2017 Nissan Pathfinder: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 185 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is engine (40% of complaints); the 2016 and 2018 and 2019 model years look more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 1 new complaint in the last 90 days · latest recall Nov 2019
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 185 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“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 is when I found out there is a recall in the ABS which I will make an appt with the dealer.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jun 2026
“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.”Owner report · Power Train · Dec 2025
“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.”Owner report · Power Train · Oct 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“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 not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.”Owner report · Tires · Oct 2025
“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.”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · Aug 2025
“Timing chain failure at 88,000 miles on well maintained vehicle. Could cause catastrophic engine failure. No leading indicator.”Owner report · Engine · Aug 2025
“My Nissan pathfinder has consistently had a AC compressor unit replacement several times. There is OBVIOUSLY a sealing issue on this part /vehicle. It's absolutely unacceptable to replace a AC compressor unit 3 times within the 5 years of owning this vehicle.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jun 2025
“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.”Owner report · Power Train · May 2025
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2024
“Faulty fluid pump system Fault CVT system I noticed the car was slow to accelerate like it was slipping. Then a few days later, there was a jerking/ shuddering you could feel the entire car shaking. I took to the repair shop and they are saying it pulled the code for CVT and fuel pump circuit. Car in the shop awaiting repair This seems to be common problem with the Nissan pathfinder finder 2017. Is there anything can be done about this. It can easily become a safety hazard and potential loss of life. Shouldn't there be a recall or resolution to this problem and Coustomer get reimbursement for money spent with this defective product.q”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Nov 2024
When filing, owners marked a crash in 7 of these complaints and injuries in 7 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
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.
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.
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.
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.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2017 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Pathfinder by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
NHTSA has 185 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. The most complained-about area is engine (40% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2017 Nissan Pathfinder problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 44,000 miles or less.
Does the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.