1998 Nissan Quest: problems, recalls and reliability
1 recall and 41 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is visibility (15% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · latest recall Dec 2000
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 41 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“When I am driving I am smelling gas inside my vehicle during my heater on and outside, this is the second time this happen! *tr”Owner report · Fuel System, Gasoline · Jan 2014
“The fuel pump makes a whining noise when vehicle is running from (mid-car) / (almost sounds like it's in the speakers) and you can smell gas bad - especially after a fill up. *tr”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Jun 2012
“Have had a problem with doors automatically locking since early in the vehicle's life. Attempted to take it in prior to warranty expiration but dealer could never replicate problem, and thus went unfixed. Now the problem occurs regularly. Can unlock door with key (keyless entry no longer works) and before we get the door open, it locks again. All doors do not always lock when front locks are engaged. Can lock vehicle, return and open side door before front door is unlocked and alarm begins sounding. Found very similar complaints posted and know personally of one other owner who has the exact same problem. Very dangerous situation with children in the car. *nm”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Jun 2006
Show 7 more owner reports
“Front right coil spring breaks / snaps while car had been resting for 30 hours, punctures tire. No previous indication of trouble orfailure. If this had occurred while vehicle was moving, serious injury or death.”Owner report · Suspension · Aug 2005
“From the beginning our nissan van (1998) has had problems with the doors locking after the engine is off and the door is opened. Today, I was almost unable to get out of the van today, as the door keep locking every time I would try to open the handle. If this had been a child, they could have died in the heat (this is the middle of summer in florida) trapped in the car. I have checked to see if there has been any recalls on this problem, but found that only letters were sent out to the consumer regarding this problem. This could result in tradgedy for children, if they are caught in the vehicle. Something needs to be done quickly.*ak”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Jul 2004
“The engine began making a ticking noise which goes away after the engine warms up. My mechanic thought it might be the valve lifters but on closer inspection discovered that two of the six bolts that attach the manifold to the engine had snapped off. The repair will cost around $800 to $900. *la”Owner report · Engine And Engine Cooling · Dec 2003
“Vehicle locks automatically, without warning. The van has locked automatically both when the ignition was on, and when it was off. Also, when using the key to manually open the doors, it is difficult to get the doors open on the first try. This is on on-going problem. This is a dangerous condition, especially when one considers that the sale of minivans are primarily targeted to drivers with children.”Owner report · Structure · Jan 2003
“Doors lock intermittently, this happen while in park, idling in park, van off and attemping to open door after using remote.”Owner report · Latches/Locks/Linkages · Jun 2001
“While driving on highway, wheel started to vibrate and then tread separated on right front bridgestone tire. P205 75 r15. 64,000 miles on tires .has not contacted dealer yet. *ak *slc”Owner report · Tires · Feb 2001
“While traveling in stop and go traffic and another vehicle jumped in front of him. Consumer applied brakes and he hit motorist from behind. Upon impact, airbag didn't go off. Dealership was aware of problem.*ak *jg”Owner report · Air Bags · Jan 2001
When filing, owners marked a crash in 3 of these complaints and injuries in 2 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 1 campaign
VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MINIVANS. THE FUEL TANK VENT HOSE ALLOWS AIR TO VENT FROM THE FUEL TANK DURING REFUELING. CRACKS HAVE DEVELOPED IN THE VENT HOSE. IF (1) THE FUEL TANK IS OVERFILLED, NOT ALLOWING EXCESS FUEL IN THE VENT HOSE TO FLOW BACK INTO THE TANK, (2) THE VEHICLE IS DRIVEN ONLY A SHORT DISTANCE AFTER REFUELING AND, (3) THERE IS SUBSEQUENTLY SIGNIFICANT HEATING OF THE FUEL TANK, THE FUEL IN THE TANK CAN EXPAND INTO THE VENT HOSE AND LEAK FUEL.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE VENT HOSE.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 1998 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Quest by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 1998 Nissan Quest reliable?
NHTSA has 41 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on record for the 1998 Nissan Quest. The most complained-about area is visibility (15% of complaints).
At what mileage do 1998 Nissan Quest problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 103,000 miles or less.
Does the 1998 Nissan Quest have open recalls?
1 recall campaign has been issued, the latest concerning fuel system, gasoline:storage:tank assembly. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.