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Nissan · Known Issues

2011 Nissan Quest Problems: 6 Known Issues

2011 model year · 810+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

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Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 810+ owner reports, the 2011 Nissan Quest has 6 documented known issues, with 5 rated critical. The most serious are CVT Transmission Failure Under Load ($300-$6,000 repair), Power Sliding Door Motor and Latch Failure ($200-$800 repair), ABS Actuator Valve Gelling with DOT3 Fluid Causing Long Brake Pedal (V43, Campaign P0A08) ($0-$1,500 repair), Fuel Pump Control Module Software Fault Causing Engine Stall (V43, Recall 12V076) ($0-$0 repair) and VQ35DE Timing Chain Guide and Secondary Tensioner Wear (Rattle on Start-Up) ($1,200-$2,800 repair). The most commonly reported issue is CVT Transmission Failure Under Load with 520 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $200 to $6,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Quest Electrical2
  • Quest Transmission1
  • Quest Brakes1
  • Quest Fuel System1
  • Quest Engine1
  • FAQ
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In This Article

  • Electrical2
  • Transmission1
  • Brakes1
  • Fuel System1
  • Engine1
  • FAQ

All 6 Known Issues

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ALL YEARS2017201620152014201320122011201020092008200720062005200420001999

On the 2004-2017 Nissan Quest 3.5L VQ35DE V6, the Quest's power sliding doors suffer from motor failures, broken cables, and latch mechanism issues. The electric motor that drives the door wears out, leaving the door stuck partially open or unable to power-close. The latch assembly also fails, preventing the door from staying closed. In some cases, the door opens unexpectedly while driving, creating a serious safety hazard.

Common Symptoms

  • Power door stops mid-travel
  • Door won't close completely
  • Grinding noise when door operates
  • Door opens on its own while driving
  • Power door feature stops working entirely

How to Fix

Replace the sliding door motor assembly ($300-$600) or the latch assembly ($150-$300) depending on the failure. Check the door cable for fraying before assuming the motor is bad. Lubricate the door track and rollers with white lithium grease every 6 months. If the door opens unexpectedly, the latch recall (NHTSA 15V-595) may apply — contact Nissan dealer.

Owner tips & cautions

  • WarningIf the sliding door opens while driving, disable the power door switch immediately and use manually only. Then get to the dealer for the latch recall. This is a child safety issue.
Typical repair cost:$200 - $800

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium Confidence
Community reported
290 owners

On the 2011-2017 Nissan Quest, 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 you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Genuine Nissan rear evaporator core 27411-CN000

    2011-2017 Quest 3.5L VQ35DE, rear auxiliary HVAC; confirm VIN and required O-rings.

    NissanPartsDeal
  • Genuine Nissan rear expansion valve 92200-1JA0A

    2011-2017 Quest rear auxiliary HVAC; confirm VIN and whether the valve is included with the selected evaporator assembly.

    Nissan USA Parts

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$400 - $1,500

Research This Issue

Based on 290 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium Confidence290 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
Community reported
520 owners

On the 2011-2017 Nissan Quest VQ35DE, 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 you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Genuine Nissan NS-2 CVT fluid 999MP-CV0NS2

    2011-2014 Quest CVT only; confirm the owner's manual, service-fill quantity and level procedure. Do not mix with NS-3 or ATF.

    Z1 Motorsports
  • Genuine Nissan NS-3 CVT fluid 999MP-CSHNS3

    2015-2017 Quest CVT only; confirm VIN, service-fill quantity and temperature-based level procedure. Do not mix with NS-2 or ATF.

    Team Nissan

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$300 - $6,000

Research This Issue

Based on 520 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence520 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

On the 2011-2015 Nissan Quest VQ35DE, nissan ran a voluntary service campaign, ID P0A08, covering roughly 320,616 vehicles including 2011-2015 Quest vans (alongside 2010-2014 Murano and Murano CrossCabriolet). The cause is a chemical reaction between the chromate surface coating on the ABS actuator's normally-closed valve and DOT3 brake fluid, which forms a gel around the valve. The gel can hold the normally-closed valve open, making brake fluid pressure fluctuate and giving the driver noticeably increased pedal travel - the pedal goes farther toward the floor for the same braking effort. Because the defect is chemistry between the fluid specification and the valve coating, it develops with time and fluid age rather than with any particular driving pattern, and it recurs if the van is refilled with DOT3 after the repair.

Common Symptoms

  • Increased brake pedal travel
  • Pedal feels soft or sinks toward the floor
  • Brake pressure fluctuates during braking
  • ABS warning light in some cases
  • No external fluid leak found

How to Fix

Free under Nissan campaign P0A08. Dealers inspect the ABS actuator with CONSULT, replace the actuator if the valve is affected, flush the system from DOT3 to DOT4 fluid, and fit a revised reservoir cap plus an owner's manual insert specifying DOT4. The fluid change is the part owners must not undo: refilling a repaired van with DOT3 recreates the condition. If a 2011-2015 Quest has a long or sinking pedal and no external leak or air in the lines, have the dealer verify whether P0A08 has been performed on that VIN before chasing a master cylinder.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $1,500

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2011-2012 Nissan Quest VQ35DE, on 2011-2012 model year Quest vans, Nissan determined that the fuel pump control module could fail to command enough pump capability at low speed and low torque once the tank was down to about a quarter or less, starving the engine and causing it to stop running without warning. Nissan filed this as a safety recall - NHTSA campaign 12V076000 - because an unannounced stall in traffic is a crash risk. This is a control-module calibration defect on the V43 and is distinct from the mechanical sender-resistor fault that affected the earlier 2007-2009 vans; owners with a low-fuel stall should check which of the two their model year falls under.

