The 2009 Nissan Quest is powered by the generally reliable VQ35DE 3.5L V6, but this generation suffers from catastrophic transmission cooler failures that can destroy the CVT, plus a documented engine oil consumption defect that leads to expensive rebuilds.
Transmission Oil Cooler Failure Leading to CVT Destruction (Strawberry Milkshake of Death)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Pink or milky transmission fluid (coolant contamination), Transmission slipping, delayed engagement, or complete failure, Overheating transmission, Check engine light with transmission codes
Fix: The radiator has an integrated transmission oil cooler that fails internally, allowing coolant and ATF to mix. This destroys the CVT transmission. Requires radiator replacement plus external transmission cooler installation (2-3 hrs labor) if caught early. If CVT is contaminated, add CVT replacement or rebuild (8-12 hrs labor). Many techs install an external cooler bypass as preventive measure.
Estimated cost: $800-1,200 radiator only; $4,500-7,000 with CVT replacement
Excessive Oil Consumption / Piston Ring Failure (VQ35DE Defect)
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Burning one quart of oil every 500-1,500 miles, Blue smoke from exhaust on startup or acceleration, Fouled spark plugs, Low oil warning lights, potential engine damage if not monitored
Fix: The VQ35DE in this generation has documented piston ring and cylinder bore issues causing oil consumption. Nissan issued TSB NTB09-073a but no recall. Fix requires engine rebuild with new pistons, rings, and possibly bore work (18-24 hrs labor), or short block replacement (16-20 hrs labor). Some owners manage by adding oil frequently, but risk is catastrophic failure.
Estimated cost: $4,000-6,500 rebuild; $5,500-8,000 short block replacement
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 70,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking noise when shifting from park to drive or reverse, Excessive vibration at idle in gear, Visible sagging or movement of transmission, Harsh shifting feel
Fix: The front transmission mount (also called torque mount) deteriorates from the CVT's weight and vibration. Rubber separates from metal housing. Replacement is straightforward but requires supporting the transmission (1.5-2.5 hrs labor). Often replaced along with other motor mounts.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Fuel Filter Clogging (In-Tank)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 100,000+ mi
Symptoms: Hard starting after sitting, Loss of power under acceleration, Sputtering at highway speeds, Check engine light with lean fuel codes
Fix: The fuel filter is integrated into the fuel pump assembly inside the tank. Not a common maintenance item, but when it clogs (often from contaminated fuel or tank debris), requires dropping the tank and replacing entire fuel pump assembly (2.5-3.5 hrs labor). Some techs replace just the filter if accessible, but pump assembly is more reliable long-term.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Power Sliding Door Motor and Cable Failures
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 80,000-140,000 mi
Symptoms: Door opens or closes partially then stops, Grinding or clicking noises during operation, Door won't respond to switch or key fob, Error messages on dash about door system
Fix: The power sliding door motors and drive cables wear out from repeated use and exposure to elements. Each door has its own motor and cable system. Requires door panel removal and motor/cable replacement (2-3 hrs labor per door). Cables can fray and jump off track. Motors burn out from strain.
Estimated cost: $500-900 per door
Brake Pedal Linkage Bushing Wear (Recall 13V-421)
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: Increased brake pedal travel, Spongy brake pedal feel, Pedal goes closer to floor than normal, No change in braking performance initially, but increases stopping distance
Fix: NHTSA recall 13V-421 addresses brake pedal linkage bushing that can wear and separate, increasing pedal travel. Covered under recall - dealers replace the brake pedal push rod bushing (0.5-1 hr labor). Check if recall was performed on any used Quest. Critical safety item.
