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Nissan Quest/Mercury Villager problems

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Comments

  • jkrolakjkrolak Member Posts: 38
    the fix was implemented for vans that are now 5 years old. No problem on the 1999 or 2000 models.
  • stickguystickguy Member Posts: 50,382
    They actually switched to a different engine in '99, which has no historu of problems with the bolts.

    2020 Acura RDX tech SH-AWD, 2023 Maverick hybrid Lariat luxury package.

  • pocahontaspocahontas Member Posts: 802
    When I brought my 99 SE Quest in for the last oil change (few weeks ago), I reported two small concerns:

    1. An intermittent creak sound (bearly audible) coming from the break pedal when pushing in and out. This can only be heard at very slow speeds, or at full stop. At higher speeds, the creak may be masked by the engine noise. btw, it sounds like it's coming from the pedal and not the actual brakes.

    2. The other concern is a slight swishing sound in the steering wheel when turning. I only hear this occasionally.

    I was told by my regular mechanic that both items were functioning properly. I didn't argue with this opinion, because this dealer service has be helpful on other matters with previous vehicles; also both the brakes and steering have been working fine.

    However, today I went to pick up an accessory (rear bumper guard) today from a different dealer, so I decided that while I was there, I'd get a second opinion on these two things. This time I went along for the test drive with the mechanic to point out the noises. I couldn't duplicate the swishing noise, however we did hear the brake creak. This dealer service handled my concerns differently. For the brake noise, he's going to replace the brake booster. He's not really sure what's causing the creak, or if it's a real problem or not..., but since he can hear it coming from the booster, he's decided to just replace it.

    As for the swishing sound in the steering wheel, they'll be replacing the "spiral cable." He also mentioned that he'd done the same for some other Quests that had a swishing noise... so he was going to go ahead and replace this, even though he couldn't duplicate the problem with my van.

    If anyone else has similar symptoms with their 99/2000 quest, I'd be interested in hearing your experience. Btw, as I've mentioned before, it sure pays to get a second opinion. Talk to everyone later. ;-)

    Pocahontas
    Community Leader/Coupes, Convertibles, and Sports Cars Conference
  • desi1_99desi1_99 Member Posts: 1
    I have read all the turn signal problems on this site. I really question wheather this is this a problem or nice safety device. I am sure all states require drivers to signal before turning, therefore in most cases the wheel should be straight when engaging the signal. Also when creaping under traffic lights to make a left hand turn the stearing wheel should remain straight in case someone rear ends your car, your car will go forward instead of into oncoming traffic ( I remember that one from Divers Ed.). Therefore the turning signal problem is not a problem if we follow driving laws and signal when we are supposed to, before turning the wheel. Safe driving to all of you.
  • esp63esp63 Member Posts: 27
    I have to say that I've never driven a car that didn't pre-maturely cancel a turn signal that was initiated in mid-turn. This isn't a Quest issue- my '99 GLE has never cancelled when I've used it properly. And desi1 is right on the mark; if you aren't signalling before you turn, you aren't signalling properly.
  • jwestjrjwestjr Member Posts: 2
    ... I had a creaking noise coming from a spring on the accelerator pedal. A little WD-40 took care of the squeaking.
  • ramon2ramon2 Member Posts: 3
    How did you come across the rear bumper guard? Please let us know how it works out, and tell us about installation, part number and where to get it if it's not much to ask.

    Thanks
    R2
  • ramon2ramon2 Member Posts: 3
    Never mind #234.... I just read your post on Nissan Quest IV.

    R2
  • pocahontaspocahontas Member Posts: 802
    Thank for your information. The creak my quest has is not from the accelerator pedal, it's from the brake pedal. The mechanic said it was coming from the brake booster. They're going to go ahead replace the part. Btw, the parts came in the day after I brought it in, but I'm going to wait till the end of the month to replace, since it's not an emergency. The noise has not gotten any worse and the brakes are functioning fine. I'll keep people posted, if it becomes a real problem.

