CarBrief

NHTSA has 13 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Quest and lists no recalls for it[1][2]. Power train has the most complaints, 6 of the 13, and the texts we read describe transmission trouble[1][3].

13owner complaints[1]
22MPG combined (EPA)[4]

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 13 owner complaints for this model year[1]. None mention a crash, a fire, an injury or a death[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name several components.

The power train group has the most complaints, with 6[3]. In the complaint texts we read, owners describe the transmission jerking or shaking while accelerating, a loss of power on the highway, and a car that would not move in drive[3]. We cannot tell from the data how often this happens across all cars.

Other groups have far fewer complaints:

The air bag complaint describes the passenger airbag off light coming on while a passenger sits in the seat[10]. The structure complaint describes an interior door handle that would not open the door when the outside handle was stuck[11]. With one complaint each, these are not shown to be common problems.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 0 recalls for the 2016 Quest[2].

Fuel economy

The EPA rates the 3.5L 6-cylinder Quest with front-wheel drive at 20 mpg city, 27 highway and 22 combined[4]. The EPA estimates annual fuel cost at $3,050[4]. That estimate uses the EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new[4].

Safety ratings

The NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings list this van as not rated[12]. That means there is no star score to compare.

Engine and size

The EPA lists the 3.5L 6-cylinder engine at 260 hp[13]. These dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

Variant Length Width Height Wheelbase Curb weight
S/SV[14] 201 in 78 in 73 in 118 in 4,381 lb
SL/LE[15] 201 in 78 in 73 in 118 in 4,504 lb

How 2016 compares with other years

1995: 167 complaints, 3 recalls19951996: 134 complaints, 2 recalls1997: 89 complaints, 2 recalls19971998: 41 complaints, 1 recalls1999: 118 complaints, 4 recalls19992000: 87 complaints, 2 recalls2001: 42 complaints, 1 recalls20012002: 29 complaints, 0 recalls2004: 445 complaints, 4 recalls20042005: 82 complaints, 2 recalls2006: 74 complaints, 1 recalls20062007: 228 complaints, 1 recalls2008: 50 complaints, 3 recalls20082009: 22 complaints, 2 recalls2011: 66 complaints, 1 recalls20112012: 93 complaints, 1 recalls2013: 18 complaints, 0 recalls20132014: 18 complaints, 0 recalls2015: 12 complaints, 0 recalls20152016: 13 complaints, 0 recalls1320162017: 6 complaints, 0 recalls2017
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Quest model year. The 2016 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
19951673
19961342
1997892
1998411
19991184
2000872
2001421
2002290
20044454
2005822
2006741
20072281
2008503
2009222
2011661
2012931
2013180
2014180
2015120
2016130
201760

NHTSA has 13 complaints for 2016[2]. That is more than 2015 with 12 and 2017 with 6[2]. It is fewer than 2013 and 2014 with 18 each, and fewer than every year before 2015 that is listed[2]. The 2013 to 2017 model years all show 0 recalls[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so treat them as a rough guide.

Should you buy a used 2016 Quest?

The paperwork looks light, with 13 complaints and no recalls on file[1][2]. Owners in the texts we read describe transmission trouble, so a careful test drive and a pre-purchase inspection are sensible[3]. Ask for service records, especially for the transmission. The van is not safety rated, so there is no NHTSA star score to lean on[12].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2016 Nissan Quest?
Power train has the most complaints, 6 of 13[1][3]. Owners in the texts we read describe transmission jerking and shaking.
Does the 2016 Nissan Quest have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 0 recalls for the 2016 model year[2].
What is the gas mileage of the 2016 Nissan Quest?
The EPA rates it at 20 city, 27 highway and 22 combined mpg[4].
Is the 2016 Nissan Quest safe?
NHTSA lists it as not rated[12]. None of the 13 complaints mention a crash, fire, injury or death[1].
Which Nissan Quest year has the fewest complaints?
Among years listed, 2017 has 6 complaints, 2015 has 12 and 2016 has 13[2].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 13 owner complaints on file for the 2016 Nissan Quest (0 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 0 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every Nissan Quest model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. 6 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  4. EPA rating for Quest, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 27 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  5. 2 complaints name the suspension component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 1 complaints name the wheels component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 1 complaints name the exterior lighting component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 1 complaints name the brakes component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 1 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 1 complaints name the air bags component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 1 complaints name the structure component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, VAN FWD: not rated. NHTSA vehicle records
  13. EPA Test Car List, 2016 Nissan Quest with 3.5L 6-cylinder: rated 260 hp. www.epa.gov
  14. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, QUEST 4DR MINIVAN S/SV: length 201 in, width 78 in, height 73 in, wheelbase 118 in, curb weight 4,381 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  15. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, QUEST 4DR MINIVAN SL/LE: length 201 in, width 78 in, height 73 in, wheelbase 118 in, curb weight 4,504 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.