Nissan Quest 2012 is a minivan, which became the last generation of the model before its discontinuation. The car was positioned as a spacious family vehicle with an emphasis on comfort and functionality. Even though Quest did not gain as much popularity as its Japanese counterpart Nissan Elgrand, it remains an interesting option for those looking for a reliable minivan with American design and Japanese reliability.
In 2012, the model was offered with a single engine - 3.5 liter V6 260 hp, which was combined with a CVT CVT. This made the car dynamic, but at the same time imposed certain restrictions on the transmission resource. In this article we will look at all the key aspects Nissan Quest 2012: from technical specifications to common problems and operating tips.
Technical characteristics of Nissan Quest 2012
Under the hood Nissan Quest 2012 gasoline engine installed VQ35DE with a volume of 3.5 liters, which develops 260 hp at 6000 rpm and 336 Nm of torque at 4400 rpm. This motor is known for its reliability and is used in many models. Nissan And Infiniti. Transmission - continuously variable variator Jatco JR710E, which transmits power to the front wheels. There is no all-wheel drive version available for this generation.
Acceleration to 100 km/h takes approx. 8.5 seconds, which is not bad for a minivan. Top speed is electronically limited to 180 km/h. Combined cycle fuel consumption is approx. 11.5–12.5 l/100 km, which is typical for cars of this class. The fuel tank capacity is 76 liters, which provides a range of up to 600 km.
- 🔧 Engine: VQ35DE, 3.5 l, V6, 260 hp
- ⚙️ Transmission: CVT (Jatco JR710E)
- 🚗 Drive: front (FWD)
- ⛽ Fuel consumption: 11.5–12.5 l/100 km (combined cycle)
- 📏 Dimensions: 5098 × 1996 × 1786 mm
- 🪑 Salon: 7 seats (2+2+3 configuration)
Suspension Quest independent on all wheels: front - MacPherson, rear - multi-link. This provides good handling and comfort, but rear suspension repairs can be expensive due to the complexity of the design. Disc brake system on all wheels, with ABS and distribution of braking forces EBD.
- Petrol V6
- Diesel
- Hybrid
- Electric
Options and equipment
In 2012 Nissan Quest offered in four trim levels: S, SV, SL and LE. Basic version S included air conditioning, power accessories, an audio system with 4 speakers and 16-inch steel wheels. More expensive versions received leather upholstery, navigation, a rearview camera, a blind spot monitoring system and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Top equipment LE equipped panoramic roof, adaptive cruise control, collision warning system and premium audio system Bose with 13 speakers. It also included heated and ventilated front seats, as well as electric tailgates.
| Equipment | Engine | Box | Key options | Note price (USD, 2012) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | 3.5 V6 | CVT | Air conditioning, power accessories, 4 speakers | 26 000 |
| SV | 3.5 V6 | CVT | Climate control, rear view camera, 17" wheels | 29 000 |
| SL | 3.5 V6 | CVT | Leather interior, navigation, blind spot monitoring system | 34 000 |
| LE | 3.5 V6 | CVT | Panoramic roof, adaptive cruise, Bose audio system | 38 000 |
One of the key advantages Quest is his spacious salon. In the standard configuration, the car offers 7 seats (2+2+3), but the second row can be transformed into three separate seats, increasing the passenger capacity to 8. The luggage compartment volume is 639 liters in 7-seat configuration and up to 2000 liters with the seats folded down.
When purchasing, pay attention to the package contents SL or LE — they are equipped with a blind spot monitoring system, which significantly increases safety when changing lanes.
Weaknesses and typical problems
Despite the reliability of the engine VQ35DE, y Nissan Quest 2012 there are several vulnerabilities, which you should pay attention to before purchasing. The main problem is CVT variator. If you do not change the oil on time (the recommended interval is every 60,000 km) it may begin to twitch, make strange noises, or even fail. Repairing or replacing a variator is expensive - from 1500 to 3000 USD.
Other common problems:
- 🔥 Engine overheating: associated with a malfunction of the thermostat or radiator. Solved by replacing parts.
- 🎵 Timing belt whistle: often appears after 100,000 km. Requires replacement of belt and rollers.
- 🚪 Door electrics: failures of power windows and central locking due to oxidation of contacts.
- 🛞 Suspension: knocking noises in the rear multi-link after 150,000 km (wear of bushings and levers).
⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Nissan Quest 2012 Be sure to check the service history of the CVT. If the oil has not been changed for more than 90,000 km, be prepared for a quick repair.
The owners also note insufficient sound insulation at high speeds and the creaking of plastic panels in the cabin. These problems are not critical, but can cause discomfort on long trips.
What to do if the variator starts to twitch?
If the variator Nissan Quest jerks when accelerating, check the oil level and condition. If the oil is black or has a burning smell, a complete replacement with flushing is required. If the problem remains, diagnostics of the solenoids and the variator belt is necessary. In advanced cases, it may be necessary to replace the entire unit.
Owner reviews: pros and cons
Owners Nissan Quest 2012 generally speak positively about the car, highlighting it spacious salon, comfortable suspension And powerful engine. Many note that the minivan is great for large families thanks to its convenient interior transformation and large trunk.
Among the disadvantages most often mentioned are:
- 💰 Expensive CVT maintenance - especially if you skip an oil change.
