag cover may develop cracks and detach during air bag deployment.

Consequence

A detached emblem can become a projectile during air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.

Remedy

Dealers will replace the driver’s airbag cover. Owner letters were mailed December 8, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall are PC944, PC945, and PC946.

10V072000BrakesMarch 2, 2010 · 179,383 units

Defect

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 TITAN, ARMADA, AND INFINITI QX56, AND MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 NISSAN QUEST VEHICLES. THE BRAKE PEDAL PIVOT PIN END WAS NOT SPIN-FORMED TO SPECIFICATION DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OF THE BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY. THE PIVOT PIN COULD SLIDE AND CAUSE THE BRAKE PEDAL TO PARTIALLY DISENGAGE FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL BRACKET.

Consequence

THE DRIVER WILL EXPERIENCE UNUSUAL AND NOTICEABLE LOOSENESS IN THE PEDAL AND A REDUCTION IN BRAKING FORCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO SEE IF THE PIVOT PIN HAD BEEN FORMED PROPERLY AND WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 22, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

08V187000SeatsApril 24, 2008 · 1,126 units

Defect

NISSAN IS RECALLING 1,126 MY 2008 QUEST, TITAN AND ARMADA VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH MANUAL ADJUSTMENT FRONT SEATS. THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 207, "SEATING SYSTEMS." THE SEAT TRACK ASSEMBLY MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED OUT OF SPECIFICATION.

Consequence

THIS MAY RESULT IN THE MANUAL SEAT PAWL NOT FULLY ENGAGING INCREASING THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURIES IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SEAT TRACK ASSEMBLY ON THE DRIVER'S AND FRONT PASSENGER SEATS AND REPLACE THE ENTIRE SEAT ASSEMBLY FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2008. 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 backed out of driveway towards the south to head north on public way. Vehicle immediately started accelerating backwards (south) without assistance, quickly getting out of control. No amount of pressure on my part would make the brakes work and there was no control of the steering. The vehicle…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · September 25, 2021 · crash

“THE BRAKE, ABS, SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT IS SHOWING ON THE DASH AND WILL NOT GO OUT. I JUST HAD BRAKES AND ROTORS PUT ON THIS VEHICLE. I WAS TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE VEHICLE JUST SHUT DOWN. I WAS ABLE TO PULL OFF TO THE SHOULDER SAFELY. THE VEHICLE AT FIRST WOULD CRANK BUT NOT START. AFTER A…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · October 2, 2016

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN QUEST. AFTER DRIVING APPROXIMATELY TWO AND A HALF MILES AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE BRAKE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE CONTACT ALSO COMPLAINED OF A BURNING ODOR COMING FROM THE VEHICLE AND THE RIMS WERE HOT TO THE TOUCH. THE VEHICLE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 11, 2016 · fire

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN QUEST. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, SHE ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN TO AVOID BLACK ICE ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN SWERVING. IT EVENTUALLY ROLLED OVER TWO TIMES AND ENDED UP IN A RAVINE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NONE OF THE AIR…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · February 24, 2010 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 NISSAN QUEST. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN OPENING THE DOORS ON THE VEHICLE SHE WOULD FEEL AN ELECTRICAL SHOCK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE CONTINUED TO RECUR. THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · November 20, 2008

2008 Nissan Quest — common questions

Is the 2008 Nissan Quest reliable?

It is close to typical for the Quest: 75 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and 1 investigation on file.

What are the most common 2008 Quest problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (15 complaints), electrical system (12 complaints), brakes (9 complaints).

Does the 2008 Nissan Quest have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2008 Nissan Quest. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2008 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.