Headlight complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (headlights, tail lights, turn signals, interior lights).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Nissan Quest 2004 service engine soon light on and problems with steering. The service engine soon light had come on 3 times, creaking was felt in the steering wheel and or the front end, sounds were heard coming from the engine compartment, computer tire monitor indicated a flat tire and or low tire pressure during cold weather, the vehicle would run for five minutes then go up to 4 degrees higher (over inflated), when the weather was warm, the setting would then be above 40 psi which was dangerous to drive if not adjusted (incorrect results on the display), SRS light had come on after recall campaign #04V103000 was performed, driver's side power window was intermittent, sliding doors made loud bump noise when opened all the way, especially on inclines, heat outlets located on the floor behind the first row seat can't be controlled by the passenger rear controls, the dome lights were …
I have had nothing but problems, both big and small, with my brand new Nissan Quest se. I can almost deal with the sqeaks, rattles, broken buttons, broken lights, malfunctioning sensors, radio problems, and malfunctioning slider doors, but the problem I cannot accept is the failure of the car to run during damp or cold days. The car cranks and starts after a few attempts, but when it is put into drive it either lags as if it's running out of fuel, or dies completely. This has happened on at least 8 occassions, 2 of which I had to call a tow truck because I could not restart the car. Unfortunately, my dealership cannot replicate the problem so nothing has been done. Meanwhile, I never know if my car will run on these days, I have even been forced to walk down the street in below zero windchill temperatures with my children in order to get help. …
While driving home after dark, I made a stop and when I got back in my 2000 Nissan Quest the headlights would not go on. After several failed attempts to get them to come on and after looking at the light bulbs and realizing they were not blown out, I finally managed to get one light on to drive the short distance home. When the headlights were looked at during daylight hours, we determined that the connectors on both headlights had literally melted away. I'd like to know, since I've seen and heard other complaints, what Nissan is doinig about this. During this terrible experience, I had three children in the car with me. I don't feel safe driving my minivan at night for fear of the headlights burning out again, or worse yet, causing a vehicle fire!!!
Your closed defect investigation into this matter stated that it was a defective bulb that was used until July of 1999. After both my headlight bulbs went out simultaneously in the summer of 2004, my mechanic replaced not only the bulbs, but the connectors too. Guess what? My headlight bulb just melted it's connector again...in 2005... Using the "corrected" bulb indicated in your investigation. Why isn't Nissan and Ford and their supplier correcting this problem? It is hard to go on a trip or work at night when my other light May go out before the other is fixed. It also cost about $100 to fix.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Nissan Quest. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the headlights failed. The failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostic testing. The mechanic was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000.
When vehicle gets up to speed of 58 to 63 there is a very bad vibration in the front end. Vehicle has been aligned, bearing has been replaced, rims and tires have been changed. Problem is still occurring. Also the lamp socket, wiper switch, rack bolts, cup holder and hub assembly have all been replaced.
Tl* the contact owns a 1995 Nissan Quest. He was the original owner of the vehicle and there were 5 safety recalls on the vehicle. Each of the safety recalls were related to the vehicle, and he never received any safety recall notice. There was never a change of address since purchasing the vehicle. The contact would like to have all of the safety recalls repaired, and an explanation from the manufacturer stating why he never received a notice. The current mileage was 72,792.
Consumer recall 96V253004 concerning rear lamp socket failure. Consumer has received a recall notice from the manufacturer to repair the rear lamp socket. Consumer contacted the dealer, who claimed that this vehicle was not included in the recall. Also, manufacturer confirmed that this vehicle was not part of the recall.
Related recalls (2)
Exterior lighting › Tail lights
Vehicle description: minivans and light duty trucks. The tail light socket May have been improperly molded, resulting in the locking tab having insufficient force to retain the bulb.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the tail lamp sockets.
Exterior lighting › Tail lights
The rear lamp socket May not illuminate because the metal can in the lamp socket moves or separates from the plastic socket housing.
Remedy: Dealers will install a revised rear lamp socket and wiring assemblies.
NHTSA investigations
Failing headlights
Nissan and Ford found that the original equipment headlight stainless steel bulb terminals May over time cause elevated contact resistance and overheat the electrical connector housing.this can result in a headlight flickering, bulb outage and heat deformation to the headlight connector.in April 1999, the supplier of the headlight for Nissan and Ford changed to a bulb using the stainless steel terminals that did not…
Frequently asked questions
Which Nissan Quest years have headlight problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2000 (20), 1995 (13), 2004 (8) and 1999 (6) model years. Headlight complaints make up 23% of all complaints for the 2000.
Is there a recall for Nissan Quest headlight problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 99V347002 (tail lights, Dec 20, 1999); 96V253004 (tail lights, Aug 17, 1998). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Nissan Quest headlight problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles; 62% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the headlights (19 mentions), followed by the brake lights (5).
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.