Estimated cost: $0 if recall not yet completed; $150-250 if out of pocket
Owner tips
Check transmission fluid color religiously every oil change - pink or milky means immediate radiator replacement to save the CVT
Install an external transmission cooler bypass as preventive measure ($300-500), eliminates the radiator cooler failure risk entirely
Monitor oil consumption closely starting at 60k miles - check level every 500-1000 miles, burning more than 1 qt per 1500 mi is problem territory
Verify brake pedal recall 13V-421 completion before purchase
Change CVT fluid every 30-40k miles despite Nissan's 'lifetime' claim - extends transmission life significantly
Budget $500/year for oil top-offs if the engine is consuming - cheaper than ignoring and destroying the engine
Hard pass unless you can verify the radiator/cooler has been bypassed and the engine doesn't burn oil - the catastrophic transmission cooler failure and widespread oil consumption issues make this generation Quest a financial gamble even at low purchase prices.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: Battery located in engine compartment
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Every control module on the 2004-2009 Nissan Quest — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
Power Sliding Door Control Module (PSD)2.0 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.3 hr▸ programming details
📍 Inside sliding door panel (both sides)
🔧 Initialization procedure via switches
⚠️ Power sliding doors standard; initialization procedure required; separate module per door
Anti-lock Brake System Control Unit (ABS)1.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Engine bay, driver side near brake master cylinder
🔧 Consult-II/III or drive cycle
⚠️ Integrated with Vehicle Dynamic Control (VDC) on some models; brake bleeding required
Auto Air Conditioner Control Unit (A/C)1.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind center dash HVAC control panel
🔧 Self-calibration procedure
⚠️ Automatic climate control; actuator calibration after replacement
Body Control Module (BCM)1.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +1.0 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind driver side kick panel
🔧 Consult-II/III with NTIS
⚠️ Controls power doors, locks, lighting, wipers; VIN and configuration programming required
Power Liftgate Control Module (PLG)1.5 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Inside liftgate panel
🔧 Initialization procedure
⚠️ Optional power liftgate; initialization required after replacement
⚠️ Odometer and VIN programming required; immobilizer communication
Tire Pressure Monitoring System Receiver (TPMS)0.8 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.3 hr▸ programming details
📍 Behind center console or under dash
🔧 TPMS relearn tool or Consult
⚠️ Required 2008+; sensor ID registration required after tire service or module replacement
NATS Control Unit / Intelligent Key (NATS)0.5 hr R&Rdealer / factory tool +1.0 hr▸ programming details
📍 Integrated in BCM or IPDM
🔧 Consult-II/III with dealer PIN
⚠️ Intelligent Key system on 2007+; key registration requires dealer security access
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2008-2011 Titan, Frontier, Xterra, Pathfinder, Armada, and 2008-2009 Quest vehicles. The resin emblem on the driver's air bag cover may develop cracks and detach during air bag deployment.
Consequence: A detached emblem can become a projectile during air bag deployment, increasing the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the drivers airbag cover. Owner letters were mailed December 8, 2023. Owners may contact Nissan's customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan's number for this recall are PC944, PC945, and PC946.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:PEDALS AND LINKAGES · 10V072000
2010-03-02
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 TITAN, ARMADA, AND INFINITI QX56, AND MODEL YEAR 2008-2009 NISSAN QUEST VEHICLES. THE BRAKE PEDAL PIVOT PIN END WAS NOT SPIN-FORMED TO SPECIFICATION DURING THE MANUFACTURING PROCESS OF THE BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY. THE PIVOT PIN COULD SLIDE AND CAUSE THE BRAKE PEDAL TO PARTIALLY DISENGAGE FROM THE BRAKE PEDAL BRACKET.
Consequence: THE DRIVER WILL EXPERIENCE UNUSUAL AND NOTICEABLE LOOSENESS IN THE PEDAL AND A REDUCTION IN BRAKING FORCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT TO SEE IF THE PIVOT PIN HAD BEEN FORMED PROPERLY AND WILL REPLACE THE BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY IF NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 22, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
16mpg
Highway
24mpg
Combined
19mpg
Fuel
Premium Gasoline
Capability & size
EPA class
Minivan - 2WD
Wiper blades
2004-2009 Quest generation. Minivan has rear wiper on liftgate.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2009 Nissan Quest 3.5L V6 VQ35DE and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.