The 6 Common Failures Of The Nissan Murano: Problems, Reliability And More!
The Nissan Murano’s superb ride quality, excellent transmission performance and comfortable interior make it one of the automaker’s best bets in the midsize segment. But it is far from perfect, we will show you here the common failures of the Nissan Murano , so that you take your precautions if you are thinking of acquiring one.
If you drive a Murano or have plans to buy one, it pays to be aware of its reliability ratings and the common problems that can develop as mileage is racked up.
How good is the Nissan Murano?
The Nissan Murano has scored well in all reliability ratings over the years. RepairPal gave it a 3.5 out of 5, ranking it 20th out of 26 vehicles in its segment. Meanwhile, Consumer Reports gave its 2019 model an overall reliability score of 4 out of 5.
The later model years of the Nissan Murano also achieved stellar ratings in terms of safety. The US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given the 2020 Nissan Murano an overall 5-star crash safety rating.
The older models also scored pretty well . For example, the 2010 Murano earned a 4-star rating in both driver and passenger side crash simulations.
Common failures of the Nissan Murano
Various issues have plagued the Murano’s reliability over the years. Let’s take a look at some of the most common Nissan Murano failures reported so far:
1- Damaged seat adjustment assembly
Damaged seat adjuster assemblies are common on 2003-2007, 2009, 2010 and 2016 Muranos. Many owners have complained that their seats have become unstable and difficult to adjust. They also report screeching sounds coming from their seats due to the damaged assembly.
2- Failures in the motor supports
Many drivers of the 2003-2015 models have reported problems with the motor mounts.
The defective part causes the motor to move freely, resulting in abnormal vibration, unusual noise, and motor damage. Since the engine is not supported, it can also damage surrounding components and cause problems that can affect the safety and performance of the car.
If your Murano is displaying symptoms related to loose or faulty engine mounts, have it checked by a mechanic. Once you’ve confirmed that the problems are caused by faulty motor mounts, replace them immediately to avoid drivability problems and costly repairs .
3- Problems with the brakes
While the 2004 model year has the highest number of complaints, the 2009 Murano was considered the worst model year due to the severity of its problems and overall repair costs.
Common 2009 Nissan Murano problems involve major brake components such as the brake pedal, anti-lock braking system (ABS) controller, and master cylinder.
Many owners have complained that their brake pedals suddenly become soft, so much so that it sometimes hits the floorboard. Some were able to solve the problem by replacing the ABS actuator, while others had to change the brake pads, master cylinder, and booster.
In February 2019, Nissan recalled 86,265 2009 Muranos to fix a potentially faulty component in the ABS. If the part fails, it can cause extra brake pedal travel and increase stopping distance. Nissan urged owners of affected models to bring their vehicles in for inspection and replacement of the part at no cost.
Some owners have also reported ABS controller issues and master cylinder failure. Most of them were able to resolve the issue by replacing various brake components. If your Murano develops these problems, take it to a repair shop for a proper diagnosis.
4- Transmission failures (sudden jerks, transmission failures)
Aside from brake-related issues, Nissan Murano transmission misfires are also common for the 2009 model year. Several owners have reported jerkiness, difficulty accelerating from a complete stop , and other issues.
These symptoms are usually telltale signs that there is something wrong with the vehicle’s transmission system. If these issues are not fixed right away, they can lead to total transmission failure, leaving owners with more money than necessary to begin with. The cost of repairing a transmission failure can be as high as $5,000.
5- Broken door handle problems
Several 2004 Nissan Murano owners complained that their car’s door handle broke easily . Some were able to push the faulty part back in, but it no longer fits perfectly.
Most drivers had to get a door handle replacement. Luckily, it’s easy to find high-quality door handles for the Nissan Murano on the Internet. However, this is one of the frequent failures of the Nissan Murano, and there are many complaints about it.
6- Disadvantages with interior accessories
Problems with interior accessories are also common on some units of the 2004 Murano. Many owners have reported that their car’s sun visors broke or fell off while on the road .
In addition, some owners resorted to Velcro patches and elastic bands as a quick fix, while others opted to replace the sun visor.
Other common complaints are broken seat frames, stuck electrical locks, and malfunctioning stereo speakers. Most of these problems can be fixed by replacing the faulty parts with new ones.
Fortunately, there’s no shortage of interior accessories on the market, so it’s easy to find great high-quality, yet affordable replacements.
To end
Even a car as reliable as the Nissan Murano can develop problems as it racks up the miles. The good thing is that you can keep repair costs to a minimum and make the most of the life of your vehicle by taking note of common Nissan Murano problems depending on your model.
If you’re researching the vehicle market trying to buy a Murano, determine the problems that may develop over the years. Make sure you know all about the most common Nissan Murano failures before you seal the deal.
