DecodedCars2012 Nissan Quest
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Minivan - 2WD
- Body styles
- 4 Dr Minivan S/Sv, 4 Dr Minivan Sl/Le
- Engines
- 3.5L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 21 combined · 19 city / 24 hwy
- Length
- 200.8 in
- Curb weight
- 4,381–4,504 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Overview
The 2012 Nissan Quest is a minivan offered with a 3.5L 6-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 201 inches long and 78 inches wide on a 118-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,381 lb (4 Dr Minivan S/Sv).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (19 city / 24 highway), 1% worse than the 2012 minivan average of 21.3 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file and owners have filed 71 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Quest — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Quest →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 Dr Minivan S/Sv | 200.8 in | 77.6 in | 73.2 in | 118.1 in | 68.1 / 68.1 in | 4,381 lb | 55/45 |
| 4 Dr Minivan Sl/Le | 200.8 in | 77.6 in | 73.2 in | 118.1 in | 68.1 / 68.1 in | 4,504 lb | 55/45 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quest | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 24 / 21 | -1% | $3,200 | 423 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Nissan Quest.
Similar 2012 minivans
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Nissan Quest (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Toyota Sienna | 21 MPG | Not rated | 9 |
| 2012 Kia Sedona | 21 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 Honda Odyssey | 22 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan | 20 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Chrysler Town and Country | 20 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2012 Volkswagen Routan | 20 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (1)
Fuel System, Gasoline · Feb 29, 2012
NHTSA campaign 12V076000 · 23,531 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 INSUFFICIENT SUPPLY OF FUEL TO THE ENGINE. AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE MAY STALL.
- Risk
- VEHICLE STALLING COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
- Fix
- NISSAN WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE FUEL PUMP CONTROL MODULE, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON APRIL 2, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN CUSTOMER SERVICE AT 1-800-647-7261.
Not every 2012 Nissan Quest is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Nissan Quest buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 27 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 14 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Fuel/Propulsion System — 12 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 80,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Nissan Quest. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Quest years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Quest | 22 | – | Not rated | 0 | 6 |
| 2016 Quest | 22 | 200.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 13 |
| 2015 Quest | 22 | 200.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 12 |
| 2014 Quest | 21 | 200.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 18 |
| 2013 Quest | 21 | 200.8 in | Not rated | 0 | 16 |
| 2011 Quest | 21 | 200.8 in | Not rated | 1 | 31 |
| 2009 Quest | 19 | 204.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 16 |
| 2008 Quest | 19 | 204.3 in | Not rated | 2 | 31 |
| 2007 Quest | 19 | 204.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 115 |
| 2006 Quest | 19 | 204.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 17 |
| 2005 Quest | 19 | 204.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 22 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Nissan. How we calculate this →