Nissan Murano isn’t just a luxury SUV; it is a reliable ride with advanced auto technologies and a decent space for all your needs. The Nissan Murano has been around since 2002 and is ranked in the mid-size SUV segment.
However, there are some Nissan Murano years to avoid when buying a used model because they are problematic and the average repair cost is high. Well, the earlier Nissan Murano models are the ones with more complaints, while the newer model seems to hold up pretty well.
This article lists and explains the best and worst model years for the Nissan Murano SUV and the various Nissan Murano problems!
Nissan Murano Overview
Murano is a series of crossover SUVs produced by the Japanese automaker, Nissan. It is built as a “luxury” SUV, so it comes with a sophisticated interior and top-notch interior design. The Nissan Murano is available in multiple trim levels and has a hybrid model.
The standard 3.5L V6 engine on Nissan Murano gives out 250hp paired with a CVT or 6-speed auto transmission. Of course, you’ll enjoy riding a Nissan Murano, and if well maintained, Nissan Muranos can go over 250,000 miles before needing major repairs.
See Also: Worst Nissan Sentra Years to Avoid
Nissan Murano Years To Avoid and Why
The first generation of the Nissan Murano seems to be poorly built. Well, not so poorly built to probably be referred to as “trash,” but the first gen Nissan Murano models received a high number of complaints from their owners.
Also, a few models from the second generation were faulted in many ways; hereunder is a list of Nissan Murano years regarded as the “worst” model years to avoid.
- 2004 to 2011 Nissan Murano
- 2014 Nissan Murano
- 2015 Nissan Murano
2004 thru 2011 Nissan Muranos are typically problematic – with the most commonly reported issue being internal/external accessories failure such as door handles falling off, car seat problems, and Bluetooth connectivity not working.
Well, below are the most common problems with Nissan Muranos.
Common Problems With Nissan Murano
These problems were reported by Nissan Murano owners on CarComplaints and are related to the Nissan Murano models listed above.
1. Interior Accessories Failure
- Affected Models:Mostly reported on 2004 to 2009 Nissan Murano models
Interior accessories problems such as broken seats, Bluetooth connection issues, door lock failure, malfunctioning cruise control, and inaccurate readings on the gas gauge were reported on most Nissan Murano produced from 2004 to 2009.
These problems occurred at different mileage from 20k miles to 80k miles. The average cost of fixing these issues ranges from $500 to $1,100, depending on what went wrong.
2. Transmission Failure
- Affected Models:Mostly reported for 2004, 2007, 2011, and 2015 model years
Although many other model years of the Nissan Murano had transmission problems, the issues were more on the indicated years above.
The most common Nissan Murano transmission problems include complete CVT failure, gear slipping when the car is hot, acceleration problems, and loud noise.
Fixing these problems is quite expensive, especially if the transmission fails – it costs around $3,000 to replace it. Most of these critical transmission faults are reported to occur within the 80k to 130k miles range.
3. Brake and Engine Problems
- Affected Models: Mostly reported on 2004, 2005, 2011, and 2009 Nissan Muranos
The brake system and the engine are two crucial parts of any vehicle – if any of these parts fail, the resulting scenario could be fatal.
Common problems reported in this category include soft brake pedals, cracked engine manifold, brake failures, broken engine mount, engine stalling, and malfunctioning ABS controller.
These problems reportedly occur from 60,000 miles upward. In most cases, the Nissan Murano owners that faced these brake/engine problems had no option but to completely change them, which costs up to an average of $5,000.
4. Body Paint Problems
- Affected Models: Mostly reported on the 2004 Nissan Murano
It seems the paint job done on the 2004 Nissan Murano is very poor. A reasonable number of owners allege that the paint started peeling off, and some sides of the body panel started rusting.
This typically happens around the 100k miles range and costs an average of $1,000 to fix.
5. Exterior Accessories Problems
- Affected Models: 2004, 2005, and 2006 Nissan Muranos
The most common exterior accessories problem with Nissan Muranos is the door handle. Many owners allege that the door handle is fragile and falls off after some time.
Also, there are reports about the windows getting stuck and the windshield cracking after a few thousands of miles. Fixing these indicated problems cost an average of $1,000.
Best Nissan Murano Years To Buy
Okay, having been advised to stay clear of the Nissan Murano models above, what model years should you go for? Well, for Nissan SUV lovers, you can confidently pick a Murano produced in the following years:
- 2003 Nissan Murano
- 2012 Nissan Murano
- 2013 Nissan Murano
- 2016 to 2021 Nissan Muranos
These Nissan Murano years have the highest-reliable models that last pretty long before developing critical problems that cost thousands of dollars to fix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Nissan Murano, Last Long?
Yes, Nissan Muranos last long if you maintain them properly: drive carefully, use the right fluids, go for routine checkups and tuneups, always change the oil when due, and only use the right (recommended) fuel for the engine.
How Reliable Is The Nissan Murano?
The Nissan Murano is a reliable ride with a sophisticated interior – packed with several advanced auto technologies. The SUV takes home a 3.5 out of 5.0 reliability score from RepairPal and is ranked number twenty out of 28 SUVs in its category (metrics from RepairPal).
What Are The Common Problems With Nissan Muranos?
It appears like the most commonly reported problem of Nissan Murano is interior accessories failure. Notwithstanding, other common issues include engine failure, transmission failure, and broken door handles.
Can You Drive a Nissan Murano On Snow?
If you need a Murano that would take you through snowy paths, you should get the newer models from 2017. Newer Nissan Murranos is built to tackle any weather condition, and they can go through rough terrains swiftly. Also, Nissan has advanced powertrain technologies for driving through off-road terrains.
See Also: Which Nissan Altima Years To Avoid?
Conclusion
Conclusively, this article lists and explains the worst Nissan Murano years to avoid and highlights the best model years to buy. The Nissan Murano is generally a classy, luxury SUV with loads of contemporary features to make you enjoy the ride.
If you’re buying a used one, it’d be best to select from the “recommended” model years and stay clear of the “worst” model years so you can possibly get great value for your spending.
