Driving down I40 between exit 57 and exit 47 when my truck started making a bad vibration and horrible noise. it was dark so I could not see if it was smoking or anything coming from the exhaust. Had the truck towed to my dad's house which was closer to mine. Once there we did an initial investigation on what was wrong. After pulling the dip stick and noticing there was metal material on the dip…
2017 Nissan Titan engine problems
moderate 68 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
68
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
3fires
What stands out
Engine accounts for 40% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 7 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 68 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.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2017 Nissan Titan, particularly the diesel XD models, has widespread reports of catastrophic engine failures including crankshaft breaks, CP4 fuel pump disintegration, and turbocharger failures, often occurring without warning and leaving owners stranded. Multiple owners report paying $14,000–$31,000 for engine replacement on vehicles still under loan, with Nissan refusing recalls or coverage for known defects.
The 2017 Nissan Titan—especially diesel XD models with the Cummins 5.0L engine—has generated 68 complaints centered on catastrophic engine failure. The most prevalent issue is crankshaft breakage at highway speeds between 28,000 and 127,000 miles, occurring without warning lights or prior symptoms. Owners describe sudden loud knocking, immediate loss of power, and engine seizure, often while making turns or entering traffic, creating safety hazards. Some blame a leaking EGR cooler allowing coolant into the combustion chamber.
The CP4 fuel pump failure is another major complaint. Owners report the pump disintegrates when exposed to lower-lubricity U.S. diesel fuel (it was engineered for European diesel), scattering metal shavings throughout the fuel system and engine. This failure also occurs without warning.
Turbocharger failures repeat frequently on some vehicles—one owner reports four failures by 162,000 miles. Diesel fumes fill the cabin during DPF regeneration cycles, causing headaches, nausea, and dizziness, especially in stop-and-go traffic. Cold-start failures below 12°F require anti-gel additive despite being sold as a year-round vehicle. Nissan has not issued recalls for these issues and denies coverage for out-of-warranty repairs, leaving owners holding vehicles worth far less than repair costs.
Same Nissan Titan engine reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2019
Failure modes owners describe
CP4 Fuel Pump Failure
The Cummins CP4 fuel pump, designed for European diesel with higher lubricity, breaks apart and disintegrates when exposed to lower-lubricity U.S. diesel fuel. Metal shavings distribute throughout the fuel system and engine, causing catastrophic internal damage and engine seizure.
When: Variable; reported between 5,000 and 112,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of engine power while driving; Metal shavings in engine oil and fuel system; Engine seizure; No warning lights or gauges before failure
Repairs/costs cited: Complete engine replacement required; costs reported at $14,000–$31,400
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. Nissan discontinued the Titan XD line after 2019, partly due to this issue. No official acknowledgment of the fuel-quality mismatch problem.
Crankshaft Failure
Crankshaft breaks or snaps while driving at highway speeds, causing immediate loss of engine power and potential loss of control. Owners report no prior warning signs, and repairs require complete engine replacement.
When: Reported between 28,000 and 127,000 miles; most common between 42,000 and 115,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud knock or rapping noise from engine; Sudden loss of power and severe vibration; Engine will not restart; Engine seized; No check engine light warning
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required; costs $21,000–$31,000+. One owner reports using a salvage engine for $11,000 total.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan denied coverage on some vehicles outside warranty, citing normal wear. One owner reports warranty denial despite being within a certified pre-owned agreement. Crankshaft design was changed by Cummins for subsequent years.
Turbocharger Failures
Turbocharger fails repeatedly on some vehicles, with failures occurring as frequently as every 40,000 miles. Each failure causes sudden loss of power and makes vehicle maneuvering difficult.
