NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 140 owner complaints for the 1996 Nissan Quest. Most complaints involve latches/locks/linkages (27) and air bags (20). The EPA rates it 18 mpg combined.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS. THE FUEL TANK VENT HOSE ALLOWS AIR TO VENT FROM THE FUEL TANK DURING REFUELING. CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE VENT HOSE. IF (1) THE FUEL TANK IS OVERFILLED, NOT ALLOWING EXCESS FUEL IN THE VENT HOSE TO FLOW BACK INTO THE TANK, (2) THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN ONLY A SHORT DISTANCE AFTER REFUELING AND, (3) THERE IS SUBSEQUENTLY SIGNIFICANT HEATING OF THE FUEL TANK, THE FUEL IN THE TANK CAN EXPAND INTO THE VENT HOSE AND LEAK FUEL.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS. THESE VEHICLES WERE PRODUCED WITH POWER WINDOWS THAT CAN BE CLOSED AFTER THE IGNITION KEY IS TURNED TO THE "OFF" POSITION AND THE RIGHT FRONT (PASSENGER) DOOR IS OPENED. THIS DOES NOT MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF FMVSS 118, "POWER-OPERATED WINDOW SYSTEMS."
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Quest model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 1996 | 140 |
| 1997 | 97 |
| 1998 | 41 |
| 1999 | 118 |
| 2000 | 103 |
| 2001 | 51 |
| 2002 | 44 |
| 2004 | 445 |
| 2005 | 82 |
| 2006 | 74 |
| 2007 | 228 |
| 2008 | 50 |
| 2009 | 22 |
| 2011 | 66 |
| 2012 | 93 |
| 2013 | 18 |
| 2014 | 18 |
| 2015 | 12 |
| 2016 | 13 |
| 2017 | 6 |
“ALL DOORS WILL LOCK UNDER 3 SCENARIOS: 1) DOORS WILL RELOCK IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING, UNLOCKING THE DOORS. 2) DOORS WILL LOCK AFTER CLOSING DRIVER DOOR. 3) DOORS MAY LOCK WITHOUT ANY ACTION TAKING PLACE. *AK COULD BE LOCKED OUT OF VEHICLE IF DOORS LOCK WHEN CLOSING DOOR, WITH KEYS IN THE VEHICLE. DEALERSHIP REPLACED DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR IN 1998, PROBLEM STARTED REOCCURING IN 2002 AND CONTINUES TO OCCUR INTERMITTENTLY.”
“DT: SINCE 08-26-05 THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT STAYED ON. IT HAD BEEN TURNING ON AND OFF FOR THE PAST TWO YEARS. WHEN THE CONSUMER HAD TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALERSHIP THEY TOLD HIM THAT THE AIRBAG UNIT HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE CONSUMER HAS NOT YET REPLACED THE AIRBAG UNIT. THERE HAVE BEEN NO ACCIDENTS. THE CONSUMER FELT THAT THE AIRBAG UNIT SHOULD NOT HAVE TO BE REPLACED SINCE IT HAS NEVER BEEN USED. *AK”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 NISSAN QUEST. WHILE INSPECTING THE VEHICLE, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER SIDE SUBFRAME WAS RUSTED AND CORRODED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. A LOCAL DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED IN REFERENCE TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE, BUT NO ASSISTANCE WAS OFFERED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 200,000.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quest Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,550 | 494 |
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
2 safety recalls as of Nov 6, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
Owners filed 140 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are latches/locks/linkages (27), air bags (20), structure (16). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1996 Nissan Quest at 18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).