Nissan Quest Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know
2011-2017 model years · Based on 1,590+ owner reports · Last updated March 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 1,590+ owner reports, the 2011-2017 Nissan Quest has 3 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical by the Au7o research team. The most serious is CVT Transmission Failure Under Load ($300-$6,000 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Power Sliding Door Failure with 780 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $300 to $6,000. Full technical analysis and DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
All 3 Known Issues
The Quest CVT (Jatco JF010E/RE0F09B) paired with the VQ35DE V6 suffers from premature failure, particularly when the vehicle is fully loaded with passengers and cargo. The combination of a heavy minivan with a CVT designed for lighter vehicles leads to overheating and accelerated wear. Failures commonly occur between 60,000-120,000 miles.
Common Symptoms
- Shuddering with full passenger load
- Transmission slipping during uphill driving
- Overheating warning light
- Delayed engagement from stop
- Complete loss of drive
How to Fix
Change CVT fluid every 30,000 miles with NS-3. Avoid overloading the vehicle. Add external CVT cooler for heavy-use scenarios. CVT replacement: $4,000-6,000. Check extended warranty eligibility.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 520+ owners who fixed this issue
- Tip
The 2011-2017 Quest power sliding doors are notorious for failure. The door motor, cables, and rollers wear prematurely, causing the doors to stop working, open/close partially, or make grinding noises. The issue affects both left and right doors. Nissan issued multiple TSBs addressing sliding door concerns.
Common Symptoms
- Sliding door won't open or close
- Door stops midway
- Grinding or clicking noise during operation
- Door opens/closes very slowly
- Warning beep without door movement
- Manual override required
How to Fix
Diagnose whether the motor, cable, or roller assembly has failed. Replace the sliding door motor (part# 82900-1JA0A for driver side) and/or cable assembly. Lubricate rollers and track rails with silicone spray preventively. Motor replacement: $400-900. Full cable and motor assembly: $600-1,200.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 780+ owners who fixed this issue
- Tip
The Quest rear A/C system fails prematurely due to the rear evaporator developing leaks. The rear A/C then blows warm air while the front works normally. The rear expansion valve can also stick, preventing proper refrigerant flow. Repairing the rear A/C requires significant disassembly of interior panels.
Common Symptoms
- Rear A/C blows warm air
- Front A/C works but rear does not
- Hissing noise from rear A/C area
- A/C system low on refrigerant frequently
- Moisture or ice under rear of vehicle
How to Fix
Diagnose whether the rear evaporator or expansion valve has failed. Replace rear evaporator (requires interior panel removal, $800-1,500 labor-intensive). Replace rear expansion valve if stuck. Recharge A/C system after repair.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 290+ owners who fixed this issue
- Tip
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Nissan Quest problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 1,590+ owner reports, the 2011-2017 Nissan Quest has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: CVT Transmission Failure Under Load, Power Sliding Door Failure, Rear A/C System Failure. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Nissan Quest reliable?
The 2011-2017 Nissan Quest has 3 known issues documented across 1,590+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: CVT Transmission Failure Under Load. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Nissan Quest problems?
Repair costs for known Nissan Quest issues range from $300 to $6,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, CVT Transmission Failure Under Load, typically costs $300-$6,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What year Nissan Quest is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the Nissan Quest. Based on owner reports, issues are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2011-2017 Nissan Quest with 3 documented issues from 1,590+ owner reports.
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