2017 Nissan Pathfinder engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. 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
2. 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
3. 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
4. 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
5. Filed Aug 30, 2025NYElectrical SystemEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control

   As I was driving my 2017 Nissan Pathfinder, when the vehicle suddenly accelerated to a high rate of speed and the gas pedal became stuck. I tried to press on the brake as much as possible but the vehicle was not successfully able to be stopped which caused a terrible motor vehicle accident.

   NHTSA complaint #11684133 · source
6. Filed Aug 25, 2025NJEngine

   PCV Valve hose clogging rendering system useless and resulting in sludge buildup in engine. The sludge buildup causes issues with timing chain lubrication and ultimately destroys the guides causing excessive engine rattling, aluminum flakes in the engine. Causes loss of power, numerous different engine codes, and ultimately catastrophic failure of engine. Hise collapses within itself and prevents proper crankcase ventilation. See attached pictures.

   NHTSA complaint #11683007 · source
7. Filed Dec 16, 2024CAEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

   The Check Engine light turned on and took it to dealership on 12/14/24 and they stated that Throttle chamber may have issues. Used scanner and code P0101- Mass Air Flow Sensor Circuit was read on scanner. Vehicle struggles to get air flow into engine causes speed to struggle when trying to accelerate.

   NHTSA complaint #11630859 · source
8. Filed Oct 31, 2024GAEngine

   On Sunday [XXX] while driving to Savannah Georgia to attend a funeral my 2017 Nissan Pathfinder broke down. I was able to coast off the road out of traffic in the pouring rain. I had the vehicle towed to Statesboro tire and brake in Statesboro Georgia who was in network with my extended warranty company. On May 20th 2024 I was told the engine failed due to metal in the oil. They opened a claim and diagnosed the issue. The warranty company requested the oil pan be dropped and…

   NHTSA complaint #11622859 · source
9. Filed Sep 26, 2024120,000 miINTowedEngine

   The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road and attempted to jumpstart the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the property and was later towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed but no cause for the failure was identified. The contact stated that several…

   NHTSA complaint #11616631 · source
10. Filed Apr 10, 2024ILEngine

    Complete engine failure while driving on highway putting the safety of my family(including 2 young kids) at risk. We were able maneuver to the side of the road. We were stranded on side of highway in a very rural area at night with no power(no hazard lights, or heat) for a while. Car towed to Nissan dealership, who stated a new engine is needed. Paper work is available. For history, a new timing belt was installed in Fall 2023, but no issues since (no warnings, messages or…

    NHTSA complaint #11582099 · source
11. Filed Sep 27, 2023TXEngineOther / Unknown

    I have had so many problems with my vehicle. I have spend so much on auto repair. Latest one I took in to a local mechanic and he diagnosed it with transmission issue with a timer. It’s hard to go from 30 to 40mph. He also looked it up and said there’s a recall. I called my local Nissan dealer and was told my vehicle is not under the recall. Every dealers being asking me if I have transmission issues and I finally said yes trying to trade my vehicle. They mentioned Nissan…

    NHTSA complaint #11546952 · source
12. Filed Jun 4, 2023MOEngineSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

    While driving at a speed of 60mph on the highway my pathfinder lost all power and became had to control as my car came to a complete stop causing me to be stuck in between to merging highways with traffic on each side . I was given no warning this was about to happen and it could have cost me my life . My car had to be picked up and towed I would assume it’s my transmission or my engine it is the 3rd. I could not accelerate or shift at all despite having NO warning lights on…

    NHTSA complaint #11525236 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. 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