Most common 2006 Nissan Quest problems
Share of the 74 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 →
2006 Nissan Quest recalls (1)
Seats › Mid/rear assembly
On certain Mini vans, there is a seat adjustment mechanism that contains exposed moving components located at the rear inside edge of the second row seat.
Remedy: On earlier model vehicles built through June 28, 2004, dealers will replace the inboard second row seat adjustment handle, rivet a plastic reinforcement to backside of the existing seat back cover carpeting, install…
What 2006 Nissan Quest owners say
Transmission & drivetrain
When you start driving the vehicle from a cold start it drives and shifts perfect. As soon as it reaches operating temperature it will slam when shifting gears. After 5 minutes or so it will not move. Shut the vehicle off for 15 to 20 minutes and I shifts and drives fine for a few more minutes then the same problems happen again.
The three linear solenoids in the transmission fail, causing problems with vehicle shifting. Shifting from park to drive once engine is warm will cause a clunk in transmission. Also, downshift creates transmission surge.
Engine & cooling
The traction control system (TCS) of the vehicle has a manufacturer defect. While driving the vehicle suddenly slowed down and then shut down. The vehicle dragged and slipped from side to side. The problem is unique to Nissan, particularly Quest, but Nissan is not willing to fix it. The TCS light and the slip light came on and a sudden jack brought the vehicle to a halt. The "service engine soon" light came on though the car was serviced just the month before and we have not been using it because the fuel gauge and odometer were not displaying fully/properly. Nissan has a responsibility to replace the traction control system in the 2006 and earlier models of the Quest. The fuel gauge and odometer problem became a problem in Quest once the vehicle reaches 70,0000km/miles, and by then the warranty would have lapsed. …
I was pulling into a partking lot and I started to smell something. I thought it was in the air but then I noticed that there was smoke coming from under my front hood. I immediately pulled over, got out of the van and saw smoke then fire coming from under the hood. I moved quite a distance away and call 911 as I was standing looking at the van, I saw something dripping with fire from the right passenger front end. Car was toast. It burned immediately. No warning sign, engine light alert nothing ... Very scarey!! Will not buy another Quest.
Electrical system
While van was parked, turned off, and no key in ignition, the lights started flashing and wipers started going. Started to smoke. A witness called fire department and it was in flames before they got there. Apparently electrical system malfunctioned and caught fire. We were inside a mall when this happened. Fire department called us and fire was out before we got to vehicle. Van is totaled.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Nissan Quest. While driving at 45 MPH, the horn, radio, and instrument panel failed without warning. The battery was disconnected and the horn fuses were removed. The battery was reconnected and the contact restarted the vehicle. The service engine and air bag warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 180,000.
2006 Nissan Quest engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 4-speed automatic | FWD | 17 / 24 / 19 |
| 3.5L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | FWD | 16 / 23 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: Minivan.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2006 Nissan Quest a good car?
Based on 74 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2006 Quest rates average: 1.3× as many complaints as 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 2006 Nissan Quest?
The transmission & drivetrain — 15 complaints, 20% of all complaints for this model year, most often about automatic transmission. Next are the engine & cooling (12) and electrical system (12).
How many recalls does the 2006 Nissan Quest have?
There is 1 recall for the 2006 Nissan Quest, the most recent from October 13, 2005 (mid/rear 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 2006 Nissan Quest problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 57,000 miles; 43% 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.