2017 Nissan Pathfinder
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 186 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 9th highest complaint count among 25 Pathfinder model years with reports.
Of the 2017 reports, 8 involved a crash and 2 involved a fire. 8 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipPark outsideNov 8, 2019
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.
A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 19V807000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, antilock/traction control/electronic limited slipPark outsideSep 7, 2018
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.
A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
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.
Campaign 18V601000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: other or unspecified
41 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Jul 27, 2026
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.
Other or unspecified, Jul 28, 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.
Power train, Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Jul 9, 2025
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.
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 11, 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
Other or unspecified, Sep 12, 2024
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.
Other or unspecified, Jul 6, 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.
Other or unspecified, Jul 1, 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.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Other or unspecified, Apr 23, 2024
While driving and going down the highway my vehicles HUD and all electronics inside the vehicle will just randomly kick out momentarily for not no more the 30seconds, but the head lights stay one and the car still runs. It kicks the cruise control off and this just started happening.
Other or unspecified, Jan 10, 2024
Radiator Fan Requiring Replacement due to failing bushings at 45k miles.
Other or unspecified, Nov 27, 2023, fire
The inside of my car was consumed by an electrical fire while it was parked.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Sep 27, 2023
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.
Other or unspecified, Nov 28, 2022
Sunroof exploded & glass fell on me while driving on freeway. Heard popping sound when it occured. Glad I wasn't injured.
Other or unspecified, Feb 9, 2022
2013 – 2017 PATHFINDER; RADIATOR SHROUD AND COOLING had faulty FAN ASSEMBLY REPLACEMENT PROCEDURE. It rattles and potential overheat if fan stops working. This starting rattling at 37k miles. APPLIED VEHICLES: 2013 – 2017 Pathfinder (R52) SERVICE INFORMATION When replacing the radiator shroud and cooling fan assembly for any reason, the engine coolant, air cleaner case, and air duct does not need to be removed as part of the procedure. Use this SERVICE PROCEDURE (in place of the ESM) and the CLAIMS INFORMATION in this bulletin. The ESM will be updated at a later date.
Other or unspecified, Feb 3, 2022
Nissan is disconnecting service for Nissan Connect Service. This disables the SOS connect function. This could result in a sever crash not being reported that could complicate or hinder occupant(s)injuries. Also, it affects I-Key functions and other various data functions. Nissan Support claims it would not be a problem and the dealership, Tristate Nissan-Winchester VA 22602, stated there is nothing that can be done. Supposedly it is due to the loss of 3G telecommunications service. Other Automotive manufacturers are facing the same issue except they are are offering reprogramming to correct the issue, Honda for example.
Steering, Other or unspecified, Jan 18, 2022
When hitting any imperfections in the road, the Pathfinder will lose traction and steering. On the highway it is most dangerous, online it is called "the death sway" and is a known issue to consumers in the Pathfinder and Infiniti Qx80. Forums identify Bushing and bushing arms as the likely culprit. I have never been more afraid to drive a vehicle and have had others drive my vehicle to verify the issue is not caused by my driving. I contacted Nissan twice and they have informed me both times that there isn't anything they can do about it
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 4, 2021
READING FORUMS AND DOING RESEARCH HAS BROUGHT ME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT NISAN IS BUYING AND HAS BEEN BUYING FAULTY RADIATOR FANS FOR YEARS. MY WIFE DOES NOTHING BUT DRIVE TO AND FROM WORK, AVERAGING AROUND 10K MILES A YEAR ON HER PATHFINDER UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS AND WE ARE BEING ASKED TO REPLACE A FAN THAT HAS MYSTERIOUSLY JUST STARTED MAKING ALL KINDS OF NOISE. NOT ONLY IS THIS A PROBLEM BUT IT'S CAUSING CONSUMERS TO SPEND UPWARDS OF $1000 TO REPLACE THIS. I HAVE RECENTLY FOUND A PATHFINDER FORUM WITH WELL OVER 450 RESULTS RELATED TO THIS PARTICULAR ITEM ONLY. OBVIOUSLY, THIS IS NOT COVERED UNDER NORMAL DRIVE TRAIN WARRANTY SO THIS IS COMING OUT OF CONSUMER POCKETS. THIS ISN'T FAIR TO ME OR ANYONE ELSE THAT I HAVE SPOKEN TO. WHY WOULD THIS FAN JUST GO OUT FOR NO REASON OTHER THAN IT'S A FAULTY FAN WITH POOR WORKMANSHIP ASSOCIATED WITH THE PRODUCT. NISSAN DEALERSHIPS ARE MAKING A KILLING, $400 TO $600 JUST IN LABOR WITH ALL OF THESE PROBLEMS. IF YOU ALL GO TO PATHFINDERTALK.COM AND SEARCH RADIATOR FAN, YOU WILL FIND ALL OF THE PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH THE FANS. IT'S FAULTY, IT'S DANGEROUS AND SHOULD BE NISSAN SHOULD HAVE TO FLIP THE BILL FOR THIS IN THE FUTURE AND MAYBE THEY WILL THINK ABOUT THIS BEFORE THEY DECIDE TO BUY CHEAP MATERIALS AGAIN.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 29, 2020
LOUD NOISE STARTED WHEN ENGINE WAS TURNED ON AND ON IDLE. WAS TOLD THAT IT WAS THE RADIATOR BLADE HITTING SOMETHING. WHAT OR WHY THIS HAPPENED THE LOCAL DEALER HAS NO CLUE OR EXPLANATION OTHER THEN "IT JUST HAPPENS ON SOME NISSANS" THE COST TO REPLACE THE RADIATOR FAN AND SHROUD IS ABOUT US$1000 ON A CAR THAT IS 39 MTHS OLD! SEEMS THIS HAPPENS TO ENOUGH NISSANS THAT THE DEALER HAS SEEN IT VARIOUS TIMES.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Dec 24, 2020
RATTLE NOISE UNDER HOOD . FOUND FAN FOR A/C COOLANT BEARING FAILURE FAN BLADE WOBBLE NOISE STARTED WHILE DRIVING TO THE MARKET.
