2017 Nissan Pathfinder: Engine complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 84 owner complaints for the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder that list the engine component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11756766 (filed 08/13/2026): “Sludge in engine- under 100,000 miles we had been keeping up with all recommended services, and it is cosmetically perfect, but the car is now a total loss. a check engine light came on, and we began to notice a tremor/shake and took it to southern team nissan. the nissan dealer diagnosed sludge in …”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11709306 (filed 01/07/2026): “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 d…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11689452 (filed 09/24/2025): “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 on-…”
Likely causes
These complaints do not establish a single root cause; read the examples above and get a diagnosis.
Fix, in plain English
No single fix is established by these reports. Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs) or extended warranty coverage, then have the system diagnosed.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Internal engine work (lifters, oil consumption, fuel dilution diagnosis) requires engine teardown or dealer software/tests. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range for this issue. Get a written quote after diagnosis.
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
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Sources
Page last updated .