2004 Nissan Quest Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 72about this part
- Share
- 16%of 445 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 37,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 72 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 Nissan Quest, 16% of the 445 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 37,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Engine control module [ECM] due to a bad design,rain and water from melting snow leaks onto the ECM and destroys it.I have been told that this is a common occurrence with the 2004 Quest and that Nissan had a secret recall on vehicles up to 8 years old.while driving on a busy highway at 60 MPH the vehicle suddenly slowed to 20 MPH,I was lucky to get off the highway safely.why did Nissan not notify all owners.”
NHTSA complaint #10817352, filed 2016-01, 85,000 miles“Rattling noise that increases as I accelerate. I assumed it was part of the exhaust system only to find out it is a timing chain issue which can cost at a minimum of $1800 for labor that does not include parts. I have contacted several mechanics in my area and they won't even deal with this issue due to the way Nissan has put the timing chain in the 2004 Quest.”
NHTSA complaint #10523139, filed 2013-07, 104,000 miles“I was driving my van and I came to a stop on a hill and it wouldn't go, I had to push the pedal to the floor to go. And it won't go in reverse either. I had power problems years ago but turning my van off and back on 'fixed' the problem. Also the timing chain issue has been going on for years.”
NHTSA complaint #10733491, filed 2015-07, 147,000 miles“There are major problems with the shifter/transmission on my 2004 Nissan Quest van. The problems started a few years ago when parked on a slight incline and the van wouldn't shift into reverse. I called the dealership and they advised me to pull forcefully on the shifter to make it shift. It did shift but this has continued to be a common problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10371135, filed 2010-12, 31,000 miles“Transmission held car to 20mhp then after shifting back and fort it goes back to normal. Engine dies here and there, when break pedal is pressed car steering wheel shakes. This almost cause an accident. Dealer took this car many time and they tell me. That they can't duplicate the noise. Researching online I found many complaints about this car and most of them says that the transmission brain is faulty.”
NHTSA complaint #10298906, filed 2010-01, 65,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10043950Apr 10, 2012Nissan: ecm replacement procedures with consult iii plus. Applies to all 2004 and later (does not apply to leaf/ev) vehicles.
- 10024689Apr 28, 2008Nissan; special automatic transmission fluid requirement. 2004 to current nissan vehicles.
- 10015845Jun 29, 20055 speed fwd a/t left side oil leak diagnostic. Update
- 10012856Mar 10, 2005At shift knob removal caution.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 2 | 33% |
| 2016 | 6 | 46% |
| 2015 | 3 | 25% |
| 2014 | 7 | 39% |
| 2013 | 9 | 50% |
| 2012 | 28 | 30% |
| 2011 | 10 | 15% |
| 2008 | 1 | 2% |
| 2007 | 19 | 8% |
| 2006 | 15 | 20% |
| 2005 | 14 | 17% |
| 2004 | 72 | 16% |
| 2001 | 4 | 10% |
| 2000 | 5 | 6% |
| 1999 | 4 | 3% |
| 1998 | 3 | 7% |
| 1997 | 6 | 7% |
| 1996 | 4 | 3% |
| 1995 | 12 | 7% |
| 1994 | 7 | 4% |
| 1993 | 5 | 4% |
Other parts of the 2004 Nissan Quest
77 complaintsBody and structure
70 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
61 complaintsEngine cooling
48 complaintsBrakes
43 complaintsAir bags
42 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
27 complaintsOther or unknown
26 complaintsTires
24 complaintsEngine
23 complaintsSeats
22 complaintsEquipment
21 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Nissan Quest
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology