Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Nissan Quest owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
There is a fuel system glitch in the software. The car stalls when idling or traveling at speeds lower than 40 MPH. It almost always happens at stop lights or stop signs as well. Sometimes the car will not even drive but it will reverse. I am able to reverse out of a parking spot but am not able to drive forward. It it's very inconsistent and will happen frequently for weeks, then go a couple weeks without happening before it starts back again. A message pops up on the screen about a software error when the problem happens. It is the exact problem that has been recalled for the 2011-2012 quests but my VIN number does not match the recall. I have taken it to get repaired twice and no one could find the problem. After it would not drive at all yesterday, a new mechanic found the problem and the bulletin about the recall but Nissan will not cover it because my VIN number doesn't match.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Nissan Quest. While driving various speeds, the fuel tank gauge indicated that the tank was empty. The contact stated that two hours after filling up the fuel tank, the tank would be empty. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact took the vehicle to brown's fairfax Nissan (11010 fairfax blvd, fairfax, va 22030, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the transmission failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the failures and stated that there were no recalls or warranties per the VIN. The failure mileage was 161,000.
My new 2012 Nissan Quest goes dead and will not start when sitting on a downhill slope in the front. It has gas but it will sputter and will not start. My driveway goes downhill and I cannot even park in driveway I have to park on the side of the road. When this first happened I put van in neutral to possibly get it level and without notice the brakes would not work when in neutral and my brand new van ran thru the garage door!!!!! When you pay all that money for a Nissan that you consider reliable really bothers me!!! Taking it to the dealer today we will see what comes of it.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Nissan Quest. When the fuel tank reached a quarter tank and the vehicle was in a decline, the vehicle shut down. The vehicle was coasted to the bottom of the decline from where the contact proceeded to purchase fuel and filled the tank above a quarter of the tank. The dealer was contacted (coughlin automotive in newark, ohio) where it was diagnosed that one of the fuel sensors was faulty and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and did not assist. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Nissan Quest. The contact stated that the engine stalled without warning. The vehicle restarted; however, it would not accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the solenoid needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was exhibiting same failures as mentioned in NHTSA campaign number: 12V076000 (electrical system, fuel system, gasoline). The VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 82,499.
Though my vehicle was not subject to a recall I had the same issue as the other vehicles that had been recalled. With 40 miles left to go, according to my gauge, my vehicle stalled in traffic, on two different occasions, while turning left into gas stations. When I presented this issue to a dealer and to Nissan America I was told my vehicle was not subject to a recall, even though it was for the same problem and required the same repair as the recalled vehicles. I was charged over $300 for reprogramming my computer.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Nissan Quest. While driving approximately 50 MPH and slowing down in traffic, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but hesitated to respond. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer and manufacturer were not informed of the failure. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 12V076000 (electrical system, fuel system, gasoline). The approximate failure mileage was 42,000.
My van is not accelerating properly, it seems to idle out and does not go over 20 mph it idles on acceleration decline. i could not get out of way fast enough if traffic was busy.
Fuel System complaints in other Quest years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2012 Nissan Quest?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2012 Nissan Quest, 22% of the model year's 93 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2012 Nissan Quest fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 2012 Nissan Quest, though it has 1 recall 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 2012 Nissan Quest fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 42,000 miles, and 44% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 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.