2012 Nissan Quest Reliability
The 2012 Nissan Quest has 93 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on file with NHTSA, most often about powertrain / transmission and electrical system. Compared with nearby Quest model years (2011–2014), it rates as a year to avoid: its complaint rate runs well above the Quest's typical year, while the 2013 has a cleaner record.
By CarWhere Research · Updated 2026-11-04 · Source: NHTSA
93
NHTSA owner complaints
1
Recall campaigns
5
Complaints citing a crash
2
Complaints citing a fire
2012 Nissan Quest complaints by component
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2012 model year, filed between 2012 and 2025. A complaint can name more than one component.
| Component | Complaints | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Powertrain / transmission | 28 | 30% |
| Electrical system | 18 | 19% |
| Fuel / propulsion system | 16 | 17% |
| Engine | 13 | 14% |
| Unknown or other | 12 | 13% |
| Body structure | 9 | 10% |
| Speed control / throttle | 8 | 9% |
| Service brakes | 6 | 6% |
2012 Nissan Quest recalls
1 recall campaign on NHTSA record for the 2012 model year, by the date NHTSA received the manufacturer's report. Recall repairs are free at a dealer.
| NHTSA campaign | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12V076000 | Feb 29, 2012 | Electrical system — software | Nissan is recalling certain model year 2011-2012 Nissan Quest vehicles, manufactured from July 29, 2010, through February 21, 2012. Due to software programming, while driving at slow speeds or idling on a decline with ¼ tank fuel or less, there may be an… |
How the 2012 compares with nearby Quest years
Verdicts compare these Quest model years with each other.
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 66 | 1 | Fuel system | Avoid |
| 2012 (this page) | 93 | 1 | Powertrain / transmission | Avoid |
| 2013 | 18 | 0 | Powertrain / transmission | Better year |
| 2014 | 18 | 0 | Powertrain / transmission | Better year |
Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA and are not adjusted for how many of each year were sold, so they compare years of the same model rather than different models.
What to check on a used 2012 Nissan Quest
- Transmission: test-drive from cold through every gear, feel for slipping, harsh or delayed shifts and shudder, and ask whether the fluid has been serviced.
- Electrical: test every light, window, lock, the infotainment screen and the charging system; scan for stored fault codes.
- Fuel system: smell for fuel around the car, watch for hesitation or stalling, and check for a lit check-engine light.
- Engine: cold-start it yourself, listen for ticking or knocking, check for oil leaks and oil consumption, and ask for oil-change records.
- Recalls: confirm each of the 1 campaign above was completed on this VIN; open recalls are repaired free at a dealer.
- History: run the VIN for salvage, theft and odometer records, and have an independent mechanic inspect the car before you pay.
Check this exact car
Any 2012 Nissan Quest can be better or worse than its model year. The CarWhere Used Car Report checks one VIN for salvage records, salvage-auction records (with damage photos when the auction published them), stolen-vehicle records, the odometer trail and its listing and price history since 2015. Free preview first; the full report is $12.99, one time.
2012 Nissan Quest reliability FAQ
Is the 2012 Nissan Quest reliable?
The 2012 Nissan Quest has 93 owner complaints and 1 recall campaign on file with NHTSA, most often about powertrain / transmission and electrical system. Compared with nearby Quest model years (2011–2014), it rates as a year to avoid: its complaint rate runs well above the Quest's typical year, while the 2013 has a cleaner record.
What are the most common 2012 Nissan Quest problems?
The most-reported problem areas in NHTSA owner complaints for the 2012 Nissan Quest are powertrain / transmission (28), electrical system (18), fuel / propulsion system (16), engine (13). One complaint can name more than one component.
Does the 2012 Nissan Quest have recalls?
NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign for the 2012 Nissan Quest, including 12V076000 (electrical system — software). Recall repairs are free at a dealer, and whether one was done is tracked by VIN.
How does the 2012 Nissan Quest compare with the 2011 and 2013 models?
By NHTSA records, the 2011 has 66 complaints and 1 recall (avoid); the 2013 has 18 complaints and 0 recalls (better year). The 2012 has 93 complaints and 1 recall.
How do I check a specific used 2012 Nissan Quest?
Run its VIN. The CarWhere Used Car Report checks one VIN for salvage records, salvage-auction records (with damage photos when the auction published them), stolen-vehicle records, the odometer trail and its listing and price history since 2015, with a free preview first and the full report at $12.99, one time. Pair it with an independent pre-purchase inspection.
More Nissan Quest research
Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation owner complaints (all body-style listings for the 2012 Quest, de-duplicated by complaint number) and NHTSA recall campaigns, retrieved 2026-11-04.