Emma Davies
Updated on October 21, 2022
The Nissan Murano has been around since 2002 and is a mid-size SUV crossover. This was Nissan’s first crossover and this is very apparent in some of the faults and complaints made against the vehicle. We’ll be taking a closer look into which Nissan Murano models you should probably avoid and also why they aren’t as good as some of their counterparts.
There are a few years of Nissan Murano that you should avoid starting with 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, and 2015. Problems ranged from faulty visor clips, issues with the catalytic converter, and excessive oil consumption to broken seat frames to name just a few.
Nissan Murano Years to Avoid
2004
The 2004 Nissan Murano has the most complaints which include transmission failure, broken door handles as well as a faulty catalytic converter causing engine failure.
Many customers reported things such as the sun visor and seat frames breaking but also the power locks would engage randomly or get stuck without any way to free them. Warning lights would also appear without need which can cause unnecessary and expensive repairs.
Engine problems were one of the biggest issues with this model as there was excessive oil consumption and leaking. Reports of the car dying without warning is also the main reason for avoiding this model if you are looking at purchasing a Nissan Murano.
Complaints in the transmission category were slipping gears and acceleration problems.
The model also faced several electrical problems, one of which was the soy-based wire covering attracting rodents causing them to chew through major electrical components.
2005
Many of the 2004 model complaints that came under the Interior accessories category had yet to be fixed for the 2005 model. These included broken seat frames, broken sun visors, and failing door locks.
It was also reported that sensors indicating the airbag control sensor was failing would flash randomly while driving. In addition to this, it was reported that the driver’s seat would move when the car was in motion. This not only makes driving extremely difficult but can also be extremely hazardous.
The problem regarding the driver’s side seat moving whilst in motion has caused 3 crashes and 10 injuries. This is due to the seat pushing the driver forward as they apply pressure to the acceleration pedal which then causes extra pressure to be added and the vehicle to gain speed.
There are so many complaints regarding exterior accessories, mainly focusing on the passenger side door not unlocking when inside the vehicle, it was also not unlocking whilst using the key from the outside.
This problem was also apparent in the 2004 Nissan Murano model and can be quite costly to repair. Repairs can reach $1,500 as a visit to a Nissan dealer or specialized technician is necessary.
2006
Nissans bad run of Murano models continues with the 2006 model. It had a low safety rating with NHTSA but was also recalled for many other issues.
The severity of these issues expands to mainly safety measures including seatbelts and airbags which can lead to expensive repairs and danger to the driver and other road users.
Engine problems were yet to be fixed with this model as many customers reported leaking and excessive smoking which again can lead to costly repairs.
The main problem with the Nissan Murano 2006 model was the leaking power steering fluid. A supplier issue meant the hose clamp was not securing the hose correctly and therefore causing power steering fluid to leak whilst driving.
The cost of this repair can range from $500 to $650 which is why Nissan North America recalled many of the vehicles with this issue.
2007
A rattling sound has been apparent in the engine of the 2003 to 2016 Nissan Murano models. This could be a warning of far more serious issues which is why it should never be ignored.
The company boiled the problem down to a faulty timing chain that was wearing out earlier than it should have.
Timing chain tensioners are used to properly position the timing chain itself but when these fail things begin to break as the timing chain loosens causing major elements to detach themselves.
This model also experienced problems with the tailgate latch. This causes the tailgate to move which means a rattling sound can be heard while driving over uneven ground.
The backing plate of the latch can only be accessed through bolt holes which makes repairs and replacements extremely difficult.
Another problem that gained many complaints from previous buyers was the throttle body causing surges of power after being cleaned.
Nissan vehicles are notorious for the high level of carbon build-up in the throttle bodies which requires regular cleaning to ensure the best performance but these cleanings were followed by high idle and power surging.
2009
According to customers, the 2009 Nissan Murano model is the one to avoid at all costs. It has not garnered the most complaints but the risk level with its issues is significantly higher than others.
