2017 Nissan Pathfinder Safety Report
2017 NISSAN PATHFINDER Safety Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | Moderate (2) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (183) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 9 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2020 | Compare against the 2020 Nissan Pathfinder with 44 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2015 | Check the 2015 Nissan Pathfinder before buying across this generation. |
Nissan Pathfinder Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Nissan Pathfinder years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Nissan Pathfinder | 75 | 3 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Nissan Pathfinder | 104 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Nissan Pathfinder | 71 | 2 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2015 Nissan Pathfinder | 315 | 5 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2020 Nissan Pathfinder | 44 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2022 Nissan Pathfinder | 123 | 5 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2017 Nissan Pathfinder Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Engine
52 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Nissan onlyUnknown Or Other
24 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Nissan onlyPower Train
16 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Nissan onlyElectrical System
8 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Nissan onlyService Brakes
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Service Brakes issues Nissan onlyAir Bags
6 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Air Bags issues Nissan onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder
Reliability Score
The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder receives a reliability score of 7 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates below-average reliability. Significant issues have been reported by owners and should be carefully evaluated before purchase.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine Failure Engine failure is a critical issue, especially in vehicles with the VQ35DD engine, which may be due to a widespread design defect. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Timing Chain Failure Timing chain failure can lead to catastrophic engine failure, with no leading indicators, at around 88,000 miles. |
High | Common | 88k-117k miles |
| Transmission Issues Transmission problems, including jerking and failure, are common, affecting vehicles with around 117,000 miles. |
Medium | Common | 30k-117k miles |
| Anti-Lock Braking System Malfunction Anti-lock braking systems and traction control may malfunction, posing safety risks, especially in vehicles with around 117,000 miles. |
Medium | Common | 30k-117k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder:
Transmission issues, including jerking and failure, are a common problem.
Engine failure is a critical issue, especially in vehicles with the VQ35DD engine.
Anti-lock braking systems and traction control may malfunction, posing safety risks.
AC compressor issues are reported, with multiple replacements needed.
Recall Details for the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder
The following 2 recalls have been issued for the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder by NHTSA:
Summary: 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 v...
Summary: 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...
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 1 complaint involved crashes. 1 involved fires. 1 reported injuries or fatalities.
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: NTB15-015h. The local dealer was called and informed the contact that the failure was related to the CVT transmission and c...
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. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was n...
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 ...
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 vehicle accident.
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 ...
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 transmission fluid and needed to be replaced. The transmission cooler was replaced but the failure persisted. Additionally, while ...
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 th...
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.
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.
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 th...
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.
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 and fuel pump circuit. Car in the shop awaiting repair This seems to be common problem with the Nissan pathfinder fin...
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 noticed similar issues when moving from a 'slowing' motion to accelerating - highway lane changes when passing, etc. The ...
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 extended warranty company. On May 20th 2024 I was told the engine failed due to metal in the oil. They opened a claim and...
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 failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the property and was later towed to a local dealer where it was diagnosed b...
Showing 20 of 183 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder
Has the 2017 NISSAN PATHFINDER been recalled?
Yes, the 2017 NISSAN PATHFINDER has 2 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2017 NISSAN PATHFINDER have?
The 2017 NISSAN PATHFINDER has 183 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 7 involved crashes. 7 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2017 NISSAN PATHFINDER?
The 2017 NISSAN PATHFINDER received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 4/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 NISSAN PATHFINDER?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2017 NISSAN PATHFINDER involve engine (52 complaints), unknown or other (24 complaints), power train (16 complaints). Other affected components include electrical system, service brakes, air bags.
How many crash reports does the 2017 NISSAN PATHFINDER have?
There are 7 crash reports associated with the 2017 NISSAN PATHFINDER out of 183 total complaints (3.8% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2017 NISSAN PATHFINDER have?
There are 2 fire reports for the 2017 NISSAN PATHFINDER out of 183 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2017 NISSAN PATHFINDER?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 NISSAN PATHFINDER.
How many injuries are reported for the 2017 NISSAN PATHFINDER?
7 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 NISSAN PATHFINDER. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2017 NISSAN PATHFINDER?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 NISSAN PATHFINDER is acceptable with caveats. It has 183 complaints, 2 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2017 NISSAN PATHFINDER?
The components with the most failures on the 2017 NISSAN PATHFINDER are: 1. ENGINE (52 complaints), 2. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (24 complaints), 3. POWER TRAIN (16 complaints), 4. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (8 complaints), 5. SERVICE BRAKES (7 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 52 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2017 NISSAN PATHFINDER?
Be cautious of transmission and engine issues, as they are common and can pose safety risks. Regular maintenance is crucial. The 2017 NISSAN PATHFINDER has 183 NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2017 NISSAN PATHFINDER?
The 2017 NISSAN PATHFINDER receives a reliability score of 7/100, indicating below-average reliability. This is based on 183 owner complaints, 2 recalls, and 9 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Engine Failure and Timing Chain Failure.
What are the known issues with the 2017 NISSAN PATHFINDER?
Known issues with the 2017 NISSAN PATHFINDER include: Engine Failure, Timing Chain Failure, Transmission Issues, Anti-lock Braking System Malfunction. These are based on patterns found across 183 NHTSA complaints. 2 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common safety issues with the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder?
Common safety issues include engine failure, transmission problems, and anti-lock braking system malfunctions.
Are there any recalls for the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder?
Yes, there are recalls for issues with the anti-lock braking system and traction control.
What should I do if I experience transmission issues in my 2017 Nissan Pathfinder?
Take your vehicle to a dealership for diagnosis and repair, as transmission problems are common and can affect safety.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of transmission and engine issues, as they are common and can pose safety risks. Regular maintenance is crucial.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Nissan Pathfinder
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. The data includes 183 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 2 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 7 reported crashes, 2 fire incidents, 7 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-16