2003-2024 Nissan Murano Problems: 19 Known Issues

On the 2023 Nissan Murano, Nissan bulletin NTB24-037 provides a software update for false automatic emergency braking (AEB) activation, unexpected braking or false forward-collision warnings (FCW) when no related trouble codes are stored. A false warning does not mean the radar sensor has failed. A Nissan technician must confirm the vehicle's software version first; the model year or trim alone does not qualify a vehicle.

Nissan bulletin NTB19-033G covers intelligent cruise control (ICC) cutting out, an AEB/FEB warning or a radar-obstruction message on the 2023 Murano when one of these radar codes is the only stored trouble code: C1A16, C1A16-97, C2582 or C2582-97. The warning does not by itself mean the sensor has failed. This is a service bulletin, not a recall. The bulletin's sensor replacement steps based on the sensor's build date cover only 2015–2018 Muranos, not the 2023 model.

NHTSA recall 08V521 and Nissan campaign P8242 cover 2009 Murano occupant-classification-system varistors in the front passenger seat cushion that may be out of specification. Affected seats can deactivate the passenger airbag and illuminate or flash the red airbag warning. Nissan directs dealers to test the OCS and replace the passenger-seat cushion assembly only when the test indicates it is necessary.

The 2009-2014 Murano VQ35DE 3.5L V6 engine can consume excessive amounts of oil, sometimes 1 quart every 1,000-2,000 miles. The issue is caused by worn piston rings and valve stem seals. A Nissan dealer can perform an oil consumption test; if the engine fails it while under warranty, Nissan may authorize repairs.

The first-model-year 2003 Nissan Murano is included in NHTSA recall 03V455000. On affected vehicles, the circuit board inside the crankshaft position sensor or the camshaft position sensor can have an improper solder joint. Heat stress deforms the solder, and flux residue left behind during manufacturing accelerates the process, so a sensor that worked fine when new can fail later in service. Because the Murano's engine management depends on these signals, the failure shows up as a Service Engine Soon light, a crank-but-no-start, a sudden drop in power, or the engine simply quitting while the vehicle is being driven - which NHTSA notes could result in a crash. The campaign covers about 630,000 vehicles in total across all Nissan and Infiniti models included, not the Murano alone.

Second-generation Muranos commonly develop a ticking or rattling noise at startup, lasting more than a couple of seconds, caused by worn timing chain guides/tensioners that create slack in the chain. The condition is aggravated by extended oil-change intervals or low oil. If ignored, a stretched chain or failed guide can cause timing-related running problems and potential valve damage.

The first-generation Murano's VQ35DE 3.5L V6 is known for high oil consumption as it ages, often well before 100,000 miles. Owners report burning roughly a quart every 1,000-2,500 miles (worse in some cases). The cause is commonly attributed to piston ring sealing problems, producing blow-by; some owners also report oil pooling in the intake/PCV hoses. Left unchecked, low oil accelerates timing chain and bearing wear.

The 2009-2020 Murano equipped with the CVT (Jatco JF010E and later JF017E) is prone to premature failure. Symptoms include shuddering, slipping, and complete loss of drive. The 2009-2014 models with JF010E are particularly problematic. Nissan extended CVT warranties on some model years but many owners face failures outside coverage.

For 2015–2019 V6 Murano with Nissan's CVT, Nissan bulletin NTB17-039R addresses a customer-reported transmission judder (shake, shudder, single or multiple bumps or vibration) with DTC P17F0 or P17F1 stored in the TCM. The bulletin applies only when both the judder and one of those codes are present and no other DTCs are stored, and the repair depends on which code is stored. Warranty eligibility must be checked for the VIN.

Second-generation AWD Muranos have a known transfer case defect, addressed in Nissan service bulletin NTB11-017c, where the transfer case leaks fluid and fails. The bulletin calls for replacing the transfer assembly on vehicles built from March 1, 2009 through July 9, 2010 (VIN range listed in the bulletin) and resealing it on others; owners report dealer replacement quotes commonly around $3,000-$3,500. Owners report that an unaddressed failing transfer case can produce whining/clunking noises and, in severe cases, lock up the driveline at highway speeds.

