2011 Nissan Quest Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2011 Nissan Quest carries 1 open NHTSA recall — most recently covering software. Owners report 5 recurring issue clusters, led by “Acceleration hesitation and transmission judder.” Nissan owner's manuals split service into Schedule 1 (severe) and Schedule 2 (normal). Most US drivers fall under Schedule 1. The biggest preventable failure on Nissan vehicles is CVT transmission damage from extended fluid intervals — owners of Altima, Rogue, Sentra, Pathfinder, and Murano with CVT should not skip it.

1 Open Recall

Source: NHTSA

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE

Campaign #12V076000 · Feb 29, 2012

Issue: 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.

Recall data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2011 Nissan Quest.

Reported to NHTSA

Acceleration hesitation and transmission judder

POWER TRAIN

13 NHTSA complaints · 2016-08 to 2023-10

Van became sluggish when coming to the busy intersection. When I tried to accelerate when light changed, engine light came on and van would not go over 5mph. I was almost hit. Codes were run by a mechanic. Four internal transmission codes are present. Was told that the Quest
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11535922
WHEN AT A STOP, OR A VERY SLOW SPEED (LESS THAN 2 OR 3 MPH), AND THEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE, THE CAR DOES NOT RESPOND RIGHT AWAY. THERE IS A 2 OR 3 SECOND DELAY THEN THE CAR JERKS FORWARD AND ACCELERATES. THE DEALERSHIP HAS CHANGED THE TRANSMISSION TWICE, BUT ISSUE NOT
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11120690

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Fuel starvation stall on incline/decline

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

33 NHTSA complaints · 2011-12 to 2025-06

WHEN FUEL GAUGE READS 1/4 TANK OR LESS VAN WILL SHUT DOWN IF ON A DECLINE (WHILE DRIVING OR PARKED). I BELIEVE THIS IS DUE TO A MECHANICAL ERROR IN THE FLOAT IN THE GAS TANK NOT READING PROPERLY. I MUST MAKE SURE THAT I HAVE AT LEAST 1/2 TANK OF GAS AT ALL TIMES. *TR
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10449177
ENGINE WILL STALL AND SOMETIMES NOT RESTART WHEN DRIVING DOWN A STEEP GRADE WHEN FUEL TANK HAS 1/4 TANK LEFT. *TR
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10440348
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN QUEST. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH ON A DECLINE WITH TANK OF FUEL OR LESS, THERE WAS AN INSUFFICIENT SUPPLY OF FUEL GOING TO THE ENGINE WHICH CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STALL. THE VEHICLE WAS MERGED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE IT
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10479927

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Electrical system stall and no-start

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

6 NHTSA complaints · 2012-03 to 2022-02

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN QUEST. THE CONTACT STATED WHEN HIS VEHICLE WAS IN THE PARK POSITION THE VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT HE HAD TO WAIT AT LEAST TWENTY MINUTES BEFORE HIS VEHICLE WOULD START. THE CONTACT TOOK HIS
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10563262
WHEN DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD MY VAN WILL START JERKING LIKE IT'S NOT GETTING ENOUGH FUEL. I HAD IT CHECKED OUT AND THE MECHANIC COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. WE DRIVE AROUND AND IT WOULDN'T ACT UP. SINCE THEN, I'VE NOTICED IT DOES WHEN WHEN USING THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11399017

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Dashboard cracking near instrument cluster

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

3 NHTSA complaints · 2016-02 to 2018-10

DASH IS CRACKED OVER CLUSTER AND VENTS
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10956679
AFTER A SHORT 3 YEARS THE DASH ABOVE THE PASSENGER SIDE SRS AIRBAG LOCATION ON THE DASH SPLIT. I ESCALATED THE ISSUE TO NISSAN 3RD LEVEL ESCALATION AND THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE THE DASH BUT WOULD GIVE ME 1000.00 TO SPLIT THE COST. ON JAN 25 2016 MY CAR WAS INVOLVED IN A NO FAULT
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10824713

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Brake failure and loss of stopping power

SERVICE BRAKES

4 NHTSA complaints · 2012-01 to 2026-06

I’ve experienced a complete brake failure and near collision involving my family. I have sent a formal written complaint to Nissan Corporate and I need to open a safety case immediately.” We were exiting the freeway when the brakes went to the floor. I tried to pump the breaks,
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11745279
I WAS AT MY SISTER HOUSE HAD DROVE FORWARD TO BACK UP, BEFORE I COULD PUT IT IN REVERSE THE MINIVAN JUST LUNGED FORWARD INTO HER DECK. THE DECK WAS DEMOLISH. I TURN THE WHEEL TO KEEP FROM GOING THROUGH HER HOUSE. IT WAS OUT OF CONTROL I APPLIED MY BRAKES IT DID NOT STOP
Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10525288

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 13, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 13, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter

Every 5,000 mi

Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic oil every 5,000 miles under Schedule 1. Schedule 2: 7,500 miles. VR30DDTT (3.0L twin-turbo): full synthetic only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 5,000 mi

Rotate tires every 5,000 miles. Front-wheel-drive Nissans (Altima, Sentra, Versa) wear front tires fast — don't skip rotations.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

CVT Fluid (NS-3)

Every 60,000 mi

Nissan officially calls CVT fluid 'lifetime,' but independent technicians and Nissan TSBs recommend replacement every 60,000 miles to prevent CVT failure. Use Nissan NS-3 fluid only — substitutes destroy the belt-and-pulley system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$360–$500

Shop

~$255–$355

DIY

~$80–$180

CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.

Brake Inspection

Every 7,500 mi

Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Rogue and Pathfinder front pads typically last 35,000-50,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Brake Fluid

Every 30,000 mi

Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 2 years. Dark or amber fluid indicates moisture contamination.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$180–$200

Shop

~$125–$140

DIY

~$10–$25

DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles, sooner if driving on dusty unpaved roads.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Spark Plugs

Every 105,000 mi

Iridium-tipped spark plugs are rated 105,000 miles on QR25, MR20, and VQ35 engines. VR30DDTT: 60,000 miles due to higher cylinder pressures.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Long-Life Coolant

Every 75,000 mi

Nissan Long-Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue/green): first change at 105,000 miles, then every 75,000. Do not mix with other coolant chemistries.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Transfer Case / Rear Diff (AWD models)

Every 60,000 mi

Rogue AWD, Murano AWD, Pathfinder 4WD: replace transfer case fluid and rear differential fluid every 60,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$105–$140

Shop

~$75–$100

DIY

~$15–$40

AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 15,000 mi

Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Located behind the glove box on Altima, Rogue, and Sentra.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

5 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

2

complaints mentioning a crash

0

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2011 Nissan Quest reflects Nissan's published service intervals and the Maintenance Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.