Home › Nissan › Pathfinder › 2017
2017 Nissan Pathfinder: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder has two recalls for an ABS brake part that can leak fluid and raise the risk of a fire[1][2]. NHTSA also has 186 owner complaints on file, led by the engine group[3][4].
Most reported problems
NHTSA has 186 owner complaints for the 2017 Pathfinder[3]. Eight mention a crash, 2 a fire and 8 an injury[3]. None report a death[3]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component group.
Here is how the biggest groups line up:
| Component group | Complaints |
|---|---|
| Engine[4] | 84 |
| Unknown or other[8] | 41 |
| Power train[9] | 34 |
| Electrical system[10] | 27 |
| Brakes[11] | 11 |
The median mileage at failure is 45,000 for engine complaints[4] and for power train complaints[9]. For brakes it is 24,000[11].
We also read a small sample of complaint texts. This is not a count of all owners, so treat it as a rough picture.
- Power loss and hesitation. In a sample of 12 power train complaints, 8 describe the vehicle hesitating, losing power, stalling or shutting off while driving[9]. Several say the dealer could not find a trouble code[9]. Six of the 12 name the transmission as the problem or the repair[9].
- Cooling fan. In a sample of 12 engine complaints, 7 describe the radiator or cooling fan assembly making noise, shaking or failing[4]. The same theme shows up in about 5 of 12 electrical complaints we read[10]. The recalls in our data do not cover the fan[1][2].
- Screens and power. In the electrical sample, 4 of 12 describe the display, instrument panel or backup camera cutting out, and 4 of 12 describe power loss or shutting off while driving[10].
- Brakes. In a sample of 11 brake complaints, 6 involve the ABS actuator, a brake fluid leak or the ABS recall[11]. Two describe rear brakes wearing out early and being told it was normal wear[11].
Recalls
Both recalls on file for this model year cover the same ABS part. Newest first:
- Remedy pending
ABS actuator, expanded (19V807). Filed 2019-11-08[1]. It covers 2017 to 2019 Pathfinders that were previously recalled and left unrepaired, or inspected and found not to need a repair under 18V601, and it widens the group of vehicles[1]. The ABS actuator pump can let brake fluid leak onto an internal circuit board. That can cause an electrical short and raises the risk of a fire[1]. The fix is a new ABS actuator at no cost, but the recall said parts were expected during summer 2020, so the remedy was not yet available when it was filed[1]. If the ABS warning light stays on for more than 10 seconds after the engine starts, the notice says to park outdoors away from other vehicles and structures and not to drive the vehicle[1]. - ABS actuator (18V601). Filed 2018-09-07[2]. It covers 2017 and 2018 Pathfinders. The problem is the same brake fluid leak onto a circuit board, with the same short and fire risk[2]. Dealers inspect the serial number on the ABS actuator and replace it if needed, at no cost. The recall began October 29, 2018[2]. The warning light advice is the same as above[2].
Our data does not show whether the parts for 19V807 have since arrived. Ask a Nissan dealer about the status for a specific vehicle.
Fuel economy
All three EPA-rated versions use a 3.5L 6-cylinder engine with an automatic (variable gear ratios) and regular fuel[6][12][13].
| Version | City / highway / combined MPG | Est. annual fuel cost |
|---|---|---|
| 2WD (front-wheel drive)[6] | 20 / 27 / 23 | $2,900 |
| 4WD[12] | 19 / 26 / 22 | $3,050 |
| 4WD Platinum[13] | 19 / 26 / 21 | $3,200 |
EPA annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new.
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives the 2017 Pathfinder 5 stars overall in both the AWD and FWD tests[7][14]. Frontal crash is 4 stars, side crash is 5 stars and rollover is 4 stars in both[7][14]. NHTSA lists the rollover risk as 17.9% for AWD[7] and 17.4% for FWD[14].
Engine and size
The EPA lists the 3.5L 6-cylinder engine at 284 hp[15]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models. All three variants share the same exterior size.
How 2017 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 1995 | 170 | 0 |
| 1996 | 159 | 3 |
| 1997 | 217 | 2 |
| 1998 | 149 | 2 |
| 1999 | 104 | 2 |
| 2000 | 112 | 2 |
| 2001 | 230 | 3 |
| 2002 | 156 | 5 |
| 2003 | 110 | 3 |
| 2004 | 67 | 3 |
| 2005 | 1,050 | 2 |
| 2006 | 837 | 3 |
| 2007 | 561 | 1 |
| 2008 | 328 | 4 |
| 2009 | 37 | 3 |
| 2010 | 40 | 4 |
| 2011 | 45 | 2 |
| 2012 | 23 | 2 |
| 2013 | 890 | 11 |
| 2014 | 585 | 12 |
| 2015 | 321 | 6 |
| 2016 | 107 | 2 |
| 2017 | 186 | 2 |
| 2018 | 78 | 3 |
| 2019 | 76 | 2 |
| 2020 | 48 | 0 |
| 2022 | 136 | 5 |
| 2023 | 107 | 1 |
| 2024 | 86 | 2 |
| 2025 | 55 | 1 |
| 2026 | 12 | 0 |
NHTSA lists 186 complaints and 2 recalls for the 2017 model year[5]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, so read them as a rough guide only.
- The next three model years have fewer complaints: 2018 has 78, 2019 has 76 and 2020 has 48[5]. The 2016 model year also has fewer, at 107[5].
- Some older years have more: 2015 has 321, 2014 has 585 and 2013 has 890[5].
- On recalls, 2017 has 2, the same as 2016[5]. The 2018 model year has 3 and 2015 has 6[5].
Should you buy a used 2017 Pathfinder?
The ABS recalls are the first thing to check. Because the fire risk is tied to a brake fluid leak, ask a Nissan dealer whether the repair for 18V601 or 19V807 has been done on the exact vehicle you are looking at[1][2]. Ask too about the cooling fan, since it came up in the complaint samples we read for the engine and electrical groups[4][10]. Some owners who describe hesitation or stalling say dealers found no code, so a long test drive that includes hills and merging is a fair step[9]. On the plus side, the overall NHTSA safety rating is 5 stars[7][14], and the complaint count is lower than for 2013 to 2015[5], but complaints are unverified and not adjusted for sales, so none of this predicts how one vehicle will behave.
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder?
- NHTSA lists 186 complaints, with the engine group the largest at 84[3][4]. In the complaint samples we read, owners describe cooling fan noise and failure, and power loss or hesitation while driving[4][9].
- Does the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder have any recalls?
- Yes, two. 18V601 and 19V807 both cover an ABS actuator that can leak brake fluid onto a circuit board and raise fire risk[1][2]. For 19V807 the remedy was not yet available when the recall was filed[1].
- What is the gas mileage of the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder?
- The EPA rates it at 23 combined MPG for 2WD, 22 for 4WD and 21 for 4WD Platinum[6][12][13].
- How safe is the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder?
- NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall, with 4 stars for frontal crash and rollover and 5 stars for side crash[7][14].
- Is the 2017 Pathfinder a better year than 2014 or 2015?
- By NHTSA complaint counts, 2017 has 186 against 585 for 2014 and 321 for 2015[5]. The counts are not adjusted for sales.
Facts and sources
- Recall 19V807, filed November 8, 2019: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock / Traction Control / Electronic Limited Slip. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V601, filed September 7, 2018: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock / Traction Control / Electronic Limited Slip. NHTSA recall database
- NHTSA has 186 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder (8 mention a crash, 2 a fire, 8 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- 84 complaints name the engine component group (3 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 45,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Nissan Pathfinder model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Pathfinder 2WD, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 20 city / 27 highway / 23 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,900. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 41 complaints name the unknown or other component group (3 crashes, 2 fires, 4 injuries, median mileage at failure 23,149). NHTSA vehicle records
- 34 complaints name the power train component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 45,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 27 complaints name the electrical system component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 45,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- 11 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 24,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA rating for Pathfinder 4WD, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Pathfinder 4WD Platinum, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular, 4-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 26 highway / 21 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,200. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 17.4%. NHTSA vehicle records
- EPA Test Car List, 2017 Nissan Pathfinder with 3.5L 6-cylinder: rated 284 hp. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, PATHFINDER FWD 4DR SUV: length 198 in, width 77 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 114 in, curb weight 4,275 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, PATHFINDER S/SV/SL AWD 4DR SUV: length 198 in, width 77 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 114 in, curb weight 4,420 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, PATHFINDER PLATINUM AWD 4DR SUV: length 198 in, width 77 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 114 in, curb weight 4,672 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov