Buy Nissan Quest Headlight Assembly

The Nissan Quest headlight-also called a headlamp, lamp assembly, or front light-is the sealed housing on the front of the van that contains the bulbs, wiring, aiming adjusters, and lens. Headlights let you see at night, help other drivers see you, and must follow U.S. safety rules. They come in two main styles on the Quest (1999-2017): reflector units with halogen bulbs and projector units with optional xenon (HID) or LED upgrades. Common bulb sizes are 9006 (low-beam) and 9005 (high-beam) for 2011-2017 vans, while earlier years may use HB2/H4 or D2S HID capsules. Keeping the lens clear, the seals tight, and the aim correct prevents dim or glaring light and keeps you legal and safe (NHTSA) (Be Car Care Aware).

• 1993-1998 (1st gen) - Composite halogen reflector lamps.
• 1999-2002 (2nd gen) - Updated styling; some reports of wiring-plug overheating (NHTSA).
• 2004-2009 (3rd gen) - Optional HID projector on high trims; occasional moisture leaks noted by owners (NICOclub).
• 2011-2017 (4th gen) - Halogen reflector standard, projector HID on LE; bulb sizes 9006/9005 or D2S for HID.

• Reflector halogen - Wide beam, inexpensive bulbs, but more stray glare.
• Projector xenon (HID) - Brighter, whiter light and sharper cutoff; requires D-series capsules and ballasts.
• LED retrofit - Draws less power but may create unsafe glare if not designed for the housing (Jalopnik).
  Every replacement housing must carry the DOT-SAE mark to self-certify with FMVSS 108 requirements (NHTSA).

• Dim output - Bulb coated with film or lens yellowed by UV; AAA testing found up to 80 % less light on hazed lenses (AAA).
• One side out - Check fuse, bulb, and look for melted 3-wire plug; NHTSA files show heat-damage complaints on early Quests (NHTSA).
• Water inside - Clouded or puddling lamp often traced to cracked lens or loose bulb seal (NICOclub).

← scroll table horizontally →

• FMVSS 108 sets beam pattern, brightness, and durability tests that every headlight must pass before sale (NHTSA).
• IIHS ratings show vans with "Good" headlights crash less at night (IIHS Crash Test & Safety).
• Recent studies link poorly aimed aftermarket LEDs to glare complaints (Vox).

• Wash the clear cover with car-wash soap; avoid harsh abrasives.
• Polish yellowed lenses with a plastic-lens kit to restore up to 70 % of lost light (AAA).
• Turn lights on in rain, dusk, or fog to boost visibility, says the Car Care Council (media.carcare.org).
• Check aim twice a year using a wall-tape method; the top of the hot-spot should sit slightly below the lamp centerline (Popular Mechanics).

1. Disconnect battery.
2. Remove plastic clips and the front bumper corner; see detailed walk-through video (YouTube).
3. Unbolt the lamp (10 mm bolts), unplug wiring, and lift straight out.
4. Swap bulbs without touching glass; oil from skin shortens bulb life.
5. Reinstall, aim, and test high/low beams.

• Projector swap kits focus light better and reduce glare (Car and Driver).
• Quality LED assemblies that list DOT/FMVSS compliance can match halogen beam shape while cutting power draw (MotorTrend).
• Avoid plug-and-play LED bulbs in older reflector housings-they often scatter light and may be illegal (Jalopnik).

• New halogen housing: typically under half the price of HID projector units.
• Professional install labor averages 1-2 hours.
• Lens-only restoration kits cost far less and often regain most of the lost brightness (AAA).

Old lamps count as household hazardous waste; many city recycling centers accept them along with electronics and used oil (US EPA). HID capsules contain small amounts of metal halide salts-seal them in a plastic bag before drop-off.

FMVSS 108 interpretation, NHTSA.
Car Care Council: keep lights clean and aimed.
AAA lens-deterioration study.
Quest headlight condensation thread, NICOclub forum.
Popular Mechanics headlight-aim guide.
YOUCANIC video: 2011-17 Quest lamp removal.
Vox report on LED glare.
Car and Driver guide to projector lights.
Jalopnik analysis of LED bulb retrofits.
MotorTrend article on pending FMVSS LED update.
NHTSA consumer complaint PE04-020: headlights fail to light.
NHTSA complaint: socket overheating.
U.S.
IIHS headlight safety overview.
Car Care Council press release on shorter-day lighting checks.