Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Nissan Quest owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Car fire. Our minivan was parked, the engine shutoff and the keys were removed from the ignition. The car sat for three hours in very cold weather in a residential neighborhood. Based on the videos, it appears the electrical system started sparking and set the engine area on fire. Eventually the cab was on fire and the entire minivan was burned and completely lost. It took 7 minutes for the fire department to arrive and an additional 11 minutes for the firemen to extinguish the raging fire. All this was caught on a neighbor's security camera. The video files are over 5 mb so this website will not allow me to upload the video files. I should also mention we drove the van earlier in the day without problems.
While applying the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to accelerate. Within seconds of parking the vehicle a fire occurred. The vehicle displayed a dangerously slow acceleration as if the transmission was in the wrong gear when trying to accelerate the vehicle. There was also poor fuel economy (11.6 to 12.1 mpg instead of the normal 19-26 mpg). Also, within the first few weeks of ownership, the power sliding door on the right side opened independently on two occasions and failed to open or close on several occasions, there were problems with the control buttons, the radio text display on the dash read malfunction multiple times and sometimes it occured when the engine was started. There was a problem with the catalytic converter.
Alarm beeps when set but does not sound if car is broken into. Car was parked. Power sliding door does not always shut when power button is pushed. Does not always lock and latch as well. Door flew open while driving on the freeway. Also when closing does not stop if someone is in the way. Caught my four yr old daughter's leg and shut on it. Tire pressure light constantly comes on even when tires are completely aired up. Back rear door does not always open whether button inside van or remote key is pushed. Has to forcefully be opened and shut. Sometimes will slam shut and it has fallen on my back before. Many electrical functions within the dash and console do not always work or register. Does not register for oil, coolant, or temp.
The car had been exhibitng various light warnings. The car was checked and the light indicators were not correct. No problems were evident. I parked the car in front of my home. Two hours after paring the car it began to smoke. The fire department was called and the fire was put out. The harness burned due to an electrical malfunction that is not considered wear and tear. It is due to a design or manufacture that put me and my property in potential harms way. This report is filed in an effort to protect other Nissan owners and to alert the company of a design flaw,
Tl contact owns a 2004 Nissan Quest. While the vehicle was parked for 45 minutes, it spontaneously caught fire and was completely destroyed. An investigator inspected the vehicle and concluded that the fire originated in the engine compartment due to a failure of the power distribution box. The contact has a copy of the police report and pictures of the incident. The manufacturer denied any responsibility for the failure. The failure mileage was 60,000. Updated 11/17/08 updated 11/13/08.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Nissan Quest. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, the vehicle began to lose power as smoke was seen coming from under the hood. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where they diagnosed that the electrical system was completely burned. The vehicle was in the process of being repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 90,000.
Drove it to a park about 1:00 p.m. Stayed there til about 3:00 pm got home parked in front of house on street. Went in back yard for a bbq about 20 to 30 minutes later noticed it started to smoke under hood toward the rear of engine compartment on passenger side about where pass. Feet would be or behind glove box. Within 5 minutes we had flames and by the time the fire dept got here it was a total loss.
Nissan Quest cluster loses ability to moniter fuel and temperature , which caused me to run out of fuel while travelling at a speed of 55mph. After researching online I see there is a repair but how does the dealer not see an issue with this problem. The lcd screen essentially peel away from the screen due to heat or humidity . I see this as a danger and I feel it puts my family along with others in danger .
The vehicle main computer is directly under the driver windshield. It rusted out and failed. Because it was totally unprotected and subject to rain,snow excessive heat, I had to have it replaced to the cost of $1,000. Completely preventable. I demand a refund and a recall notice issued. Thank you!
2004 Nissan Quest. Consumer writes in regards to ECM corrosion problems. The consumer stated the vehicle stalled and it would not re-start. The dealer informed the consumer the intelligent power distribution module would also need to be replaced in order for the vehicle to run.
Electrical complaints in other Quest years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2004 Nissan Quest?
NHTSA has 77 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 Nissan Quest, 17% of the model year's 445 complaints. The component named most often is wiring (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Nissan Quest electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2004 Nissan Quest, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2004 Nissan Quest electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 61,000 miles, and 32% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 8 fires and 7 injuries to electrical 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.