NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 445 owner complaints for the 2004 Nissan Quest. Most complaints involve electrical system (77) and power train (72). The EPA rates it 18–19 mpg combined.
ON CERTAIN MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH A FOLDING THIRD ROW REAR SEAT, WHEN THE THIRD ROW SEAT IS RAISED FROM ITS STOWED POSITION, IT ENGAGES STRIKER BRACKETS, ONE ON EACH SIDE OF THE SEAT CUSHION. THE FOLD-AWAY STRIKER LOOP IS WELDED TO A MOUNTING BRACKET. THE STRIKER MAY BECOME DETACHED FROM ITS MOUNTING BRACKET DUE TO A BROKEN WELD AT THE POINT OF ATTACHMENT TO THE BRACKET.
ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, THERE IS A SEAT ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM THAT CONTAINS EXPOSED MOVING COMPONENTS LOCATED AT THE REAR INSIDE EDGE OF THE SECOND ROW SEAT.
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH A POWER SLIDING DOOR(S), AT AN AMBIENT TEMPERATURE BELOW APPROXIMATELY 40 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT, THE ACTUATOR FOR THE POWER SLIDING DOOR(S) MAY EXPERIENCE BINDING DUE TO AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION CONDITION. IN ORDER TO OPEN, CLOSE OR REVERSE A POWER SLIDING DOOR, THE SHIFT SELECTOR LEVER MUST BE IN "PARK." IF THE ACTUATOR IS EXPERIENCING BINDING AND THE DRIVER SHIFTS THE VEHICLE OUT OF "PARK" WHILE A POWER SLIDING DOOR IS STILL CLOSING, THE DOOR LATCHES MAY NOT ENGAGE.
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 |
“THE SPEDOMETER AND THE LIGHTS FOR IT DON'T WORK GOT PULLED OVER AND TOLD I HAD A FAKE INSPECTION BECAUSE OF THEM NOT WORKING CAN'T GET AN EXACT READING ON MY MILEAGE,FUEL OR IF THE VANS OVER HEATING I CAN'T TELL HOW FAST OR SLOW I'M GOING”
“WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE WITH 2 INFANTS IN CARS SEATS AS WELL AS 3 OTHER ADULTS THE VEHICLE LOST POWER. IT WOULD NOT ACCELERATE. WITHIN MINUTES THE STEERING WAS STIFF AND WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO TURN. PULLED OFF THE INTERSTATE AND ONTO A SIDE ROAD. THE VEHICLE FINALLT DECELLERATED TO A FULL STOP. TURNED IT OFF AND RESTARTED A FEW MOMENTS LATER. VEHICLE RAN AGAIN BUT NO STEERING. POPPED THE HOOD AND LOOKED AND NO POWER STEERING FLUID IN THE WELL. ADDED FLUID AND STEERED OK TILL 4 BLOCKS FROM MY HOUSE AT WHICH TIME THE STEERING ACTING UP AGAIN AND NOT ACCELERATING NO MATTER HOW FAR YOU PUSH THE PEDAL. TURNED IT OFF AND RESTARTED AGAIN. STEERING NOT WORKING BUT ACCELERATED ENOUGH TO PARK IT AT HOME. TOOK TO MY MECHANIC BUT SAYS HE CANNOT LOOK AT IT UNTIL WEDNESDAY. WAS SO SCARED CAUSE HAD THE GRANDBABIES IN THE VAN.”
“WE RECENTLY HAD TO CHANGE THE ALTERNATOR AND NOTICED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT THE SUBFRAME HAS A LARGE HOLE IN IT AND IS COMPLETELY NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND NOTHING HAS BEEN HIT THERE AND IT HAS NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT RELATED TO THAT AREA AT ALL, VEHICLE WAS PARKED AT MY HOME WHEN THIS WAS FOUND AND STILL IS I DID NOT TAKE ANY PICTURES AT THAT TIME OF THE ROTTING HOLE IN THE SUBFRAME I CAN GET PICTURES BUT WE WILL HAVE TO REMOVE RIGHT SIDE FRONT TIRE SO PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF THIS HAS TO BE DONE. *TR”
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, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 17 | 24 | 19 | $3,400 | 468 |
| Quest Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 16 | 23 | 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 |
4 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 445 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (77), power train (72), structure (70). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
The EPA rates the 2004 Nissan Quest at 18–19 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).