2020 Nissan Murano Problems: 6 Known Issues

On the 2020 Nissan Murano, 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.

On the 2015-2020 Nissan Murano, 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.

On the 2009-2020 Nissan Murano, 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.

On the 2009-2020 Nissan Murano, 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.

On the 2015-2024 Nissan Murano, 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 for the Murano; this is an owner-reported pattern. Applies to: Third-generation Nissan Murano (2015-2024 model years). Owners reported this on 2015, 2020 and 2021 models; no report specific to the 2023 or 2024 Murano was found and Nissan has not confirmed a cause, so these are reports, not a confirmed defect for every vehicle. Short trips or long parking can also flatten a healthy battery.

On the 2009-2020 Nissan Murano, 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.