2017 Nissan Pathfinder: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2017 Nissan Pathfinder? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 183 complaints, with Engine Problems as the top reported area.
2017 Nissan Pathfinder Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 3 2017 Nissan Pathfinder trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 3 trims analysed.
2017 Nissan Pathfinder Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2017 Nissan Pathfinder SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
17.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
17.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder has 183 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Engine Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Nissan
- Model
- Pathfinder
- Model year
- 2017
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 183
- Crash-related complaints
- 7
- Safety recall campaigns
- 2
- Top reported component
- Engine Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 26
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2017 Nissan Pathfinder Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Engine Problems
Uncategorized Issues
Transmission / Drivetrain
Complaint patterns center on Engine Problems, Uncategorized Issues, Transmission / Drivetrain. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2017 Nissan Pathfinder?
The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2017 Nissan Pathfinder
Inspection Focus
- Inspect engine and transmission for known issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components.
- Have a mechanic inspect before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect engine and transmission for known issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for reported components.
- Have a mechanic inspect before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2017 Nissan Pathfinder, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder are concentrated in engine problems, transmission/drivetrain issues, and electrical faults. The data suggests potential reliability concerns, but the low confidence level and limited sample size warrant caution.
- Engine problems account for the highest number of complaints among all components.
- Transmission/drivetrain issues are the third most reported component.
- Electrical faults are also a notable concern with 27 complaints.
- Engine Problems
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Electrical Faults
All 2017 Nissan Pathfinder Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Problems | 84 | 3 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 40 | 3 | 2 | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 34 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 27 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 11 | 1 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Constant whine from under the vehicle while in park or idle. Even after having the rack replaced
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: NTB…
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.
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. Th…
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 sch…
Timing chain failure at 88,000 miles on well maintained vehicle. Could cause catastrophic engine failure. No leading indicator.
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 vehi…
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, nu…
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.
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 transmissi…
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 occ…
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 repai…
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 f…
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…
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 whe…
Faulty fluid pump system Fault CVT system I noticed the car was slow to accelerate like it was slipping. Then a few days later, there was a jerking/ shuddering you could feel the entire car shaking. I took to the repair shop and they are saying it pulled the code for CVT …
On Sunday [XXX] while driving to Savannah Georgia to attend a funeral my 2017 Nissan Pathfinder broke down. I was able to coast off the road out of traffic in the pouring rain. I had the vehicle towed to Statesboro tire and brake in Statesboro Georgia who was in network with my e…
We have just under 80,000 miles on this & the transmission has started slipping. Pulled into an intersection after slowing (we were on the right-of-way), turned right to go up a hill & transmission hesitated. Car shuddered, then tranny kicked in & up the hill we went. We've no…
Low beam headlamps becoming to dim to safely see at night resulting in having to replace entire headlamp Replacing bulb made no difference
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the road and attempted to jumpstart the vehicle; however, the vehicle…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder.
2017 Nissan Pathfinder Recalls
2 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2017 Nissan Pathfinder Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 183 owner complaints, 7 crash-related complaints, and 2 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder?▾
#1: Engine Problems (84 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (40 complaints). #3: Transmission / Drivetrain (34 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder, NHTSA complaints include 7 crash-related reports and 2 fire reports out of 183 total complaints. 7 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder have any recalls?▾
Yes. 2 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. A major recall area is SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP. 2 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder?▾
The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Engine Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Nissan Pathfinder reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.