CarComplaints.com Notes: The 2017 was redesigned with new fascia and headlights, but what will be particularly interesting to watch will be the new, direct-injected V6 engine with CVT. Nissan's history with CVTs has been shaky at best.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
32,988 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2017 Nissan Pathfinder drivetrain problems

drivetrain problem

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2017 Nissan Pathfinder Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #26

Feb 112024

Pathfinder

  • 145,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly hesitated to shift into gear, displaying symptoms consistent with the transmission slipping. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 145,000.

- Anderson, SC, USA

problem #25

Oct 062023

Pathfinder

  • miles
I am told my transmission needs to be replaced and I need timing chain repair kit. I had transmission service in June 2023 and our car started with a funny noise. Had oil changed and tune up and still same sound Car started to jerk really hard on accelaration after 25mpg then would catch itself up and then loose power. I took to back to place that did my transmission service and they deemed 2 parts in my transmission went out. I have only driven my car for 54585 miles. When I got it it had 48583. I have not driven the car 100000 miles ourselves and this happens. I argued with them because Ihad no problems with my car, we were trying to follow the guidlelines of service for mileage. Now we are stuck with no car and the cost of repair 10,500 that we do not have plus having a high car payment. I asked when purchasing the car about the transmission because of things I had heard but the sales guy reasured us they have fixed the problems with the CVT engines. Not true thats why with the new models they went back to the standard transmission. WE NEED HELP!!!!

- East Palo Alto, CA, USA

problem #24

Feb 232023

Pathfinder

  • miles
Was at a light making a left hand turn, the truck went forward and stopped in the middle of the traffic on a major highway. Passengers include myself and my 6 year old daughter. No check engine light on any lights came over the truck gave no physical warning that this was about to happen. The problem was confirmed by the Nissan dealership.

- Hurlock, MD, USA

problem #23

Jun 042023

Pathfinder

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving at a speed of 60mph on the highway my pathfinder lost all power and became had to control as my car came to a complete stop causing me to be stuck in between to merging highways with traffic on each side. I was given no warning this was about to happen and it could have cost me my life. My car had to be picked up and towed I would assume it-??s my transmission or my engine it is the 3rd. I could not accelerate or shift at all despite having NO warning lights on until I turned it off to save my battery and make my self able to keep my lights and flashers on without causing anymore damage to my car which has already had a complete engine, diffrential, and transfcase, radiator, and tan blades replaced multiple times at just 2 years old but was out of mileage so Nissan wouldn-??t honor them. Well I assumed with Nissans suite winces they know it-??s their transmissions they would cover everyone-??s since this is on going however they didn-??t and only covered to mileage to my surprise.

- Ofallon , MO, USA

problem #22

Mar 102023

Pathfinder

  • miles
CVT code P17FO, variable transmission going less than 90k miles. Always dealer maintained, Niassan says "sorry"

- Waterford, CT, USA

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problem #21

Feb 262023

Pathfinder

  • 52,700 miles
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 contact was advised by the police that both drivers pull off to the nearest exit and exchange information. A Police report was not filed. No medical assistance was required; however, the contact did sustain mental trauma due to the sudden failure. After the contact exchanged information with the other driver, the failure occurred two more time before she reached her destination. The contact stated that the low battery warning light appeared on the instrument panel after the second failure and the traction control warning light appeared after the third failure. The contact attempted to reach the manufacturer but was informed that she had called after business hours. The vehicle was taken to a body shop where it remained in their possession for an inspection. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 52,700.

- Saint Johnsbury, VT, USA

problem #20

Mar 092022

Pathfinder

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Multiple times since ownership as of 11/09/2019 during hard braking the ABS system failed to engage and wheels locked for a portion of stopping; the ABS would hesitantly engage after a few sec on separate occasions. Simultaneously, the transmission disengaged into neutral causing power to the FWD to not respond for at least 10-60 seconds after the car had completely stopped to the ABS system notification. On 11/31/2022, I hard braked to avoid a collision with a white ford pickup and coasted to the side of the road. Shutting down and restarting the car had no effect. After approx. 3 mins the transmission engaged and I was able to move. A line of traffic was waiting.

