Nissan Murano

Overview

The Nissan Murano is a midsize crossover SUV sold across three generations from 2003 to present, known for its comfortable ride and stylish interior. The reliability story centers on doors/windows that fail repeatedly, CVT transmissions that shudder and fail prematurely, and widespread subframe corrosion that creates structural safety concerns. Nearly 6,000 complaints reveal a pattern of expensive repairs hitting owners well before 100,000 miles.

What Breaks

Door and window problems dominate the complaint data (1,816 reports, 31% of all complaints) with median failure at 74,000 miles. Owners report power window regulators breaking, door latches freezing or failing to release, and window motors burning out—often requiring $300-500 repairs per door. Second and third-generation Muranos (2009-2026) show the highest concentration of these failures.

CVT transmission issues split into two categories: shift quality problems (441 complaints at 100,000 miles median) involving shuddering, hesitation, and harsh shifts, and complete CVT internal failures (163 complaints at 96,000 miles). The shuddering typically starts around 60,000-80,000 miles and progressively worsens. Complete CVT replacements run $4,000-7,000.

Subframe corrosion appears primarily in 2003-2007 first-generation models (331 complaints at 135,000 miles median). Salt-belt state owners report structural rust-through of rear subframes, creating dangerous handling conditions. Repairs require subframe replacement at $2,000-4,000 when parts are available.

Engine stalling (299 complaints at 101,000 miles) affects multiple model years, with engines cutting out at highway speeds or refusing to restart. Body control module failures (287 complaints at 87,000 miles) cause erratic electrical behavior—lights, gauges, and accessories malfunctioning randomly.

Brake system problems include ABS module failures (257 complaints at 85,000 miles) requiring $800-1,200 replacements, and brake master cylinder/booster failures (195 complaints at 85,000 miles) causing complete brake loss or extremely hard pedal feel.

Safety Recalls

Four separate recalls addressed ABS control modules between 2015-2019, with the most serious involving brake system failure and fire risk from corroded modules. One recall covered steering hoses that could leak and cause sudden power steering loss. A 2019 recall addressed backup camera software that failed to display images when reversing. Most recalls focused on brake system components across 2009-2017 model years.

Warranty Extensions and TSBs

Nissan issued warranty extensions for CVT transmissions on multiple model years, quietly acknowledging chronic reliability problems without issuing recalls. The 493 technical service bulletins include repeated CVT reprogramming procedures, suspension noise fixes, and door latch repairs—indicating Nissan knew about these issues but left owners to discover them. TSBs for brake master cylinder corrosion and ABS module replacement preceded eventual recalls by years.

Owner Watch-Outs

• Test drive any used Murano for CVT shuddering during acceleration from 15-40 mph and listen for whining noises—early signs of transmission trouble that only get worse.
• Inspect rear subframe for rust on any 2003-2007 model, especially if the vehicle spent time in snow-belt states; this is a structural safety issue, not cosmetic.
• Check that all power windows operate smoothly and door latches release properly—these failures are expensive and almost inevitable on higher-mileage examples.
• Verify brake pedal feel is normal and ABS functions correctly; master cylinder and module failures can happen suddenly and cost over $1,000 to repair.
• Research whether any used Murano you're considering is covered under Nissan's CVT warranty extension program before purchase.

Data Notes

Analysis based on 5,926 classified NHTSA complaints spanning 2003-2026 model years. Complaint volume is high relative to production numbers, indicating above-average failure rates across multiple systems. Door/window and transmission issues appear consistently across all three generations, while subframe corrosion concentrates in first-generation models.