Nissan Pathfinder Complaints (2017)

188 consumer complaints on file.

#11772885October 22, 2026
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that while driving, there was white smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the head gasket was replaced. The contact stated that later, while driving, there was an abnormal fuel odor and fuel droplets inside the cabin of the vehicle. The driver and granddaughter were seated inside the vehicle. The vehicle was parked, and the Fire Department and emergency personnel were called to the scene. The contact and granddaughter were transported to the hospital. The contact was treated for breathing issues, headaches, and ear pain, and the granddaughter was treated for headaches and eye irritation due to fuel inhalation. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer, and the fuel line and brake lines were replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 134,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
2
Deaths:
0
#11772478October 20, 2026
SEAT BELTS
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that the seat belt and air bag warning lights illuminated while the driver’s and passenger’s seats were occupied. The contact stated that the passenger’s air bag light was off. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V244000 (Air Bags); as the cause for the failure; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer and the dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11762439September 6, 2026
AIR BAGS
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.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11756766August 13, 2026
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11752982July 27, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11724266March 14, 2026
STEERING
Constant whine from under the vehicle while in park or idle. Even after having the rack replaced
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709306January 7, 2026
ENGINE, POWER TRAIN, TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705791December 18, 2025
POWER TRAIN
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11693456October 14, 2025
POWER TRAIN
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689452September 24, 2025
ENGINE
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)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689046September 22, 2025
ENGINE
Timing chain failure at 88,000 miles on well maintained vehicle. Could cause catastrophic engine failure. No leading indicator.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11684133August 30, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL, ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683007August 25, 2025
ENGINE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11676700July 28, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11675377July 22, 2025
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11672186July 9, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664526June 3, 2025
AIR BAGS
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11662466May 21, 2025
POWER TRAIN
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.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11634532January 7, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact's daughter owns a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the instrument panel and the infotainment system were inoperable, and the screen was black. The contact stated that the failure persisted while driving, and the contact's daughter was unable to control the side view mirrors. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where it was diagnosed that the display control unit, Part Number: 25391-9PJ0C had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided because the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11630859December 16, 2024
POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, ENGINE
The Check Engine light turned on and took it to dealership on 12/14/24 and they stated that Throttle chamber may have issues. Used scanner and code P0101- Mass Air Flow Sensor Circuit was read on scanner. Vehicle struggles to get air flow into engine causes speed to struggle when trying to accelerate.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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