Nissan Murano Reliability and Common Problems

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 SUV segment. But it is far from perfect. If you drive a Murano or have plans to buy one, it pays to learn its reliability ratings and the common issues it may develop as it racks up mileage.

Are Nissan Muranos Reliable?

The Nissan Murano has scored well on all major reliability ratings over the years. RepairPal gave it a 3.5 out of 5, ranking it 20th out of the 26 vehicles in its segment. Meanwhile, Consumer Reports gave its 2019 model an overall reliability score of 4 out of 5.

The latest Nissan Murano model years also achieved stellar ratings in terms of safety. The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) gave the 2020 Nissan Murano 5-star overall safety crash rating. Older models also scored fairly well. For instance, the 2010 Murano achieved a 4-star rating for both front driver and passenger side crash simulations.

Top Nissan Murano Problems

Several issues have affected the Murano’s reliability over the years. Let’s look at some of the most widely reported Nissan Murano problems:

Damaged Seat Adjuster Assembly

Damaged seat adjuster assemblies are common across 2003-2007, 2009, 2010, and 2016 Muranos. Many owners have complained that their seats have become unstable and difficult to adjust. They also report squeaking sounds coming from their seats due to the damaged assembly.

Failing Engine Mounts

Many drivers of 2003-2015 model years have reported issues with their engine mounts.

The faulty part causes the engine to move freely, resulting in abnormal vibrations, unusual noises, and engine damage. Because the engine is not secure, it can also damage the surrounding components and lead to issues that may affect the SUV’s safety and performance. 

If your Murano displays symptoms related to loose or failing engine mounts, have it checked by a mechanic. Once you’ve confirmed that the issues are caused by faulty engine mounts, replace them right away to prevent drivability issues and costly repairs.

Brake Issues

While the 2004 model year has the most number of complaints, the 2009 Murano was considered the worst model year due to the severity of its problems and their overall repair costs. The most common 2009 Nissan Murano problems involve important brake components, such as the brake pedal, anti-lock braking system (ABS) controller, and master cylinder.

Many owners have complained that their brake pedals would suddenly go soft, so much so that it sometimes reaches the floorboard. Some were able to solve the problem by replacing the ABS actuator, while others had to swap out their brake pads, master cylinder, and booster. 

In February 2019, Nissan recalled 86,265 2009 Muranos to address a potentially defective component in the ABS. If the part fails, it can cause additional brake-pedal travel and increase stopping distance. Nissan urged the owners of affected models to take their vehicles for part inspection and replacement 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 several brake components. If your Murano develops these issues, take it to a repair shop for proper diagnosis.

Transmission Problems (Hard Jerking, Transmission Failure)

Aside from brake-related issues, Nissan Murano transmission problems are also common for the 2009 model year. Several owners have reported jerking, difficulty accelerating after a complete stop, and other issues.

These symptoms are usually tell-tale signs that there’s something wrong with the vehicle’s transmission system. If these problems aren’t addressed immediately, they may lead to full transmission failure, causing owners to shell out more money than what was originally required. The repair cost for transmission failure can reach up to $5000.

Broken Door Handle

Several owners of the 2004 Nissan Murano complained that the door handle of their SUV easily broke off. 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 Nissan Murano door handles online.

Issues with Interior Accessories

Problems with interior accessories are also common in some units of the 2004 Murano. Many owners have reported that their SUV’s sun visors broke or fell off while they were on the road. A few owners resorted to using velcro patches and elastic bands as a quick fix, while others chose to replace the sun visor.

Other common complaints include broken seat frames, stuck power locks, and stereo speaker malfunction. Most of these issues can be remedied by replacing the faulty parts with new ones. Fortunately, there is no shortage of aftermarket interior accessories on the market, so it’s easy to find excellent high-quality yet affordable replacements.

Even an SUV as dependable as the Nissan Murano can develop issues as it racks up mileage. Good thing you can keep repair costs to a minimum and make the most of your Murano’s service life by taking note of the common problems that affect your model.

If you’re in the market for a Murano, determine the issues that it may develop over the years. Make sure everything is in order before sealing the deal.

Get Nissan Murano Brake Parts In a Few Clicks

As previously mentioned, the Nissan Murano can run into brake problems that might require a brake master cylinder and brake booster replacement. Ignoring these issues can cause brake-related issues, which can put you and your passengers at risk. If you discover that your Nissan Murano’s brake components need to be replaced, then you should probably do so right away. Good thing CarParts.com allows you to shop for the right brake component easily.

CarParts.com has a wide selection of brake master cylinders and brake boosters for the Nissan Murano so you can find the right one that meets your needs. We offer brake master cylinders from leading aftermarket brands, ensuring reliability and quality.

Shop for a new brake master cylinder and brake booster for your Nissan Murano at CarParts.com today.

Products Mentioned in this Guide

Seat Adjuster Assembly Brake Master Cylinder Brake Booster Exterior Door Handle Sun Visor