- 🛣️ High fuel consumption in the city (up to 14–15 l/100 km).
- 🔊 Poor sound insulation on the highway.
- 🔧 Expensive spare parts for the rear suspension.
However, many owners emphasize that with proper maintenance Quest serves faithfully for more than 200,000 km without serious breakdowns. Engine reliability is especially praised VQ35DE, which with regular oil changes (every 7,000–10,000 km) easily covers 300,000+ km.
Most problems Nissan Quest 2012 connected to the variator and suspension. With careful use and timely maintenance, the car will last for many years.
Comparison with competitors: which is better?
In 2012 the main competitors Nissan Quest were Toyota Sienna, Honda Odyssey And Chrysler Town & Country. Let's compare them based on key parameters:
| Parameter | Nissan Quest | Toyota Sienna | Honda Odyssey | Chrysler Town & Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 3.5 V6, 260 hp | 3.5 V6, 266 hp (or hybrid) | 3.5 V6, 248 hp | 3.6 V6, 283 hp |
| Transmission | CVT | 6-st. automatic | 6-st. automatic | 6-st. automatic |
| Fuel consumption (l/100 km) | 11.5–12.5 | 10.5–11.5 (hybrid - 6.5) | 11.0–12.0 | 12.0–13.0 |
| Resale price (USD) | 12 000–18 000 | 15 000–22 000 | 14 000–20 000 | 10 000–16 000 |
Nissan Quest compares favorably with competitors more powerful engine And spacious interior, but loses in transmission reliability (variator versus classic automatic transmissions from competitors). Toyota Sienna offers a low-consumption hybrid version, and Honda Odyssey famous for better handling. Chrysler Town & Country Cheaper, but inferior in build quality.
If you need powerful and spacious minivan with Japanese reliability, but you are ready to carefully monitor the variator, then Quest - an excellent choice. If the priority is transmission durability, it is better to consider Toyota Sienna or Honda Odyssey.
Recommendations for purchase and use
If you decide to buy Nissan Quest 2012, here checklist for verification before purchasing:
View the oil change history of the variator (should be every 60,000 km)
Check the level and condition of the engine oil (there should be no metal shavings)
Make sure there are no knocks in the suspension (especially at the rear)
Test the operation of the electrics (window lifters, central locking, climate control)
Check for traces of corrosion on the body (especially in the arches and on the sills) -->
After purchase it is recommended:
- Change the CVT oil immediately if the service history is unknown.
- Check and, if necessary, replace the timing belt (lifetime - 100,000–120,000 km).
- Renew brake fluid and power steering fluid.
- Install additional sound insulation if long trips are planned.
⚠️ Attention: Never tow Nissan Quest with a variator on a cable! To evacuate, use only a fully loaded tow truck. Towing with a flexible hitch can damage the box.
It is also worth paying attention to fuel quality. Engine VQ35DE sensitive to bad gasoline, so refuel only at proven gas stations with an octane rating of at least 92.
Tuning and modernization
Nissan Quest 2012 is not a popular tuning platform, but some owners upgrade to improve comfort or appearance. Here are some popular modifications:
- 🎨 External tuning: installation of body kits, tinting, LED headlights and taillights.
- 🔊 Audio system: replacing the standard radio with a multimedia system with Apple CarPlay And Android Auto.
- 🛋️ Salon: installation of additional heated seats, replacement of upholstery with leather or Alcantara.
- 🛡️ Protection: installation of crankcase and transmission protection for driving on bad roads.
For those who want to increase the dynamics, there are chip tuning options, but they not recommended for the variator. Increasing power without upgrading the transmission can lead to accelerated wear.
A safer option is to install sports shock absorbers (For example, KYB or Bilstein) and reinforced stabilizers, which will improve handling without risk to the variator.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
How long does the CVT last on a 2012 Nissan Quest?
CVT resource Jatco JR710E with proper maintenance is 150,000–200,000 km. However, if you do not change the oil every 60,000 km, it may fail after 100,000 km. The main thing is to monitor the level and quality of the oil, and also avoid sudden starts and towing.
What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Nissan Quest in the city?
In the urban cycle Nissan Quest 2012 consumes about 14–15 liters per 100 km. On the highway, consumption drops to 9–10 l/100 km, and in the mixed cycle is 11.5–12.5 l/100 km. Consumption depends on driving style and fuel quality.
Is it possible to install gas equipment on the Nissan Quest 2012?
Technically install HBO on VQ35DE it's possible, but it's not recommended. The engine is not adapted to run on gas, which can lead to overheating and accelerated wear of the valves. In addition, the variator does not tolerate the additional loads that arise when running on gas.
What oils are recommended for the 2012 Nissan Quest?
For engine VQ35DE Suitable synthetic oil with viscosity 5W-30 or 5W-40, corresponding to the standard API SN or ILSAC GF-5. Only original oil is used for the variator Nissan CVT Fluid NS-2 (or NS-3 for newer models). The oil change in the variator should be carried out every 60,000 km.
Should you buy the 2012 Nissan Quest today?
Nissan Quest 2012 - a good choice if you need spacious and comfortable minivan at a reasonable price. However, be prepared for regular variator maintenance and possible costs for suspension repairs. If you're looking for reliability without the hassle, consider Toyota Sienna or Honda Odyssey.