SERVICE INFORMATION FOR FUEL GAUGE INACCURATE WITH DTCS STORED IN ECM SERVICE INFORMATION If a fuel level sensor has been diagnosed as sending an incorrect level signal, and one or more of the following DTCs are stored in the ECM, do not replace the entire âFuel Level Sensor Unit, Fuel Filter and Fuel Pump Assemblyâ (fuel pump assembly). The fuel level sensor can be replaced separately. ï· P0460 (FUEL LEV SEN SLOSH) ï· P0461 (FUEL LEVEL SENSOR) ï· P0462 (FUEL LEVL SEN/CIRC) ï· P0463 (FUEL LEVL SEN/CIRC) NOTE: Warranty claims referring to fuel level issues that result in the replacement of the entire fuel pump assembly will be charged back.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Nissan Pathfinder engine problems
moderate 55 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
55
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
When does it fail?
Of the 55 engine complaints filed for the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Engine accounts for 30% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 9 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 55 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TELEMATICS SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗CAN COMMUNICATION â NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗EVAP LEAK DTC P0442, P0455, P0456 INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗DTC P0456 CAUSED BY EVAP LEAK AT VENT CONTROL VALVE O-RING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report two distinct engine-related problems on 2017 Pathfinders: cooling fan assembly failure and catastrophic engine sludge buildup.
Cooling fan failures dominate the complaints. Owners describe loud rattling, clacking, grinding, or wobbling noises—especially when the A/C or heater activates—starting between 30,000 and 70,000 miles. Mechanics diagnose worn bearings, bad bushings, or loose fan assemblies rubbing the shroud. Owners cite repair costs of $850–$1,200 for complete fan assembly replacement. Several owners note the dealership service manager acknowledged the defect is widespread; one rental fleet operator reported seven identical failures in 60 days across different vehicles. Owners express frustration that the failures occur well before the 36,000-mile basic warranty expires in some cases, but just after in others, and at mileage far too low for this wear pattern.
Catastrophic engine failures are also documented. Owners report sudden loss of motive power while driving—some at highway speeds with no warning lights, forcing roadside stops or creating safety hazards. Dealers diagnose metal in the oil, internal sludge buildup, failed timing chain guides, and PCV system issues including hose collapse. One owner's extended warranty denial was overturned only after 6 months of persistence. Another cites a well-documented PCV/sludge defect affecting the VQ35DD engine specifically. A third experienced complete long-block failure requiring engine replacement at 36,539 miles. Engine failures span a wide mileage range (36,500–120,000 miles) but several occur despite diligent owner maintenance. Nissan has not issued recalls or TSBs that owners mention.
Same Nissan Pathfinder engine reports on nearby years: 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Cooling fan assembly bearing/bushing failure
Electric cooling fan assembly experiences premature bearing or bushing wear, causing the fan to wobble, rattle, or lock up. The fan blades may contact the shroud, creating grinding or clacking noise. Failure occurs without warning lights and can render the vehicle unsafe to drive due to potential overheating.
When: Typically 30,000–70,000 miles; most commonly 37,000–50,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud rattling, clacking, grinding, or wobbling noise from fan; Noise triggered by A/C or heater activation; Visible fan wobble or shaking; Noise present at startup, idle, and during driving; No warning lights illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Complete cooling fan assembly and motor replacement required; costs range $850–$1,200 for parts and labor; one rental fleet reported replacing seven identical failures within 60 days
PCV hose collapse and engine sludge buildup
PCV (positive crankcase ventilation) hose collapses internally, preventing proper crankcase ventilation and allowing sludge to accumulate inside the engine. Metal debris and aluminum flakes collect in the oil; sludge buildup damages timing chain guides and lubrication passages. Results in engine misfire, loss of power, multiple diagnostic codes, and eventual catastrophic failure.
When: Failures and sludge discovery reported across a wide range: 36,500–120,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated; Engine misfire; Loud clanking or rattling from engine; Loss of motive power while driving; Difficulty starting or no start after shutdown; Metal particles visible in oil pan; Excessive sludge in oil pan
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (specific codes not detailed in narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required; one owner's warranty claim was denied initially (warranty company rejected sludge claim despite maintenance records) but later approved; replacements include used/remanufactured long blocks; timing chain guides confirmed damaged in at least one case
Complete engine failure—sudden loss of power
Engine shuts down abruptly during driving without warning lights or prior symptoms. Vehicle loses all motive power, forcing owner to coast to shoulder. Engine will not restart. Diagnosis at dealership confirms catastrophic engine failure requiring replacement; root cause varies but includes internal damage and sludge buildup.
