Nissan · Known Issues
2003-2024 Nissan Murano Problems: 20 Known Issues
2003-2024 model years · 3,110+ owner reports · Updated October 2026
All years · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
2003-2024 model years · 3,110+ owner reports · Updated October 2026
All years · All trims · All engines
Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.
According to Au7o's analysis of 3,110+ owner reports, the 2003-2024 Nissan Murano has 20 documented known issues, with 10 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), Unexpected AEB/FCW activation — software bulletin NTB24-037, Radar warning or unavailable driving aids — diagnostic bulletin NTB19-033G, AWD Transfer Case Failure / Fluid Leak (2nd Gen) ($3,000-$3,500 repair) and CVT Judder With DTC P17F0 or P17F1 Stored (NTB17-039R). 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 $200 to $5,500. 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 20 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, 10 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
The 2003-2024 Nissan Murano has 20 known issues documented across 3,110+ owner reports. 10 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 Unexpected AEB/FCW activation — software bulletin NTB24-037 and Radar warning or unavailable driving aids — diagnostic bulletin NTB19-033G and AWD Transfer Case Failure / Fluid Leak (2nd Gen) and CVT Judder With DTC P17F0 or P17F1 Stored (NTB17-039R). 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 $200 to $5,500, 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 20 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.
Nissan provides a software procedure for reported false AEB/FCW activation or unexpected braking when no related DTCs are stored. This does not establish a failed radar sensor. Applies to: 2023 Nissan Murano with reported false automatic emergency braking or forward-collision war… Severity: high.
The bulletin addresses interrupted ICC, an AEB/FEB warning or a radar-obstruction message only when one specified radar code is the sole stored DTC. The warning does not by itself prove sensor failure. Applies to: 2023 Nissan Murano when one of these radar codes is the only store… 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.
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 tho… Severity: high.
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 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 soa… Repairs typically run $500-$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.
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.
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,… Severity: medium.
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… 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.
The 2015-2020 Murano develops a clunking or knocking noise from the steering column, especially when turning at low speeds or going over bumps. The issue is caused by wear in the steering column intermediate shaft U-joint. Nissan issued TSB NTB17-092 addressing the steering clunk… Repairs typically run $400-$800. Severity: low.
