VehicleVerdict

2017 Nissan Pathfinder problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 253 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.0 times the median Pathfinder year — the 2017 model ranks #10 of 40 Pathfinder years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list.

Engine leads the complaint categories with 84 reports (33% of the total). In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

253

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

13

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

9

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2017 compare to other Pathfinder years?

Pathfinder NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted1,560 complaints1986: 1 complaints1987: 31 complaints1988: 17 complaints1989: 19 complaints1990: 44 complaints1991: 49 complaints1992: 38 complaints1993: 67 complaints1994: 108 complaints1995: 218 complaints1996: 214 complaints1997: 293 complaints1998: 194 complaints1999: 144 complaints2000: 166 complaints2001: 299 complaints2002: 206 complaints2003: 147 complaints2004: 86 complaints2005: 1,560 complaints2006: 1,224 complaints2007: 846 complaints2008: 458 complaints2009: 51 complaints2010: 61 complaints2011: 59 complaints2012: 35 complaints2013: 1,208 complaints2014: 747 complaints2015: 432 complaints2016: 128 complaints2017: 253 complaints2018: 121 complaints2019: 119 complaints2020: 74 complaints2022: 195 complaints2023: 147 complaints2024: 114 complaints2025: 74 complaints2026: 8 complaints
Pathfinder NHTSA complaints by model year, 2017 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Pathfinder years to avoid →

What are the most common 2017 Nissan Pathfinder problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine8433%
Other4016%
Transmission3413%
Electrical System3012%
Brakes114%
Fuel System83%
Steering83%
Visibility & Wipers62%
Driver Assistance62%
Lighting62%
Airbags62%
Body & Structure52%
Speed Control52%
Seats10%
Suspension10%
Tires & Wheels10%
Latches & Locks10%

Does the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

19V807000BrakesNovember 8, 2019 · 391,479 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

18V601000BrakesSeptember 7, 2018 · 215,124 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“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.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 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.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · January 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.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · January 12, 2020 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · February 26, 2023 · crash

“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…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · October 23, 2017 · crash

2017 Nissan Pathfinder — common questions

Is the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 253 complaints put the 2017 model at #10 of 40 Pathfinder years. It is one of the Pathfinder years to avoid.

What are the most common 2017 Pathfinder problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (84 complaints), other (40 complaints), transmission (34 complaints).

Does the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Nissan Pathfinder years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Pathfinder years to avoid are 2005, 2006, 2013, 2007, 2014, 2008, 2015, 2001, 1997, 2017, 1995, 1996, 2002, 2022, 1998, 2003, 2004. The cleanest record among Pathfinder years belongs to 1986.

How safe is the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.