Other or unspecified, Feb 23, 2020
AC/ FAN MAKES LOUD NOISE WHEN TURNED ON UNABLE TO USE BECAUSE NOISE IS SO BAD- NEED TO REPLACE COOLING FAN- NEEDS TO BE COVERED BY NISSAN AS THIS IS CLEARLY A DEFECT
Other or unspecified, Jan 17, 2020
AC FAN MAKES LOUD SOUND WHEN HEATING OR COOLING IS TURNED ON. FIRST STARTED WHEN FAN WAS SET TO MAX ONLY, NOW THE NOISE IS OCCURRING EVEN WHEN FAN IS SET TO LOW.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jan 12, 2020, crash
THE VEHICLE CRANKS UP BY ITSELF AFTER THE DOORS ARE LOCKED AND THE BACK UP CAMERA DOES NOT TURN OFF WHEN THE GEAR IS PUT BACK IN DRIVE. I HAVE A COUPLE OF VIDEOS BUT CAN'T ATTACH ON HERE.
Other or unspecified, Jan 3, 2020
COOLING FAN ON MOST NISSAN PATHFINDER SUV'S (MODELS 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019) SEEMS TO BE GOING BAD AROUND 36,000 MILES. THERE HAS BEEN A WIDESPREAD COMPLAINT ABOUT THIS FROM OTHER PATHFINDER CUSTOMERS. SOME CUSTOMERS EVEN REPORTED HAVING TO REPLACE THE COOLING FAN TWICE IN LESS THAN 60,000 MILES. SURPRISINGLY THIS HASN'T BEEN RECALLED YET OR NISSAN HASN'T DONE ANYTHING ABOUT IT. THE ENGINE COOLING FAN ASSEMBLY FAILED AT 36,000 MILES (RIGHT WHEN WARRANTY EXPIRES) AND IT SOUNDED LIKE RAPID FIRE GOING OFF IN THE FRONT GRILL. AFTER DRIVING A WHILE YOU CAN SMELL AS IF SOMETHING IS BURNING UNDER THE HOOD AND THE BURNING SMELL MAKES IT INSIDE THE PASSENGER COMPARTMENT. YOU CANNOT DRIVE THE CAR FOR TOO LONG BEFORE THE BURNING SMELL STARTS BOTHERING YOU AND GIVING YOU HEADACHES. ONCE THE COOLING FAN GOES BAD, IT ALSO SPILLS SOME SHORT OF LIQUID IN THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT WHICH CAN CAUSE THE BURNING SMELL TO STILL BE AROUND FOR 1-2 WEEK EVEN AFTER GETTING THE COOLING FAN REPLACED. WHEN I TOOK THE CAR TO NISSAN SERVICE CENTER, THE LADY THERE KNEW EXACTLY WHAT THE ISSUE WAS WITHOUT EVEN OPENING THE HOOD. SHE SAID "YES YOUR COOLING FAN HAS GONE BAD AND WILL NEED REPLACING, WE HAD SEVERAL OF THESE WITH THE SAME ISSUE" I MENTIONED TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT THIS WAS A WIDESPREAD ISSUE, BUT THEY DIDN'T DO MUCH ABOUT IT. THEY REFERRED ME TO THEIR REGIONAL OFFICE, WHICH I CONTACTED AND THEY SAID THEY AREN'T ABLE TO DO ANYTHING UNLESS A RECALL HAS BEEN ISSUES BY NHTSA. OTHER COMPLAINTS CAN BE LOCATED ON: HTTP://WWW.CARPROBLEMZOO.COM/NISSAN/PATHFINDER/COOLING-FAN-PROBLEMS.PHP
Other or unspecified, Dec 2, 2019
WHENEVER I ACCELERATE ON STREET FROM 10-30 MPH CAR JERKS/STUTTERS DURING ACCELERATION, ALSO WHEN I RELEASE THE GAS PEDAL CAR SLOWS DOWN AND LIGHTLY JERKS
Other or unspecified, Nov 7, 2019
MY NISSAN PATHFINDER 2017 S HAS 38K MILES AND STARTED NOISE ON ENGINE/AC COOLING FAN. IT SOUNDS LIKE FAN BEARING IS MAKING NOISE. I THINK THIS IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT.
Other or unspecified, Jul 27, 2019
MANY DRIVERS WHO HAS A 2015-2017 NISSAN PATHFINDER HAS BEEN HAVING AN ISSUE WITH THE COOLING FAN ASSEMBLY GOING OUT AROUND 45K MILES. NISSAN DEALERSHIPS ARE SAYING THIS IS A TYPICAL ISSUES BECAUSE OF THE TYPE OF FANS THAT ARE ORGINALLY INSTALLED. I THINK IT IS HORRIBLE TO MAKE AN CONSUMER PAY $900 FOR A MANUFACTURING ISSUE THAT CAUSES THE CAR TO SHAKE AND RATTLE BADLY WHILE MAKING A VERY LOUD WHILE THE A/C IS ON AND GETS WORSE WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IDLE WHETHER THE A/C IS ON OR NOT. NOTHING ABOUT THAT SOUNDS SAFE OR FAIR. I LIVE IN MISSISSIPPI WHERE THE TEMPERATURE IS VERY HIGH AND SHOULDN'T HAVE TO DRIVE IN HORRIBLE CONDITION DUE TO AM ENGINEER DEFAULT.