- Melrose, NM, USA

problem #19

Feb 112021

Pathfinder

  • miles
My 2017 Pathfinder started with a grinding feeling and noise while driving, then it would start but would not go in drive or reverse, with 51,000 miles. I had it towed to the dealership where I purchased it new, with all types of warranty as an additional cost to me...on inspection they said a code P0776 pressure solenoid B from low CVT fluid from a leak at the drain plug, they replaced and found no other leaks, they also replaced all stuff that was not a problem including wiper blades, did not change oil but replaced air filter, and element and a few other things to fill his cache my cost for all of no problem solved was $ $734.70. I was back with the same problem and an additional plume of blackish grey smoke on starting up with an awful smell. my car was not fixed on 2nd encounter I took my keys after waiting for 3 hours because for their new diagnosis i would again have to pay out of pocket in spite of all such warranties which covers none of the presenting issues. i am back again for the 3rd time.. their diagnosis is " the engine is gone and is beyond them fixing it, I can only drive the car until it dies with no guarantee when..can some please assist I am a 71 yr old woman and, still owe $ 22000. 0n this car. Nissan advisers or corporate somebody please help.

- Kissimmee, FL, USA

problem #18

Dec 132020

Pathfinder

  • 29,176 miles
I was driving the car on a city street, all of a sudden car started to slowdown and showed low battery sign and got stopped/turned off.

- Shoreview, MN, USA

problem #17

Aug 012019

Pathfinder

  • 9,000 miles
Whenever I'm driving the car between 30-40 mph then releasing the gas pedal, the enginer making a thud and then create a grinding noise. The noise will go away when gas pedel is pressed or the brake is applied. I had been contacting local dealer to fix this but they was helpless and saying this is normal. The problem is concerning me because I'm planning to tow my new travel trailer with this Pathfinder and whos know what happend with this engine when I tow my trailer on freeway. I want Nissan to explain what's happened to the car and what is the cause. The anwser, 'it's totally normal' is not acceptable. I've driving lots of diff car like Honda, Toyota, Ford, murano, etc. Non of those make this kind of noise.

- Spokane, WA, USA

problem #16

Oct 272019

Pathfinder

  • 65,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

October 2019, I noticed a loud clanking noise on our 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. I do not live near dealership, so we called and described symptoms. The servicer reported that while he couldn't diagnose without seeing the vehicle, guessed our radiator fan needed replaced due to being a common problem, not under warranty at approximately 65K ($1800 est.) cooling fan replaced by local mechanic for approximately $600 with an aftermarket part. This fan is imperative in keeping the temperature regulated and can cause further damage and safety concerns. Which leads me to my next complaint. Summer 2020. I take my Pathfinder to my mechanic (brakes, tires, oil change). Upon pick-up, he informs of gritty oil that he has never noted in previous oil changes and recommends I change it again, before my routine 3-5K. I take it back a month later, August 2020 for inspection, oiled changed again. Within the next few weeks my check engine light turns on. The code is reading a fuel pressure temp sensor. Mechanic is unable to locate part, even from dealership. I begin having issues with engine surging while driving/idling, rattling engine, stalling at lights, issues starting including hesitancy followed by revving. Over two weeks, I was experiencing intermittent flashing indicator lights. No mechanic, auto parts was able to find a code. I called my closest dealership the last week of August and received an appointment for 9/14, 3 weeks away. I grew concerned with my families safety each drive and began reaching out to other dealers (2+ hrs away). My Pathfinder was taken to a dealer 9/4/20. Diagnosed with timing chain, guide, tensioner issues. Estimate $3100. It has been there 2 weeks today and they are still unable to get parts needed for repair and are unable to determine when this will happen. My families only vehicle, less than 3 years old, 75,000 miles. Nissan refuses to help at all.

- Dubois, PA, USA

problem #15

Mar 202020

Pathfinder

  • 97,000 miles
I bought this vehicle in 2018 since then I've had this vehicle in the shop multiple times. My differential was replaced a few months after I bought the vehicle along with my fan blades. This is again an issue for my car this just having gotten it back because I had to do a complete engine replacement in my now only 4 year old car. My car was out of warranty from Nissan based on any of the mileage. I took it to one dealership who claimed that I had metal in my oil said nothing of smudge in the oil mind you I had just had my oil changed again not told anything. I was driving home from work in March 2020 when my low oil pressure light kicked on which didn't make sense as I had just had an oil change a few weeks prior and kept up on my oil changes. The engine that is in my vehicle is apparently Nissan newest engine and a very expensive one at that. I requested an exception from Nissan in regards to the engine so I did as they said and took it to another dealership this time the Nissan dealership. They claimed my engine was a total loss and it was due to lack of maintenance there was no way this was the case in my situation. Nissan informed me that maybe the previous own R had done it and basically there was nothing that could be done. So I got online and started looking around to find that other people had reported the same thing. My vehicle is primarily all highway driving I paid over 7K for a new engine to be put in my car from a local shop. The engine had to be taken out twice because the inside pistons were sticking this was on the new engines. Once my engine was finally installed and my 02 sensors replaced as well a week later my car was throwing a misfire for low oil pressure light. This clearly is a fault with Nissan design of this engine. I have spent thousands on a newer vehicle with no help from Nissan and no fault of my own.

