Owners have filed 56 complaints
about the 1998 Nissan Quest with NHTSA between 1998 and 2014.
The largest single group is the windows, mirrors & wipers.
Across this model's run it ranks 18 of 22 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 21
Against the median year of the Nissan Quest. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 37
7.1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 49
29% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 1998 Nissan Quest
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Windows, Mirrors & Wipers
916.1%
Body & Structure
610.7%
Equipment & Accessories
58.9%
Fuel & Propulsion
58.9%
Median failure at 143,535 miles
Airbags
58.9%
2 crashes, 0 fires · median 103,000 mi
Engine & Cooling
58.9%
Median failure at 75,000 miles
Doors, Latches & Locks
47.1%
Median failure at 30,000 miles
Brakes
47.1%
Electrical System
35.4%
Transmission & Drivetrain
35.4%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Suspension
23.6%
Other & Unspecified
11.8%
Seat Belts
11.8%
Tires
11.8%
Acceleration & Cruise Control
11.8%
Median failure at 118,000 miles
Steering
11.8%
Exactly what failed
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
1,000 – 9,999 miles
114.3%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
114.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
114.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
342.9%
150,000+ miles
114.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Aug 1998peak 11Jan 2014
NHTSA investigations into the 1998 Nissan Quest
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA00015Opened 22 May 2000Closed 4 Jan 2001VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:LINKAGES
FUEL TANK VENT HOSE LEAKAGE
PERIODIC EXPOSURE TO LIQUID GASOLINE MAY RESULT IN EXTRACTION OF ANTIDEGRADANTS FROM THE SUBJECT FUEL TANK VENT HOSE.HOSES WHICH HAVE SUFFERED LOSS OF ANTIDEGRADANT CAN DEVELOP CRACKS IN AREAS OF HIGH STRAIN.FUEL MAY SPRAY OR DRIP FROM CRACKED VENT HOSES FOLLOWING TANK FILL.STARTING AT JOB#1 1998 MY (CALIFORNIA EMISSIONS VEHICLES) AND JOB#1 1999 MY (FEDERAL EMISSIONS VEHICLES), THE SUBJECT VENT HOSE COMPOSITION CHANGED FROM NITRILE RUBBER HOSES WITH CHLOROPRENE RUBBER COVERS (NBR/CR) TO FLUORACBON RUBBER HOSES WHICH AN OUTER LAYER BLEND OF NBR/PVC.THE CHANGES WER MADE TO IMPROVE HYDRACARBON RE...
Recalls on the 1998 Nissan Quest
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
00V419001
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
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.
Risk: FUEL LEAKAGE IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE CAN RESULT IN A FIRE.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 200101118,052 units in Canada
Fuel System
On certain vehicles, cracks could develop in the fuel tank 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. Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire. Correction: Vent hose will be replaced with a new one with different material specifications.
Recall 1997185188 units in Canada
Electrical
THESE VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED WITH DEFECTIVE BATTERIES. THE BATTERIES MAY HAVE NEGATIVE TERMINALS THAT COULD FRACTURE CAUSING ACID LEAKAGE AND RELATED CORROSION DAMAGE WHICH COULD LEAD TO AN ENGINE FIRE OR BATTERY EXPLOSION. CORRECTION: DEFECTIVE BATTERIES WILL BE REPLACED.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Stratford, VACrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
CONSUMER STATES THAT IN A FRONTAL ACCIDENT NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ON IMPACT.
NHTSA complaint #8009052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
College, TXCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE TRAVELING IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC AND ANOTHER VEHICLE JUMPED IN FRONT OF HIM. CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES AND HE HIT MOTORIST FROM BEHIND. UPON IMPACT, AIRBAG DIDN'T GO OFF. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
NHTSA complaint #8002616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Glendle, AZCrash
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH
CONSUMER DROVE VEHICLE INTO DRIVEWAY, PUT VEHICLE IN NEUTRAL, GOT OUT TO CLOSE GATE, AND THE VEHICLE JUMPED INTO THE REVERSE MODE, CRASHING GATE.
NHTSA complaint #826181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 193,456 milesLithonia, GA
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
WHEN I AM DRIVING I AM SMELLING GAS INSIDE MY VEHICLE DURING MY HEATER ON AND OUTSIDE, THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAPPEN!
