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 the engine and said it would need a total engine replacement. The Nissan dealer advised that the cost of that would be more than the car was worth. After they pulled the pan to check if there was definitely sludge, the car then shook so badly that it felt unsafe to drive. Research shows that this is a known issue, with many cases of documented VQ35DD sludge problems. We see many listed cases on this website under complaints for 2017 Nissan Pathfinders.
2017 Nissan Pathfinder: check engine light
12 of the 188 complaints about the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder describe check engine light.
- owner complaints
- 12
- of this car's complaints
- 6%
- typical mileage
- 49,655
- recalls
- 0
Check engine light by model year
What owners say
Nissan Pathfinder vehicles to repair the CVT transmission fluid cooler hose (inter-cooler). The internal fluid cooler (ITOC) hose may detach from the cooler due to inadequate clamping force. Inter-coolers may overheat, fail operation causing leaks and possible fires. If this occurs, the CVT transmission fluid will begin to slowly leak and the malfunction indicator lamp (MIL) will illuminate on the instrument panel. If the MIL is ignored, the CVT transmission fluid will drain further, resulting in noise, vibration and possible fire. If this is ignored, eventually the CVT transmission will no longer operate properly and the The vehicle will stop accelerating, which could increase the risk of a crash and endangerment. Rear hatch on some 2017 Nissan Pathfinders. Specifically, some brackets used to attach the gas struts to the rear door (hatch) may be improperly made, potentially causing the struts to detach from the brackets when opening or closing the door. This could cause the hatch to fall rapidly, potentially striking someone. Identified as 18V‑601, that includes the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder for a potential issue where the lift-gate (back hatch) may not lock properly, this will allow lift-gate to open while driving, not lock securely, potentially allowing someone to fall out of moving vehicle.
The Check Engine light turned on and took it to dealership on 12/14/24 and they stated that Throttle chamber may have issues. Used scanner and code P0101- Mass Air Flow Sensor Circuit was read on scanner. Vehicle struggles to get air flow into engine causes speed to struggle when trying to accelerate.
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle briefly hesitated to shift into gear, displaying symptoms consistent with the transmission slipping. The vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 145,000.
Was at a light making a left hand turn, the truck went forward and stopped in the middle of the traffic on a major highway. Passengers include myself and my 6 year old daughter. No check engine light on any lights came over the truck gave no physical warning that this was about to happen. The problem was confirmed by the Nissan dealership.
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle made abnormally loud sounds. Additionally, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the cooling fan was replaced and the warning light was reset; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the vehicle would only start after several attempts. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the PCV hose collapsed and was applying significant pressure on the crankcase, causing an engine misfire. The dealer replaced the PCV hose; however, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the fractured exhaust clamps were replaced; however, the failure persisted. The dealer diagnosed that the cylinder #1 ignition coil might have failed. The dealer replaced the transmission fluid, coolant exchange kit, and brake fluid. The engine control module (ECM) reprogramming was completed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer; Zeigler Nissan of Gurnee (3175 Grand Ave, Lindenhurst, IL 60046), where it was diagnosed that the long block, exhaust manifold gasket, intake manifold, throttle body, the bank one #1 catalytic converter, and other unknown parts needed to be replaced. The manufacturer informed the contact that she was responsible for the cost of the engine assembly replacement prior to them assisting with the catalytic converter replacement. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 36,539.
The radiator fan is failing at 62k miles. Researching online it was found that this is a common occurrence for 2017 Nissan Pathfinders between 20k and 80k miles. Fan failure could lead to overheating and eventually fire. Vehicle was taken into the dealership for a knocking/rattling noise coming from under the hood. There were no check engine lights or warning lamps to indicate an issue. The dealership has to order a complete new assembly and motor, which is an extensive repair as well.
All our fuel injectors had to be replaced for a total of $2,132. This should not have happened on a 3 yr old car! We were driving recently and the check engine light went on and we smelled a lot of gas.