AWD-equipped Muranos are prone to transfer case seal leaks, particularly at the output shaft seal and the seal between the transfer case and CVT. The leak allows transfer case fluid to escape, which can eventually cause the AWD coupling to overheat and fail if fluid level drops too low. The leak is often slow enough to go unnoticed until the AWD system malfunctions or a burning smell is detected.

Muranos equipped with the factory panoramic glass roof have a documented history of the glass spontaneously shattering or 'exploding' with a loud bang, often while driving or even while parked, with no external impact. NHTSA began receiving complaints as early as 2008, and the Murano was among the most-cited models in a certified class-action lawsuit (Johnson et al. v. Nissan North America) covering 2009-2020 model years. The alleged cause is a tight factory seal plus tempered/ceramic-painted glass that builds stress until ordinary driving conditions trigger fracture.

Owners on Murano forums describe water getting into the cabin after rain, showing up as wet front footwells, a damp headliner, water running down the windshield pillar, or water on the rear-seat floor and in the cargo area. Owners trace it to moonroof drain tubes that are clogged with debris or have come loose, so water that should drain out behind the front wheels runs inside instead. It affects only Murano models fitted with the dual-panel moonroof. On the 2023 Murano, Nissan lists it as standard on the Platinum and optional on the SL; it is not offered on the S or SV. The owner reports come from 2015-2018 Muranos of the same third generation, which continues through the 2021-2024 model years. Vehicles without a moonroof are not affected by this drain issue.

If you own a 2020 Nissan Murano, it may fall under NHTSA recall 21V402000. The front steering knuckle or the rear axle housing on affected vehicles was not heat-treated correctly, which leaves it with insufficient strength. The practical risk Nissan describes is an impact — the example given is hitting a curb — deforming the part. A deformed steering knuckle can cost you steering control; a deformed rear axle can allow a wheel to separate. Either raises the risk of a crash. The recall population is 14,276 vehicles for the entire campaign, which also covers several other Nissan and INFINITI models.

The Murano A/C compressor clutch is prone to failure, particularly on the first and second generation models. The clutch relay, clutch coil, or the compressor clutch bearing can fail, resulting in no A/C cooling. Symptoms often start with intermittent A/C operation — cooling works sometimes but not others — before progressing to complete failure. A seized compressor clutch bearing will produce a constant squealing noise with the A/C off.

Owners on a Murano forum describe third-generation Muranos whose 12-volt battery goes flat after sitting overnight or for a few days. A 2021 Murano owner reports the battery kept dying even though a parasitic-draw test and the alternator checked out; one reply there blames short, infrequent drives. Another owner in that discussion describes a whirring after switching off, a dead battery the next day, and says the problem stopped after an infotainment software update. A 2020 Murano owner reports a wrong clock at start-up and repeated dead batteries, and a 2015 Murano owner reports the battery draining to nothing after about five days. Nissan has not confirmed a cause; this is an owner-reported pattern on the third-generation Murano (2015-2024 model years), with reports on 2015, 2020 and 2021 models. Short trips or long parking can also flatten a healthy battery.

The second and third generation Murano develops power steering rack seal leaks, typically at the input shaft seal or the inner tie rod boots. The leak causes power steering fluid loss, leading to groaning noises when turning and eventual loss of power assist. The issue is progressive — starting as a minor seep and worsening over time. 2015+ models use an electro-hydraulic system (electric pump, hydraulic rack), so they can still leak fluid, but earlier belt-driven hydraulic systems are more commonly reported.

Exact Nissan communication 10039867 applies to 2003-2007 Murano and provides information for replacing the power-steering hose, matching the frozen first-generation hose-leak identity. It does not establish a universal leak point, replacement part number, failure rate or pump and steering-rack damage on every vehicle, so leak-source diagnosis and VIN fitment remain required.

The Murano VQ35DE is prone to premature catalytic converter failure, often between 80,000-120,000 miles. The Bank 1 (firewall side) converter typically fails first. Contributing factors include the engine's tendency toward oil consumption, which poisons the catalyst, and heat soak from the converter's close proximity to the engine. Failed converters trigger emission codes and can cause reduced power and failed emissions tests.