2017 Nissan Pathfinder transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. 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
2. 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
3. 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
4. Filed Jul 22, 202548,000 miMABody & StructureTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds the vehicle failed to properly accelerate and the transmission overheated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission cooler had leaked transmission fluid and needed to be replaced. The transmission cooler was replaced but the failure persisted. Additionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the rear hatch door opened unintendedly. The…

   NHTSA complaint #11675377 · source
5. Filed Jul 9, 2025MAElectrical SystemOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   Nissan Pathfinder vehicles to repair the CVT transmission fluid cooler hose (inter-cooler). The internal fluid cooler (ITOC) hose may detach from the cooler due to inadequate clamping force. Inter-coolers may overheat, fail operation causing leaks and possible fires. If this occurs, the CVT transmission fluid will begin to slowly leak and the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will illuminate on the instrument panel. If the MIL is ignored, the CVT transmission fluid will drain…

   NHTSA complaint #11672186 · source
6. Filed May 21, 2025NJTransmission & Drivetrain

   The Nissan CVT transmission on my low mileage Nissan Pathfinder 2017 with 90k miles is showing that there is an issue with transmission. it can stop working while driving and it can be an issue with safety if you are driving anywhere. it can potentially cause loss of life of my family or others.

   NHTSA complaint #11662466 · 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, 2024CTTransmission & Drivetrain

   We have just under 80,000 miles on this & the transmission has started slipping. Pulled into an intersection after slowing (we were on the right-of-way), turned right to go up a hill & transmission hesitated. Car shuddered, then tranny kicked in & up the hill we went. We've noticed similar issues when moving from a 'slowing' motion to accelerating - highway lane changes when passing, etc. The hill thing was a stunner.

   NHTSA complaint #11622879 · source
9. Filed Feb 12, 2024145,000 miSCTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly hesitated to shift into gear, displaying symptoms consistent with the transmission slipping. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not…

   NHTSA complaint #11571529 · source
10. Filed Nov 27, 2023CATransmission & Drivetrain

    I am told my transmission needs to be replaced and I need timing chain repair kit. I had transmission service in June 2023 and our car started with a funny noise. Had oil changed and tune up and still same sound Car started to jerk really hard on accelaration after 25mpg then would catch itself up and then loose power. I took to back to place that did my transmission service and they deemed 2 parts in my transmission went out. I have only driven my car for 54585 miles. When…

    NHTSA complaint #11557088 · source
11. Filed Nov 7, 2023MDTransmission & Drivetrain

    Was at a light making a left hand turn, the truck went forward and stopped in the middle of the traffic on a major highway. Passengers include myself and my 6 year old daughter. No check engine light on any lights came over the truck gave no physical warning that this was about to happen. The problem was confirmed by the Nissan dealership.

    NHTSA complaint #11553918 · 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