What is the 2009-2020 Nissan Murano CVT Transmission Failure and Shudder?

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.

What is the 2009-2014 Nissan Murano Excessive Oil Consumption (VQ35DE Engine)?

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.

What is the 2009-2020 Nissan Murano Panoramic Sunroof Spontaneously Shattering / Exploding?

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.

What is the 2003-2019 Nissan Murano CVT Transmission Judder, Slipping, and Premature Failure?

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.

What is the 2009 Nissan Murano Passenger Airbag Occupant Classification System (OCS) Failure / Recall?

The front passenger seat's Occupant Classification System (OCS), which detects passenger weight to enable/disable the passenger airbag, can fail and incorrectly suppress the airbag. A component in the OCS control unit could interrupt the signal to the air bag control unit, deacti… Severity: high.

What is the 2015-2024 Nissan Murano Automatic Emergency Braking / Forward Collision Phantom Activation?

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.

What is the 2009-2014 Nissan Murano AWD Transfer Case Failure / Fluid Leak (2nd Gen)?

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.

What is the 2021-2024 Nissan Murano Front Driver Seat Frame/Track Looseness Causing Rocking, Clicking, or Unintended Movement?

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.

What is the 2003-2014 Nissan Murano Transfer Case Seal Leak (AWD Models)?

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.

What is the 2009-2020 Nissan Murano Power Steering Rack Seal Leak?

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.

What is the 2021-2024 Nissan Murano Battery Drain and No-Start from Telematics/Infotainment Modules Staying Awake?

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.

What is the 2021-2024 Nissan Murano Sunroof Drain or Roof Area Water Intrusion Causing Wet Headliner/Carpet and Electrical Issues?

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.

What is the 2003-2020 Nissan Murano Premature Catalytic Converter Failure?

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.

What is the 2003-2007 Nissan Murano High-Pressure Power Steering Hose Leak (1st Gen)?

First-generation Muranos very commonly leak power steering fluid from the high-pressure hose, which fails at the crimp where the rubber hose meets the banjo fitting at the power steering pump. Failures are widely reported at roughly 50,000-72,000 miles. Leaking fluid onto a hot e… Repairs typically run $400-$600. Severity: medium.

What is the 2009-2014 Nissan Murano Timing Chain / Guide Rattle on Startup (2nd Gen)?

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.

What is the 2003-2007 Nissan Murano VQ35DE 3.5L Excessive Oil Consumption?

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.

What is the 2003-2014 Nissan Murano A/C Compressor Clutch Failure?

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.

What is the 2015-2020 Nissan Murano Steering Column Clunk and Intermediate Shaft Wear?

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.

Nissan · Known Issues

2003-2024 Nissan Murano Problems: 20 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2003-2024 model years · 3,110+ owner reports · Updated June 2026

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According to Au7o's analysis of 3,110+ owner reports, the 2003-2024 Nissan Murano has 20 documented known issues, with 9 rated critical. The most serious are CVT Transmission Failure and Shudder ($300-$5,500 repair), Excessive Oil Consumption (VQ35DE Engine) ($200-$5,000 repair), Front Radar/Sensor Malfunctions Triggering AEB, ICC, and Forward Collision Warnings ($250-$1,800 repair), Panoramic Sunroof Spontaneously Shattering / Exploding ($500-$1,500 repair), CVT Transmission Judder, Slipping, and Premature Failure ($4,000-$8,000 repair), Passenger Airbag Occupant Classification System (OCS) Failure / Recall, Automatic Emergency Braking / Forward Collision Phantom Activation, AWD Transfer Case Failure / Fluid Leak (2nd Gen) ($3,000-$3,500 repair) and Rearview Camera Image Blank, Distorted, or Intermittent Due to AV Control Unit/Camera Fault. Across all issues, repair costs range from $100 to $8,000. at .

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Nissan Murano problems?

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), Front Radar/Sensor Malfunctions Triggering AEB, ICC, and Forward Collision Warnings. Of these, 9 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Nissan Murano reliable?

The 2003-2024 Nissan Murano has 20 known issues documented across 3,110+ owner reports. 9 issues are rated critical: CVT Transmission Failure and Shudder and Excessive Oil Consumption (VQ35DE Engine) and Front Radar/Sensor Malfunctions Triggering AEB, ICC, and Forward Collision Warnings and Panoramic Sunroof Spontaneously Shattering / Exploding and CVT Transmission Judder, Slipping, and Premature Failure and Passenger Airbag Occupant Classification System (OCS) Failure / Recall and Automatic Emergency Braking / Forward Collision Phantom Activation and AWD Transfer Case Failure / Fluid Leak (2nd Gen) and Rearview Camera Image Blank, Distorted, or Intermittent Due to AV Control Unit/Camera Fault. 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 $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.

What year Nissan Murano is the most reliable?

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.

All 20 Known Issues

Other Nissan Models

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Nissan Murano problems?

Is the Nissan Murano reliable?

How much does it cost to fix common Nissan Murano problems?

What year Nissan Murano is the most reliable?

When Issues Typically Appear

2021-2024 Nissan Murano: Front Radar/Sensor Malfunctions Triggering AEB, ICC, and Forward Collision Warnings#

2009 Nissan Murano: Passenger Airbag Occupant Classification System (OCS) Failure / Recall#

2015-2024 Nissan Murano: Automatic Emergency Braking / Forward Collision Phantom Activation#

2021-2024 Nissan Murano: Rearview Camera Image Blank, Distorted, or Intermittent Due to AV Control Unit/Camera Fault#

2009-2020 Nissan Murano: CVT Transmission Failure and Shudder#

2003-2019 Nissan Murano: CVT Transmission Judder, Slipping, and Premature Failure#

2009-2014 Nissan Murano: Excessive Oil Consumption (VQ35DE Engine)#

2009-2014 Nissan Murano: Timing Chain / Guide Rattle on Startup (2nd Gen)#

2003-2007 Nissan Murano: VQ35DE 3.5L Excessive Oil Consumption#

2009-2020 Nissan Murano: Panoramic Sunroof Spontaneously Shattering / Exploding#

2021-2024 Nissan Murano: Sunroof Drain or Roof Area Water Intrusion Causing Wet Headliner/Carpet and Electrical Issues#

2009-2014 Nissan Murano: AWD Transfer Case Failure / Fluid Leak (2nd Gen)#

2003-2014 Nissan Murano: Transfer Case Seal Leak (AWD Models)#

2009-2020 Nissan Murano: Power Steering Rack Seal Leak#

2003-2007 Nissan Murano: High-Pressure Power Steering Hose Leak (1st Gen)#

2021-2024 Nissan Murano: Battery Drain and No-Start from Telematics/Infotainment Modules Staying Awake#

2003-2014 Nissan Murano: A/C Compressor Clutch Failure#

2021-2024 Nissan Murano: Front Driver Seat Frame/Track Looseness Causing Rocking, Clicking, or Unintended Movement#

2003-2020 Nissan Murano: Premature Catalytic Converter Failure#

2015-2020 Nissan Murano: Steering Column Clunk and Intermediate Shaft Wear#