When: Reported at 22,000 miles (first failure); one owner reports four failures by 162,000 miles (every ~40,000 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of engine power; Difficulty maneuvering vehicle to safety; Turbo stalling at low speeds; Little to no warning before failure
Codes mentioned: P226C (Turbocharger Boost Control 'A' Slow Response)
Repairs/costs cited: Turbocharger replacement costs reported at $13,000 per repair. Owner reports four separate repairs on same vehicle.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan has refused to acknowledge a manufacturing defect despite repeated failures. One vehicle repaired four times with same issue.
EGR Cooler Leaks and DEF System Failures
EGR cooler and DEF system leak; in some cases, coolant ingestion into the engine is suspected to trigger crankshaft failure. One owner reports a leaking EGR cooler correlating with crankshaft break.
When: Reported at 109,000 miles; suspected earlier in at least one crankshaft case
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illumination; Leaking DEF tank and EGR cooler; Potential coolant entering combustion chamber
Repairs/costs cited: DEF tank and EGR cooler replacement recommended. Manufacturer offered partial cost coverage in one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer offered to partially cover repairs in at least one documented case.
Serpentine Belt Tensioner Bracket Failure
Belt tensioner bracket breaks in half, causing serpentine belt to detach and loss of power steering at low mileage.
When: 5,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power steering while making a turn; Serpentine belt detached; Vehicle drift and near-collision risk
Repairs/costs cited: Belt tensioner bracket replacement required; parts not in stock at dealer at time of repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated this was the only documented case in the U.S. at the time of repair.
Cylinder Wall and Piston Damage (5.6L V8)
Cylinder wall scoring and piston failure in the 5.6L gasoline V8 engine, reported as a known issue with a Nissan service bulletin. Damage can occur as early as 14,000 miles.
When: Reported at 113,000 miles; also documented at 14,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Strange engine noise (piston failure sound); Metal material on oil dipstick
Repairs/costs cited: Short block replacement required; cost quoted at $21,969.60. Dealer has seen this on vehicles with as few as 14,000 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan service bulletin exists for this issue; warranty does not cover out-of-warranty repairs.
Engine Fire
Engine fire under the hood during low-speed driving, with rapid spread to cabin. Vehicle destroyed; fire department required to extinguish.
When: 65,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Explosion-like sound from engine compartment; Smoke and fire from under hood; Cabin fills with smoke
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed; no repair possible.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted; case filed but no public follow-up details provided.
Diesel Exhaust Fumes in Cabin During Regeneration
During DPF regeneration cycles, unpleasant diesel exhaust fumes fill the vehicle cabin causing health symptoms. Occurs particularly in stop-and-go traffic or when vehicle is stopped.
When: Reported at 16,000 miles and throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Heavy diesel exhaust smell in cabin; Stomach upset and dizziness; Fatigue and severe headaches; Irritation to mucous membranes; Pungent fumes strong enough to force abandonment of location
Repairs/costs cited: No fix identified. Dealer engineers and service managers confirmed the issue exists but reported no known Nissan solution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan sent an engineer to investigate; service manager stated no fix has been identified through Nissan network. Dealer confirmed issue during replicated testing.
Cold Start Failure (Below 12°F)
Engine will not start in temperatures below 12°F. Dealers report fuel-gelling issue requiring anti-gel additive, but this is a known property of the Cummins diesel that should not be sold without disclosure or factory additive in cold climates.
When: Winter months; reported from Christmas 2017 onward
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start in cold weather below 12°F; Multiple failed start attempts across 6+ days
Repairs/costs cited: Requires addition of anti-fuel-gel additive in winter. Nissan technicians advised this after sale.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Nissan closed the complaint case stating nothing could be done. No factory solution or disclosure provided.
Engine Stalling and Loss of Power
Engine stalls or loses power while driving, sometimes with delayed throttle response or complete unresponsiveness. In some cases, vehicle shuts down mid-maneuver without warning lights.
When: Variable; reported between 22,000 and 115,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden stalling while at idle or low speed; Complete loss of power while turning or accelerating; Delayed or sluggish throttle response (up to 3 seconds); Engine will not restart immediately or at all; No check engine light or warning indicators
Repairs/costs cited: Diagnosis varies: fuel pump failure, crankshaft failure, timing chain dropout, bearing/crank damage, and internal mechanical failure reported.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No proactive manufacturer response reported. Some repairs covered under warranty; others denied.