NHTSA complaint #10558731 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 143,535 milesBuena Vista, VA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
THE FUEL PUMP MAKES A WHINING NOISE WHEN VEHICLE IS RUNNING FROM (MID-CAR) / (ALMOST SOUNDS LIKE IT'S IN THE SPEAKERS) AND YOU CAN SMELL GAS BAD - ESPECIALLY AFTER A FILL UP.
NHTSA complaint #10460319 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 7,000 milesGlenn Dale, MD
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 NISSAN QUEST. THE CONTACT STATED THAT AS SOON AS THE ENGINE WAS STARTED, THE VEHICLE WOULD EXHIBIT AN UNUSUAL WHINING NOISE FROM THE REAR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE A DIAGNOSTIC WAS PERFORMED AND THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE FUEL PUMP WOULD NEED REPLACING. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN FOR THE FAILURE (NHTSA ITEM NUMBER: 604996-FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP) YET THERE WERE NO RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 7,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 186,000.
NHTSA complaint #10360686 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesWinchester, VA
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
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.
NHTSA complaint #10159730 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 118,000 milesMemphis, TN
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL
DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING WITH THE CRUISE CONTROL SET AT 70 MPH THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SUDDENLY ACCELERATE. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE ACCELERATION AND DEACTIVATED THE CRUISE CONTROL BY APPLYING FIRM BRAKE PRESSURE, BUT THE VEHICLE DID NOT RESPOND . ALTHOUGH THE CRUISE CONTROL LIGHT THAT NORMALLY ILLUMINATED WHEN IN USE TURNED OFF,THE VEHICLE REMAINED AT A HIGHWAY SPEED IN SPITE OF THE BRAKE PRESSURE THE CONTACT CONTINUED TO ENFORCE. WHEN THE VEHICLE DID NOT STOP NOR SLOW DOWN THE CONTACT ENGAGED THE EMERGENCY BRAKE WHICH SLOWED THE VEHICLE ENOUGH SO THE CONTACT COULD PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SHUT OFF THE ENGINE. THE CONTACT ALLOWED THE ENGINE TO REST FOR A PERIOD OF TIME , AND INSPECTED UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. UPON INSPECTION THE PROBLEM COULD NOT BE DETERMINED BUT A STRONG ODOR WAS DETECTED. THE ODOR SMELLED AS IF SOMETHING HAD OVERHEATED. AFTERWARDS,THE ENGINE WAS RESTARTED AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO BE DRIVEN NORMALLY. THERE HAVE BEEN NO FURTHER PROBLEMS, BUT THE CRUISE CONTROL HAS NOT BEEN ENGAGED SINCE THE INCIDENT. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN SEEN BY A DEALER.
NHTSA complaint #10147067 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ringwood, NJ
SUSPENSION:FRONT:SPRINGS:COIL SPRINGS
FRONT RIGHT COIL SPRING BREAKS / SNAPS WHILE CAR HAD BEEN RESTING FOR 30 HOURS, PUNCTURES TIRE. NO PREVIOUS INDICATION OF TROUBLE ORFAILURE. IF THIS HAD OCCURRED WHILE VEHICLE WAS MOVING, SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH.
NHTSA complaint #10133714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Melbourne, FL
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
FROM THE BEGINNING OUR NISSAN VAN (1998) HAS HAD PROBLEMS WITH THE DOORS LOCKING AFTER THE ENGINE IS OFF AND THE DOOR IS OPENED. TODAY, I WAS ALMOST UNABLE TO GET OUT OF THE VAN TODAY, AS THE DOOR KEEP LOCKING EVERY TIME I WOULD TRY TO OPEN THE HANDLE. IF THIS HAD BEEN A CHILD, THEY COULD HAVE DIED IN THE HEAT (THIS IS THE MIDDLE OF SUMMER IN FLORIDA) TRAPPED IN THE CAR. I HAVE CHECKED TO SEE IF THERE HAS BEEN ANY RECALLS ON THIS PROBLEM, BUT FOUND THAT ONLY LETTERS WERE SENT OUT TO THE CONSUMER REGARDING THIS PROBLEM. THIS COULD RESULT IN TRADGEDY FOR CHILDREN, IF THEY ARE CAUGHT IN THE VEHICLE. SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE QUICKLY.