Tl* the contact owns a 2017 nissan pathfinder. The contact stated while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle abruptly stopped independently with the forward emergency brakes and check engine warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the residence however, the vehicle failed to start the next morning. Due to the failure, the contact had the vehicle towed to orr nissan of wichita (10625 e. Kellogg dr, wichita, ks 67207) where the contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The battery was replaced however, while driving 40 MPH, the failure recurred. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the alternator was defective. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
October 2019, I noticed a loud clanking noise on our 2017 nissan pathfinder. I do not live near dealership, so we called and described symptoms. The servicer reported that while he couldn't diagnose without seeing the vehicle, guessed our radiator fan needed replaced due to being a common problem, not under warranty at approximately 65k ($1800 est.) cooling fan replaced by local mechanic for approximately $600 with an aftermarket part. This fan is imperative in keeping the temperature regulated and can cause further damage and safety concerns. Which leads me to my next complaint. Summer 2020. I take my pathfinder to my mechanic (brakes, tires, oil change). Upon pick-up, he informs of gritty oil that he has never noted in previous oil changes and recommends I change it again, before my routine 3-5k. I take it back a month later, august 2020 for inspection, oiled changed again. Within the next few weeks my check engine light turns on. The code is reading a fuel pressure temp sensor. Mechanic is unable to locate part, even from dealership. I begin having issues with engine surging while driving/idling, rattling engine, stalling at lights, issues starting including hesitancy followed by revving. Over two weeks, I was experiencing intermittent flashing indicator lights. No mechanic, auto parts was able to find a code. I called my closest dealership the last week of august and received an appointment for 9/14, 3 weeks away. I grew concerned with my families safety each drive and began reaching out to other dealers (2+ hrs away). My pathfinder was taken to a dealer 9/4/20. Diagnosed with timing chain, guide, tensioner issues. Estimate $3100. It has been there 2 weeks today and they are still unable to get parts needed for repair and are unable to determine when this will happen. My families only vehicle, less than 3 years old, 75,000 miles. Nissan refuses to help at all.
My vehicle received a check engine light. I took my vehicle into a dealership and they informed me that there was an issue with the fuel system. Nissan apparently knows about this issue and have no idea on how to fix it. They recommended that I keep the car filled to half a tank or more so I do t get the check engine light. The issue I have is in the occasion I let the car get below half a tank and the check engine light comes on how can I tell if it's the fuel system or something else. It takes approximately a week or more for the light to go off after refilling the car. My vehicle has been like this for just over a year. I've asked repeated times for an update with no answer.
Tl* the contact owns a 2017 nissan pathfinder. While driving 35 MPH, the vehicle jolted forward, the check engine indicator illuminated, and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to nissan of bradenton (1611 cortez rd w, bradenton, fl 34207, (941) 755-1571) where it was determined that there was a judder code for the transmission. The contact was also informed that the transmission body belt needed to be replaced and, if the failure persisted, the transmission would also need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000. The VIN was not available.
Service bulletins that may apply
- MIL on with DTC P062F and/or P0603 stored if you confirm
- VOLUNTARY EMISSIONS SERVICE CAMPAIGN VEHICLES REGISTERED IN CALIFORNIA; ENGINE CONTROL MODULE INTRODUCTION...
- Engine Control Module (ECM) Reprogram California Voluntary Emissions Service Campaign Campaign Summary...
- Remote engine start not working
- ABNORMAL NOISE FROM FRONT ENGINE MOUNT SERVICE INFORMATION A two-piece design front engine mount is...
- Nissan; MIL on with DTC P219A and/or P219B stored
- Nissan; DTC P0456 caused by evap leak at vent control valve o-ring
- OBD II evap
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder check engine light
Is check engine light a common problem on the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder?
12 of 188 owner complaints about the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder (6%) mention check engine light. The model year with the most reports is 2005.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder?
There are 0 recalls and 19 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder
Overheating 12CVT failure 10Engine failure 10Backup camera 9Loss of power 9Hesitation 8Stalling 7ABS 5Adaptive cruise 5Airbag light 5Knocking 5
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