2017 Nissan Pathfinder Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
50/100
#8 most-complained of 15 Pathfinder years
The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder has 186 NHTSA complaints, a Complaint Index of 50, and ranks 8th worst out of 15 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Engine complaints (47% share) dominate, with two brake-related recalls on record.
- Complaints
- 186
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes / fires
- 8 / 2
- Injuries / deaths
- 8 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 19 city / 26 hwy
Top 2017 Nissan Pathfinder problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine87 (47%)
- Other41 (22%)
- Transmission & Powertrain34 (18%)
- Electrical System32 (17%)
- Brakes14 (8%)
- Fuel System8 (4%)
- Steering8 (4%)
- Airbags7 (4%)
- Structure & Body7 (4%)
- Visibility & Wipers6 (3%)
What owners report
- Vehicles have lost motive power suddenly while driving at highway speed, in one case leading to a collision when the car stalled at 60 MPH.
- Owners report brakes becoming non-responsive during stop-and-go driving, requiring firm pressure with no stopping effect, sometimes resulting in low-speed collisions.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in side and frontal impacts, in some cases with no warning light activation, while in other cases the SRS light flashed afterward and the passenger airbag stayed marked OFF.
- The radiator cooling fan has developed a rattling noise from a failed secondary bushing, requiring full fan assembly replacement.
- The forward emergency braking/intelligent cruise control system has activated without cause, disabling cruise control and suddenly slowing the vehicle.
- An electrical fan bearing under the hood has failed, producing a wobble and rattle noise while driving.
2017 Nissan Pathfinder recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 19V807000Nov 8, 2019Brakes391,479 vehiclesPark Outside
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
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.
Risk: A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 18V601000Sep 7, 2018Brakes215,124 vehiclesPark Outside
Service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip
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.
Risk: A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: 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.
2017 Nissan Pathfinder fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19 MPG
- Highway
- 26 MPG
- Combined
- 22 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,950
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2017 compared with other Pathfinder years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2017 Pathfinder a Complaint Index of 50 and a Caution verdict, ranking 8th worst among 15 model years of the Pathfinder. It is not among the worst years, but it trails cleaner years like 2020 (index 21) and 2012 (index 0).
- What is the biggest problem with the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder?
- Engine complaints are the top problem area, making up 47% of complaints (87 of 186), with a median mileage at failure of 45,000 miles.
- Does the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2017 Pathfinder, both involving the ABS actuator in the brake system, one reported in 2018 and a follow-up in 2019 for previously unrepaired vehicles.
- What year Nissan Pathfinder should I avoid?
- Among the 15 model years tracked, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2025 carry an Avoid verdict, with 2013 having the highest Complaint Index at 100. The 2017 model falls into the Caution tier instead.
- How many complaints does the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder have?
- NHTSA has logged 186 complaints for the 2017 Pathfinder, including 8 crashes, 2 fires, and 8 injuries, with no deaths reported.