VehicleVerdict

2012 Nissan Quest problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 139 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 1.5 times the median Quest year — the 2012 model ranks #8 of 25 Quest years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (28), fuel system (20), and electrical system (20), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

139

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

1

Investigations

8

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

3

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Quest years?

Quest NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 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, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Quest years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Nissan Quest problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission2820%
Fuel System2014%
Electrical System2014%
Engine1511%
Other129%
Body & Structure96%
Tires & Wheels96%
Speed Control86%
Brakes64%
Airbags43%
Lighting21%
Driver Assistance21%
Visibility & Wipers11%
Seat Belts11%
Seats11%
Steering11%

Does the 2012 Nissan Quest have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

12V076000Electrical SystemFebruary 29, 2012 · 23,531 units

Defect

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011-2012 NISSAN QUEST VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM JULY 29, 2010, THROUGH FEBRUARY 21, 2012. DUE TO SOFTWARE PROGRAMMING, WHILE DRIVING AT SLOW SPEEDS OR IDLING ON A DECLINE WITH ¼ TANK FUEL OR LESS, THERE MAY BE AN INSUFFICIENT SUPPLY OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE. AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE MAY STALL.

Consequence

VEHICLE STALLING COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy

NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 2, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-647-7261.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

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

“JERKING MOTION: SUDDEN TWITCHING AND OSCILLATING MOTION OF ACCELERATION AND DECELERATION. AFTER DRIVING NORMALLY FOR ABOUT 10~30 MINTS, IT HAPPENS AT ABOUT 2000 RPM ~ 2500 RMP ON UPHILL (WITH ACCELERATOR GENTRY PRESSED DOWN). IT STOPES WHEN I RELEASE THE ACCELERATOR, WHEN THE ENGINE COMES DOWN TO…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · July 17, 2017

“MY NEW 2012 NISSAN QUEST GOES DEAD AND WILL NOT START WHEN SITTING ON A DOWNHILL SLOPE IN THE FRONT. IT HAS GAS BUT IT WILL SPUTTER AND WILL NOT START. MY DRIVEWAY GOES DOWNHILL AND I CANNOT EVEN PARK IN DRIVEWAY I HAVE TO PARK ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. WHEN THIS FIRST HAPPENED I PUT VAN IN NEUTRAL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · March 9, 2012 · crash

“My Brake system was flushed but my brake light and battery and ABS LIGHT stays on flickering I was driving my vehicle at high speed and it it just stalls with no warning... I have to wait 20 mins or more before it'll start again. It has bn doing this for an entire year..driving full speed with no…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · August 8, 2021

“MY CAR RANDOMLY ACCELERATED ON 2 OCCASIONS , MAY 30, 2013 AND JUNE 27, 2013. THE FIRST INCIDENT RESULTED IN A CRASH, HITTING A POLE, TREE, AND ANOTHER VEHICLE. 2ND INCIDENT WAS A NEAR MISS, ALMOST HAD A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE. MY 9 YEAR OLD SON AND I WERE IN THE CAR. NO RESOLUTION…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · May 30, 2013 · crash

“FRONT SUN ROOF EXPLODED, SHOWERING GLASS OVER THE ROOF. DRIVING ON A SMOOTH CITY STREET AT 35 MPH. NO OTHER VEHICLE OR PERSON IN THE VICINITY, AND NOTHING OVERHEAD. TEMPERATURE NEAR FREEZING AND SPITTING SNOW. THE LOCAL NISSAN DEALER ACCEPTS NO RESPONSIBILITY.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 11, 2021

2012 Nissan Quest — common questions

Is the 2012 Nissan Quest reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 139 complaints put the 2012 model at #8 of 25 Quest years. It is one of the Quest years to avoid.

What are the most common 2012 Quest problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (28 complaints), fuel system (20 complaints), electrical system (20 complaints).

Does the 2012 Nissan Quest have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2012 Nissan Quest. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2012 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.