Nissan Murano
2003–2026
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.
Specs
3.5L — 58% of decoded VINs
Body style
Crossover Utility Vehicle [CUV]
Drivetrain
4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
Fuel
Gasoline
Transmission
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Doors
4
GVWR
4,001–6,000 lb
Curb weight
4,165 lb
Trims seen: SL, SV, S, PLATINUM
3.5L 6-cyl V-Shaped — 19% of decoded VINs
Body style
Crossover Utility Vehicle [CUV]
Drivetrain
4x2
Fuel
Gasoline
Transmission
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
Doors
4
GVWR
4,001–6,000 lb
Curb weight
4,165 lb
Trims seen: SV, S, SL, PLATINUM
3.5L 6-cyl — 4% of decoded VINs
Body style
Crossover Utility Vehicle [CUV]
Drivetrain
4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
Fuel
Gasoline
Doors
4
GVWR
5,001–6,000 lb
2.0L — 3% of decoded VINs
Body style
Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
Drivetrain
4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
Fuel
Gasoline
Transmission
Automatic
Doors
4
GVWR
5,001–6,000 lb
Curb weight
4,438 lb
Trims seen: SL, Platinum, SV
Decoded from 537 VIN patterns on file for this model. Shown as separate engine configurations rather than one blended reading, since this model has been sold with more than one. Another 16% decoded to less common or unclear configurations, not shown individually.
Trends
Complaint trends by era
← All yearsClick a window below to see complaint data scoped to just those years.
2003–2007 models account for the most complaints on record — 58% of 5,926 classified. The dominant issue has shifted from body_interior in 2003–2007 models to electrical in 2023–2026 models.
Complaints filed per 5-year model-year window.
Year-over-year complaint volume
Complaints filed per individual model year, not blended into 5-year bands like the chart above — hover a bar for exact numbers. Recent model years show fewer complaints mainly because they've been on the road less time.
3418 complaints · mostly body_interior
1345 complaints · 2 recalls · mostly brakes
809 complaints · 15 recalls · mostly body_interior
298 complaints · 5 recalls · mostly electrical
56 complaints · 3 recalls · mostly electrical
5-year windows, not manufacturer generations — this database doesn't have reliable platform/redesign data to draw real generation boundaries from. Recent model years show fewer complaints mainly because they have been on the road less time, not necessarily because they're more reliable — read this as complaint volume and mix by era, not a reliability trend.
What breaks, and when — 2003–2007 only
← All years3,418 classified complaints for 2003–2007 specifically.
Median onset: 76,152 miles. 0.6% of these involved a crash, fire, or injury.
Tends to show up earlier than this model's other issues. · More common in older model years. · Typically $330–$620 to fix a body_interior repair, nationally.
Median onset: 135,284 miles.
Tends to show up later than this model's other issues. · More common in older model years. · Typically $230–$1,710 to fix a suspension repair, nationally.
Median onset: 114,212 miles. 0.4% of these involved a crash, fire, or injury.
More common in newer model years. · Typically $200–$6,500 to fix a transmission repair, nationally.
Median onset: 109,460 miles. 2.3% of these involved a crash, fire, or injury.
Typically $230–$3,010 to fix a engine repair, nationally.
Median onset: 102,210 miles. 1.2% of these involved a crash, fire, or injury.
More common in newer model years. · Typically $250–$5,240 to fix a electrical repair, nationally.
Median onset: 118,433 miles.
More common in newer model years. · Typically $250–$5,240 to fix a electrical repair, nationally.
Median onset: 92,341 miles. 12.7% of these involved a crash, fire, or injury.
More common in older model years. · Typically $330–$620 to fix a body_interior repair, nationally.
Median onset: 92,617 miles.
More common in older model years. · Typically $330–$4,240 to fix a drivetrain repair, nationally.
From owner-filed complaints to NHTSA, not independently verified. Federal mileage reporting on recent complaints is sparse — see methodology. Cost ranges are national estimates from book labor hours and parts pricing, not this vehicle's actual repair history — they don't account for your location or shop type.
See the full repair-cost breakdown →Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — complaints, recalls, investigations, service bulletins. Methodology. This is not an inspection and not a recommendation to buy or avoid this vehicle.