The Good
The 2012 Quest offered a smooth ride and a powerful V6 engine, appealing to drivers seeking comfortable performance. Its spacious and versatile interior provided practicality for families. While not known for outstanding reliability, its distinctive styling could attract buyers seeking a minivan that stands out. Value-wise, it offered a good set of features for the price.
The Bad
The 2012 Nissan Quest had some reliability concerns, particularly with the continuously variable transmission (CVT). Owners should watch out for transmission slippage or unusual noises. Some also reported issues with the power sliding doors and electrical components. Premature brake wear has also been noted by some owners. Rust can also be a concern in certain climates.
2012 Nissan Quest: Quick Overview
Key Specs for the 2012 Nissan Quest:
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6
- Horsepower: 260 hp
- Fuel Economy: 19 mpg city / 24 mpg highway (EPA estimated)
- 0-60 mph: Approximately 8.3 seconds
- Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs (when properly equipped)
Trim Level Features:
- S: Includes standard features such as cloth upholstery, keyless entry, and a basic audio system.
- SV: Adds features like alloy wheels, power-sliding doors, tri-zone automatic climate control, and a rearview monitor.
- SL: Includes leather upholstery, heated front seats, a power liftgate, and an upgraded audio system.
- LE: Top-of-the-line trim featuring a navigation system, Bose audio system, blind-spot monitoring, and a dual-panel sunroof.
All models came equipped with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The interior boasts fold-flat 2nd and 3rd row seats for enhanced cargo versatility. The Quest's focus was on providing a comfortable and spacious interior for passengers and cargo. Safety features included standard stability control, traction control, and multiple airbags.
2012 Nissan Quest Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2012 |
| Make | Nissan |
| Model | Quest |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Minivan |
| Category | Minivan |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | Japan |
| Manufacturing City | MIYAWAKA |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | 4367 pounds |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | 73 inches |
| Overall Length | 200.8 inches |
| Overall Width | 77.6 inches |
| Wheelbase Length | 118.1 inches |
| Standard Seating | 7 |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | Gasoline V-6 3.5-L |
| Engine Size | 3.5L |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Transmission | 1 Continuously variable ratio |
| Transmission Type | CVT |
| Transmission Speeds | 1-Speed |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | 4-Wheel |
| Steering Type | Power Rack & Pinion |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | $25,990 |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2012 Nissan Quest Have?
Another area of concern involves the power sliding doors, with some owners experiencing malfunctions or complete failure. Electrical issues, including problems with the audio system and other electronic components, have also been reported. Premature brake wear is another commonly cited issue.
Regarding recalls, it's essential to check the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) website for any safety recalls issued for the 2012 Nissan Quest. Recalls may address issues related to safety defects or non-compliance with federal safety standards.
Long-term reliability concerns mainly center around the CVT and potential electrical issues. Regular maintenance, including fluid changes, is crucial to mitigate potential CVT problems. Prospective buyers should have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic to assess the condition of the transmission and other critical components.
How long will the 2012 Nissan Quest last?
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Entertainment options included a DVD entertainment system with a flip-down screen for rear passengers (available on higher trims). The LE trim featured a navigation system and a Bose audio system.
Driver-assistance features were limited compared to modern vehicles but included available blind-spot monitoring on the LE trim. Safety features included standard stability control, traction control, and multiple airbags (front, side, and curtain airbags).
Crash-test ratings from the IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) and NHTSA provide valuable information on the vehicle's safety performance in various crash scenarios. It's recommended to consult these sources for specific ratings for the 2012 Nissan Quest.
Optional features varied by trim but could include a dual-panel sunroof, leather upholstery, and heated front seats. The Quest's tech focused primarily on comfort and convenience for families, with safety features being fairly standard for its era.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2012 Nissan Quest Prices and Market Value
2012 Nissan Quest Cost of Ownership
2012 Nissan Quest Fuel Efficiency
2012 Nissan Quest Safety Rating
NHTSA
2012 Nissan Quest Recalls & Defects
Fuel System, Gasoline
Electrical System:software
2012 Nissan Quest Warranty
Basic
Corrosion
Drivetrain
2012 Nissan Quest Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2012 Nissan Quest Compare to Other Minivan?
The Honda Odyssey and Toyota Sienna are generally considered better alternatives due to their superior reliability and higher resale values. The Chrysler Town & Country and Dodge Grand Caravan offered more budget-friendly options with comparable features, but they also had their own reliability concerns.
