SERVICE INFORMATION If a customer describes lack of power or poor acceleration, perform the following checks before attempting any repair: * Check for stored DTCs. * Check if the driver is resting their left foot on the brake pedal while accelerating. Advise the customer not to rest their foot on the brake while accelerating. * Use CONSULT-III plus in Engine Data Monitor to check operation of the brake lamp circuit signal. Monitor the brake switch during the incident; it should be "OFF". Please see this bulletn for further details.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Nissan Quest powertrain problems
moderate 15 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
When does it fail?
Of the 15 powertrain complaints filed for the 2007 Nissan Quest, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 125,000-150,000 mi.
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
Among the 9 model years of Nissan Quest in our records for powertrain problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 13 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2007 Nissan Quest transmission exhibits multiple failure patterns. Owners describe violent jerking and lurching when shifting from Park to Drive, especially after warmup—one owner reports the van lurching forward 2 feet, nearly hitting a pedestrian. Hard downshifts are common, particularly on highway grades; one owner with a replaced transmission ($4,700) experienced identical power-loss symptoms within 2,000 miles of installation.
Transmission slipping and hesitation during acceleration are widespread, with vehicles unable to maintain speed on inclines despite engine power available. Shuddering and vibration occur during normal driving, strong enough to shake the dash. Several owners identify solenoid faults through check engine codes; one owner replaced three solenoids with 3-month relief before recurrence.
Transmission fluid leakage occurs without identified cause. Motor mounts fail repeatedly—one owner replaced all mounts only to have them fail again; both OEM and aftermarket parts suffer identical fate. Engine stalling and unexpected power loss occur mid-traffic. Multiple owners cite online research indicating a class-action lawsuit against Nissan for continuing use of defective transmissions. Nissan has refused recalls and owner-assistance programs despite documented widespread failure across 150+ vehicles.
Same Nissan Quest powertrain reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006
Failure modes owners describe
Harsh shift engagement and jerking on gear selection
Van jerks violently when shifting from Park to Drive, especially after warmup. One owner reports violent lurching forward about 2 feet when re-engaging Drive; another describes violent downshifts that feel like being rear-ended. Several owners cite jerking and hard knocking when transmission changes gears, particularly at takeoff from stops.
When: At 65,000 miles and above; occurs when vehicle is warm; most pronounced during low-speed transitions and initial acceleration from standstill
Symptoms owners cite: Violent jerking or lurching when shifting from Park to Drive; Hard downshifting that feels like impact; Knocking noise during gear changes; Jerking and shuddering at takeoff from traffic lights or stop signs; Transmission banging into gear
Codes mentioned: Transmission code requiring replacement (owner-reported, specific code not stated)
Repairs/costs cited: Owner #1 had front motor mount replaced at Nissan for $2300 but problem recurred within days. Owner #3 replaced 3 transmission solenoids which temporarily resolved the issue for 3 months, then recurred. Multiple owners attempted motor mount replacement without resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan refused to issue recall or provide assistance per owner #1; problem recurred on replacement transmission after 2,000 miles per owner #2. Owner #3 notes Nissan offers no discount on parts/labor despite widespread complaints.
Transmission slipping and power loss under load
Transmission fails to maintain engine power, particularly on inclines. Engine produces power but transmission does not respond adequately, causing vehicle to slow or lose speed despite throttle input. Check engine light illuminates with transmission code. One owner replaced transmission at $4,700 and experienced identical symptoms within 2,000 miles.
When: At 75,000–110,000 miles; occurs during highway driving, hill climbing, and sustained acceleration; more frequent after vehicle has been running for extended period
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power despite engine producing power; Inability to maintain speed on inclines or hills; Hesitation and delays in acceleration; Hard downshifting when slowing; Vehicle slows when ascending hills even with cruise control set; Transmission will not maintain speed in cruise control on grades
Codes mentioned: Check engine light with transmission code (specific code not stated)
Repairs/costs cited: Owner #2 replaced transmission at cost of $4,700; failure recurred within 2,000 miles with identical symptoms. Dealership visits prior to failure found no problems despite multiple complaints of power loss and hard downshifting.
Transmission solenoid failure
Transmission solenoids fail, causing jerking and loss of acceleration capability. Owner #3 identifies solenoid failure as common issue and replaced 3 transmission solenoids; repair worked for 3 months before recurrence. Owner #5 received check engine light indicating solenoid replacement needed.
