2017 Nissan Pathfinder Complaints

AIR BAGS — Filed 06/15/2026

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.

ENGINE — Filed 08/12/2025

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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 06/23/2026

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.

STEERING — Filed 03/14/2026

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

POWER TRAIN,TIRES,ENGINE — Filed 10/01/2025

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.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 12/01/2025

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.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 10/14/2025

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.

ENGINE — Filed 05/04/2025

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)

ENGINE — Filed 08/25/2025

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

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE — Filed 08/30/2025

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.

ENGINE — Filed 06/28/2024

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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 06/23/2025

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,STRUCTURE — Filed 06/01/2024

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.

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 07/01/2025

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.

AIR BAGS — Filed 09/01/2024

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.

POWER TRAIN — Filed 05/05/2025

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.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 11/26/2023

The inside of my car was consumed by an electrical fire while it was parked.

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 02/26/2023

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 attempted to reach the manufacturer but was informed that she had called after business hours. The vehicle was taken to a body shop where it remained in their possession for an inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 52,700.

POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 01/12/2020

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.

AIR BAGS — Filed 05/19/2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2017 NISSAN PATHFINDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE HER HUSBAND WAS CROSSING AN INTERSECTION AT 35 MPH, ANOTHER VEHICLE WAS DRIVING RECKLESS AND DROVE PAST A LEFT TURN STOP LIGHT CAUSING THAT VEHICLE TO CRASH INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. ON IMPACT, THE VEHICLE'S AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY, NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED EITHER. THE DRIVER SUSTAINED INJURIES TO HIS NECK, BACK, LEFT ELBOW AND BOTH KNEES. THE FRONT PASSENGER SUSTAINED NECK, BACK AND LEFT SHOULDER INJURIES. BOTH PARTIES WERE TAKEN TO THE HOSPITAL WHERE THEY WERE TREATED FOR THEIR INJURIES. THE WHEREABOUTS OF THE OTHER DRIVER WERE UNKNOWN. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THERE WERE NO RECALLS ASSOCIATED WITH THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN. *BF*JB

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 01/25/2019

THE VEHICLE WAS RECALLED. THE RECALLED PARTS WERE SUPPOSEDLY FIXED. THE VEHICLE BLEW UP ON JANUARY 25TH 2019 THE SAME DAY IS WHAT PICKED UP FROM THE DEALERSHIP AFTER BEING "REPAIRED."

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 05/10/2019

FAULTY TRANSMISSION CAME OUT OF PARK. STATIONARY. DRIVE WAY.

VISIBILITY/WIPER — Filed 01/02/2018

THE DRIVER SIDE MIRRORS ARE EXTREMELY HIGH ON THE FRAME TO SAFELY SEE WHEN TURNING AT AN INTERSECTION. IT BLOCKS THE VIEW OF THE DRIVER GREATLY. I CONSIDER THIS A HAZARD. IT IS A HUGE OBSTRUCTION OF VIEW, BECAUSE THE DRIVER CANNOT POSSIBLE HAVE A CLEAR VIEW OF INCOMING TRAFFIC SPECIALLY WHEN MAKING A TURN OR PEDESTRIANS. THIS HAS CAUSE AN ACCIDENT WHILE DRIVING IT AT AN INTERSECTION AND DAMAGE ON THE VEHICLE, I WAS DRIVING. THE MIRRORS IN MY OPINION ARE CONSIDER A DESIGN PROBLEM AND IT MUST BE FIX BEFORE IT CAN CAUSE MORE ACCIDENTS AND DISGRACE SOMEONES LIFE .

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 10/23/2017

I REPORTED THE BRAKES BEING NON RESPONSIVE ON 10/23/17 WHICH HAD ALSO CAUSED A MINOR ACCIDENT AS THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A BRIDGE IN WINSTON SALAM NC IN FRONT OF THE BAPTIST HOSPITAL.IT WAS MOVING STOP AND GO AND MAYBE WOULD REACH 35 MPH AND THEN IT WOULDN'T STOP. I HAD BOTH FEET ON THE BRAKES ALSO STANDING UP BUT IT CONTINUED TO COAST INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE SO SLOW I COULD SEE IT COMING BUT THE BRAKES WOULD NOT WORK. IT WAS TOOK INTO THE DEALERSHIP AFTER THE COLLISION REPAIRS AND I WAS TOLD EVERYTHING WAS FINE. SO DURING THIS TIME BETWEEN THEN AND NOW ME AND MY WIFE WAS SCARED OF DRIVING AND WOULD BRAKE AT A FURTHER DISTANCE TO MAKE SURE WE HAD BRAKES. THERE WAS A RECALL ON THE ABS CONTROL UNIT AND THE VEHICLE WENT INTO THE SHOP 11/21/18 AND WAS KEPT FOR 9 TO 10 DAYS. NOW WE HAVE BRAKES THAT WORK BUT THE DEALERSHIP SAID THE RECALL WAS FOR A LEAKAGE NOT FOR IT BEING NON RESPONSIVE. I FEEL THAT IF IT LEAKS OR LOSSES PRESSURE IT WOULD BE THE CAUSE OF BEING UNRESPONSIVE ALSO AND IT WOULD BE NISSAN RESPONSIBLY.

STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 02/10/2018

ON FEBRUARY 10, 2018, WE BROUGHT HOME A NEW PUPPY. WE WANTED TO CALM OUR CURRENT PET DOWN SO I WENT INSIDE MY HOUSE TO LET HIM OUT TO USE THE RESTROOM AND CALM HIM FOR THE INTRODUCTION. IT WAS A COLD NIGHT SO MY 7-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER AND HUSBAND WERE IN THE BACKSEAT UNBUCKLED WITH THE HEATER ON. NOBODY WAS IN THE FRONT SEAT AT THE TIME. THE CAR WAS RUNNING AND I HAD THE KEY IN MY POCKET IN OUR HOUSE. ABOUT 7 MINUTES LATER I HEARD A CRASH. IN MY MIND, I FIGURED MY HUSBAND WAS MOVING THINGS IN OUR GARAGE BUT WHEN I WENT OUTSIDE, THE CAR HAD ACCELERATED UP MY DRIVEWAY AND INTO MY GARAGE. IT CRASHED INTO MY FREEZER, AND IF THE FREEZER HAD NOT BEEN IN THE WAY IT WOULD HAVE CRASHED INTO MY HOUSE. NISSAN FLEW AN ENGINEER DOWN FROM TENNESEE AND HE RAN A REPORT ON HIS COMPUTER AND FOUND NO FAULT. I ASKED IF THEY KNEW WHY IT HAPPENED AND IF THEY TOOK THE VEHICLE APART TO LOOK FOR CAUSE AND THEY SAID: "NO, WE WERE NOT LOOKING FOR WHY ONLY IF THE COMPUTER SHOWED AN ERROR." I ASKED FOR THE REPORT AND THEY STATED THAT THE REPORT WAS PROPRIETARY AND REFUSED TO RELEASE IT TO ME. IT SEEMS ODD THAT THEY WOULD NOT RELEASE THE REPORT IF NISSAN IS NOT AT FAULT.