Is the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?

NHTSA data gives the 2017 Pathfinder a Caution verdict with a complaint index of 42, ranking 12th out of 20 model years. It has 186 complaints, mostly tied to the engine and transmission, plus two brake recalls.

Why is the 2017 Pathfinder rated Caution instead of by its complaint index alone?

The verdict is capped to Caution because the vehicle is covered by a Park Outside recall involving the ABS actuator, even though its complaint index of 42 alone would not require that rating.

What is the top problem area for the 2017 Pathfinder?

Engine complaints make up 47% of all reports, with a median failure mileage of 45,000 miles, followed by transmission and powertrain issues at 18%.

Does the 2017 Pathfinder have a brake recall?

Yes. NHTSA lists two recalls, campaigns 18V601000 and 19V807000, both involving the ABS actuator pump on the brake system, with a Park Outside instruction.

How does the 2017 Pathfinder compare to other years?

Its complaint index of 42 is better than the 2013 (100) and 2014 (95) Avoid years, but worse than 2016 (37), 2020 (21), and 2011-2012 Best years.

2017 Nissan Pathfinder Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Caution The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder has a Caution verdict driven by two brake-related recalls and 186 NHTSA complaints, mostly engine (47%) and transmission (18%) issues. Its complaint index of 42 ranks 12th out of 20 model years, better than the 2013-2014 Avoid years but worse than 2016 or 2020.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index: 42/100; #12 of 20 Pathfinder years
Verdict: Caution; vs. other years of this model
Complaints: 186; unique NHTSA reports
Recalls: 2; 2 Park Outside
Crashes: 8; reported in complaints
Fires: 2
Injuries: 8
Top issue: Engine
Best nearby year: 2020; rated Best

NHTSA overall rating: 5 / 5 ★
EPA combined MPG: 22; 19 city / 26 hwy
Injuries / deaths: 8 / 0

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

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	Recalls	MPG
2015	Caution	74	320	5	23
2016	Good	37	105	2	22
2017	Caution	42	186	2	22
2018	Caution	26	77	3	22
2019	Caution	32	76	2	22

All Nissan Pathfinder years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?: NHTSA data gives the 2017 Pathfinder a Caution verdict with a complaint index of 42, ranking 12th out of 20 model years. It has 186 complaints, mostly tied to the engine and transmission, plus two brake recalls.
Why is the 2017 Pathfinder rated Caution instead of by its complaint index alone?: The verdict is capped to Caution because the vehicle is covered by a Park Outside recall involving the ABS actuator, even though its complaint index of 42 alone would not require that rating.
What is the top problem area for the 2017 Pathfinder?: Engine complaints make up 47% of all reports, with a median failure mileage of 45,000 miles, followed by transmission and powertrain issues at 18%.
Does the 2017 Pathfinder have a brake recall?: Yes. NHTSA lists two recalls, campaigns 18V601000 and 19V807000, both involving the ABS actuator pump on the brake system, with a Park Outside instruction.
How does the 2017 Pathfinder compare to other years?: Its complaint index of 42 is better than the 2013 (100) and 2014 (95) Avoid years, but worse than 2016 (37), 2020 (21), and 2011-2012 Best years.