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Vehicle safety record

1996 Nissan Quest Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 140 complaints about the 1996 Nissan Quest with NHTSA, most often about the body, doors & structure (42) and the fuel system (21). Those complaints describe 4 crashes, 6 fires and 3 injuries. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in December 2000 for the tank assembly. For comparison, the 1995 has 173 and the 1997 has 97.

NHTSA data checked

CAbout as many problems as a typical Quest year, for its age

#46 most complained-about 1996 vehicle

Complaints
140
Recalls
2
Crashes
4
Fires
6
Injuries
3
Deaths
0

Most common 1996 Nissan Quest problems

Share of all 140 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

1996 Nissan Quest recalls 2

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Fuel system: tank assembly

00V419001268,229 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The risk
Fuel leakage in the presence of an ignition source can result in a fire.
The fix
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VENT HOSE.

Visibility: power window devices and controls

98V01200246,500 vehicles affected

The problem
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."
The risk
There is the potential for unsupervised children to operate the power windows, increasing the risk of personal injury to the child.
The fix
Owners will be provided with a label reminding owners not to leave children unattended because the power windows can operate for 15 minutes after the vehicle ignition has been turned off unless the driver's door is opened. Also included are instructions describing how and where this label is to be installed. If an owner prefers, their dealer can install this label for them.

What owners say

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140 complaints about the 1996 Nissan Quest

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 6.

Fuel system

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 nissan quest. The contact noticed an abnormal fuel odor inside and outside of the vehicle while driving. The contact was unaware of a fuel leak under the vehicle or inside the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11142545
Body, doors & structure

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.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11021823
Fuel system

Can not fill up the van whit gasoline,stop fill in ,like if is full,and gasoline gauge indicates wrong reading

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 10724440
Fuel system

MY NISSAN QUEST JUST STARTED WITH GAS ODOR. *TR

Filed Incident Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 10660174
SteeringEngine & cooling

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 nissan quest. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle started to shake without warning. The contact was able to continue driving the vehicle. The failure occurred approximately every four months. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who indicated the vehicle had a design flaw and the motor mounts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired three times for the same failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 152,799. *Tr

Filed Incident Steering · Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 10568736
Fuel system

Strong gas odor inside vehicle while drive. It got so bad it actually caused headache. I have no sense of smell was unable identify this problem sooner till headaches starting to occurring. Then other people told me that there are strong gas odor inside vehicle. I googled it and realized lots of people who owned 1996 nissan quest has the same problem. I called nissan dealer and was told vin # was not part of recall #00v419001 (fuel system gasoline) *kb

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10414010
Fuel system

Strong gas odor inside vehicle while drive. It got so bad it actually caused headache. Nissan dealer was unable to identify the problem. *Kb

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10414003
Fuel system

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 nissan quest. The contact stated that the fumes from the gasoline system were entering the vehicle and becoming overwhelming. The dealer was contacted who advised the contact that the vehicle was under recall and that it would take two weeks to obtain the parts needed for repairs. The contact did not inform the manufacturer of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The vin was unavailable. The current and failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10370663
Fuel system

My 1996 nissan quest has fuel vent problems particularly after refuel. I smell fuel inside the car and I am concerned about the risk of fire and/or explosion. This problem appears to be identical to the problem described in nhtsa recall number 00v419001. However, nissan company is saying that my nissan's vin is not included in the recall. *Tr

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10312006
Fuel systemElectrical systemFire

Tl*the contact owns a 1996 nissan quest. While driving to a stop. The contact noticed a puff of smoke near the front end of her vehicle. She stopped and exited the vehicle to look under the hood and noticed flames. She immediately slammed the hood down and removed her children from the vehicle. The fire department extinguished the fire and stated that a fuel leak was the cause of the failure. There were no warning indicators prior to the fire. A police report was filed. The failure mileage was 80,000. Updated 09/10/08. *Lj updated 09/12/08 *jb

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasoline · Electrical systemNHTSA 10231389
Suspension

Please refer to technical service bulletin (ntb98-001) when rounding a curve or going over a dip in the road, at 40 miles per hour the car starting wobbling and swaying and you think it is going to flip over. It is very scary. The wobble is not induced by the steering wheel, it just happens. There is no real warning. I believe it is the rear link arm bushings. There are numerous stories from others pertaining to this same problem on the web site (topix.Net) search pathfinder problems. This problem has been a must fix for many and it is very scary and could be very very dangerous if it happened at higher speeds. It would definately cause an accident and/or crash.

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 10180685
Seats & seat belts

Drivers side seat belt latch broken and completely unuseable. Dealer says they will fix it "under a life time warranty because it is a safety device and has a lifetime warranty". *Nm

Filed Incident Seat beltsNHTSA 10159692
Airbags

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

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10135914
Fuel system

1996 Nissan quest fuel pump needed to be replaced.***No answer required***. *Mr while driving the vehicle made a humming noise in the engine compartment. The noise gets louder over a period of time. The vehicle was taken to two nissan dealer and three independent garage. One of the nissan dealers was unsure what the problem was. The other dealer said it was normal engine noise. All three independent garages agreed that the problem was the fuel pump. *Nm

Filed Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10135578
AirbagsCrash

Dt: the airbags did not deploy although the van was destroyed and totaled. Even the police couldn't believe that the airbags did not depoly. Consumer hit a deer, and the impact was on the driver's front side. Neither of the two front airbags worked.*Ak

