Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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 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 contact stated that while attempting to retrieve items from the rear hatch area, the electronic hatch door closed unexpectedly. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 48,000.
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 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 notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 145,000.
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.
My 2017 Pathfinder started with a grinding feeling and noise while driving , then it would start but would not go in drive or reverse, with 51,000 miles. I had it towed to the dealership where I purchased it new , with all types of warranty as an additional cost to me ...on inspection they said a code P0776 pressure solenoid B from low CVT fluid from a leak at the drain plug , they replaced and found no other leaks, they also replaced all stuff that was not a problem including wiper blades, did not change oil but replaced air filter, and element and a few other things to fill his cache my cost for all of no problem solved was $ 734.70 . I was back with the same problem and an additional plume of blackish grey smoke on starting up with an awful smell. …
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 further, resulting in noise, vibration and possible fire. If this is ignored, eventually the CVT transmission will no longer operate properly and the The vehicle will stop accelerating, which could increase the risk of a crash and endangerment. Rear hatch on some 2017 Nissan Pathfinders. …
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 I got it it had 48583. I have not driven the car 100000 miles ourselves and this happens. I argued with them because Ihad no problems with my car, we were trying to follow the guidlelines of service for mileage. Now we are stuck with no car and the cost of repair 10,500 that we do not have plus having a high car payment. …
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 . …
Multiple times since ownership as of 11/09/2019 during hard braking the ABS system failed to engage and wheels locked for a portion of stopping; the ABS would hesitantly engage after a few sec on separate occasions. Simultaneously, the transmission disengaged into neutral causing power to the FWD to not respond for at least 10-60 seconds after the car had completely stopped to the ABS system notification. On 11/31/2022, I hard braked to avoid a collision with a white ford pickup and coasted to the side of the road. Shutting down and restarting the car had no effect. After approx. 3 mins the transmission engaged and I was able to move. A line of traffic was waiting.
Transmission complaints in other Pathfinder years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder?
NHTSA has 34 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder, 18% of the model year's 186 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2017 Nissan Pathfinder transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 45,000 miles, and 23% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.