    Talk to everyone later. ;-)

    Pocahontas
    Community Leader/Coupes, Convertibles, and Sports Cars Conference
  • kunjankunjan Member Posts: 1
    I have a Villager/Quest 97 with about 25K miles on it. When driving with 5 or more people, I notice that the rear suspension sometimes knocks with the rubber bush attached to the body because it is too soft. Otherwise having looked under the car there are no obvious problems. (1) has anyone ever experienced this and (2) has anyone ever upgraded the suspension (either or both the pistons and the leaf suspension) to a stronger type?

    Thanks. kunjan.
  • dhoffdhoff Member Posts: 282
    Kunjan-
    First off I'd recommend that you get the rear suspension checked out by the dealer or a trusted mechanic. I have heard of loose or broken rear stabilizer links causing suspension klunks on Villagers and Quests.

    Having said that, it is possible to beef up the rear suspension. Since it is a simple multi-leaf spring unit, a truck axle & spring shop should be able to add leafs to help stiffen the ride. You should be able to find one in your local yellow pages.

    You could also replace the rear struts with heavy-duty units like Monroes. This by itself won't prevent bottoming, but will help control the suspension bounce associated with heavy loads.

    Both of these modifications are tradeoffs. The ride would be much stiffer when you don't have a heavy load, and the van would ride higher in the rear also. Something to consider before making any modifications. Good luck.

    Dave
  • jkrolakjkrolak Member Posts: 38
    A broken leaf (1 out of 3) can also cause the snapping problem. Just my opinion. I have a 99 Quest and finally read the Warranty. 36 months or 36,000 miles bumper to bumper, but 60 months (5 years) or 60,000 miles on engine, transmission and drivetrain. 36 months on battery...better than I thought. I thought it was only 12 months on the battery. Live, read and enjoy...:-)
  • brhjrbrhjr Member Posts: 3
    I have a 99 Quest GLE. Bought in Dec. 99. I have noticed a strange noise when I first crank my Quest. It occurs right after cranking the van and sounds like a grinding noise that lasts about 1 second. Noise coming from the under the van from the general area under the front seats. Has anyone else had this noise.
    I'm new to this site. I read this site thorougly before buying my Quest. It really helped me make my decision.
  • pisdoffpisdoff Member Posts: 1
    Purchased Nissan Quest new 5/97. 30,000 miles on it now. The following warranty work done. Power seat mech. replaced, power door lock mech. replaced, window re-set, vanity visor mirrors replaced, reverse light fell out, paint on rear door top peeling re-painted, paint on rear door peeling, bottom, re-painted. While at the dealer today they were nice enough to point out that the paint on the top of the van is bubbling and the black trim paint is fading. He shook his head and shrugged his shoulders and said to bring it back and they would re-paint those areas as well. I have a Toyota 4 runner with 70,000 miles on it and never a problem. Replaced the tires on 4 runner at 50,000 miles, Quest at 20,000. Is this crazy or what. Nissan is honoring the warranty but what a waste of my time...
  • guitarzanguitarzan Member Posts: 873
    Brhjr, it is a possibility the starter is not disengaging right away. Are you going to have it checked soon?

    Guitarzan
    Community Leader/Vans Conference
  • conrad10conrad10 Member Posts: 3
    I recently (12/99) purchased a 99 SE and have been having the same creaking in the brake pedal as in post #430. Dealer attempted to lube the linkages twice but it didn't last for more than a week. Also feel that the brakes must be pushed hard in order to come to a fast stop. I wonder if this is just due to new brakes, the anti-lock brakes or is their something else wrong. My wife also feels that it is hard to stop. The dealer tells me that the brakes are adjusted properly but it still doesn't seem right. Pochahontas....did your booster replacement work? I intend to bring it back for the third time....what should I have them do?
  • conrad10conrad10 Member Posts: 3
    Sorry...the reference is to post #230 NOT #430
  • pocahontaspocahontas Member Posts: 802
    It certainly wouldn't hurt for you to get a second opinion on your brakes. That's what I did. The first dealer said there was "nothing wrong... the noise was normal."

    The second dealer had a different attitude. As far as he's concerned, the noise indicates that there is some kind of interference which may lead to a potential problem.... and better safe than sorry.

    But, I haven't had the work done yet, because I'm waiting for my running boards (on back order) to come in. Then I can do it all in one trip. In the meantime, my brakes have been working just fine, and the creaking noise has not gotten any worse.

