2015 Nissan Murano Problems: 4 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2015 model year · 2,330+ owner reports · Updated April 2026

According to Au7o's analysis of 2,330+ owner reports, the 2015 Nissan Murano has 4 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is CVT Transmission Failure and Shudder ($300-$5,500 repair). The most commonly reported issue is CVT Transmission Failure and Shudder with 1,900 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $300 to $5,500. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

All 4 Known Issues

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Community Reported

1,900 owners

On the 2009-2020 Nissan Murano, 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.

This issue also affects: Acura TL, Infiniti QX60, Mitsubishi Outlander

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

Tip
UpgradeCVT fluid specifically formulated for continuous variable transmissions (Valvoline CVT Transmission Fluid)
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UpgradeReplacement CVT transmission filter to maintain fluid cleanliness (ATP CVT Transmission Filter Kit)
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Typical repair cost:$300 - $5,500

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Community Reported

High Confidence1,900 reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

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. Models with electronic power steering (2015+) are less affected, but earlier hydraulic systems are commonly reported.

Common Symptoms

Power steering fluid puddle under vehicle
Groaning or whining when turning wheel
Stiff steering especially when cold
Power steering fluid level dropping
Burning smell from engine bay

How to Fix

Minor seep: Use power steering stop-leak additive as a temporary measure ($10-15). Permanent fix: Rebuild or replace the steering rack. Rebuilt racks cost $300-600 plus $400-600 labor. New OEM racks cost $800-1,200 plus labor. A steering rack replacement requires a wheel alignment afterward ($80-120). Inspect tie rod ends during replacement.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue

Tip
UpgradeCardone remanufactured power steering pump — OE-spec (Cardone Power Steering Pump)
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UpgradePrestone power steering fluid — compatible with most systems (Prestone Power Steering Fluid)
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UpgradeCardone remanufactured steering rack — tested and ready to install (Cardone Steering Rack)
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UpgradeMoog tie rod ends — premium chassis parts for steering precision (Moog Tie Rod Ends)
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Typical repair cost:$400 - $1,800

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Community Reported

Medium Confidence0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Invalid Date

On the 2003-2020 Nissan Murano VQ35DE, 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 soak from the converter's close proximity to the engine. Failed converters trigger emission codes and can cause reduced power and failed emissions tests.

This issue also affects: BMW 5 Series, BMW 6 Series, BMW 7 Series

Common Symptoms

Check engine light with P0420/P0430
Rotten egg or sulfur smell
Reduced engine power
Failed emissions test
Rattling noise from under hood

How to Fix

Replace the failed catalytic converter(s). OEM converters are very expensive ($1,500-2,500 each). Quality aftermarket CARB-compliant converters cost $400-800. Address any oil consumption issues before or during converter replacement to prevent repeat failure. Walker, Eastern Catalytic, and MagnaFlow make reliable aftermarket replacements.

What Owners Are Using

Parts and tips from 0+ owners who fixed this issue

Tip
UpgradeWalker catalytic converter — EPA-compliant direct fit (Walker Catalytic Converter)
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UpgradeMagnaFlow catalytic converter — high-flow performance option (MagnaFlow Catalytic Converter)
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Typical repair cost:$500 - $2,500

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Community Reported

Medium Confidence0 reportsLast reported by owners Invalid DateReviewed Invalid Date

Community Reported

430 owners

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.

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
UpgradeComplete strut and shock absorber set for full suspension refresh (KYB Excel-G Strut/Shock Set)
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UpgradeFour-wheel alignment kit with cam bolts for proper tire wear correction (Moog Alignment Cam Bolt Kit)
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Typical repair cost:$400 - $800

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430+ owners have reported this issue

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Community Reported

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 2,330+ owner reports, the 2015-2015 Nissan Murano has 4 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: CVT Transmission Failure and Shudder, Power Steering Rack Seal Leak, Premature Catalytic Converter Failure. Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Nissan Murano reliable?

The 2015-2015 Nissan Murano has 4 known issues documented across 2,330+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: CVT Transmission Failure and Shudder. 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 $300 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 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 2009-2020 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 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 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.

2015 Nissan Murano Problems: 4 Issues Every Owner Should Know

All 4 Known Issues

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

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

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

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

2003-2020 Nissan Murano: Premature Catalytic Converter Failure#

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

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

Common Symptoms

How to Fix

What Owners Are Using

Research This Issue

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

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

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

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