The Nissan Pathfinder has enjoyed a fiercely loyal following since it arrived on US showroom floors in the late 1980s. As it moved through the generations, this sport utility vehicle has only grown more sophisticated, stylish, and utility-minded, further increasing its popularity.
If you want to join the ranks of happy SUV owners, all it takes is the purchase of a 2017 Nissan Pathfinder. Well into its fourth generation, the 2017 received an all-new facelift, LED lights at all corners, and a capable direct-injected V6 engine.
While that might sound like a dream come true, it’s still wise to go one step further in your research to learn about recalls and any other faults it may have. That way, you can rest assured that you’re picking up a quality SUV that won’t send unexpected challenges your way in the near future. Here’s what you need to know.
Potential for Brake Fluid Leak and Fire
The 2017 Nissan Pathfinder is well known for its ability to tackle any driving situation while remaining wholly dependable. With that in mind, it’s no surprise that it only has one recall on record at this time. That doesn’t mean more couldn’t arise, but for now, it’s just the one.
The recall for this vehicle pertains to its faulty anti-lock braking system (ABS) actuator pump. This pump includes channels for the brake fluid to flow through along with a circuit board for its electrical components. A defect in its build quality may allow brake fluid to escape those channels and saturate the circuit board in an instant. If that happens, the circuit board could heat up the fluid and cause it to catch fire.
The vehicle does provide a small warning that the fluid is leaking onto the circuit board and creating a dangerous situation. If that happens, the warning lamp for the ABS system lights up on the dash and stays illuminated for more than 10 seconds. On seeing the light, you can protect yourself and others by parking the vehicle in a secluded outdoor area, far from any vehicles, buildings, or people. Then, keep yourself and your passengers far away and don’t drive it again until the repairs are completed by an authorized shop.
Once you get your vehicle to the shop, the technicians must perform an inspection to see if it has the offending ABS actuator. If it does, they just have to replace it with a new one that doesn’t have the potential to leak. This keeps the fluid running through the channels and far from the circuit board, reducing the chance of a fire.
Where to Go for Help with 2017 Pathfinder Recalls
Although this recall was issued for all 2017 Pathfinders, you may not know offhand if the repairs were performed on the pre-owned models you’re looking to buy. Thankfully, as long as you have the VIN, you can check each one out on Nissan’s Recall Lookup page. The system will let you know if recall repairs are pending and how to proceed if so.
You can then use the VIN to run a check through Vehicle History to learn about the background of each vehicle in question. Through your research, you can see if it has a clear title, has any accidents on record, or even if it has been reported stolen.
If everything about the Pathfinder checks out, but it still needs recall repairs done, you can call 1-800-867-7669 to reach the customer service team at Nissan. Or you can contact the safety hotline for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration at 1-888-327-4236.
When you reach someone at either line, you’ll receive details on which authorized shops nearby can resolve the problem and get your car safely back on the road. They’ll also let you know what to expect during the recall repairs and when to check back for future notices that could come down the pipeline.