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 10122565
Fuel system

Nhtsa recall campaign 00v419001 concerning fuel tank vent hose. While driving there was a strong smell of gasoline in the vehicle. Consumer contacted the manufacturer, and was told that this vehicle was not covered under the recall due to vin although it experienced the same effects. *Ak consumer added when the fuel tank is filled more than half way, the gasoline smell is prominent. Consumer has to drive with window open. *Tt

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10109193
Brakes

While applying the brake pedal driver heard a loud squeaky noise. The vehicle jerked and vibrated uncontrollably. The cause has not been determined. Consumer will contact the dealer in the near future. *Ak

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulicNHTSA 10114961
BrakesEngine & coolingEquipment & accessories

No acceleration with air conditioner on. O2 sensor replaced, is that normal. Brakes going out after recently having them fixed, why? *Ak

Filed Incident Service brakes, hydraulic · Engine and engine cooling · EquipmentNHTSA 10098293
Body, doors & structure

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.

Filed Incident Latches / locks / linkagesNHTSA 10096248
Body, doors & structure

Latches/locks on sliding door would open, whenever the vehicle passes over a rough surface.*Ak

Filed Incident Latches / locks / linkagesNHTSA 10080616
Body, doors & structure

I submitted complaint request 10051248 in december 2003. No one has contacted me about the side door continually unlatching.*Ak

Filed Incident Latches / locks / linkagesNHTSA 10067732
Fuel systemFire

The interior of van would fill with a gas odor. It also had a gas leak when the tank was filled. I had it checked out at the dealer and they informed me that it was related to a manufacturer's recall of the fuel filler vent hose. They repaired it and replaced the vent hose, but the odor continued. I took it back for a second time but the dealer could not find anything wrong with it. The gas odor would come on mainly when the a/c was on. I contacted customer service at the dealer and all they could tell me is...

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that they could not find anything wrong. 1 Year later after living with this gas odor my van exploded and the entire engine burned. I've called nissan and all they can tell me is that the vehicle is not under warranty anymore and the fire is not related to the recall because it was only the vent hose.

Filed Incident Fuel system, gasolineNHTSA 10070593
Visibility & wipersAirbagsEquipment & accessoriesCrash

Engine light on - computer code: anti-knock sensor estimated repair @$350. Did not repair; reset system, light did not reappear for 3,000 miles, reset again. Door locks intermittent problem, esp. With slider. Airbag light flashing, cannot afford repair. Read light burning out bulbs (twice within 3 mos.) After market repair caused different problem.

Filed Incident Visibility · Air bags · EquipmentNHTSA 10070416
SuspensionEngine & coolingTransmission & drivetrainVisibility & wipersAirbagsSeats & seat beltsEquipment & accessories

Weird electrical problems,i have taken to 2 different people, 1 of which specializes in transmissions, the problem is that when the vehicle is warmed up the transmission doesn't know what gear it is in, on initial investigation the problem appears to be the trottle position sensor but that was replaced and still no fix. They hooked up computers to the car while driving and say the computer doesn't read the tps being operative during driving but no problems can be found with the wiring and computer board. When the...

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engine transmission starts to mess up the locks start to lock and unlock by themselves while driving, the check engine light is on and the overdrive light blinks off and on. At one time the air bag light come on for no reason it was checked and problem found. The sliding door latch broke within a couple of months of buying. The back windshield wiper motor would also come on by itself, we ended up taking the fuse out for that.

Filed Incident Suspension · Engine and engine cooling · Power train · Visibility · Air bags · Seat belts · Equipment · Unknown or otherNHTSA 10070045
Engine & cooling

My quest would take a long time to get heat into the interior. Recently it started overheating as well. I replaced the thermostat, but all the instructions say to install the thermostat so the spring is facing to the inside of the engine. However, the t'stat listed for this vehicle will not fit with the spring to the inside of the engine; and the original t'stat (i don't think it has ever been replaced - it had nissan on it) was installed with the spring end facing the hose end. So I installed a shorter t'stat...

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so the spring would fit toward the engine. Now the interior gets heat quickly, but the engine still overheats. The radiator cap has been replaced, and the cooling system flushed. The problem eprsists.

Filed Incident Engine and engine cooling · Unknown or otherNHTSA 10069968

Nissan Quest: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20001032133Electrical systemD
1999118442Acceleration & cruise controlC
199841130Body, doors & structureA
1997972105Body, doors & structureC
1996140246Body, doors & structureC
19951733114Engine & coolingD
1994170282Engine & coolingD
1993119549Engine & coolingC
19923000BrakesA
All Quest years

1996 Nissan Quest vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 1996 Nissan Quest

Does the 1996 Nissan Quest have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1996 Nissan Quest: tank assembly (December 2000); power window devices and controls (March 1998). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 1996 Nissan Quest?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the body, doors & structure (42), fuel system (21), airbags (20).

How many complaints has the 1996 Nissan Quest had?

140 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on July 18, 1996 and the latest on October 25, 2018. Of these, 4 describe a crash and 6 a fire, and together they report 3 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 1996 Nissan Quest a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 40 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Nissan Quest year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Nissan Quest years have the most complaints?
What should I do if my 1996 Nissan Quest has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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