Is the 2017 Nissan PATHFINDER reliable?

The 2017 Nissan PATHFINDER has 253 complaints filed with NHTSA (2.1x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: ENGINE problems.

What are common problems with the 2017 Nissan PATHFINDER?

Top problems: ENGINE (84 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (40 complaints, avg repair $500); TRANSMISSION (34 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2017 Nissan PATHFINDER?

The 2017 Nissan PATHFINDER gets 23 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2087. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2017 Nissan PATHFINDER?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2017 Nissan PATHFINDER is approximately $1,758/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2017 Nissan PATHFINDER

Q: Are there any recalls on the 2017 Nissan PATHFINDER?

Yes, there are 2 recall(s): SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP, SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP. Contact any Nissan dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2017 Nissan PATHFINDER has 253 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 2.1x the segment average of 121. The most common issue is engine problems (33% of all complaints), specifically: on february 10, 2018, we brought home a new puppy. we wanted to calm our current pet down so i went inside my house to let him out to use the restroom and calm him for the introduction. it was a cold night so my 7-year-old daughter and husband were in the backseat unbuckled with the heater on. nobod. There are 2 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 2 fire reports filed.

2 fire reports 10 crash reports 7 injuries

253

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

2.1x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

ENGINE

84 complaints

33%

• ON FEBRUARY 10, 2018, WE BROUGHT HOME A NEW PUPPY. WE WANTED TO CALM OUR CURRENT PET DOWN SO I WENT INSIDE MY HOUSE TO LET HIM OUT TO USE THE RESTROOM AND CALM HIM FOR THE INTRODUCTION. IT WAS A COLD NIGHT SO MY 7-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER AND HUSBAND WERE IN THE BACKSEAT UNBUCKLED WITH THE HEATER ON. NOBOD
• FOR THE SECOND TIME WHILE DRIVING MY PATHFINDER MY CAR SIMPLY SHUTS ITSELF OFF. IT WON'T MOVE AT ALL. THIS HAS HAPPENED ONCE GOING UP A HILL IN DECEMBER OF 2017, AND YESTERDAY WHOLE ON A BUSY ROAD. LUCKILY I WAS NOT REAR ENDED. AFTER ABOUT 20 MINUTES MY CAR STARTED NORMAL AND RAN FINE ON THE WAY
• MY 2017 PATHFINDER HAS ABOUT 22K MILES ON IT, HAD, PLENTY OF GAS AND OIL, BUT JUST RANDOMLY SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 30-25 MPH ON A 4-LANE ROAD. I WAS DARN LUCKY I WAS ABLE TO GET TO THE SHOULDER AND WASNT HIT IN THE PROCESS. THEN THE CAR WOULD START AND IMMEDIATELY DIE; AND I WOUND UP HAVING

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500💥 3 crashes

“ON FEBRUARY 10, 2018, WE BROUGHT HOME A NEW PUPPY. WE WANTED TO CALM OUR CURRENT PET DOWN SO I WENT INSIDE MY HOUSE TO LET HIM OUT TO USE THE RESTROOM AND CALM HIM FOR THE INTRODUCTION. IT WAS A COLD NIGHT SO MY 7-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER AND HUSBAND WERE IN THE BACKSEAT UNBUCKLED WITH THE HEATER ON. NOBOD”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2017 Nissan PATHFINDER

Based on 165 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 44K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 30-60K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

OTHER

Reported earliermedian 23K mi · 22 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BRAKES

Reported earliermedian 24K mi · 7 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ENGINE

In line with typicalmedian 45K mi · 63 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

TRANSMISSION

In line with typicalmedian 45K mi · 22 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

ELECTRICAL

In line with typicalmedian 45K mi · 19 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

FUEL SYSTEM

In line with typicalmedian 43K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (2)

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP07/09/2018

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.

Risk: A brake fluid leak on the circuit board may result in an electrical short, increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: 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, owners are advised to park the vehicle outdoors away from other vehicles or structures and to not drive the vehicle.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2017 Nissan PATHFINDER

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,087

Per month

$174

Per mile

17.4¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,401/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,778/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2017 Nissan PATHFINDER

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,758

Full coverage / month

$147

Liability only / year

$639

vs US avg

+5%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age1.00x

= Full coverage estimate$1758

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Nissan PATHFINDER Service Intervals

Oil change

5K mi / 6 mo

Tire rotation

5K mi

Brake fluid

24 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

105K mi

Spark plugs

105K mi

Cabin air filter

15K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

CVT-equipped models (Altima, Sentra, Rogue, Pathfinder) MUST use Nissan NS-3 CVT fluid, not conventional ATF. Frequent CVT service extends life significantly.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Nissan New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

8 yr / 100K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

3 yr / 36K mi

These are the terms for a new Nissan. If you're buying a used 2017 PATHFINDER, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Nissan dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

ENGINE(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRICAL(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 253 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
ENGINE: ON FEBRUARY 10, 2018, WE BROUGHT HOME A NEW PUPPY. WE WANTED TO CALM OUR CURRENT PET DOWN SO I WENT INSIDE MY HOUSE TO LET HIM OUT TO USE THE RESTROOM AND CALM HIM FOR THE INTRODUCTION. IT WAS A COLD NIGHT SO MY 7-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER AND HUSBAND WERE IN THE BACKSEAT UNBUCKLED WITH THE HEATER ON. NOBOD
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: THIS CAR ONLY HAS 244 MILES ON IT. HOWEVER, WHEN I DRIVE IT FOR MORE THAN A FEW MINUTES, I START FEELING A LITTLE DIZZY AND DISORIENTED. ONCE I'M OUT OF THE CAR IN FRESH AIR AGAIN, THE FEELING SLOWLY GOES AWAY. I'M GOING TO CALL THE DEALER (BROWN'S DULLES NISSAN) IN THE MORNING TO GET ON THEIR SC
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
TRANSMISSION: MY VEHICLE IS A 2017 NISSAN PATHFINDER. WHEN DRIVING AND COMING TO A STOP, THEN ATTEMPTING TO ENTER TRAFFIC OR CLIMB A HILL, THERE IS NO ACCELERATION. IT HAS A HESITATION WHICH IS VERY CONCERNING WHEN ATTEMPTING TO MERGE INTO TRAFFIC. MY VEHICLE ALMOST APPEARS TO SPUTTER OUT. THIS HAS OCCURRED WI
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
ELECTRICAL: FOR THE SECOND TIME WHILE DRIVING MY PATHFINDER MY CAR SIMPLY SHUTS ITSELF OFF. IT WON'T MOVE AT ALL. THIS HAS HAPPENED ONCE GOING UP A HILL IN DECEMBER OF 2017, AND YESTERDAY WHOLE ON A BUSY ROAD. LUCKILY I WAS NOT REAR ENDED. AFTER ABOUT 20 MINUTES MY CAR STARTED NORMAL AND RAN FINE ON THE WAY
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 2 recalls have been completed — free at any Nissan dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)