When: Reported at 36,539 miles, 46,000 miles, 55 mph cruise control, 120,000 miles, and 67,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abrupt engine shutdown while driving; No restart after stalling; No warning lights prior to failure (in some cases); Check engine light may illuminate after failure; Forward emergency brakes may engage automatically (one case)
Codes mentioned: Check engine light
Repairs/costs cited: New engine (used/remanufactured long block) replacement required; one owner reported $0 cost after warranty approval (6-month claims process); another owner stated manufacturer provided no assistance
Engine misfire and internal component damage
Engine exhibits persistent misfires caused by PCV hose collapse, collapsed cooling fan affecting engine temperature, or internal sludge/metal debris. Multiple repair attempts by dealers (ignition coil, transmission fluid, coolant, ECM reprogramming) fail to resolve the issue. Long-block replacement ultimately required.
When: Reported at 36,539 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated; Engine misfire; Loud abnormal engine sounds; Difficulty starting (multiple attempts needed); Symptoms persist after partial repairs
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (specific codes not detailed)
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple failed repair attempts: cooling fan replacement, PCV hose replacement, fractured exhaust clamp replacement, ignition coil replacement, transmission fluid/coolant/brake fluid replacement, ECM reprogramming; eventual diagnosis: long-block, exhaust manifold gasket, intake manifold, throttle body, catalytic converter replacement needed; vehicle was not repaired; manufacturer stated owner responsible for engine assembly cost before assistance with other repairs
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred contact to dealership; later informed contact she was responsible for engine assembly replacement cost prior to manufacturer assistance
Alternator failure and electrical shutdown
Vehicle abruptly stops at highway speed with check engine and forward emergency brake lights. Restarts but fails to start the next morning. Battery replacement at dealership does not resolve issue; subsequent diagnosis identifies alternator defect. Vehicle loses electrical power during operation.
When: Unknown mileage; symptom occurred while driving 40 mph after battery replacement
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle abruptly stops while driving 55 mph; Check engine light and forward emergency brake lights illuminated; No start the next morning; Failure recurs after battery replacement while driving 40 mph; Second failure triggers tow-back to dealership
Codes mentioned: Check engine light, Forward emergency brakes light
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement attempted but did not resolve recurring failure; alternator identified as defective; vehicle was not repaired
Timing chain guide failure and metal contamination
Timing chain guides wear prematurely and fail, often associated with poor oil flow and sludge buildup from PCV system defect. Metal debris from guide failure contaminates the oil. Creates excessive engine rattling and loss of power.
When: Discovered during engine failure diagnosis; one owner with timing belt replacement in fall 2023 reported complete engine failure shortly after
Symptoms owners cite: Loud engine rattling; Loss of power; Aluminum flakes in oil; Metal particles in oil pan
Repairs/costs cited: Timing chain guides confirmed damaged during engine teardown; full engine replacement required
Synthesized from 55 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
On thursday 12/26 my car started making a crazy sound. By 12/27 I was told by ntb that the cooling fan was in horrible condition. They had to replace it and that is the 3rd one that they had replaced. This is a 2017 Nissan pathfinder with 50,000 miles. Ntb was surprised by the fan condition with it being a fairly new car.
Cooling fan went out at 37k miles. Dealer quoted over $1000.00 to fix stating it isnt a warranty item.
My cooling fan have known bad bushings and makes a horrible loud noise causing the vehicle I drive able due to damage to the engine of fan blades break off and cause overheating. My vehicle had 47000 miles and I had noticed the noise a couple of years ago. When it was intermittent. Now it is very constant. Looking online it is a very common problem with similar vehicles. This has to be recalled…
46,000 miles. Cooling fan wobbling. Fan also making very loud grinding noise. No visible damage to the fan. Sounds like bad bearing. Noise is present at startup, drive, and idle. Dealer shop said "wear and tear."
I've had my pathfinder for a little over a year and now the coolant fan has started flapping awful. It started yesterday at my childs school drop off. Anytime I have my heat on or a few miles down the road it is making a horrid sound.. I called Nissan and they said it would cost over $1000 for a fan and labor? Is this fan made out of gold? If it only lasts a year and a half, this is rediculous.…
When the vehicle is running and gets up to temperature, the cooling fan tries to kick in but doesn't spin the fan. It just makes a loud clicking noise like the internal components are turning but the fan doesn't turn. My wife first noticed it when the car was stationary in traffic. I was able to recreate it in my garage, with the vehicle stationary. I have been looking online and it is apparently…
Began hearing a rapid patterned running at first, which quickly developed into a shaking that could be felt in the steering wheel. Determined that it only happened while the heating and ventilation system was active. Opened the hood, no signs of obstructions, does look like the fan blades of the radiator are loose and hitting the shroud. Given the need for heat to defrost windows as well as…
Had engine trouble with your 2017 Nissan Pathfinder?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 55 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 40 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 38,000 and 52,000 miles, with the median around 45,105. A quarter of owners report trouble before 38,000; a quarter make it past 52,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/Nissan/Pathfinder.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.