Most common 2001 Nissan Quest problems
Share of the 42 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Nissan Quest complaints by model year
Best Quest years: 2017, 2015, 2016. Years to avoid: 2004, 2007, 2012, 1995, 1996. Compare all years →
2001 Nissan Quest recalls (1)
Seat belts › Front › Buckle assembly
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.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the seat belt buckle assembly attachment. Some belt buckle assemblies May require replacement.
What 2001 Nissan Quest owners say
Body & structure
Involved in a low impact auto accident (probably less than 40 MPH because air bags weren't even deployed, no injuries whatsoever sustained by myself and other driver, miniscule damage to other vehicle) in 11/01. Immediately car was on fire which resulted in total loss of vehicle. Alleging that the Nissan Quest is inherently unsafe due to poor frontal design of vehicle (see results of insurance institute for highway safety crash test results) - this is result of minivan catching fire so easily and rapidly. Attempts to resolve matter with Nissan ignored (asked for replacement of items lost in car/amt not covered by gap insurance, approx. $5000 total). Now will seek recovery of funds via lawsuit.
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. …
Windows, wipers & sunroof
The driver's side automatic window slowed and eventually stopped working. Because of the failure we had to leave our vehicle in a public parking lot at one point with the window fully open. This is a safety issue and invites theft among other things. One month later the passenger's side window was making the same sounds and also failed. When I took off the inside of both doors, the exact same failure had occurred. A plastic piece holding a metal cable on the window regulator had broken in half in the same spot on both windows. The driver's side failure was so bad that it also caused the window's motor to burn out. I caught the passenger's side window's symptoms in time before it had a chance to destroy that motor. The failure on that side caused the cable to tangle around the regulator's wheel assembly. …
The passenger's side automatic window started making a grinding noise, slowed and eventually stopped working. I had to pull the window up while working the button. The same day the driver's side window was making the same sounds and also failed. I took off the inside of the passenger's door, I noticed that a plastic piece holding a metal cable on the window regulator had broken in half. When I checked the driver's door I saw it had broken in the same spot. I was lucky enough to catch the problem before both motors burn out. The failure caused the cable to tangle around the regulator's wheel assembly, it kinked and frayed the cable. I went to the dealership and purchased both assemblies at a very steep price. This is obviously a design flaw and should also be considered a safety recall for the manufacturer.
Brakes
The vehicle was involved in a collision, consumer attempted to apply the brake when the ABS locked up which caused the vehicle to skid out of control, also the airbags failed to deploy. There was 1 injury.
At slow speed consumer applied brakes and pedal went to floor, no braking action. Shifted to park, and used emergency brake to slow vehicle. Vehicle was vibrating at this time. This happened again on April 8, 2001. Vehicle at dealer at this time, dealer stated there was nothing wrong with brakes.
2001 Nissan Quest engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.3L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 15 / 21 / 17 |
EPA ratings. Class: Minivan.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2001 Nissan Quest a good car?
Based on 42 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2001 Quest rates average: 34% fewer complaints than a typical year of the Quest at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2001 Nissan Quest?
The body & structure — 7 complaints, 17% of all complaints for this model year, most often about body. Next are the windows, wipers & sunroof (6) and brakes (5).
How many recalls does the 2001 Nissan Quest have?
There is 1 recall for the 2001 Nissan Quest, the most recent from October 27, 2000 (buckle assembly). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Nissan Quest?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2017, 2015 and 2016. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2004, 2007, 2012, 1995 and 1996. See the full Nissan Quest years comparison.
At what mileage do 2001 Nissan Quest problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 58,000 miles; 45% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.