- Ofallon, MO, USA

problem #14

Dec 302019

Pathfinder

  • 45,000 miles
I pulled out to turn left on a four lane city street, entered into the first 2 lanes (traffic coming from driver's side) when the car stopped accelerating and just sat motionless while cars in both lanes were moving toward me. Speed limit on that street is 50 mph. I maintained pressure on the gas, and eventually the car began to move. The next morning, I took the car to the brandon Florida Nissan dealer and it was determined that the transmission had failed and needed to be "rebuilt". this is a 2017 Pathfinder with 45000 miles.

- Lakeland, FL, USA

problem #13

Jan 122020

Pathfinder

  • 44,000 miles
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.

- Fayetteville, NC, USA

problem #12

Sep 142019

Pathfinder 6-cyl

  • 70,381 miles
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. While driving 55 mph, the vehicle began to stall without warning. The contact took the vehicle to Nissan of athens (4735 atlanta hwy, bldg. C, athens, ga 30606, 706-410-1914) where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was covered under warranty and the contact had to pay a $50 deductible for the repair. The contact stated that the failure continued to occur intermittently without warning after the repair. The contact returned the vehicle to the dealer, but they were unable to find a failure with the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 70,381. Consumer stated that vehicle hesitates to excel.

- Athens, GA, USA

problem #11

Feb 152019

Pathfinder

  • 56,000 miles
I was driving 60 mph when I suddenly notice the truck lost power and was making really loud noise under the front between the front tires. Pulled over to the side over highway and call for assistantce. Towed the truck to the dealer and was told my transmission was completely destroyed. I will need new one like now and the cost was 4500 dollars. Lucky I still have my factory warranty left for about 4000 before it expires and I hope Nissan man up and fixes it.

- Bloomington, MN, USA

problem #10

Dec 032018

Pathfinder

  • 10,000 miles
We own a 2015 and a 2017 platinum Pathfinder both with 25K miles. The 2017 has 20-30 more horsepower than the 2015, but the 2017 is much slower. The 2017 is very sluggish from 0-35mph. The acceleration has progressively gotten worse. I've put the highest octane in as instructed by nashville Nissan; still slow. Accelerating uphill at low rpms makes the engine rattle (able to hear it when driving by a structure to be able to hear the sound reverb off back to vehicle). Tried multiple different air filters to help engine breathe, still slow. Any help will help.

- Nashville, TN, USA

problem #9

Nov 012018

Pathfinder

  • 38,000 miles
I currently have 38000 miles on my car and have already had the high pressure fuel pump replaced plus the low pressure one. My alternator was replaced last month and not my coolant fan is making a horrible noise and has to be replace. I feel like there should be some type of recall on the entire vehicle cause within a year I have had way too many problems. The vehicle has had regular maintenance and the dealership is telling me the part is not covered under warranty. Where is the justice for buying this 2017 Nissan Pathfinder! just a waste of money.

- Columbia, TN, USA

problem #8

Oct 152018

Pathfinder

  • miles
Cvt transmission shows significant hesitation when increasing speed on a hilly road and fuel immobilizer makes engine shows sign of idoling which feels like engine is about to stall

- Dumfries, VA, USA

problem #7

Oct 242018

Pathfinder

  • 48,000 miles
My Pathfinder had less than 50K miles when the fan assembly started making a clattering noise while the A/C was on. It sounds like the fan was off balance and hitting the assembly. It quickly progressed to doing it sporadically while the A/C was turned off (it happened in the fall, so weather was temperate). After taking my vehicle in to the dealership, I found out this is a known issue over a few years' worth of Nissan models. Nissan has not issued a recall or tsb, but extended warranty covered it and dealership comped my deductible when I produced multiple complaints of other owners with same issue.

- Baton Rouge, LA, USA

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