NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 51 owner complaints for the 2001 Nissan Quest. Most complaints involve equipment (8) and structure (7). The EPA rates it 17 mpg combined.
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINI VANS. THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE THE PLASTIC TRIM COVER AROUND THE BASE OF THE FRONT SEAT SAFETY BELT BUCKLE TRAPPED BETWEEN THE SHOULDER OF THE RESTRAINT ANCHORAGE BOLT AND THE SEAT PEDESTAL. THIS COULD EVENTUALLY ALLOW THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE BOLT TO LOOSEN.
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 |
“AUTOMATIC WINDOWS DEFECTIVE ; REGULATORS AND MOTORS GRIND RESULTING IN HOT MOTOR SMELL AND WINDOWS FAILING TO OPERATE UP OR DOWN .DO NOT USE FOR FEAR OF FIRE AND NOT BEING ABLE TO CLOSE WINDOWS AT ALL. SAFETY CONCERNS AND FEAR OF ENTRAPMENT IF IN AN ACCIDENT..DEALER REFUSED TO FIX OR REPAIR DEFECTIVE DEVICES..”
“THE MAIN ENGINE SUPPORT FRAME MEMBER TO WHICH THE BOTTOM-FORWARD MOTOR MOUNT IS ATTACHED RUSTED COMPLETELY FREE WHERE IT ATTACHES AT THE AREA UNDER THE RADIATOR. THIS CAUSED THE ENTIRE ENGINE TO DROP. THE VEHICLE IS NO LONGER DRIVABLE. REPAIR REQUIRES EXTENSIVE STRUCTURAL WORK. THERE WAS NO INDICATION OF A PROBLEM IN ADVANCE OF THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE HAD BEEN SERVICE REGULARLY. THE COMPROMISED AREA WAS NOT PREVIOUSLY VISIBLE AS IT IS CONCEALED BY A SPLASH GUARD. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY UNSAFE CONDITION, ESPECIALLY WHEN TRAVELING AT SPEED, DUE TO POTENTIAL FOR LOSS OF CONTROL RESULTING FROM COMPROMISED STEERING, BRAKING AND OTHER SYSTEMS. NISSAN HAS NOT ISSUED ANY BULLETINS, RECALLS FOR INSPECTION, OR OTHER COMMUNICATION REGARDING THIS ISSUE. A BRIEF INTERNET SEARCH PRODUCES NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE SAME PROBLEM. MANY OF THE COMPLAINTS STATE NISSAN HAS BEEN UNRESPONSIVE TO COMPLAINTS. *TR”
“2001 NISSAN PATHFINDER 3.5L 4WD SE MODEL STARTED MISFIRING AT 89,000 MILES, WHICH THE JEFF WYLER NISSAN DEALERSHIP IN OHIO ADVISED ON REPLACING AN IGNITION COIL. CAR RAN OK FOR 2 WEEKS, THEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, AND THIS TIME IT WAS A VALVE TIMING SENSOR. REPLACED THAT AND 2 WEEKS LATER MORE MISFIRING, AND THE SAME DEALER SAYS IT'S ANOTHER IGNITION COIL. A LITTLE RESEARCH SHOWS THERE ARE OVER 2500 PEOPLE WITH THE SAME ENGINE TYPE EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUES (MAXIMAS), AND OTHER CAR MANUFACTURERS NOT HAVING THIS ISSUE. THIS IS AN OBVIOUS DEFECT AND NEEDS SERIOUS SCRUTINY OR LEGAL ACTION.”
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, 3.3 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 15 | 21 | 17 | $3,800 | 523 |
| 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 51 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are equipment (8), structure (7), electrical system (7). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2001 Nissan Quest at 17 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (1 version rated).