    Hope this is helpful. Good luck. ;-)

    Pocahontas
    Community Leader/Coupes, Convertibles, and Sportscars Conference
  • brhjrbrhjr Member Posts: 3
    I hadn't thought of that. It really doesn't sound like the starter, but I'll have someone crank it and listen for the it.It may even be an electronic noise. It doesn't happen everytime we crank it, so I haven't rushed to the dealer because you know you can never duplicate a noise when you get it there.

    Checked the mpg for the first time this weekend and got 17.5, mostly city driving.
  • conrad10conrad10 Member Posts: 3
    I took my 99 Quest SE into another dealership to get a second opinion on the brake pedal creaking and the excessive force needed to stop the van. The ORIGINAL dealership lubricated the spring on the brake pedal but the creaking came back within a week. The excessive force and brake pedal travel problem was explained away by the ORIGINAL dealership in that the brakes were set properly and that is way they are designed.
    The SECOND dealership found that the brake line had air in it which was causing the need for excessive force as well as the back brakes were a little loose. They bled the brake line and adjusted the back brakes. The creaking however is a common problem (where have I heard that before) and that it should go away after 4-5k miles. I'll keep an eye on it. After picking up the van, holy cow was there a difference in the brakes. They seem so much more forceful and capable of stopping with so much less force. What a wonderful thing it is to get a second opinion. I was going to take it back to the original dealer one more time but Pocahontas convinced me to get a second opinion.

    THANK YOU POCAHONTAS!

    I can sleep better now knowing my wife (who drives the van) and 21-month-old can stop in a hurry if necessary.

    GOOD LUCK and HAPPINESS
    CONRAD

    P.S. LOVE THE VAN!
  • jkrolakjkrolak Member Posts: 38
    @nd opinions count. Too bad you had to run into a bunch of monkeys posing as a service center.
  • cknight2cknight2 Member Posts: 5
    I have taken my 99 quest in 4 four times for squeaky brakes. Each time, the dealer states that the rotors are "running hot" but they don't know why. The last time, they replaced the complete brake system since they don't know what is causing the problem. However, after replacement, still noticing the problem 5,000 miles later. Anyone notice the same problem? Note: it seems to occur more when the air conditioner has been on or the defroster.
  • larryg97larryg97 Member Posts: 2
    I've posted about this problem before. My dealer said squeaky noise on Quest is normal due to type of materials used for brakes. In my case it come and goes from time to time and I've done nothing about it. So far it did not bother me that much.
  • dhoffdhoff Member Posts: 282
    Are you still out there? I just found myself wondering if you ever got your battery problem resolved.

    Let us know what happened.

    Dave
  • cknight2cknight2 Member Posts: 5
    Mine comes and goes as well. I guess part of my problem is that not only are the brakes squeaking, but the rotors used to run "hot" according to the Nissan mechanics, but they don't know why. Also, I don't know that I feel real good about my new car squeaking, which I can only imagine will get worse.
  • larryg97larryg97 Member Posts: 2
    I am not sure what "hot" rotors represent in this case, but squeaking may not get worse. It actually can even go away, as it wears out squeaky layer of pads. It also may meen though, that at that point it you are closer to changing your pads. I heard from owners of other type of cars, that some brakes are squeaky too. It seems to me, as Pocohantos advices, you are ready for a second opinion from other dealership. Good luck.
  • guitarzanguitarzan Member Posts: 873
    Cknight2, have someone check the trueness of the rotors/brakes and wheels. Suppose your lug nuts were overtighted at some point. This can cause such permanent damage.

    Worse when the air conditioning is on? Hmmm...if that is true, I would check the belts and vacuum hoses for irregularities. I suspect, though, something more along the lines of my first guess.

    Good luck, and fee free to search for topics on "brakes" to post this concern in. Please, let us know here when you get a resolution.

    Guitarzan
    Community Leader/Vans Conference
  • cknight2cknight2 Member Posts: 5
    Mine comes and goes as well. I guess part of my problem is that not only are the brakes squeaking, but the rotors used to run "hot" according to the Nissan mechanics, but they don't know why. Also, I don't know that I feel real good about my new car squeaking, which I can only imagine will get worse.
  • pocahontaspocahontas Member Posts: 802
    Taking my SE in this Friday, so they can replace the brake booster. Also, getting the 2000 running boards installed.

