CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Nissan Quest powertrain problems
moderate 10 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
10
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
When does it fail?
Of the 10 powertrain complaints filed for the 2011 Nissan Quest, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
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.
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.
CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CVT OIL LEAK DIAGNOSIS USING FLUORESCENT DYE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗IF YOU CONFIRM: Customers concern of a "clicking" noise coming from either left or right front/rear CV-type axles during take-off/acceleration. ACTION: Apply Molykote M77 grease (P/N 44003-7S000) to the hub bearing surfaces. NOTE: * Do not remove the axle from the hub or transmission for this bulletin * Refer to the Electronic Service Manual (ESM) for model specific torque specifications. - For 2007-2013 Versa and 2013 LEAF vehicles, see the Service Procedure torque specifications on page 4. See this bulletin for further detail.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe the 2011 Quest's CVT transmission as unpredictable and dangerous. Most commonly, the vehicle loses power when accelerating from a stop—either refusing to move at all or hesitating 2–3 seconds before jerking forward. Some vehicles stall outright on freeways and in traffic, requiring restart or towing. Others fail to downshift on hills or during passing, maxing out at 50–60 mph even with the pedal floored, or stall with a sudden engine thump.
These failures cluster around extended driving, heavy loads, or hot weather, but not consistently. One owner's vehicle stalled twice within the first week of purchase; another has had the same problem for over a year. Check engine lights sometimes appear; other times the vehicle simply quits without warning.
Diagnostics reveal transmission wiring, solenoid, and control module codes (P1701, P0746, P1778, P0868). Dealerships have replaced transmissions and serviced them multiple times—including replacing a transmission twice—without fixing the problem. One mechanic attributed it to a known CVT defect that's been recalled on other Nissan models. Multiple owners report dealerships cannot replicate the issue during service, yet the failures persist. The safety risk is acute: vehicles losing power in traffic, on highways, or during lane changes.
Same Nissan Quest powertrain reports on nearby years: 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Loss of motive power / stalling
Vehicle loses propulsive force or stalls during normal driving or stop-and-go traffic, sometimes requiring restart. One complaint mentions CVT overheating or software issues as possible causes. Multiple instances of vehicles stalling on freeways and highways.
When: Occurs after hours of driving in some cases; can happen within first week of ownership; at various mileages (50k+, 120k, 165k)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not move when accelerating from stop in traffic; Engine stalls during slow turning maneuvers; Vehicle stalls multiple times on freeway; Sudden thump on engine followed by stalling after a few yards; Vehicle would not start at all after stalling
Codes mentioned: P1701 (TCM wiring), P0746 (pressure control solenoid), P1778 (step motor), P0868 (pressure control module)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner had battery changed; no repairs completed in narratives. One owner states mechanic wants to replace entire transmission but owner cannot afford it. Vehicle has been towed twice in one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One narrative mentions 2011 Nissan Quest was part of a recall but owner's VIN does not show it as included. Manufacturer not made aware in at least one case.
Loss of downshift power / acceleration failure
Transmission cannot downshift properly to deliver power during passing, hill climbs, or acceleration from stops. Delay of 2–3 seconds before jerking forward. Occurs during extended driving or under load (heavy passengers, luggage, heat). No check engine lights or temperature warnings.
When: After several hours of extended driving; during hot weather (95°F+) climbs; consistently over more than a year in some cases; at 165k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Unable to downshift for passing on flat terrain; Vehicle maxes out at 50–60 mph while climbing hills even with accelerator fully pressed; Zero power when accelerating in stop-and-go traffic; 2–3 second delay at stops before jerking forward; Sluggish acceleration from a full stop; Inconsistent acceleration response once accelerator pressed; Unable to accelerate to pass; almost rear-ended
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission serviced at two separate dealers with no fault found. Dealership shuttle van exhibited same issue. One transmission replaced twice without resolution. Mechanic claims cannot duplicate issue during service.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan corporate engineer scheduled to evaluate one vehicle. One mechanic noted this is an ongoing issue with Nissan's CVT transmission system recalled on other models.
Rough downshift / jerking and transmission noise
When downshift finally occurs, it is harsh and jerky, taking several seconds to engage. Ringing or buzzing sound from transmission at highway speeds, especially after running for a while.
When: At high freeway speeds; after vehicle has been running for extended periods
Symptoms owners cite: Ringing type sound when accelerating on freeway; Struggles to downshift properly; Several-second delay before downshift engages; Jerking roughly after downshift engages
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempts documented in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mechanic noted this is an ongoing issue with Nissan's CVT transmission and has been recalled on several other Nissan models.
Check engine light with transmission limp mode
Engine light illuminates and transmission enters limp mode (severe power restriction), limiting vehicle speed to 5 mph or less, creating immediate safety hazard in traffic.
When: Can occur suddenly at various speeds; one instance at 165k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine warning light illuminated; Vehicle will not go over 5 mph; Jerking and becoming inoperable at various speeds; Four internal transmission codes present (per one narrative)
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle had not been repaired. One owner almost hit when unable to move with traffic.
Synthesized from 10 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
The contact owns a 2011 Nissan Quest. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started jerking and became inoperable. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The vehicle had been diagnosed by an independent mechanic. The contact was informed that the failure was due to a faulty transmission. The vehicle had not been repaired.…
Acceleration from a full stop is unreliable. The issue is most prominent when going up a slight incline and will continue until the vehicle is able to level off, when acceleration resumes to normal response. Even on level road surfaces, the acceleration is inconsistent once accelerator is pressed. This has been a consistent issue for well over a year.
The vehicle was stalling multiple times on the freeway on my way to work this morning (9/25/19) and there is a sudden thump on the engine as it was trying to accelerate and would stall again after a few yards. So I decided to pullover safely and started the vehicle again until I reached my destination but with emergency lights on. This is absolutely a safety issue as it increases the risk of a…
When at a stop, or a very slow speed (less than 2 or 3 MPH), and then attempting to accelerate, the car does not respond right away. There is a 2 or 3 second delay then the car jerks forward and accelerates. The dealership has changed the transmission twice, but issue not resolved. When dropping vehicle off to dealer, the dealer shuttle van, which is also a Nissan quest, was exhibiting the…
My 2011 Nissan quest is having issues with the transmission. On two separate trips this summer my quest has seemingly been incapable of down shifting to gain power during passing or climbs. This only happens during several hours of extended driving time but during normal around town driving it operates without incident. I have now had my quest serviced at two separate dealers, one in florida and…
Van became sluggish when coming to the busy intersection. When I tried to accelerate when light changed, engine light came on and van would not go over 5mph. I was almost hit. Codes were run by a mechanic. Four internal transmission codes are present. Was told that the Quest has a transmission known for these problems. We could've been killed from the vehicle not moving with traffic.
Our 2011 Nissan quest is having issues with the transmission. At high rates of speed, such as on the freeway, especially when the car has been running for awhile, the transmission begins to make a ringing type sound when accelerating. It also struggles to downshift properly, taking several seconds to engage in the downshift for more power and then jerking roughly. It has left us vulnerable to…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2011 Nissan Quest?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2011 Nissan Quest?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 10 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 8 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 82,287 and 130,000 miles, with the median around 98,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 82,287; a quarter make it past 130,000. 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.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2011/Nissan/Quest.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.