When: Recurrent after initial repair; Owner #3 experienced recurrence after 3 months of repair
Symptoms owners cite: Jerking transmission behavior; Loss of acceleration ability; Vehicle must be driven in low gear to operate; Check engine light indicating solenoid failure
Codes mentioned: Transmission solenoid fault code
Repairs/costs cited: Owner #3 replaced 3 transmission solenoids; effective for 3 months then jerking and acceleration loss recurred.
Transmission fluid leakage
Transmission loses fluid; owner reports going through multiple jugs of fluid. Fluid level and color checked acceptable but leak continues. Root cause not identified.
When: Intermittent; owner #4 reports it seems continuous
Symptoms owners cite: Noticeable transmission fluid loss; Multiple jugs of fluid required to maintain level
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite only symptom; no repair outcomes provided.
Transmission shuddering and vibration
Transmission vibrates or shutters while driving on level surfaces and inclines. Vibration is strong enough to vibrate inside dash area. One owner notes transmission slips between shifts and shutters with bad vibration when accelerating.
When: At 105,000 miles and above; occurs during normal driving and on inclines
Symptoms owners cite: Shuddering or vibration while driving; Vibration strong enough to affect dash; Transmission slips between shifts; Bad vibration during acceleration
Motor mount premature failure and repeated breakdown
Motor mounts fail prematurely and repeatedly. Owner #7 replaced all motor mounts and they failed again. Multiple owners cite clunking sounds and vibration traced to motor mount failure. Owner #1 had front motor mount replaced at dealership ($2,300 repair) but underlying transmission jerk recurred within days. Online research cited by owners indicates this is design flaw affecting multiple Nissan models.
When: Motor mounts fail and require replacement; failures recur within unreported timeframe
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clunking sound when accelerating, decelerating, or taking off from standstill; Clunking when transmission shifts gears; Excessive motor movement during braking and acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: Owner #7 replaced all motor mounts with both OEM and aftermarket parts; both failed again. Owner #1 had Nissan dealer replace front motor mount as part of $2,300 repair; problem recurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued per owner complaints; online research by owners cites class-action lawsuit against Nissan for continuing to allow defective transmissions after awareness of problems.
Engine stalling and loss of drivability
Engine cuts off during driving, particularly mid-traffic. Vehicle loses power unexpectedly, especially at low speeds. Check engine light illuminates. One owner reports engine revs but vehicle doesn't move, then continues intermittently.
When: Intermittent; occurs during driving and at low speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls or cuts off during operation; Loss of power while driving; Engine revs but vehicle doesn't move; Check engine light illumination; Unexpected power loss at low speeds
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (specific codes not stated)
Synthesized from 15 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Van started to develop a jerk when shifting from park to drive after vehicle has warmed up. Was told it needed motor mount and spent $2300 at Nissan on friday 11/30/12 to have several repairs including the front motor mount. No jerking after work was done until sunday , 12/2/12. On monday 12/3/12 after driving my children to school, I put the vehicle in park to open the power side doors to let…
My 2007 Nissan quest with144,500 miles, has a real bad clunking sound when accelerating, decelerating, or taking off from a standstill. A mechanic told me that it is from bad motor mounts. When accelerating or braking, the motor moves a lot. It does not make any more noises when turning, mainly win braking and accelerating, but also when the transmission shifts up or down a gear.
A hose that moves antifreeze coolant into vehicle I believe to be caked a vacuum hose fell off causing coolant to leak out completely... In addition the vehicle accelerates for no reason and jerks.. I was told to replace ask motor mounts which I did and still issue persists .. Now check engine light is on and stating the solenoids in transmission need to be replaced... Van loses power…
While driving, the transmission started jerking and more often than not slams into gear. Makes an awful banging noise when this happens. Losing trans fliud, seems like we are going through jugs of fluid. Also had a coolant leak, even after having new radiator installed, still smell coolant and it's been a while when the care is being checked, mechanic can't seem to replicate the problem.…
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2007 Nissan Quest?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 15 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 100,000 and 144,000 miles, with the median around 122,400. A quarter of owners report trouble before 100,000; a quarter make it past 144,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.