    As I mention before, there's a slight creaking noise coming from the brake pedal. This can be heard at slow speeds or when the van is sitting still... when I push the pedal in/out. Seems to be coming from the brake booster, not the brakes pads. I'll let people know if the noise goes away with the booster replacement.

    So far, the brakes are working fine (no squeaking) at 10,500 miles.

    Pocahontas
    Community Leader/Coupes, Convertibles, and Sportscars Conference
  • cknight2cknight2 Member Posts: 5
    Mine comes and goes as well. I guess part of my problem is that not only are the brakes squeaking, but the rotors used to run "hot" according to the Nissan mechanics, but they don't know why. Also, I don't know that I feel real good about my new car squeaking, which I can only imagine will get worse.
  • cknight2cknight2 Member Posts: 5
    I took the van into a brake "specialist" and he said to have the suspension checked. He looked at the brakes and said the pads and rotors look fine, but he heard the same noise that I do. I guess I will take it in to have the suspension checked. I'll keep you all posted.
  • brhjrbrhjr Member Posts: 3
    The noise when cranking my Quest only occurs when the Parking Brake is engaged. If I release the brake before cranking, no noise.

    I'm also having the creaky brake noise, usually at very slow speeds or when parked and I'm releasing the brake. Van has 18,000 miles so I don't think it's going to go away. I plan to take to dealership within a week.
  • guitarzanguitarzan Member Posts: 873
    That's kind of weird. If they are related, perhaps the parking cable rubs on the exhaust when taut, and the cranking vibrates it? What a coin-ki-dinky if so. Remind us of this, and let us know the problem, k?

    Guitarzan
    Community Leader/Vans Conference
  • VshunVshun Member Posts: 21
    Hi,

    I wrote at the end of December to Nissan Customer Service regarding battery dying. No response, probably they throw such letters straight to recycling bin if they are ecologically concerned.
    I give up on battery, at least till it goes dead again.
    I also have a break squeek, with the dealer who happens not to hear anything, it comes and goes away as many reported here.
    I have something to add regarding engine driving belts, that were making some noise. The first dealer did not hear it, second dealer found belts are responsible for the noise and adjusted them. Noise returned in a week and was fairly consistent till the moment the van was brought on the second dealer lot (at which moment it disappeared). Dealer emulated humid conditions and noise returned. They ordered the part (new belts) and said we will have to wait for a while as this is common problem with the Quest Nissan run out of parts for this, it is now on national order or something like that.
    We are definitely wasting too much time and energy on these repair attempts, especially given that dealers are at least 30 minutes away. Hope others are having a better time with their Quest, though from this topic one might come to a different conclusion.
  • VshunVshun Member Posts: 21
    I disagree with the folks here who mentioned that this is normal for every vehicle not to let you turn on the signal when the steering wheel is not in a straight position.
    Many roads where I live are a little curvy. That means that when I am coming to a reasonable distance from the intersection my steer is not straight and I have to force the signal by pressing the lever down consistently.
    My other car (Corolla) does not do it, neither I had it on previous cars so I think this is a Quest phenomenon.
    Some argued this is safety measure, on the contrary I find it extremely inconvenient and safety hazard, as I have to dedicate my attention to turn signal staying on and not switching back when getting close to some intersections.
    Unfortunately, nothing can be done as this is not just my particular Quest problem.

    Regards.
  • pocahontaspocahontas Member Posts: 802
    experience, I decided to test my 99 SE Quest turn signals. I took my 99 SE Quest in a complete circle... with the turn signals on, and they stayed on for the complete turn.

    On my quest, the signal will only shut off, if you to start the turn, than then you turn the wheel back the other direction before you finish the turn. Like we sometimes do when turning a sharp corner with a large vehicle... pulling out the other direction to give more space for your vehicle... so your wheels won't hit the corner.
    The shut off will also happen if you're changing lanes and then hesistate... letting the wheel go back the other direction. Perhaps the Quest turn signal (shut-off) sensitivity is a little much for certain people's driving styles. Perhaps it can be adjusted.

