Transmission complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 2 | 33% | — |
| 2016 | 6 | 46% | 83,000 miles |
| 2015 | 3 | 25% | 65,000 miles |
| 2014 | 7 | 39% | 78,000 miles |
| 2013 | 9 | 50% | 101,000 miles |
| 2012 | 28 | 30% | 82,000 miles |
| 2011 | 10 | 15% | 98,000 miles |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% | 59,000 miles |
| 2007 | 19 | 8% | 120,000 miles |
| 2006 | 15 | 20% | 94,000 miles |
| 2005 | 14 | 17% | 103,000 miles |
| 2004 | 72 | 16% | 37,000 miles |
| 2001 | 4 | 10% | 45,000 miles |
| 2000 | 5 | 6% | 85,000 miles |
| 1999 | 4 | 3% | 60,000 miles |
| 1998 | 3 | 7% | — |
| 1997 | 6 | 7% | 80,000 miles |
| 1996 | 4 | 3% | 140,000 miles |
| 1995 | 12 | 7% | 162,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Quest. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MPH, the contact shifted the CVT transmission into low (L) manually. The contact stated that the vehicle began to vibrate and then began to shake the entire vehicle. The contact removed his foot from the accelerator pedal and started to tap the brakes. The contact stated that the vehicle started to shake more violently while slowing down. The contact stopped the vehicle and felt resistance from the shift lever while attempting to shift the vehicle into park (P). The contact stated that the check engine warning light momentarily illuminated, but then turned off. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but had reoccurred without manually shifting gear. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent mechanic who scanned the vehicle and retrieved DTC code: P17F1 (CVT Judder). …
Car need transmission replaced - there is no warning on car that transmission is having major issues (ie no check engine light). My car shakes on turning this has been on going since I purchased the car in 2017. In late 2023 the car did not have as much pick up power like it used to and had a whining noise once you drive for a while (without the power it used to). There were no check engine light warning to date. On 1/12/24 I used auto zone engine diagnostic and following error codes came up - P17FO - CVT JUDDER P17F2 -JUDDER T/C inspection Diagnostic at AAMCO ON 3/25/24 show additional issues that don't show any warning signs eg check engine light PER AAMCO additional issues: Engine missing cylinder 3,4; and cylinder 1 is misfiring. Transmission juddering around 2nd gear, chain slipping under pressure...transmission having internal mechanical failure. …
Our 2015 Nissan Quest with 47500 miles on it started making a bad noise on Sunday 3/26/18, and hesitating as I was driving with my 3 kids back from a short trip. It was a horrible sensation to not know if I could make it home safe with my kids. Took it to nisssn to check it out on Monday 3/27/18. I got a call today to tell me that the radiatior gar a leak into the transmission. The transmission is out. I need to replace the transmission, and radiator. Total repair cost almost $6000. They submitted a claim under warranty, which was turned down by Nissan because it was not the transmission that fail on it\\\\\\\'s own. But, provoked by the leak by radiator, which is not covered under warranty. I purchased this vehicle in aug. 17. And, cannot believe that Nissan is getting away with not fixing this known issue on their faulty radiators on many of their vehicles. …
When vehicle is warmed up, while excelerating the transmission shudders. This transmission has been recalled and warranty extended on all Nissan vehicles emcept the Quest. The dealership in terre haute says it needs replaced at a value of $4300. I would like significant help with this.
Sent the van to Nissan for ABS recall repair and also got my serpentine belt replaced. The check engine light went on when I got the car back. I got a P0840 code which is for transmission pressure sensor. Nissan said I would have to replace transmission. They have a faulty transmission or they could have ruined my van after the repairs
The vehicle stopped on the road with no fault indication. On a long high ambient temperature drive from nashville, tn to florida, we exited the expressway stopped at a traffic light made a right hand turn and after a brief acceleration all propulsion to the wheels was lost while the engine was still running. This happened at 12:30 am, the next morning went to the vehicle to see if it was heat related, and the vehicle would start to accelerate to a low speed and then engine torque would drop and vehicle would roll for a while and then accelerate. It would take 4- 6 seconds to accelerate up to 35 MPH. Drove to the dealership that was a few miles away. At the dealership they found multiple diagnostic codes related to the transmission: p1700, p1778, p1740, p0868. P0746 they needed to replace the transmission to fix. Amongst all of this there was never a fault indication to the driver. …
While taking my van out of parking lot, the van wouldn't accelerate despite the fact that RPM guage showed proper RPM. I tried to back the van, but same situation. I checked any warning sign such as check engine but there was no such sign. Eventually the van started accelerating very slowly and picked up some speed. I straight reached to glen burnie transmissions shop and their master technician conducted the diagnostic and a drive test. He then informed me that antifreeze from radiator has mixed into transmission and caused the transmission totally damaged. He told me that it need a new transmission and radiator. The estimated cast is $4595 plus tax. I then checked with the local Nissan service and theirik service technician said that it is a very common problem in pathfinder and Quest even without warning. He gave me the repair estimate of $ 7500. …
We purchased a 2013 Nissan Quest in November 2015. It had around 48-49K miles on it and currently has 99K miles on it. While driving it yesterday, it began to violently shake upon acceleration between 0 and 45mph. It felt exactly like driving over rumble strips. We took it to the closest mechanic, who test drove it before pulling it into the garage to check the axels. When he went to put it in reverse to back it out of the garage, the transmission completely quit. The mechanic informed us at that point that nissans with the CVT transmission were notorious for having these types of issues. No check engine or transmission lights ever came on.
Frequently asked questions
Which Nissan Quest years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2004 (72), 2012 (28), 2007 (19), 2006 (15) and 2005 (14) model years. Transmission complaints make up 16% of all complaints for the 2004.
Is there a recall for Nissan Quest transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for any Nissan Quest model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Nissan Quest transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 74,000 miles; 27% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the automatic transmission (51 mentions), followed by the axle assembly (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.