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SteeringPart report

2017 Nissan Pathfinder Steering Problems

Complaints
8about this part
Share
4%of 188 total for the year
Median mileage
52,131miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 8 complaints about the steering of the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder, 4% of the 188 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 52,131 miles.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“The car began making a loud buzzing noise after reaching 59,000 miles. The buzzing is so loud it can be heard indoors and all around the car. The dealership noted the power steering pump should be replaced and advised to call Nissan consumer affairs. I received a call from Nissan consumer affairs six days later to inform me that they will not replace the power steering pump and I would have to pay the $3,000.00 estimate that the dealership provided. Nissan's response to the problem was you are to far out of warranty to assist you. …”

NHTSA complaint #11301056, filed 2020-01, 59,000 miles

“The engine cooling fan clutch assembly failed at 47,822 and it sounded like rapid fire going off in the front grill. The ipdm was replaced on this vehicle on 04_10_2019, with right at 50,000 miles. Vehicle was towed in and wouldn't turn off. Crest Nissan in frisco, tx pulled both battery cables, and then pulled the wiring harness out of the back of the ipdm module. They replaced the ipdm module at this time. After they did this is when the following issues started occurring. We back out, turn the wheels to the left or right, and then place the vehicle in drive. …”

NHTSA complaint #11232200, filed 2019-07, 52,131 miles

“Power steering fluid is leaking from my 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. Currently, the fluid level is well below the minimum level marked on the fluid reservoir. The dipstick is dry. Concerned that this can lead to an accident if the power steering fails while I'm driving, not to mention the cost of repairing the issue. My car is 1 year out of its factory warranty.”

NHTSA complaint #11439234, filed 2021-11

“The car veers to the right when my foot is removed from the acelerator or I press on the brake pedal when going at least 40 mph. The car veers to the left when I press on the accelerator to go faster than 40 mph.”

NHTSA complaint #11441759, filed 2021-11

“When hitting any imperfections in the road, the Pathfinder will lose traction and steering. On the highway it is most dangerous, online it is called the death sway and is a known issue to consumers in the Pathfinder and Infiniti Qx80. Forums identify Bushing and bushing arms as the likely culprit. I have never been more afraid to drive a vehicle and have had others drive my vehicle to verify the issue is not caused by my driving. I contacted Nissan twice and they have informed me both times that there isn't anything they can do about it”

NHTSA complaint #11447868, filed 2022-01

Related service bulletins

Steering: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2026213%
202433%
202221%
201911%
201868%
201784%
201633%
201531%
201492%
2013131%
201229%
201124%
2010513%
200913%
200831%
200761%
2006415%
200591%
200423%
20031413%
20021711%
20013515%
20002724%
19992019%
1998117%
19972612%
19962415%
199532%
199312%
199138%
1989213%
198816%
1987211%

Other parts of the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder

Engine
83 complaints
Other or unknown
41 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
34 complaints
Electrical system
27 complaints
Brakes
11 complaints
Fuel system
9 complaints
Air bags
7 complaints
Exterior lighting
6 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
6 complaints
Body and structure
5 complaints
Vehicle speed control
5 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
4 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology