The Lemon Index2017 Nissan Pathfinder.
The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder is worse than average by owner complaints: 105 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 123, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 21 to 23 mpg combined. The best Nissan Pathfinder year is 2012.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 186 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Nissan Pathfinder year. 2017 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 27K to 53K miles on the car (118 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- engine complaints mostly came at 37K–54K miles
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 24K–66K miles
- electrical complaints mostly came at 34K–59K miles
Recalls 2
- brakes 2019
These vehicles were previously recalled and unrepaired, or inspected and determined to not need a repair, under recall number 18V-601.
- brakes 2018
The Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) actuator pumps may allow brake fluid to leak onto an internal circuit board.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Nissan told dealers about
Nissan sent dealers 226 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- NISSAN; OIL LEAKING AROUND VALVE TIMING CONTROL SOLENOID VALVE This bulletin applies only to…
- NISSAN; OIL LEAKING AROUND VALVE TIMING CONTROL SOLENOID VALVE This bulletin applies to…
- CLICKING NOISE FROM FRONT OR REAR AXLE DURING TAKE-OFF/ACCELERATION This bulletin has been…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nissan Pathfinder SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Nissan Pathfinder SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2800–3050 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
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.
2017 Nissan Pathfinder owner · NHTSA complaint 11298845
More owner reports
Radiator fan overheats and rattles while driving and stationary when a/c is on and when a/c turns off. On city streets and highways.
NHTSA complaint 11221338
Cooling fans fail with only 44k like so many I been read,Nissan should make a recall this is really comun people state in this Model.
NHTSA complaint 11354558
Quick answers
Is the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder reliable?
No, it is worse than average by government complaints. It drew 1.2× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 123; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Nissan Pathfinder year by this measure is 2012.
What are the most common 2017 Nissan Pathfinder problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (48%), transmission & drivetrain (17%) and electrical (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder have?
2 safety recalls (latest: brakes). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder get?
21 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2017 Nissan Pathfinder problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 27,600 and 53,000 miles. The middle report was at 41,500 miles, from 118 complaints.
Does the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 17% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder cost in fuel a year?
About $2800 to $3050 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder have?
3.5L 6-cyl.
What Nissan Pathfinder year is better than the 2017?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2012, 2010 and 2020.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works