The biggest complaint with this model is soft brake pedals as well as master cylinder failure. Eleven customers also complained of having a malfunctioning ABS controller along with 249 other brake-related problems.
The soft brake pedals on this model mean stopping distance is increased which greatly increases the risk of crashing. This usually happens at around 90,950 miles and can cost more than $2,000 to fix which is why it is ranked as the worst issue with any Nissan Murano model.
103,900 miles is when the ABS controller begins to malfunction. This is also a costly repair reaching an average of $1,680.
Like previous models, the 2009 model also experiences transmission problems with 18 reported complaints as well as 16 reports of interior accessory problems.
The abundance of transmission problems included jerking while driving, rolling back on an incline, the inability to reverse as well as being unable to gain speed after the vehicle is stopped. These problems can cost up to $4,000 to repair.
2015
Many problems that can be seen in earlier models can still be seen in the 2015 model. These include malfunctioning sun visors, exploding sunroofs, problems with airbags, and EVAP clogs and spills.
The visor is held on by a small plastic bracket that would often break leaving you with a sun visor that cannot be either opened or closed properly.
Many lawsuits have been made against Nissan in regards to a rattling noise coming from the sunroof that then leads to it exploding. The lawsuit decided it was a problem with Nissan’s tempering of the glass that caused them to explode under pressure.
This can cause potential injury but also the need to replace a whole sheet of glass and given that this was usually happening on the much larger panoramic sunroofs, this was not a cheap repair.
The problems with the airbags were caused by a faulty OCS system. The OCS or Occupant Classification System lets the car know when it should or shouldn’t deploy the airbag so you can imagine what could go wrong if this is not working correctly.
The first recall of vehicles because of this issue was in 2013 meaning the problem was still not fixed in later models.
Now is certainly not the best time to be wasting gas which is why no one wants to find out their EVAP system is blocked.
This will cause gas to splash back or leak when you’re trying to fill it which then means you’re paying for the gas you aren’t using. You will also definitely fail your inspection which isn’t ideal.
FAQs
What Year Did the Nissan Murano Have Transmission Problems?
The Nissan Murano with the worst transmission problems was the 2010 model. 8,000 vehicles were recalled in 2017 in order to fix this. The reports said the vehicle would shake when driving and would pull to one side when braking causing difficulty for the driver but also causing potential danger.
How Many Miles Does a Nissan Murano Usually Last?
The average lifespan for the Nissan Murano is 200,000 meaning you could drive this car for 13 years if you average 15,000 miles a year! This obviously depends if you’re up to date with regular services and repairs to ensure you get the best performance out of your vehicle.
What Is the Most Common Problem With the Nissan Murano?
The most common complaint with the Nissan Murano is the transmission. It has been reported of recurring CVT problems as well as lurching, overheating, problems while accelerating, and transmission failure well before other vehicles. Some other common issues include leaks, rattling, and engine shutdowns.
Is the Nissan Murano Expensive to Repair?
Many repair prices have been included above to help you gauge just how much you’ll need to spend if you do happen to purchase any of these models.However on average, if you don’t have to do any large repairs or replacements within the first year, you will spend $7,577 on maintenance.
Is a Nissan Murano Considered an SUV?
Yes, the Nissan Murano is a powerful 5-passenger mid-size crossover SUV with good fuel economy.
Conclusion
As you can tell from this extensive list of problems, Nissan definitely had a bad run with the Murano as we see some similar problems from the 2004 model all the way to the 2015 model.
Many things like sun visor clips are an easy fix that Nissan could have recalled and replaced or switched out in later models so we are left wondering why these changes were never made.
But, that’s not to say this can’t be a great SUV as well. Just make sure you know exactly what model you’re looking at and what you’re getting yourself into before you make any big purchases.
For more related Nissan topics, here are our other posts:
Are Nissans Good Cars?
Toyota vs Honda vs Nissan in 2022
How To Change The Battery In A Nissan Key Fob
