2003-2024 Nissan Murano Problems: 22 Known Issues
2003-2024 model years · 3,110+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
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2003-2024 model years · 3,110+ owner reports · Updated September 2026
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According to Au7o's analysis of 3,110+ owner reports, the 2003-2024 Nissan Murano has 22 documented known issues, with 11 rated critical. The most serious are CVT Transmission Failure and Shudder ($300-$5,500 repair), Excessive Oil Consumption (VQ35DE Engine) ($200-$5,000 repair), Passenger Airbag Occupant Classification System (OCS) Failure / Recall, Crank and Cam Position Sensor Solder Failure Causing Stalling and No-Start (Recall 03V455000), Recall 21V402000: Weak Steering Knuckle or Rear Axle Housing From Improper Heat-Treatment, Panoramic Sunroof Spontaneously Shattering / Exploding ($500-$1,500 repair), Automatic Emergency Braking / Forward Collision Phantom Activation, Front Radar/Sensor Malfunctions Triggering AEB, ICC, and Forward Collision Warnings, Rearview Camera Image Blank, Distorted, or Intermittent Due to AV Control Unit/Camera Fault ($0-$1,200 repair), AWD Transfer Case Failure / Fluid Leak (2nd Gen) ($3,000-$3,500 repair) and CVT Transmission Judder, Slipping, and Premature Failure ($4,000-$8,000 repair). The most commonly reported issue is CVT Transmission Failure and Shudder with 1,900 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $100 to $8,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:SPINDLE
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Nissan Murano, INFINITI QX60, 2021 Nissan GT-R, INFINITI QX50, and Q50 vehicles. The front steering knuckle or rear axle housing may have insufficient strength due to improper heat-treatment.
STEERING:LINKAGES
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Nissan Murano vehicles. The left and/or right-hand transverse link may not have been manufactured correctly, which could result in it separating from the ball joint.
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2024 Murano vehicles. The incorrect primer may have been used on the quarter glass, resulting in the left and right quarter glass detaching from the vehicle.
Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.
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According to Au7o's analysis of 3,110+ owner reports, the 2003-2024 Nissan Murano has 22 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: CVT Transmission Failure and Shudder, Excessive Oil Consumption (VQ35DE Engine), Passenger Airbag Occupant Classification System (OCS) Failure / Recall. Of these, 11 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2003-2024 Nissan Murano has 22 known issues documented across 3,110+ owner reports. 11 issues are rated critical: CVT Transmission Failure and Shudder and Excessive Oil Consumption (VQ35DE Engine) and Passenger Airbag Occupant Classification System (OCS) Failure / Recall and Crank and Cam Position Sensor Solder Failure Causing Stalling and No-Start (Recall 03V455000) and Recall 21V402000: Weak Steering Knuckle or Rear Axle Housing From Improper Heat-Treatment and Panoramic Sunroof Spontaneously Shattering / Exploding and Automatic Emergency Braking / Forward Collision Phantom Activation and Front Radar/Sensor Malfunctions Triggering AEB, ICC, and Forward Collision Warnings and Rearview Camera Image Blank, Distorted, or Intermittent Due to AV Control Unit/Camera Fault and AWD Transfer Case Failure / Fluid Leak (2nd Gen) and CVT Transmission Judder, Slipping, and Premature Failure. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
Repair costs for known Nissan Murano issues range from $0 to $8,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, CVT Transmission Failure and Shudder, typically costs $300-$5,500 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
Reliability varies across model years of the Nissan Murano. Based on documented issues, problems are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2003-2024 Nissan Murano with 22 documented issues documented across 3,110+ owner reports.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.
The 2009-2020 Murano equipped with the CVT (Jatco JF010E and later JF016E) 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… Repairs typically run $300-$5,500. Severity: high.
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. Nissan TSB NTB13-076 addresses the oil consumption test procedure. If the engine fails the co… Repairs typically run $200-$5,000. Severity: high.
NHTSA recall 08V521 and Nissan campaign P8242 exactly 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… Severity: high.
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 be… Severity: high.
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 e… Severity: high.
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 Mu… Repairs typically run $500-$1,500. Severity: high.
Third-generation Muranos with Nissan's Forward Emergency Braking (FEB)/Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) have widely reported 'phantom braking' — the system suddenly and forcefully brakes when no obstacle is present, creating rear-end collision and loss-of-control risk. The probl… Severity: high.
Nissan NTB19-033G applies to 2015-2024 Murano Z52 vehicles when ICC stops working, the AEB/FEB warning illuminates, or a front-radar obstruction message appears and C1A16, C1A16-97, C2582 or C2582-97 is the only stored DTC. Its flow separates obstruction and weather from repeat i… Severity: high.
Multiple Murano owners in the 2021-2024 range have reported the backup camera showing a black screen, frozen image, blue screen, or distorted picture when shifting into reverse. This is also covered by Nissan/NHTSA recall actions affecting rearview camera display reliability on N… Repairs typically run $0-$1,200. Severity: high.
Second-generation AWD Muranos have a known transfer case defect, referenced in Nissan service bulletin NTB17-003, where the transfer case leaks fluid and fails. The unit cannot be repaired and must be replaced, with dealer replacement commonly around $3,000-$3,500. Owners report… Repairs typically run $3,000-$3,500. Severity: high.
Third-generation Muranos equipped with Nissan's JATCO continuously variable transmission (CVT) commonly develop juddering/shuddering on light acceleration, hesitation, lag, overheating, and outright failure, frequently before 100,000 miles. Nissan acknowledged the judder via TSB… Repairs typically run $4,000-$8,000. Severity: high.
Owners have reported the driver's seat rocking front-to-back, clicking during braking/acceleration, or feeling loose on its track. Nissan has issued service information on seat track/frame-related movement complaints on late-model vehicles, and owner reports indicate the issue ca… Repairs typically run $150-$1,400. Severity: medium.
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 t… Repairs typically run $300-$2,500. Severity: medium.
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 progres… Repairs typically run $400-$1,800. Severity: medium.
A recurring owner complaint on newer Nissan crossovers, including Murano, is a dead battery after sitting overnight or for a few days despite the battery testing good initially. Reports often point to parasitic draw from telematics, AV control, or body control modules that fail t… Repairs typically run $200-$1,200. Severity: medium.
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 igno… Severity: medium.
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 attributed to piston ring sealing problems against slightl… Severity: medium.
Murano owners continue to report water leaks into the cabin, often showing up as damp headliner edges, wet front footwells, musty odor, or water near A-pillars after rain or car washes. The most common causes are restricted sunroof drains, disconnected drain tubes, or seal/body s… Repairs typically run $100-$1,200. Severity: medium.
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… Severity: medium.
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 work… Repairs typically run $250-$1,300. Severity: medium.