    Also, I have to admit, most of my roads are straight and flat. So that may be why my signals are working just fine for me.

    Vshun- Sorry you're having so many problems. Just curious, what year is your corolla? Also, have you tried testing another (make's) late model van to see how the turn signals function?

    With the problems you've listed, I would call Nissan Customer service 1-800-nissan1 and file a formal complaint. Writing and explaining/complaining about something may not be interpreted as a "formal complaint." Also, letters to large corporations have a tendency to get lost... sit on desks for a while. Especially if you don't send it as certified mail... it can very well get lost.

    Personally, I think you'll get a quicker response if you talk directly to a real person at the 800 customer service (get their name/file number) on the phone. Tell them you want to file a "formal complaint." They are suppose to fill out a form... and follow up on your problems... when you file a "formal complaint".

    Good luck.

    Pocahontas,
    Community Leader/Coupes, Convertible, and Sportscars Conference
  • VshunVshun Member Posts: 21
    In my experience, the turn signal gives me the following problem: lets say the road bends a little to the left, so when I get close to the intersection the turn signal just will not be turned on. My feeling is that others here complained about the same.
    I had Nissan sedan "made in Japan" a few years ago and it was virtually flawless car "(except for the radio/tape that went dead a month after warranty excpired).
    Due to relocation I sold Nissan and bought Corolla in 1994 and thought it to be a rather mediocre car after Nissan sedan (1-2 problems a year, such as water pump went dead in 1994, and for the second time again in 1999, etc). But this is nothing compared to Quest. I will give this second Quest dealer a chance at repairing belts, but if/when battery goes dead again I will definitely file a formal complaint as you suggest.
  • jkrolakjkrolak Member Posts: 38
    Most battery problems are due to a bad battery. Sure, it might check good when fully charged, but that does not ean you do not have a bad cell. The Nissan Quest turns off all interior lights after 1/2 hr so i doubt it is a battery drain. My Windstar also has the same turn signal "problem", which is no problem in my opinion. My 99 Quest has been flawless so far.
  • washingtonwashington Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2000 Quest (purchased 11/30/99) and the steering wheel makes a noise as if something is rubbing in the column. I've been to the dealer twice about this and the second time they sprayed some lubricant in the joint area but this did not help. It is not just a mechanical problem of two pieces rubbing together since the sound is different depending upon whether the engine is on or off, therefore, there is an electrical component to the problem. I'd be interested in hearing from Pocahontas as to whether replacing the "spiral cable" did the trick. Thanks.
  • washingtonwashington Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2000 Quest (purchased 11/30/99, current miles 3,800) and the brakes make intermittent noise. It sounds as if the front brake pads are grinding. I took it to the dealer and of course it did not make the noise when the service rep drove it :( He gave me the Technical Service Bulletin about non-asbestos brake pads and said that one of two things were probably the cause 1)the non-asbestos pads are known to make noise or 2)a piece of grit/stone may have gotten into the brake system.
    However, I don't think that's the answer. For one, I have had non-asbestos pads on my previous vehicle and the sound from them was of a much higher pitch. Second, for the stone theory to be true, I must be regularly reintroducing stones into the brakes and I don't think that is plausible. Which leads me to a third theory, one not offered by the dealership. Could it be the "Ford designed" calipers as posted on this site about the 1999 Quests? Does this apply to the 2000 Quest? Insight appreciated. Thanks.
  • charles15charles15 Member Posts: 57
    I had the same grinding noise that you describe at the 6k mark on my 99 GXE. The dealer knew right away what it was - a bad Ford designed front brake caliper which allows the brake pad to work loose. They had to grind my rotors and brake pads plus fix the caliper. The dealer said that it was common with this caliper design.
  • cleonjonescleonjones Member Posts: 1
    Has anyone had problems with the VCR. Mine worked fine for 2 months and now suddenly has no video. The sound works fine but all I get on the screen are wavy blue and black lines. The dealer says he's not familiar with this and an outside place says that this is a "Nissan Product", since it is installed by Nissan when the van is built(not an aftermarket add-on like the 99 models).Any thoughts would be appreciated, my kids are getting antsy!!!!!!
  • dhoffdhoff Member Posts: 282
    I seem to remember reading in the manuals that came with our Quest VCR that it has a 90 day warranty from Audiovox. You will probably have to find your local Audiovox dealer to get it fixed. You should be able to find your dealer at :

    http://www.audiovox.com/buy/buy.html

    Just another thought, is there a tracking control on the VCR or remote? That may be why you are losing the picture but not the sound.

