2017 Nissan Pathfinder Owner Complaints

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.

NHTSA ID

11752982

Incident

Jun 23, 2026

Constant whine from under the vehicle while in park or idle. Even after having the rack replaced

NHTSA ID

11724266

Incident

Mar 14, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11709306

Incident

Oct 1, 2025

Mileage

100,000 mi

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 ID

11705791

Incident

Dec 1, 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.

NHTSA ID

11693456

Incident

Oct 14, 2025

Mileage

89,000 mi

Engine failure in my vehicle equipped with the VQ35DD engine, which I believe is the result of a widespread and well-documented design defect involving internal sludge buildup. I have owned this vehicle for over five years and have followed the recommended routine maintenance schedule, including on-time oil changes using high-quality oil. At no point during any inspection, service, or maintenance appointment was I informed of any sludge buildup or concerns with the engine. Only after a serious mechanical failure did the Nissan servicing dealership claim the engine was full of sludge, subsequently recommending an engine replacement. Despite my diligence in maintaining the vehicle, I am now facing an engine replacement that was entirely unexpected and has created a safety risk due to loss of motive power. This could have resulted in a serious accident, and I believe this issue merits urgent and transparent attention. Upon researching this issue, I found dozens of similar complaints from other owners with VQ35DD engines, many of whom reported premature engine failure, sludge accumulation, and PCV system defects—despite maintaining their vehicles properly. This issue is being widely discussed on forums, including: [XXX] [XXX] It is unacceptable that Nissan has not issued a technical service bulletin, recall, or extended warranty to address this problem, particularly when it may stem from a known defect in the PCV system or engine design (such as poor oil flow, crankcase ventilation failure, or GDI-related contamination). Given the facts outlined above and the potential safety hazard, a full investigation should be taken to help Nissan customers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11689452

Incident

May 4, 2025

Timing chain failure at 88,000 miles on well maintained vehicle. Could cause catastrophic engine failure. No leading indicator.

NHTSA ID

11689046

Incident

Aug 25, 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.

NHTSA ID

11684133

Incident

Aug 30, 2025

PCV Valve hose clogging rendering system useless and resulting in sludge buildup in engine. The sludge buildup causes issues with timing chain lubrication and ultimately destroys the guides causing excessive engine rattling, aluminum flakes in the engine. Causes loss of power, numerous different engine codes, and ultimately catastrophic failure of engine. Hise collapses within itself and prevents proper crankcase ventilation. See attached pictures.

NHTSA ID

11683007

Incident

Jun 28, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11676700

Incident

Jun 23, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11675377

Incident

Jun 1, 2024

Mileage

48,000 mi

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. Specifically, some brackets used to attach the gas struts to the rear door (hatch) may be improperly made, potentially causing the struts to detach from the brackets when opening or closing the door. This could cause the hatch to fall rapidly, potentially striking someone. Identified as 18V-601, that includes the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder for a potential issue where the lift-gate (back hatch) may not lock properly, this will allow lift-gate to open while driving, not lock securely, potentially allowing someone to fall out of moving vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11672186

Incident

Jul 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer for routine maintenance, and the vehicle was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the air bag and sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact refused the repairs. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ID

11664526

Incident

Sep 1, 2024

Mileage

100,000 mi

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 ID

11662466

Incident

May 5, 2025

The contact's daughter owns a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the instrument panel and the infotainment system were inoperable, and the screen was black. The contact stated that the failure persisted while driving, and the contact's daughter was unable to control the side view mirrors. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed that the display control unit, Part Number: 25391-9PJ0C had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided because the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.

NHTSA ID

11634532

Incident

Nov 7, 2024

Mileage

89,000 mi

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 ID

11630859

Incident

Dec 13, 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

NHTSA ID

11624636

Incident

Nov 8, 2024

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 ID

11622879

Incident

Oct 27, 2024

On Sunday [XXX] while driving to Savannah Georgia to attend a funeral my 2017 Nissan Pathfinder broke down. I was able to coast off the road out of traffic in the pouring rain. I had the vehicle towed to Statesboro tire and brake in Statesboro Georgia who was in network with my extended warranty company. On May 20th 2024 I was told the engine failed due to metal in the oil. They opened a claim and diagnosed the issue. The warranty company requested the oil pan be dropped and pictures to be submitted to them to continue with the claim. Upon further inspection there was sludge and noticeable metal in the oil pan. My extended warranty company denied the claim. I asked if i could submit my maintenance records to prove the vehicle had been maintained. I was told no by the warranty company and statesboro tire and brake didn't even submit them for me. So I had to pay for the work test had been done and have the vehicle towed back to Grovetown Ga. which is where I live. I contacted Nissan consumer relations at this point not knowing what else to do. They opened a claim and I then had the vehicle towed to the Nissan dealership near me. Which they did another diagnosis and the claim through them was also denied. I purchased this vehicle used from CarMax in Augusta Georgia with 41502 miles on it. Upon purchasing the vehicle I maintained the vehicle keeping up with all of the manufacturers recommendations for maintenance and service. I contacted CarMax to see if they could do anything because they are who I purchased the vehicle from. The service manager at CarMax was able to submit my records to the extended warranty company and the claim was approved. The engine is being replaced after almost 6 months of persistence. It is a used engine but at least it's a new engine to me. On [XXX] the vehicle had 100573 miles. There were no warning lights. The vehicle had no issues until it just died on that date. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11622859

Incident

May 19, 2024

Low beam headlamps becoming to dim to safely see at night resulting in having to replace entire headlamp Replacing bulb made no difference

NHTSA ID

11618361

Incident

Oct 1, 2024

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 vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

NHTSA ID

11616631

Incident

Aug 25, 2024

Mileage

120,000 mi

Thursday 9/12/24 6:38 am temp 71 degrees. Driving on interstate and my 2017 Nissan Pathfinder sunroof exploded in the middle of the glass. No rocks were found. I reviewed dash cam front and rear footage and did not find any evidence of a vehicle close enough to throw a rock on the car.

NHTSA ID

11614214

Incident

Sep 12, 2024

AC Auto Amp failed and no cold or hot air is coming out of the vents. Nissan has identified the problem in May 2024 and as of September 2024 they still have not sourced a part that can be used to repair the issue. Safety was put at risk in two ways. First the windshield defroster and defogger do not work. When fog begins to appear on the windshield it affects visibility and has to be wiped off manually while driving. In summer months the temperature of the cabin is excessively hot which can be unsafe over long drives. Nissan has provided no ETA for being able to fix this and the cold NorthEast winter months are coming where it will get dangerously cold. This can be unsafe over long drives in sub freezing temps.

NHTSA ID

11612349

Incident

May 1, 2024

The rear passenger window exploded while driving. It shattered all over the passenger seat and middle seat. Luckily, there was no one in the back seat when it occurred.

NHTSA ID

11599553

Incident

Jul 6, 2024

On June 29, 2024, I was backing out of my driveway, and noticed the rear camera screen was black: guide lines were present as usual, but no image. I checked lens: it was unobstructed. Within about 30 minutes, the camera was functioning normally again.

NHTSA ID

11597961

Incident

Jun 29, 2024