Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 445 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004 Nissan Quest, and it carries 4 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 42 | 9% |
| Power train | 42 | 9% |
| Latches/locks/linkages | 42 | 9% |
| Electrical system | 36 | 8% |
| Air bags | 29 | 7% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 27 | 6% |
| Service brakes | 27 | 6% |
| Tires | 15 | 3% |
| Seats | 13 | 3% |
| Visibility | 13 | 3% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
I entered 14 freeway by sierra hwy entrance, as soon as I got in the fwy and left the pedal gas to slow down to get into traffic my van lost power and the shut off complete, i was very fortunate that it happened at the e
NHTSA complaint: Engine
The contact owns a 2004 Nissan Quest. The contact stated while at a complete stop, the driver and passenger side front overhead airbags deployed without impact. The contact sustained headaches and sought medical treatmen
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
unknown the frame is rusted in front steering section. /photos of area are being provided for your inquiry.
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
WE RECENTLY HAD TO CHANGE THE ALTERNATOR AND NOTICED ON THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT THE SUBFRAME HAS A LARGE HOLE IN IT AND IS COMPLETELY NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AND NOTHING HAS BEEN HIT THERE AND IT HAS NOT BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT R
NHTSA complaint: Structure
THE SPEEDOMETER QUIT WORKING AND THE ODOMETER DOES NOT WORK RIGHT
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR SOME MAINTENANCE/REPAIR TO THE FRONT AXLE ON 1/16/2020 AND THE MECHANIC FOUND THAT THE SUBFRAME ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE BY THE FRONT TIRE WAS SEVERELY RUSTED TO THE POINT WHERE HE C
NHTSA complaint: Structure
THE VEHICLE CAN'T SPEED WHEN THE ENGINE IS HOT UNTIL YOUR OFF THE ENGINE BEFORE IT CAN SPEED AND IT OVERHEATING
NHTSA complaint: Vehicle speed control
THE AIR BAG LIGHT GLITCHES ON THE DASHBOARD, IT TURNS ON AND OFF. THE ONLY WINDOWS THAT OPEN ARE THE FRONT DOOR WINDOWS, THE BACK SIDE WINDOWS COULD BARELY CRACK OPEN && THE TEMPERATURE INSIDE THE VEHICLE "WITH THE WINDO
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
NHTSA lists 4 recall campaigns for the 2004 Nissan Quest. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
ON CERTAIN MINI VANS EQUIPPED WITH A FOLDING THIRD ROW REAR SEAT, WHEN THE THIRD ROW SEAT IS RAISED FROM ITS STOWED POSITION, IT ENGAGES STRIKER BRACKETS, ONE ON EACH SIDE OF THE SEAT CUSHION. THE FOLD-AWAY STRIKER LOOP IS WELDED TO A MOUNTING BRACKET. THE STRIKER MAY BECOME DETACHED FROM ITS MOUN
Risk: IF THE THIRD ROW SEAT STRIKER WELD FAILS, THE STRIKER COULD SEPARATE FROM THE MOUNTING BRACKET. STRIKER SEPARATION COULD AFFECT THE RISK OF INJURY IN CERTAIN TYPES OF CRASHES.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE THIRD ROW SEAT STRIKER BRACKETS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 19, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
ON CERTAIN MINIVANS EQUIPPED WITH A POWER SLIDING DOOR(S), AT AN AMBIENT TEMPERATURE BELOW APPROXIMATELY 40 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT, THE ACTUATOR FOR THE POWER SLIDING DOOR(S) MAY EXPERIENCE BINDING DUE TO AN OUT-OF-SPECIFICATION CONDITION. IN ORDER TO OPEN, CLOSE OR REVERSE A POWER SLIDING DOOR, THE SH
Risk: THIS CAN RESULT IN THE DOOR COMING OPEN UNEXPECTEDLY UPON RAPID ACCELERATION, AND AN OCCUPANT COULD FALL OUT OF THE DOOR AND BE INJURED.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE ACTUATOR FOR THE POWER SLIDING DOOR(S). OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON JUNE 23, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
ON CERTAIN MINI VANS, THERE IS A SEAT ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM THAT CONTAINS EXPOSED MOVING COMPONENTS LOCATED AT THE REAR INSIDE EDGE OF THE SECOND ROW SEAT.
Risk: WHEN THE OPERATOR ATTEMPTS SEAT ADJUSTMENT, A FINGER MAY BE PINCHED IN THE MOVING SEAT ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM WHICH COULD CAUSE AN INJURY.
Fix: ON EARLIER MODEL VEHICLES BUILT THROUGH JUNE 28, 2004, DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE INBOARD SECOND ROW SEAT ADJUSTMENT HANDLE, RIVET A PLASTIC REINFORCEMENT TO BACKSIDE OF THE EXISTING SEAT BACK COVER CAR
CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE ADVANCED AIR BAG REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 208, "OCCUPANT CRASH PROTECTION." THE AIR BAG FOR THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT IS TO BE TURNED OFF (SO THAT IT DOES NOT INFLATE) WHEN CERTAIN OCCUPANTS, SUCH AS SMALL CHILDREN,
Risk: THIS REDUCES THE RISK OF SUCH OCCUPANTS BEING UNJURED BY AN INFLATING AIR BAG IN A COLLISION.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT CUSHION/SENSOR ASSEMBLY. IF THE SEAT CUSHION/SENSOR IS FOUND TO BE OPERATING IMPROPERLY, THE SEAT WILL BE REMOVED AND RECALIBRATED. OWNER NOTIFICATION B
| Reliability raw | 62 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 69 | good |
| Maintenance | 71 | good |
| Depreciation | 87 | excellent |
| Performance | 57 | average |
| Efficiency | 36 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other minivans & vans in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 445 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and structure is the most reported area with 42 of them (9%). There are 4 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 62/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 69/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2004 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 66/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.