Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Nissan Quest owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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 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.
Tl 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. Updated 09/12/08
Had gasoline smell for quite a while. The dealer informed me of a recall on a vapor vent hose for my van and replaced it but the gasoline smell never went away. I took it back a second time but the dealer could not find anything. Less then a year and while driving with the same smell of gasoline coming through the A/C my vant caught on fire, and within seconds everything under the hood was engulfed in flames. I called Nissan but they tell me the van is no longer under warranty so there is nothing they can do for me.
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.
NHTSA#00-v-419-001: 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. Secondly, the vehicle is driven only a short distance after refueling and. Third, there is subsequently significant heating of the fuel tank, the fuel in the tank can expand into the vent hose and leak fuel. Dealer didn't honor this recall due to the VIN, and they charged $200.00 dollars to fix it.
Engine knock,engine failure, replace corroded throttle body, gas smell leaks into interior, faulty front passenger seat belt restraint,vehicle now has 110,000 miles on it and is in the shop for a new fuel pump. Excessive noise pollution when driving, faulty rear hatch lock(electrical), faulty elect. Pwr. Door locks, locks when not touched. This vehicle is what lemon laws were intended for yet Nissan is in denial about all the problems owners have endured with no compensation.
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.
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. Consumer added when the fuel tank is filled more than half way, the gasoline smell is prominent. Consumer has to drive with window open.
I have had many problems with this ouest.I have replaced the heater control,both side exhaust manifolds,replace acc c/v boot,replace antenna motor,replace air bag control unit,replace back windshield wiper motor,replace both front lower ball joints and the vent hose. This are just the major things. I have spend around 7000.00 on this Quest for repairs and up keep. I brought it new in May of 1996. Never again.
The car hesitates, coughs at intervals like it is miss-firing. A throttle clean, manifold clean and tank filter clean have all been performed and still it jolts and appears for a split second like it is going to stall and die. Started just when stopped or idling now is apparent when driving on highway at highway speed. Problem is unresolved as yet.
Related recalls
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)…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the vent hose.
Fuel System complaints in other Quest years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 1996 Nissan Quest?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1996 Nissan Quest, 16% of the model year's 134 complaints. The component named most often is storage › tank assembly (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Nissan Quest fuel system problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 00V419001 (tank assembly, Dec 15, 2000). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 Nissan Quest fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 103,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 4 fires and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.