Most common 2012 Nissan Quest problems
Share of the 93 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 →
2012 Nissan Quest recalls (1)
Electrical system › Software
Nissan is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Nissan quest vehicles, manufactured from July 29, 2010, through February 21, 2012. Due to software programming, while driving at slow speeds or idling on a decline with tank fuel or less, there May be an insufficient supply of fuel to the engine. As a result, the engine May stall.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the fuel pump control module, free of charge. The safety recall began on April 2, 2012. Owners May contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2012 Nissan Quest:
Gwinnett Place Nissan / Quest Recall
NHTSA opened Audit Query (AQ) 12-003 to determine whether Gwinnett Place Nissan of Duluth, Georgia complied with the requirements of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act, 49 U.S.C. Chapter 301 (Safety Act) and its implementing regulations.
What 2012 Nissan Quest owners say
Transmission & drivetrain all 28 →
The CVT transmission on this vehicle has failed. The vehicle is jerking and and stalls while driving. If I'm at a light stopped and the light changes to go, the vehicle won't move unless I put my foot all the way down on the accelerator then it Jenks and starts to move. I took it to Sheridan Nissan in Delaware, and they told me this has been the issue with the CVT transmission and I need to just get rid of the van. To get a new one put in is over $7000 with just a 12 Mos12,000 miles warranty and they say it may go out again. I was told by another dealership that Nissan new about this problem, but won't fix it. I've noticed that they have replaced CVT transmissions in other Nissan vehicles and other years, but seem to skip the 2012 Nissan Quest. The engine light came on after it started jerking and I had it towed to Nissan and then they told me that the transmission is slipping. …
I was on a busy freeway only 10 miles from my city and my van with no warning started to slow down and I tried pushing gas to make it go faster to the speed limit because there were semi trucks lined behind and beside me and it wouldn't accelerate at all. It just continued to slow down at a fast rate and I was trying to get to the side of the freeway as fast as possible and the steering wheel got hard to turn to the side. It was a struggle and I had my husband, and all 5 of my daughters with me. We were all scared out of our minds. Vehicles were passing so close to us and so fast. The vehicle came to a complete stop on the side of the freeway and the engine was still running and I tried to push gas but it just revved up and didn't move at all. My family and I were stranded for hours waiting for help to come. We could have been hit by so many vehicles. …
Fuel & propulsion system all 20 →
I purchased the van and noticed that at times it would suddenly de-accelerate and drop from whatever speed im doing and refuse to speed up even if I press the gas peddle to the floor. Id come up to a stop sign and stop, then at times it wouldnt accelerate, even with the peddle to the floor, it would barely move forward. I brought it back to the person I purchased it from tried to describe what happened, they had someone check the transmission and said it was fine. Its continued to do this, and has almost caused crashes because it does it periodically and without warning on inclines, at red lights, if I driven a long distance (i.e. 1hr or so) etc, and when stopped. Its done this especially when it comes to hills, its terrifying but I have no other vehicles and now only drive it locally, avoid hills, and only if I absolutely have to. …
Multiple times got into the vehicle (no specific time this would occur) and attempted to start the vehicle. The vehicle would start as it was in the park position. When the van would be placed in reverse it would engage and backing up would occur. Once then the vehicle was placed in drive, the vehicle would then shutter and then stall out. This did occur twice while driver was pulling out, and the vehicle stalled in the middle of the road. After multiple attempts the vehicle would finally start. After the first two times this occurred, we started documenting the amount of fuel in the vehicle and each time this occurred it was on or below a quarter of a tank of gas. Since keeping at least a 1/2 tank of fuel, the vehicle has not exhibited this behavior. The vehicle was taken to local mechanic to be looked at. …
Electrical system
Vehicle lost power multiple times while being driven. The alternator has been replaced three times last being 12/21. Battery has also been replaced. Vehicle has been to 2 mechanics. Potentially thought A/C compressor was causing problem. Replaced by mechanic number 2 May 2022. Vehicle runs until headlights are engaged, a/c or radio etc. Vehicle was driven 10 miles without radio, a/c or lights. Power drained within 2 miles of turning headlights on and cut out in traffic. Sputters and able to pull over without causing accident barely. Left stranded multiple times. Once on a major highway with traffic, stranded on side of road. Spouse rescued while waiting for tow truck. Multiple tows with major motor club. Catalytic Converter light is active and was checked by TJ's in Loganville, GA, it did not need to be replaced at this time. …
Have fixed myself Ac compressor kit about 97,051miles on [redacted], maf sensor, two vvt solenoids having driven it 20,000 miles in five years trying to rid light. Nov 2019 purchased at 94,719 miles. Roberts nissan of manchester, tn checked and serviced on [redacted] at 95,186 milles in excellent condition. Light will not stay off for power train system, cam timing bank, timing chains, vct camshaft timing vct, power supply circuit. Nissan did replace recall ABS actuator. Had checked Cookeville Nissan [redacted] light on and they turned off saying it checked ok after a cold start for $230. It is loud now at 114,998 miles! This auto must have defective parts since Gateway has serviced it regularly. I am concerned about driving. Talked to consumer affairs of Nissan and was told it was over 65,000 miles and not valid.
2012 Nissan Quest engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cyl | CVT | FWD | 19 / 24 / 21 |
EPA ratings. Class: Minivan.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Nissan Quest a good car?
Based on 93 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Quest rates use caution: 1.7× as many complaints as a typical year of the Quest at the same age. It is one of the Quest years we suggest avoiding. 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 2012 Nissan Quest?
The transmission & drivetrain — 28 complaints, 30% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the fuel & propulsion system (20) and electrical system (18).
How many recalls does the 2012 Nissan Quest have?
There is 1 recall for the 2012 Nissan Quest, the most recent from February 29, 2012 (software). 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 2012 Nissan Quest problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 70,000 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.