2013 Nissan Quest
2013 Nissan Quest
Overview
The 2013 Nissan Quest is a family-oriented minivan known for its spacious interior and comfortable ride. While generally considered a reliable vehicle for its class, like any automotive product, it has specific areas where owners have reported issues. This analysis focuses on documented technical reliability concerns, excluding routine maintenance and normal wear and tear. We will examine common problems reported for the engine, transmission, suspension, electrical systems, exterior, and interior components to provide a comprehensive overview of its technical performance.
Engine
3.5L V6 (VQ35DE)
Oil Leaks (Valve Covers/Oil Pan)
- Symptoms: Visible oil spots under the vehicle, burning oil smell, low oil level.
- Solution: Replacement of valve cover gaskets or oil pan gasket.
- Cost: $300 - $700
Coolant Leaks (Intake Manifold Gasket)
- Symptoms: Sweet smell of coolant, white smoke from exhaust, engine overheating, coolant visible around intake manifold.
- Solution: Replacement of intake manifold gaskets.
- Cost: $400 - $800
Transmission
CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission)
Hesitation/Jerking
- Symptoms: Sudden jolts or lack of smooth acceleration, especially at lower speeds.
- Solution: Transmission fluid flush and filter replacement, potential transmission control module (TCM) reprogramming, or in severe cases, transmission replacement.
- Cost: $500 - $3,500+
Overheating
- Symptoms: Transmission warning light, burning smell, delayed engagement.
- Solution: Check and top off transmission fluid, inspect transmission cooler for blockages, potential transmission cooler replacement.
- Cost: $300 - $1,000
Suspension
Standard Suspension
Worn Struts/Shocks
- Symptoms: Bouncy ride, excessive body roll, clunking noises over bumps, uneven tire wear.
- Solution: Replacement of struts and/or shocks.
- Cost: $400 - $900
Electrical
Body Control Module (BCM)
Intermittent Power Failures
- Symptoms: Various electrical components (lights, power windows, locks) acting erratically or failing completely.
- Solution: Diagnosis and potential reprogramming or replacement of the BCM.
- Cost: $500 - $1,200
Infotainment System
Screen Freezing/Unresponsiveness
- Symptoms: Touchscreen becomes unresponsive, system freezes or reboots randomly.
- Solution: Software update, or replacement of the infotainment unit.
- Cost: $300 - $1,500
Exterior
Power Sliding Doors
Malfunctioning Motors/Sensors
- Symptoms: Doors fail to open or close, stop mid-operation, or reverse unexpectedly.
- Solution: Inspection and replacement of door motors, sensors, or control modules.
- Cost: $300 - $800 per door
Headlight Condensation
Moisture Inside Headlight Assemblies
- Symptoms: Fogging or water droplets visible inside the headlight lenses.
- Solution: Sealing the headlight assembly, or replacement of the headlight unit.
- Cost: $200 - $600
Interior
HVAC Blower Motor
Blower Motor Failure
- Symptoms: No air coming from vents, or air only coming from certain vents regardless of setting.
- Solution: Replacement of the HVAC blower motor.
- Cost: $200 - $500
Summary Verdict
The 2013 Nissan Quest, while offering a practical and comfortable experience for families, exhibits some common reliability concerns typical of minivans in its age bracket. The 3.5L V6 engine can be prone to oil and coolant leaks, primarily from gasket failures. The CVT transmission, a common feature in Nissan vehicles, has been associated with hesitation, jerking, and occasional overheating issues, which can lead to costly repairs. Suspension components like struts and shocks may require replacement due to wear. Electrical issues, particularly with the Body Control Module and infotainment system, can cause frustrating intermittent problems. Exterior concerns often revolve around the power sliding doors and headlight condensation. Interiorly, the HVAC blower motor is a component that may fail. Despite these potential issues, many owners find the Quest to be a dependable vehicle when these specific problems are addressed proactively.