Common Symptoms

  • Engine stalls without warning at low speed
  • Stalling occurs mainly with a quarter tank or less
  • Loss of power steering and brake assist after the stall
  • Hard restart immediately after stalling

How to Fix

Free recall remedy: Nissan dealers reprogram the fuel pump control module at no charge under campaign 12V076000. Check the VIN on the NHTSA recall lookup or with a Nissan dealer - this is a decade-old recall and many second- and third-owner vans have never had it performed, since it is a reflash that leaves no visible evidence. If the reprogram is already done and the van still stalls at low fuel, the fuel pump assembly and the level sender should be tested rather than reflashing again.

Typical repair cost:$0 - $0

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026

On the 2004-2017 Nissan Quest VQ35DE, both the V42 (2004-2009) and V43 (2011-2017) Quest use the VQ35DE 3.5L V6, and this engine family has a well-documented timing-drive wear pattern discussed at length in Nissan owner communities. Three distinct parts fail: the plastic primary chain guide cracks and breaks up, the secondary (bank) chain tensioners lose their hydraulic bleed-down control, and the primary tensioner plunger sticks. The signature is a loud rattle or buzz for a few seconds on cold start-up as oil pressure builds, plus a rattle on throttle between roughly 1,500 and 2,500 rpm; worn secondary tensioners instead produce a constant whine from the front of the engine. It is a mileage-and-oil-quality failure, most often surfacing past 120,000-150,000 miles and much earlier on engines run on extended or neglected oil changes. Left alone, a disintegrating guide can let the chain jump timing.

Common Symptoms

  • Loud rattle or buzz for a few seconds on cold start
  • Rattle from the front of the engine between 1,500 and 2,500 rpm
  • Constant whine from the engine bay
  • Check engine light with camshaft/crankshaft correlation codes
  • Rough running or misfire if timing has jumped

How to Fix

No recall. The correct repair is a full timing-chain job - primary and secondary chains, all guides, both secondary tensioners and the primary tensioner, plus the front cover seal and water pump while the front of the engine is open. Replacing only the tensioner on a chain that has already stretched brings the noise back. Because it is a front-cover-off job on a transverse V6 in a minivan, labor dominates the cost. Prevention is genuinely effective here: keep to a short oil-change interval on the correct-viscosity oil, since sludge is what makes the tensioners stick.

Typical repair cost:$1,200 - $2,800

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Nissan Quest problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 810+ owner reports, the 2011 Nissan Quest has 6 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: CVT Transmission Failure Under Load, Power Sliding Door Motor and Latch Failure, ABS Actuator Valve Gelling with DOT3 Fluid Causing Long Brake Pedal (V43, Campaign P0A08). Of these, 5 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Nissan Quest reliable?

The 2011 Nissan Quest has 6 known issues documented across 810+ owner reports. 5 issues are rated critical: CVT Transmission Failure Under Load and Power Sliding Door Motor and Latch Failure and ABS Actuator Valve Gelling with DOT3 Fluid Causing Long Brake Pedal (V43, Campaign P0A08) and Fuel Pump Control Module Software Fault Causing Engine Stall (V43, Recall 12V076) and VQ35DE Timing Chain Guide and Secondary Tensioner Wear (Rattle on Start-Up). 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 $0 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 is the 2011-2017 Nissan Quest CVT Transmission Failure Under Load?

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… Repairs typically run $300-$6,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2004-2017 Nissan Quest Power Sliding Door Motor and Latch Failure?

The Quest's power sliding doors suffer from motor failures, broken cables, and latch mechanism issues. The electric motor that drives the door wears out, leaving the door stuck partially open or unable to power-close. The latch assembly also fails, preventing the door from stayin… Repairs typically run $200-$800. Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 810+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

What is the 2011-2015 Nissan Quest ABS Actuator Valve Gelling with DOT3 Fluid Causing Long Brake Pedal (V43, Campaign P0A08)?

Nissan ran a voluntary service campaign, ID P0A08, covering roughly 320,616 vehicles including 2011-2015 Quest vans (alongside 2010-2014 Murano and Murano CrossCabriolet). The cause is a chemical reaction between the chromate surface coating on the ABS actuator's normally-closed… Repairs typically run $0-$1,500. Severity: high.

What is the 2011-2012 Nissan Quest Fuel Pump Control Module Software Fault Causing Engine Stall (V43, Recall 12V076)?

On 2011-2012 model year Quest vans, Nissan determined that the fuel pump control module could fail to command enough pump capability at low speed and low torque once the tank was down to about a quarter or less, starving the engine and causing it to stop running without warning. Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.

What is the 2004-2017 Nissan Quest VQ35DE Timing Chain Guide and Secondary Tensioner Wear (Rattle on Start-Up)?

Both the V42 (2004-2009) and V43 (2011-2017) Quest use the VQ35DE 3.5L V6, and this engine family has a well-documented timing-drive wear pattern discussed at length in Nissan owner communities. Three distinct parts fail: the plastic primary chain guide cracks and breaks up, the… Repairs typically run $1,200-$2,800. Severity: high.

What is the 2011-2017 Nissan Quest Rear A/C System Failure?

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 disas… Repairs typically run $400-$1,500. Severity: low.