NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 41 owner complaints for the 1998 Nissan Quest. Most complaints involve visibility (6) and air bags (5). 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.
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 |
“BLOWER MOTOR ASSEMBLY (FRONT & REAR) HAVE CHIRPING NOISES CONSTANTLY. *AK”
“WHILE DRIVING AND TURNING TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD CONSUMER HIT A POT HOLE, AND BOTH AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. *AK”
“HAVE HAD A PROBLEM WITH DOORS AUTOMATICALLY LOCKING SINCE EARLY IN THE VEHICLE'S LIFE. ATTEMPTED TO TAKE IT IN PRIOR TO WARRANTY EXPIRATION BUT DEALER COULD NEVER REPLICATE PROBLEM, AND THUS WENT UNFIXED. NOW THE PROBLEM OCCURS REGULARLY. CAN UNLOCK DOOR WITH KEY (KEYLESS ENTRY NO LONGER WORKS) AND BEFORE WE GET THE DOOR OPEN, IT LOCKS AGAIN. ALL DOORS DO NOT ALWAYS LOCK WHEN FRONT LOCKS ARE ENGAGED. CAN LOCK VEHICLE, RETURN AND OPEN SIDE DOOR BEFORE FRONT DOOR IS UNLOCKED AND ALARM BEGINS SOUNDING. FOUND VERY SIMILAR COMPLAINTS POSTED AND KNOW PERSONALLY OF ONE OTHER OWNER WHO HAS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION WITH CHILDREN IN THE CAR. *NM”
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 |
1 safety recall 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 41 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are visibility (6), air bags (5), latches/locks/linkages (4). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 1998 Nissan Quest at 18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).