Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2017 Nissan Pathfinder owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power without warning. Due to the failure, another vehicle crashed into the vehicle at a low rate of speed. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. Due to the snowy weather, the contact was advised by the police that both drivers pull off to the nearest exit and exchange information. A Police report was not filed. No medical assistance was required; however, the contact did sustain mental trauma due to the sudden failure. After the contact exchanged information with the other driver, the failure occurred two more time before she reached her destination. The contact stated that the low battery warning light appeared on the instrument panel after the second failure and the traction control warning light appeared after the third failure. …
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 weeks afterwards, the display screen went black before the vehicle lost motive power. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road and attempted to jump start the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle shut off as soon as the contact arrived at the local dealer. The vehicle was taken back to the same local dealer where it was diagnosed but no cause for the failure was identified. …
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.
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a rattling sound coming from the front end of the vehicle while the air conditioner was activated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and diagnosed with bearing wear, causing the fan assembly failure. The contact was informed that the fan assembly needed to be replaced and that the fan blades could detach, causing the radiator to leak and the engine to fail. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while the vehicle was at the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V807000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic), the dealer diagnosed that there was a mechanical defect in the engine and that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to Nissan of Yorktown Heights (3495 Old Crompond Rd, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598) where the dealer performed the recall repair and replaced the engine. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle made abnormally loud sounds. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the cooling fan was replaced and the warning light was reset; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the vehicle would only start after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the PCV hose collapsed and was applying significant pressure on the crankcase, causing an engine misfire. The dealer replaced the PCV hose; however, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the fractured exhaust clamps were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The dealer diagnosed that the cylinder #1 ignition coil might have failed. …
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 until I turned it off to save my battery and make my self able to keep my lights and flashers on without causing anymore damage to my car which has already had a complete engine ,diffrential, and transfcase, radiator, and tan blades replaced multiple times at just 2 years old but was out of mileage so Nissan wouldn't honor them . …
Began hearing a rapid patterned running at first, which quickly developed into a shaking that could be felt in the steering wheel. Determined that it only happened while the heating and ventilation system was active. Opened the hood, no signs of obstructions, does look like the fan blades of the radiator are loose and hitting the shroud. Given the need for heat to defrost windows as well as safetly operate in the winter with children in the car, it is unsafe to use the vehicle until this mater can be resolved, as without the radiator fans the engine could overheat as well. Will be looking to have the part replaced asap, as the vehicle is needed for livelihood, and with as many people have reported this issue, surprised there has yet to be a recall to address this, as it seems to be the same issue, with others having bearings going out causing a similar issue.
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 this website under complaints for 2017 Nissan Pathfinders.
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 has transmission issues.
Engine complaints in other Pathfinder years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder?
NHTSA has 84 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder, 45% of the model year's 186 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2017 Nissan Pathfinder engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2017 Nissan Pathfinder engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 45,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.