Nissan Murano Problems: 3 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2009-2020 model years · Based on 3,110+ owner reports · Last updated March 2026

According to Au7o's analysis of 3,110+ owner reports, the 2009-2020 Nissan Murano has 3 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical by the Au7o research team. The most serious are CVT Transmission Failure and Shudder ($300-$5,500 repair) and Excessive Oil Consumption (VQ35DE Engine) ($200-$5,000 repair). The most commonly reported issue is CVT Transmission Failure and Shudder with 1,900 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $200 to $5,500. Full technical analysis and DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

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All 3 Known Issues

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Community Reported
1,900 owners

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 years but many owners face failures outside coverage.

Common Symptoms

  • Shuddering at low speeds
  • Transmission slipping under load
  • Whining noise from transmission
  • Delayed engagement
  • Complete loss of drive
  • Overheating during highway driving

How to Fix

Regular CVT fluid changes every 30,000 miles with NS-3 fluid. Check CVT warranty extension eligibility. For shuddering, valve body replacement or TCM reprogram may help. Complete CVT replacement: $3,500-5,500.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 1,900+ owners who fixed this issue

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Typical repair cost:$300 - $5,500

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1,900+ owners have reported this issue

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High Confidence1,900 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
Community Reported
780 owners

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 consumption test, Nissan may authorize repairs under warranty.

Common Symptoms

  • Low oil warning light between changes
  • Blue/gray exhaust smoke on startup
  • Oil consumption exceeding 1 qt per 2,000 miles
  • Catalytic converter failure from oil contamination
  • Spark plug fouling

How to Fix

Perform Nissan oil consumption test per TSB NTB13-076. If consumption exceeds 1 qt per 1,200 miles, piston ring and valve stem seal replacement may be authorized. Short block replacement in severe cases ($3,000-5,000). Check oil level weekly and top off as needed.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 780+ owners who fixed this issue

  • Tip
Typical repair cost:$200 - $5,000

Research This Issue

780+ owners have reported this issue

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High Confidence780 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
Community Reported
430 owners

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.

Common Symptoms

  • Clunking noise when turning steering wheel
  • Knocking felt through steering wheel over bumps
  • Loose feeling in steering
  • Noise worse in cold weather

How to Fix

Replace steering column intermediate shaft assembly (Nissan part# 48080-5AA0A). Some owners have had success lubricating the U-joint as a temporary fix. Dealer replacement costs $400-800.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 430+ owners who fixed this issue

  • Tip
Typical repair cost:$400 - $800

Research This Issue

430+ owners have reported this issue

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Medium Confidence430 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Nissan Murano problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 3,110+ owner reports, the 2009-2020 Nissan Murano has 3 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: CVT Transmission Failure and Shudder, Excessive Oil Consumption (VQ35DE Engine), Steering Column Clunk and Intermediate Shaft Wear. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Nissan Murano reliable?

The 2009-2020 Nissan Murano has 3 known issues documented across 3,110+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: CVT Transmission Failure and Shudder and Excessive Oil Consumption (VQ35DE Engine). 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.

How much does it cost to fix common Nissan Murano 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.

What year Nissan Murano is the most reliable?

Reliability varies across model years of the Nissan Murano. Based on owner reports, issues 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 2009-2020 Nissan Murano with 3 documented issues from 3,110+ owner reports.

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