NHTSA complaint #10082958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 103,000 milesWalker, LA
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE DRIVING AND TURNING TO THE LEFT SIDE OF THE ROAD CONSUMER HIT A POT HOLE, AND BOTH AIR BAGS DEPLOYED.
NHTSA complaint #10061478 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elgin, IL
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
VEHICLE LOCKS AUTOMATICALLY, WITHOUT WARNING. THE VAN HAS LOCKED AUTOMATICALLY BOTH WHEN THE IGNITION WAS ON, AND WHEN IT WAS OFF. ALSO, WHEN USING THE KEY TO MANUALLY OPEN THE DOORS, IT IS DIFFICULT TO GET THE DOORS OPEN ON THE FIRST TRY. THIS IS ON ON-GOING PROBLEM. THIS IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION, ESPECIALLY WHEN ONE CONSIDERS THAT THE SALE OF MINIVANS ARE PRIMARILY TARGETED TO DRIVERS WITH CHILDREN.
NHTSA complaint #10058482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elgin, IL
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
VEHICLE LOCKS AUTOMATICALLY, WITHOUT WARNING. THE VAN HAS LOCKED AUTOMATICALLY BOTH WHEN THE IGNITION WAS ON, AND WHEN IT WAS OFF. ALSO, WHEN USING THE KEY TO MANUALLY OPEN THE DOORS, IT IS DIFFICULT TO GET THE DOORS OPEN ON THE FIRST TRY. THIS IS ON ON-GOING PROBLEM. THIS IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION, ESPECIALLY WHEN ONE CONSIDERS THAT THE SALE OF MINIVANS ARE PRIMARILY TARGETED TO DRIVERS WITH CHILDREN.
NHTSA complaint #10058482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elgin, IL
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
VEHICLE LOCKS AUTOMATICALLY, WITHOUT WARNING. THE VAN HAS LOCKED AUTOMATICALLY BOTH WHEN THE IGNITION WAS ON, AND WHEN IT WAS OFF. ALSO, WHEN USING THE KEY TO MANUALLY OPEN THE DOORS, IT IS DIFFICULT TO GET THE DOORS OPEN ON THE FIRST TRY. THIS IS ON ON-GOING PROBLEM. THIS IS A DANGEROUS CONDITION, ESPECIALLY WHEN ONE CONSIDERS THAT THE SALE OF MINIVANS ARE PRIMARILY TARGETED TO DRIVERS WITH CHILDREN.
NHTSA complaint #10058482 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 75,000 milesWalla Walla, WA
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
THE ENGINE BEGAN MAKING A TICKING NOISE WHICH GOES AWAY AFTER THE ENGINE WARMS UP. MY MECHANIC THOUGHT IT MIGHT BE THE VALVE LIFTERS BUT ON CLOSER INSPECTION DISCOVERED THAT TWO OF THE SIX BOLTS THAT ATTACH THE MANIFOLD TO THE ENGINE HAD SNAPPED OFF. THE REPAIR WILL COST AROUND $800 TO $900.
NHTSA complaint #10049332 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fairfax Station, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
AUTOMATIC LOCKS WILL INTERMITTENTLY ACTIVATE WHEN KEY IS IN THE IGNITION. ON ONE OCCASION WHILE REFUELING THE VEHICLE THE DOORS LOCKED, IN WHICH THE CONSUMER WAS LOCKED OUT OF THE VEHICLE, VEHICLE HAS BEEN EXAMINED BY DEALER BUT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, THE VEHICLE CAR ALARM SOUNDS ON ITS OWN INTERMITTENTLY, THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THIS PROBLEM, THE RADIO VOLUME GOES DOWN BY ITSELF.*AK *NLM
NHTSA complaint #8016125 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
THE REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM FAILS TO KEEP THE CAR LOCKED OR UNLOCKED, THE CONSUMER MUST NOT USE THE KEY TO UNLOCK THE DOOR BECAUSE IT WILL DISABLE THE REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM,THE LOCKS LOCK AND INLOCK RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING OR PARKED.
NHTSA complaint #785597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Stratford, VACrash
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
CONSUMER STATES THAT IN A FRONTAL ACCIDENT NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED ON IMPACT.
