2017 Nissan Pathfinder engine problems
82 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the engine on the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder — 45% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“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…”
filed Jan 7, 2026
“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…”
filed Sep 24, 2025
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Engine problems in other Pathfinder years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 Pathfinder | 6 | 13% |
| 2024 Pathfinder | 17 | 23% |
| 2023 Pathfinder | 15 | 15% |
| 2022 Pathfinder | 18 | 14% |
| 2020 Pathfinder | 16 | 31% |
| 2019 Pathfinder | 14 | 19% |
| 2018 Pathfinder | 12 | 16% |
| 2016 Pathfinder | 27 | 26% |
| 2015 Pathfinder | 74 | 23% |
| 2014 Pathfinder | 62 | 11% |
| 2013 Pathfinder | 105 | 12% |
| 2012 Pathfinder | 5 | 22% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.