The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder has 2 safety recalls and 188 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is engine (83 complaints).
Recalls2safety recalls
Complaints188filed by owners
Crashes · fires8 · 2reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths10 · 0reported in complaints
2017 Nissan Pathfinder in an NHTSA crash test
2 recalls for this model year carries an NHTSA park outside advisory. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Safety recalls
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
NHTSA recall 19V807000 · Nov 8, 2019 · 391,479 vehicles
NHTSA advisory: park outside and away from buildings until repaired (fire risk).
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Service brakes, hydraulic › Antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
NHTSA advisory: park outside and away from buildings until repaired (fire risk).
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA side barrier crash testNHTSA side pole crash test
2017 Nissan Pathfinder SUV AWD
Overall
★★★★★
Frontal crash
★★★★★
Side crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★★★
Rollover risk
17.9%
Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: No
2017 Nissan Pathfinder SUV FWD
Overall
★★★★★
Frontal crash
★★★★★
Side crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★★★
Rollover risk
17.4%
Forward collision warning: Optional · Lane departure warning: No
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
Pathfinder 2WD
23mpg combined
City / highway
20 / 27 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,900/year to fuel
Pathfinder 4WD
22mpg combined
City / highway
19 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · 4-Wheel Drive · about $3,050/year to fuel
Pathfinder 4WD Platinum
21mpg combined
City / highway
19 / 26 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · 4-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Engine
83
3
0
1
45,105 mi
Unknown or other
41
3
2
4
23,149 mi
Power train Automatic transmission
34
2
0
1
45,000 mi
Electrical system
27
1
0
1
45,000 mi
Service brakes
11
1
0
0
24,000 mi
Fuel/propulsion system
8
0
0
0
43,327 mi
Steering
8
0
0
0
52,131 mi
Air bags
7
2
0
3
58,473 mi
Exterior lighting
6
0
0
0
—
Forward collision avoidance Automatic emergency braking; Adaptive cruise control
6
0
0
0
—
Visibility/wiper
5
1
0
0
25 mi
Vehicle speed control
5
0
0
0
25,289 mi
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Jul 7, 2026 · 134,000 miles · 2 injuriesFuel system, gasoline The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the head gasket was replaced. The contact stated that later, while driving, there was an abnormal fuel odor and fuel droplets inside the cabin of the vehicle. The driver and granddaughter were seated inside the vehicle. The vehicle was parked, and the Fire Department and emergency personnel were called to the scene. The contact and granddaughter were transported to the hospital. The contact was treated for breathing issues, headaches, and ear pain, and the granddaughter was treated for headaches and eye irritation due…
Oct 20, 2026 · 115,000 milesSeat belts The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the seat belt and air bag warning lights illuminated while the driverâs and passengerâs seats were occupied. The contact stated that the passengerâs air bag light was off. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V244000 (Air Bags); as the cause for the failure; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer and the dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000.
Jun 15, 2026 · crash · 1 injuryAir bags 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.
Aug 12, 2025Engine 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 check if there was definitely sludge, the car then shook so badly that it felt unsafe to drive. Research shows that this is a known issue, with many cases of documented VQ35DD sludge problems. We see many listed cases on…
Jun 23, 2026Unknown or other 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 itâs past warranty so they canât 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.
Mar 14, 2026Steering Constant whine from under the vehicle while in park or idle. Even after having the rack replaced
Oct 1, 2025 · 100,000 milesEngine 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.
Dec 1, 2025Power train 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 complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
