2017 Nissan Pathfinder problems, complaints & recalls

Updated Oct 11, 2026 from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 120 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder, most often about engine. There are 2 recalls for this model year.

Complaints: 120
Recalls: 2
Crashes: 3
Fires: 1
Injuries: 2
Median mileage: 47,000 mi

Safety warning: at least one recall for this vehicle tells owners to park outside until it is repaired. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Key facts

Engine is the most-reported problem area, named in 59 of 120 complaints (49%).
Transmission & Drivetrain (22) and electrical system (20) follow.
Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 47,000 mi.
Owners reported 3 crashes, 1 fire and 2 injuries.
The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder has 2 recalls on file.
It ranks 5th of 21 Nissan Pathfinder model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
That is 135% more complaints than the 2016 model year (51).

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)	Complaints
Engine	58
Unknown or other	22
Power train	21
Electrical system	20
Steering	6
Service brakes	6
Air bags	5
Exterior lighting	4

When problems happen (mileage)

Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2017 Nissan Pathfinder complaints that list mileage.

2017 Nissan Pathfinder recalls (2)

Recall 19V807000Nov 8, 2019391,479 vehiclesPark outside
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2018 Nissan Murano, 2016-2018 Nissan Maxima, and 2017-2019 Nissan Pathfinder and Infiniti QX60 vehicles. These vehicles were previously recalled and unrepaired, or inspected and determined to not need a repair, under recall number 18V-601. In addition, this recall expands the previous population. The Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) actuator pumps may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal circuit board.
Risk: A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ABS actuator, free of charge. Owners will receive a second notice when remedy parts become available, currently expected to be during summer 2020. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Note: If the ABS warning light remains illuminated for more than 10 seconds after engine start up, owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors away from other vehicles or structures and to not drive the vehicle.
Recall 18V601000Sep 7, 2018215,124 vehiclesPark outside
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Nissan Murano, 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2017-2018 Nissan Pathfinder, and 2017 Infiniti QX60 vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) actuator pumps may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal circuit board.
Risk: A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the serial number on the ABS actuator, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began October 29, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Note: When brake fluid has leaked onto the circuit board, the ABS warning lamp will remain illuminated for more than 10 seconds after engine start up. If this occurs, owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors away from other vehicles or structures and to not drive the vehicle.

NHTSA 5-Star safety ratings

Version	Overall	Frontal	Side	Rollover
2017 Nissan Pathfinder SUV AWD	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★★☆
2017 Nissan Pathfinder SUV FWD	★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★★★	★★★★☆

Recent 2017 Nissan Pathfinder complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Filed Sep 6, 2026WACrash1 injuredTowedAirbags
I was involved in a collision, and despite the force of the impact, the vehicle's airbags failed to deploy.Following the accident, the main dashboard SRS airbag indicator light began flashing. Additionally, the passenger airbag light indicates that the passenger airbag remains "OFF" even when an adult is properly seated in the front passenger seat.
NHTSA complaint #11762439 · source
Filed Aug 13, 2026VAEngine
SLUDGE IN ENGINE- UNDER 100,000 MILES We had been keeping up with all recommended services, and it is cosmetically perfect, but the car is now a total loss. A Check Engine light came on, and we began to notice a tremor/shake and took it to Southern Team Nissan. The Nissan dealer diagnosed sludge in the engine and said it would need a total engine replacement. The Nissan dealer advised that the cost of that would be more than the car was worth. After they pulled the pan to…
NHTSA complaint #11756766 · source
Filed Jul 27, 2026MAOther / Unknown
My 2017 Nissan Pathfinder was making noise - I brought it to my mechanic and he said it is not safe to drive that the rear frame assembly has rotted and on one side was not even connected to anything. I have 110,000 miles on it. I asked Nissan to stand by there vehicle and was told it’s past warranty so they can’t do anything - this should not have happened to a 9 yo vehicle. I got my car fixed at my mechanics - I have pictures & receipts as well - in the mist of all of this…
NHTSA complaint #11752982 · source
Filed Jan 7, 2026100,000 miNCEngineTransmission & DrivetrainWheels & Tires
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving in a parking lot at unknown speeds, the vehicle began jerking and stalled. The battery had become inoperable. The TPMS message was displayed. The failure was linked to Technical Service Bulletin: NTB15-015h. The local dealer was called and informed the contact that the failure was related to the CVT transmission and confirmed there was no coverage for the repair of the vehicle. The vehicle was…
NHTSA complaint #11709306 · source
Filed Dec 18, 2025FLTransmission & Drivetrain
The transmission is failing. The car has about 117,000 miles on it. The transmission issue is a known problem with this vehicle and is causing safety concerns while driving it due to acceleration problems.
NHTSA complaint #11705791 · source
Filed Oct 14, 202589,000 miNJTransmission & Drivetrain
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the CVT after identifying a transmission judder. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 89,000.
NHTSA complaint #11693456 · source
Filed Sep 24, 2025MOEngine
Engine failure in my vehicle equipped with the VQ35DD engine, which I believe is the result of a widespread and well-documented design defect involving internal sludge buildup. I have owned this vehicle for over five years and have followed the recommended routine maintenance schedule, including on-time oil changes using high-quality oil. At no point during any inspection, service, or maintenance appointment was I informed of any sludge buildup or concerns with the engine.…
NHTSA complaint #11689452 · source
Filed Sep 22, 2025PAEngine
Timing chain failure at 88,000 miles on well maintained vehicle. Could cause catastrophic engine failure. No leading indicator.
NHTSA complaint #11689046 · source

Compare the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder with another vehicle →

Other 2017 Nissan models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology