The 2017 Nissan Titan carries 3 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering wiring and labels. Owners report 7 recurring issue clusters, led by “Broken crankshaft and engine seizure.” Nissan owner's manuals split service into Schedule 1 (severe) and Schedule 2 (normal). Most US drivers fall under Schedule 1. The biggest preventable failure on Nissan vehicles is CVT transmission damage from extended fluid intervals — owners of Altima, Rogue, Sentra, Pathfinder, and Murano with CVT should not skip it.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
Campaign #19V495000 · Jun 26, 2019
Issue: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2017-2019 gasoline, light duty, Titan vehicles. The alternator harness may have been damaged during the engine installation process, possibly resulting in an electrical short.
Risk: An electrical short may cause an engine stall, increasing the risk of a crash. In addition, it increases the risk of a fire.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the alternator harness for the proper routing and any damage. The harness will be clipped into the correct position or replaced as necessary, free of charge. The recall began August 8, 2019. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Campaign #18V240000 · Apr 16, 2018
Issue: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Nissan Titan, 2016 and 2018 Nissan Titan XD vehicles. Accessories installed on these vehicles reduced the load carrying capacity, however, a Load Carrying Capacity modification label was not installed, possibly allowing the vehicle to be overloaded. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk: An overloaded vehicle can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners and provide a new modification label, with installation instructions, free of charge. The recall began on June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
Campaign #17V268000 · Apr 24, 2017
Issue: Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2016-2017 Nissan Titan Crew Cab and Titan XD Crew Cab vehicles. In the event of a crash, the rear seatbelt assembly may not adequately protect the occupant's head, allowing it to contact the D-ring bolt trim cap. As such, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 201, "Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."
Risk: If the occupant's head contacts the D-ring bolt trim cap during a crash, there is an increased risk of injury.
Fix: Nissan will notify owners, and dealers will install energy absorbing material to the C-Pillar Finishers and replace the Seatbelt Bolt and Bolt Cap, free of charge. The recall began September 19, 2017. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-647-7261.
What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2017 Nissan Titan.
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Action #EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 200…
ENGINE
43 NHTSA complaints · 2020-02 → 2025-07
“Spun rod bearing/broken crank shaft - major vibration, loss off power, dangerous”
“Driving down the interstate at 65 mph out of the Blue Crankshaft broke. Massive steering wheel vibration hard to keep under control”
“Engine/Crankshaft/Main Bearing excessive noise, metal shavings in oil. Crank shaft cracked or broken. Similar to NHTSA PE23-020”
ENGINE
7 NHTSA complaints · 2021-03 → 2024-09
“The problem comes from the turbo charger it made the car to jerk back for, it loses power an the pick up the power in a very strong way that if I have to stop it will be problem. Code P226C Turbocharger Boost Control 'A' Slow Response”
“My turbo actuator went out in 2022, paid $2,000 to get it fixed. A year later in 2023 it went out again and ruined both the low and high turbos, had to get them replaced again this time under warranty”
“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”
ENGINE
7 NHTSA complaints · 2017-01 → 2020-02
“WHEN THE DIESEL ENGINE GOES INTO DPF REGENERATION MODE, THE CAB OF THE VEHICLE FILLS WITH UNPLEASANT FUMES THAT SMELL LIKE EVAPORATED DIESEL FUEL OR OTHER NOXIOUS SUBSTANCE THAT IS IRRITATING TO MUCOUS MEMBRANES AND MAY CAUSE HEALTH ISSUES”
“DIESEL EXHAUST COMES INTO THE CAB AT LOW SPEED'S AND IDLE WHEN HEATING SYSTEM IS ON FRESH AIR. THE DEFROSTER DOES NOT WORK AND LESS THE HEATING SYSTEM IS ON FRESH AIR. IT CAUSES HEADACHES IT CAUSES MY NINE YEAR SON TO HAVE ASTHMA ATTACKS”
“WHEN THE TRUCK GOES INTO REGEN MODE THE CAB FILLS WITH EXHAUST SMELL WHILE AIR IS ON AND IN THE FRESH AIR POSITION. IT IS ESPECIALLY NOTICEABLE WHILE STOPPED”
STEERING
5 NHTSA complaints · 2017-09 → 2025-02
“Issue 2) Power Steering pump started making a "growling" noise Went to the local Nissan dealership and they determined a seal in the pump needed to be replaced”
“THE VEHICLE IS VIBRATING ON LOW SPEED AND WENT TURNING MAKING A LOUD BAN I OPEN THE HOOD TO CHECK THIS OUT D FOUND THE STEERING COLUMN SEPARATING IN THE ENGINE BAY”
“I BOUGHT THIS TRUCK NEW. I HAVE A CLUNKING AND LOOSENESS IN THE STEERING. IT STARTED AROUND 14,000 MILES. I HAVE HAD IT TO THE NISSAN DEALER 3 TIMES FOR THIS”
POWER TRAIN
13 NHTSA complaints · 2017-04 → 2025-05
“Truck was fine and then went to pull out in traffic and it would not shift past 3rd gear, was dangerous because traffic was moving quickly and no lights appeared on the dash but the transmission just stopped shifting past 3rd”
“SOMETIMES WHEN STARTING FROM STOP, THE TRANSMISSION WILL NOT SHIFT OUT OF FIRST GEAR. I HAVE TO MANUALLY SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL AND THEN BACK INTO DRIVE WHILE THE TRUCK IS IN MOTION”
“LOUD RATTLE/GRIND/CHATTER FROM THE TRANSMISSION AREA THAT IS CLEARLY HEARD FROM INSIDE THE CABIN DURING UP AND DOWN SHIFTS AT RANDOM TIMES”
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
11 NHTSA complaints · 2019-12 → 2024-06
“I WAS DRIVING TO LOCAL FOOD PLACE 70 MILES AWAY GOT LESS THEN 45 MILES FROM HOME. TRUCK CUT OUT SO I TRIED TO PULL OVER SAFELY TO A CALL BOX ONLY SAFE SPOT TO PULL OFF HIGHWAY. ENGINE BLOWN THEY SAY AS WELL AS BATTERY DIED. HARNESS LOOKS FRIED”
“The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Titan. The contact stated that after reversing in a parking spot, the vehicle caught fire without warning. There were no reported injuries”
“The alternator wiring harness per recall bulletin NTB19-053 has has failed multiple times impacting starting and leaving driver stranded, shuttering while being driven, locking mechanism and other electrical components working intermittingly”
AIR BAGS
7 NHTSA complaints · 2017-03 → 2024-12
“Truck has been diagnosed and the airbag sensor seems to be at fault. The sensor light is blinking and if there’s an accident the airbags will not deploy. This is a huge liability and safety concern”
“RIGHT SIDE AIR BAG HAS GONE BAD TWO SEPARATE TIMES. ADVISED THAT IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM”
“I HAVE HAD THIS TRUCK SINCE JAN 2017. I HAVE ONLY 10,000 MILES ON IT AND I HAVE BROUGHT THE TRUNK IN TO THE DEALERSHIP TWICE AND I'M ABOUT TO HEAD IN FOR A THIRD TIME REGARDING THE AIRBAG INDICATION LIGHT”
Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.
Issues on other model years
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 20, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 20, 2026.
We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.
Critical for safety and preventing major damage
Replace synthetic-blend or full-synthetic oil every 5,000 miles under Schedule 1. Schedule 2: 7,500 miles. VR30DDTT (3.0L twin-turbo): full synthetic only.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$120–$160
Shop
~$85–$115
DIY
~$25–$55
Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.
Rotate tires every 5,000 miles. Front-wheel-drive Nissans (Altima, Sentra, Versa) wear front tires fast — don't skip rotations.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$85
Shop
~$60
DIY
Free
Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.
Nissan officially calls CVT fluid 'lifetime,' but independent technicians and Nissan TSBs recommend replacement every 60,000 miles to prevent CVT failure. Use Nissan NS-3 fluid only — substitutes destroy the belt-and-pulley system.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$360–$500
Shop
~$255–$355
DIY
~$80–$180
CVT fluid is manufacturer-specific and pricey — do NOT substitute conventional ATF.
Inspect brake pads, rotors, and parking brake every 7,500 miles. Rogue and Pathfinder front pads typically last 35,000-50,000 miles.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$85
Shop
~$60
DIY
Free
Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.
Replace DOT 3 brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 2 years. Dark or amber fluid indicates moisture contamination.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$180–$200
Shop
~$125–$140
DIY
~$10–$25
DOT 3 or 4 — match the cap. Vacuum bleeders make this a one-person DIY.
Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently
Replace engine air filter every 30,000 miles, sooner if driving on dusty unpaved roads.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$60–$95
Shop
~$45–$70
DIY
~$15–$40
5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.
Iridium-tipped spark plugs are rated 105,000 miles on QR25, MR20, and VQ35 engines. VR30DDTT: 60,000 miles due to higher cylinder pressures.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$285–$390
Shop
~$200–$275
DIY
~$25–$100
Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.
Nissan Long-Life Antifreeze/Coolant (blue/green): first change at 105,000 miles, then every 75,000. Do not mix with other coolant chemistries.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$285–$330
Shop
~$200–$235
DIY
~$25–$60
Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.
On AWD and 4WD models, replace transfer case fluid and rear differential fluid every 60,000 miles.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$105–$140
Shop
~$75–$100
DIY
~$15–$40
AWD/4WD vehicles only. Easy drain-and-fill on most platforms.
Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort
Replace cabin air filter every 15,000 miles. Located behind the glove box on Altima, Rogue, and Sentra.
Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges
Dealer
~$60–$95
Shop
~$45–$70
DIY
~$15–$40
Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.
Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)
18 crashes 1990–2024
How the 18 occupant deaths break down
13
driver deaths
5
passenger deaths
18
occupant deaths
Crash years covered: 1990–2024 This model year first appears in 2017 crashes. Older models have had more years on the road to appear in these crashes, so a higher count here does not by itself mean a vehicle is less safe.
FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number
FARS 2024 data is an annual report file. NHTSA revises these records when the final file is published, so this count can change.
Every vehicle has exactly one driver seat, so driver deaths line up fairly when you compare one model to another. Occupant deaths include passengers, so a three row SUV can show a higher number than a two seat car simply because it carries more people.
Both figures are plain counts, not rates. A rate would need to know how many of each vehicle are on the road, and that registration data is not public, so we do not publish rates or scores of any kind.
IIHS publishes driver death rates using this same driver only idea, paired with a registered vehicle years denominator we do not have. Their rates and these counts answer different questions, so do not read either number here as a safety rating.
Owner-reported problem signals
Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.
5
complaints mentioning a crash
8
complaints mentioning a fire
Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle
Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.
How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.
This maintenance schedule for the 2017 Nissan Titan reflects Nissan's published service intervals and the Maintenance Reminder system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.