Bearing and Internal Engine Damage
Metal shavings and bearing material found throughout oil pan, turbos, and fuel system indicating internal mechanical degradation. Often discovered after power loss or noise complaints.
When: Reported between 5,000 and 113,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Metal shavings and bearing material in oil pan; Metal debris in turbochargers and fuel system; Misfire and shudder before shutdown; Loud knocking or banging from engine
Repairs/costs cited: Rotating assembly replacement and block machining required in some cases; complete engine replacement in others. Costs $14,000+.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Shop owners report this has happened to multiple vehicles of the same model. No manufacturer recall or TSB identified in narratives.
Oil Leaks (Multiple Sources)
Multiple oil leaks reported, including from front timing cover and upper oil pan. Owners note this is a widespread issue within the Titan XD community.
When: Early in ownership; noted at various mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leaks from front timing cover; Oil leaks from upper oil pan
Repairs/costs cited: Front timing cover and upper oil pan gasket replacement; repaired under warranty at local Nissan dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty repairs performed by dealerships.
Engine Ticking Noise
Ticking noise from engine bay that develops over time, typically starting after the third oil change. Dealers report it as normal diesel engine operation, but owners note the truck did not exhibit this noise when new.
When: Develops after 3rd oil change; reported at 16,322 miles
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs performed; dealer states it is normal diesel noise. May be precursor to catastrophic failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers dismiss as normal operation without investigation.
Secondary Fuel Pump Disintegration
Secondary fuel pump fails and disintegrates, scattering metal shavings throughout the engine and requiring major parts replacement. One owner reports this happening to both of their Titan XDs.
When: Reported at least twice on same owner's vehicles
Symptoms owners cite: Metal shavings in engine from disintegrated fuel pump; Major internal engine damage requiring extensive part replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Major replacement of fuel system and engine parts required; cost not specified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response documented.
Synthesized from 68 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 8 most recent
2017 57,000 miles, Very well maintained truck with turbo actuator issues (replaced 3 times). I was driving down the highway taking my kid to practice, when the truck started to act up. I took the cruise control off and started slowing down to get to a safe place off of the highway, when the truck shut off and came to a complete stop. Oil changed every 5000 mi by myself a retired military…
Blown engine, failed crankshaft. Driven under normal operating conditions.
Driving down interstate the reduced engine light came on then engine turned off , no signs of issues prior. Luckily I was able to controlmthe vehicle to pull off the road into the grass. Had towed to Nissan in Vissalia, California and they have to replace engine due to crankshaft issue and bearings found in oil pan. Currently awaiting warranty approval as it will cost over $21,000 to be fixed
Driving down the road and had crankshaft snap stopping my truck. Vehicle had 28000 miles on it. It was repaired under warranty. I still wonder if it is truly repaired.
Truck was just picked up from repair for a bad crankshaft sensor. Not even an hour later, truck seized up and I was stranded in the middle of the road. Broken crankshaft at 52k miles.
Crankshaft failed at 42,000 miles and required a new engine to fix. This occured during driving on a highway. Truck was taken to a diesel engine repair center for the diagnosis and repair. There was no engine light warning when it happened.
I have a 2017 titan xd that has had catastrophic turbo failures 4 times now on 162,000 miles. Roughly every 40,000 miles which is absolutely ridiculous. They have refused to acknowledge a manufacturing defect at my dealer and at the national level now telling me it will be 13,000$ to fix it again with the same faulty product that I'll have to fix again next year for another$13,000 or worse a…
Had engine trouble with your 2017 Nissan Titan?
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 Titan?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 68 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 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 7,000 and 45,000 miles, with the median around 22,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 7,000; a quarter make it past 45,000. 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/Titan.
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.