Before you buy
This 2012 Nissan Quest has 93 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Transmission / Drivetrain.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
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2012 Nissan Quest Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA official fuel economy rating for the 2012 Nissan Quest.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions.
2012 Nissan Quest Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
NISSAN QUEST 2012 has 93 NHTSA complaints, with transmission/drivetrain issues (28) and electrical faults (18) most common. One recall exists. Buyers should inspect transmission and electrical systems. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Quest
- Model year
- 2012
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 93
- Crash-related complaints
- 5
- Safety recall campaigns
- 1
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 21
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 24
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2012 Nissan Quest problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Electrical Faults
Fuel/Propulsion System
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Electrical Faults, Fuel/Propulsion System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2012 Nissan Quest?
The 2012 Nissan Quest has notable transmission and electrical complaints, making it a higher-risk choice. Buyers should proceed with caution and prioritize a thorough inspection.
Transmission and electrical problems can lead to costly repairs and reduced reliability, affecting ownership experience.
May Suit
This year may suit budget-conscious buyers willing to accept higher maintenance risk.
May Want to Avoid
Buyers seeking a reliable family minivan should avoid this year due to elevated complaint counts.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2012 Nissan Quest
Inspection Focus
- Transmission fluid condition and shift quality
- Electrical components: battery, alternator, wiring
- Fuel system: leaks, pressure, injectors
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect transmission for slipping, hard shifts, or leaks.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect before purchase.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2012 Nissan Quest, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2012 Nissan Quest shows a high number of transmission/drivetrain complaints (28) and electrical faults (18). With only 5 crash-related complaints, the data suggests potential reliability issues rather than safety defects. Source: NHTSA owner complaints and recall records.
Year context: Compared to other model years, 2012 has a high complaint count, but data for other years is not provided.
Recall context: One recall indicates a known issue, but the low recall count does not fully reflect the high complaint volume.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints total 28, the highest category.
- Electrical faults account for 18 complaints.
- Fuel/propulsion system has 16 complaints.
- Transmission / Drivetrain failures
- Electrical system malfunctions
- Fuel system issues
Full breakdown
All 2012 Nissan Quest complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Nissan Quest. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 28 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 18 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 16 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 15 | 1 | 2 | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 9 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 8 | 2 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 6 | 2 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Nissan Quest. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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 t…
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.
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…
Have fixed myself Ac compressor kit about 97,051miles on [XXX], 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 [XXX] at 95,186 milles in e…
The contact owed a 2012 Nissan Quest. The contact stated while shifting the vehicle into reverse, the vehicle launched forward at high speed without any warning. The contact pressed on the brake pedal, but it failed to stop the vehicle, causing the contact to loss control and dri…
CVT Transmission failed and had to replace with new CVT Transmission while returning from a trip on June 7 2023. It failed in middle of the trip. Aamco Boardman, OH helped replace it with brand new transmission and it cost $7525. Last year also Compressor failed and had to replac…
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 slo…
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. Ve…
Instumrnt panel goes blank, often stays off. Sometimes have to pull over to turn off vehicle and turn back in. Rarely works when this is done.
The dashboard on my 2012 Nissan Quest S is splitting at the edges leaving a gap between 1/16-1/32 wide. The area around the passenger air bag is now outlined and I am concerned it my effect the air bag. This started about a year ago and is getting worse.
Daughter's Quest has a bad CVT transmission. Diagnosis made by independent service center. Check engine light came on. Codes P1700, P0746, & P0868. Unsafe to drive - doesn't accelerate, shakes, shutters, etc. Other Nissan Quest/Nissan owners with same issue (Pathfinder, Rogue, Ju…
Dashboard has a square cut on the passnger side, it is like a blade cut.
CVT transmission is failing, it is very very common with Nissan.
My Brake system was flushed but my brake light and battery and ABS LIGHT stays on flickering I was driving my vehicle at high speed and it it just stalls with no warning... I have to wait 20 mins or more before it'll start again. It has bn doing this for an entire year..driving …
Traveling at a high speed of 75 vehicle without warning stalls can't give any gas... Will not restart to after it has sat for about 20 mins then it will start and stall out again..ABS light and brake battery light keeps jumping on and off
My 2012 Nissan Quest has completely rotted out causing the muffler system and the motor mount to move causing significant damage and repair. Over $2,500 just to buy parts and repair all due to excessive rust on the body frame underneath. Its only a 2012 yet it looks as if it is a…
IN 2019 OUR PAINT STARTED PEALING OFF IN CHUNKS. I CAN RUB MY HAND A CROSS THE PAINT AND IT WILL FALL OFF. WHEN I WASH MY VEHICLE EVEN MORE PAINT WILL COME OFF. THERE ARE NUMEROUS SPOTS ON MY VEHICLE WHERE THE METAL IS EXPOSED.
FRONT SUN ROOF EXPLODED, SHOWERING GLASS OVER THE ROOF. DRIVING ON A SMOOTH CITY STREET AT 35 MPH. NO OTHER VEHICLE OR PERSON IN THE VICINITY, AND NOTHING OVERHEAD. TEMPERATURE NEAR FREEZING AND SPITTING SNOW. THE LOCAL NISSAN DEALER ACCEPTS NO RESPONSIBILITY.
I AM HAVING A PROBLEM ON THE CVT TRANSMISSION OF MY 2012 NISSAN QUEST. IT'S BECOMING TOO DANGEROUS TO DRIVE BECAUSE IT'S KEEP ON JERKING WHEN I'M DRIVING IT IN THE STREET THAT IS WAY I DON'T DRIVE IT IN THE FREEWAY BECAUSE IT'S TOO DANGEROUS AND LATELY IT SPEED UP THAT I ALMOST G…
AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON AS SOON AS CAR IS IN IGNITION AND STAY WHEN CAR IS STATIC. THE LIGHT STAYS ON EVEN IN MOTION. THE DEALER FIXED THIS ISSUE AND ANOTHER LIGHT CAME ON. I AM BEEN TOLD TO PAY ANOTHER 3000 DOLLARS TO FIX THE SEAT.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2012 Nissan Quest.
Safety recalls
2012 Nissan Quest recalls
1 campaignNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Nissan Quest. One recall indicates a known issue, but the low recall count does not fully reflect the high complaint volume. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2012 Nissan Quest buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2012 Nissan Quest reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 93 owner complaints, 5 crash-related complaints, and 1 recall campaign for this model year. The 2012 Nissan Quest has notable transmission and electrical complaints, making it a higher-risk choice. Buyers should proceed with caution and prioritize a thorough inspection. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Nissan Quest?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (28 complaints). #2: Electrical Faults (18 complaints). #3: Fuel/Propulsion System (16 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Nissan Quest?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2012 Nissan Quest?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2012 Nissan Quest, NHTSA complaints include 5 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 93 total complaints. 3 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2012 Nissan Quest have any recalls?▾
Yes. 1 NHTSA recall campaign affect the 2012 Nissan Quest. A major recall area is ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE. One recall indicates a known issue, but the low recall count does not fully reflect the high complaint volume. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2012 Nissan Quest?▾
The 2012 Nissan Quest has notable transmission and electrical complaints, making it a higher-risk choice. Buyers should proceed with caution and prioritize a thorough inspection. Transmission and electrical problems can lead to costly repairs and reduced reliability, affecting ownership experience. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Nissan Quest reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.