If reliability is a top priority, the Odyssey or Sienna are better choices. If budget is the primary concern and you're willing to accept potentially higher repair costs, the Chrysler or Dodge options might be considered. The Quest can be a decent option if found at a significantly lower price than its rivals and has a well-documented maintenance history, particularly regarding CVT servicing.
Ranks #64 Van
| 1 | 2023 Toyota Sienna | (5.0★) |
| 2 | 2023 Honda Odyssey | (2.0★) |
| 3 | 2001 Mazda MPV | (4.0★) |
| 4 | 2024 Ford E-Series Cutaway | (0.0★) |
| 5 | 2023 Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van | (0.0★) |
| 6 | 2023 Chevrolet Express Passenger | (0.0★) |
| 7 | 2021 Nissan NV200 | (3.0★) |
| 8 | 2023 GMC Savana | (0.0★) |
| 9 | 2023 Ram ProMaster | (0.0★) |
| 10 | 2021 Rolls-Royce Dawn | (0.0★) |
| 11 | 2013 Volkswagen Routan | (4.0★) |
| 12 | 2007 Buick Terraza | (0.0★) |
| 64 | 2012 Nissan Quest | (5.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2012 Nissan Quest a Good Minivan?
TOM/DALLAS, TX on September 11, 2020
MOST UNRELIABLE CAR THAT CAUGHT ON FIRE/BURNED!!!We bought this car with 8 miles on it! The Car caught on fire while driving on Interstate 30 in TX. Big explosion in the engine compartment ! Don't ever by Nissan! It only had 30,000.miles. The sticker price was about $37,000!!!! WE LOST OUR MONEY!
Ladoo on June 21, 2020
Best minivan I could ever find for the best priceIt’s a people’s mover for the entire family. Everyone loves the comfortable and luxury of any long distance trip. Fully and all services done at a certified Nissan dealership.
Cha5e on April 25, 2020
Best looking minivanThis van has exceeded all my expectations. Great value, excellent combined mpg and extremely comfortable with the zero-gravity seats. Interior is luxurious especially with captain chairs. Love the deep bi-level trunk storage for privacy and roof racks for added storage if needed. Extremely comfortable for all seven passengers.
Atset2 on November 14, 2019
Great van!We are sad this was discontinued. It’s great to carpool. Super reliable except in the end when it started to break down. But it did have 103K miles on it!
mark rodigo on June 30, 2019
honda accord,this 2012 Nissan van was the worst van I ever had transmission went bad before 100,000 miles no one wants to work on it with guarente
Eddie1984 on January 25, 2019
I love everything about this carEverything that I wanted in a van I found in this car. It has all of the bells and whistle’s but yet drives and performs like a sports car
momof3 on August 8, 2018
Great Van!I have owned the vehicle for over 5 years. That is a first for me. It still is just as good as when it was new. I have hauled kids, antiques, and softball stuff over 113,000 miles. I normally trade every 2 years, because I am pretty ticky. Now, I cannot find anything better than what I have. I wish it had more charging ports, the radio would work with Android, and better MPG. But those are minor and I think have been changed in newer models. This vehicle has meet every need I have had. You will not believe how much you can load in the back!
Jlashef on February 21, 2018
Most comfortable minivan ive owned.I have had honda, toyota, and chrysler minivans in the past, this one far surpasses all of them. Far more comfortable, powerful, and more sporty looking.
Horsehair on December 5, 2017
Extremely reliable and roomyI think the all-around feeling on this vehicle is excellent has plenty of room for my family and I is very reliable so I don't have to worry about my wife breaking down on the side of the road
Deno70 on November 1, 2017
Best van in marketBest van in market.sur.strong car.huge .space.but expensive in gas because v6.confortable.i recommande this car for all familly.
Jovan
Jovan specializes in interpreting vehicle records and making sense of VIN data. With over 10 years of experience in the automotive data industry, his work ensures that every report is clear, accurate, and useful for car buyers.