NHTSA complaint #8009052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
College, TXCrash2 injured
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE TRAVELING IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC AND ANOTHER VEHICLE JUMPED IN FRONT OF HIM. CONSUMER APPLIED BRAKES AND HE HIT MOTORIST FROM BEHIND. UPON IMPACT, AIRBAG DIDN'T GO OFF. DEALERSHIP WAS AWARE OF PROBLEM.*AK
NHTSA complaint #8002616 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jeffersonville, IN
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
DOORS LOCK INTERMITTENTLY, THIS HAPPEN WHILE IN PARK, IDLING IN PARK, VAN OFF AND ATTEMPING TO OPEN DOOR AFTER USING REMOTE.
NHTSA complaint #9004974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
THE REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM FAILS TO KEEP THE CAR LOCKED OR UNLOCKED, THE CONSUMER MUST NOT USE THE KEY TO UNLOCK THE DOOR BECAUSE IT WILL DISABLE THE REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY SYSTEM,THE LOCKS LOCK AND INLOCK RANDOMLY WHILE DRIVING OR PARKED.
NHTSA complaint #785597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Canton, MI
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
THE VEHICLE LOCKS THE DOOR AUTOMATICALLY WITH NO REASON. THIS CAN HAPPEN EVEN WHEN THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE IS RUNNING. ALSO, IF UNLOCKING THE VEHICLE BY THE REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY, THE DRIVER DOOR WILL OPEN. UPON PRESSING THE "UNLOCK" BOTTON AGAIN TO UNLOCK ALL DOORS, ALL DOOR WILL UNLOCK AND IMMEDIATELY ALL, INCLUDING THE DRIVER'S DOOR WILL LOCK. TWICE I HAD MY CAR LOCKED UP ON ME WHILE RUNNING IN MY GARAGE. I AM A PROUD FATHER OF A NEW INFANT. WHILE TRYING TO PUT THE BABY IN THE VEHICLE, WHAT CAN I DO IF THE DOORS LOCK ON THEIR OWN AGAIN? IT WILL BE A DANGER TO MY CHILD'S SAFETY. ALSO, IF YOU TRY TO UNLOCK THE CAR WITH THE UNLOCK (ELECTRICAL) BOTTON, IT SOMETIME WILL NOT LET YOU DO SO BY AUTOMATICALLY LOCKING THE CAR. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE IF WE NEED TO EXIT THE VEHICLE IN AN EMERGENCY. PLEASE REVIEW AND ADVISE.
NHTSA complaint #749625 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kaneohe, HI
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
OCCASIONAL GRINDING NOISE AND/OR PULSATING BRAKE PEDAL WHEN BRAKES ARE APPLIED NORMALLY.
NHTSA complaint #744155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tucsan, AZ
TIRES:TREAD/BELT
WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY, WHEEL STARTED TO VIBRATE AND THEN TREAD SEPARATED ON RIGHT FRONT BRIDGESTONE TIRE. P205 75 R15. 64,000 MILES ON TIRES .HAS NOT CONTACTED DEALER YET. *AK *SLC
NHTSA complaint #879742 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
BLOWER MOTOR ASSEMBLY (FRONT & REAR) HAVE CHIRPING NOISES CONSTANTLY.
NHTSA complaint #733328 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Thousand OAK, CA
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
WHILE TRYING TO PLACE REAR SEAT BELT ON THE BODY, PULLING IT OUT TO LOCK, RESTRAINT LOOKED LIKE IT WAS TIGHT, BUT IT WILL NOT LOCK UP.
NHTSA complaint #871643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Houston, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH
UNDER THE HOOD EXPLOSION WHEN IGNITION SWITCH WAS TURNED ON. NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. DEALER/MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED. FEEL FREE TO PROVIDE FURTHER DETAILS.
NHTSA complaint #864565 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Higley, AZ
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
WHILE TRAVELING AT 5 MPH AND MAKING U TURN, WHEEL WENT OVER CURVE AND AIR BAGS DEPLOYED WITHOUT INDICATION. DEALER HAS BEEN NOTIFIED. DRIVER SUFFERED PHYSICAL INJURIES, AND HE RTWO CHILDREN WERE QUITE TRAMATIZED.
NHTSA complaint #860077 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.