    Good luck.

    Dave
  • VshunVshun Member Posts: 21
    Sometime in December I sent a letter to Nissan office in CA complaining about my battery problems and some other problems with 99 Quest. I already did not expect any response recently when all of a sudden yesterday my wife got a call from a lady sitting in central Nissan office. We officially got a case # for our problems.
    To the battery problem we were advised:
    1. Next time it happens not to charge the battery with cables but tow the car to the dealer (yea, right, the closest dealer is 35 minutes away from me and Nissan is not paying for towing).
    or
    2. Leave the van with the dealership and let them ride it for several weeks till the problem with the battery happens again.
    I would not comment on these suggestions, I just smile at them ( my wife does not smile since she is the one getting stuck in this car).
    Another suggestion was to take the van to the electrical guys who installed AudioVox as Nissan does not have any warranty on this.
    (Seeing my AudioVox installers before I doubt they are still in business, or that they will understand what I am talking about).

    Regarding some other problems we had - she confirmed that engine belts are on national order since this is very problematic part (we have been waiting for a few weeks already to have this part replaced). I guess we will have to wait another year or so given the speed they moved so far, or till it goes out of warranty.

    I understand why consumer reports in the latest April 2000 issue according to customer survey put Nissan service/dealers as the worst among all dealers (in previous years, this place was reserved for arrogant Toyota dealers).
    Wish everyone else better experience with Quest.
  • pocahontaspocahontas Member Posts: 802
    So now I'm curious now, since it's been several weeks since they charged your battery... How is it doing now?

    Pocahontas,
    Community Leader/Coupes, Convertibles, and Sportscars Conference
  • m6chem6che Member Posts: 18
    Just to clarify the warranty on the VCPs provided by Nissan for the 99 Quests - That one is a 3 year warranty from Audiovox. I have a separate Audiovox warranty form that came with the "free" install certificate. It has all of the "Limited Warranty" disclaimers (basically the same words as the 90-day warranty), but it is for 3 years. If you didn't get the form, you're still covered for 3 years. This covers the combined VCP/TV unit. (If you took yours apart, I suppose that might void the warranty?)

    I do not know what the warranty is on the built-ins for the 2000s, but wouldn't that also be the same length as the Nissan warranty now?
    Mitch
  • newquestowner1newquestowner1 Member Posts: 1
    Do you know that you can shift out of park without depressing the brake if you have the ignition at "ACC" position?
    It seems to happen with the newer Quests (99, 2000).
    Please check it out and do you see it as a problem?
  • cncmancncman Member Posts: 487
    newquestowner;
    that's normal, you see it on the other nissan models, I was sitting in a maxima on the showroom with the acc on listening to the radio and playing around and knocked the shifter into neutral. I think they do this for towing or something, like if the vehicle is wrecked, they can get it out of park without the engine running.
  • jeepers10jeepers10 Member Posts: 3
    I can't find the topic now- but I believe I once read that there was a recall on 93 Quests with manifold bolt issues. Anyone know? I bought mine new and still love it but there are a few early morning noises that concern me. Ticking that lasts for about 15 seconds with first start up of the day and exhaust (I think) sounds very "throaty" even after front and back exhausts were replaced.

    I was wondering if the manifold bolt issue would be the problem. The dealer nevers seems to hear it even when I leave it overnite.
  • saudasifsaudasif Member Posts: 1
    Is it possible to get the Video Entertainament system as a second buyer of 99 GXE Quest. I am buying used 99 GXE 14k miles and the first owner did not take the Video Entertainment system since it is not too long ago can I ask Nissan to give me the Video system. IF yes, can anyone explain to me whome should I contact in Nissan for this.
This discussion has been closed.