Nissan Murano 2008 is a second generation crossover (index Z51), which combines the comfort of a premium car and the cross-country ability of an SUV. The model has become popular due to its stylish design, spacious interior and reliable VQ35DE engine volume 3.5 l. However, like any used car, Murano has its weaknesses, which are important to know about before purchasing.
In this article we will look at technical specifications, typical breakdowns, nuances of operation and give practical advice on choosing a used one Nissan Murano 2008–2010. We will pay special attention problems with the Jatco JF011E variator, which often become a key factor when purchasing.
Technical characteristics of Nissan Murano 2008
The 2008 model was offered with a single gasoline engine - VQ35DE volume 3.5 l, developing 265 hp (US version) or 234 hp (for the European market). The motor was aggregated exclusively with stepless variator Jatco JF011E, which transmitted torque to all wheels through the system All-Mode 4WD.
Main parameters of the car:
- 🔧 Engine: VQ35DE, V6, 3.5 l, 24 valves,
DOHC - ⚡ Power: 234–265 hp at 6000 rpm
- 🔄 Gearbox: variator Jatco JF011E with manual mode
- 🚗 Drive: full (All-Mode 4WD) with center differential lock
- 📏 Dimensions: 4830×1885×1690 mm, wheelbase - 2825 mm
- ⛽ Fuel consumption: 12.5–14.5 l/100 km (city), 9.5–10.5 l/100 km (highway)
Suspension Murano independent: front - MacPherson, rear - multi-link. Disc brake system on all wheels (ventilated front), with ABS, EBD And BA. As standard, the car was equipped with 18-inch wheels, but there are versions with 20-inch wheels (optional LE Package).
- Up to 100,000 km
- 100,000–150,000 km
- 150,000–200,000 km
- More than 200,000 km
Weaknesses and typical problems
Despite the reliability of the engine VQ35DE, Nissan Murano 2008 has several “diseases” that appear with age. The main one is variator Jatco JF011E. With a mileage of over 150,000 km, it often requires major repairs or replacement, especially if the maintenance schedule has not been followed.
Other common problems:
- 🔥 CVT overheating: When towing or aggressive driving, the oil in the box overheats, which leads to wear of the belt and cones. Symptoms: jerking, delays when switching, error
P0776. - 💧 Oil leaks: crankshaft and camshaft seals, valve cover gasket, rear variator seal. This is especially true for cars with a mileage of more than 200,000 km.
- 🔊 Knocks in suspension: wear of stabilizer bushings, shock absorber struts, and silent blocks of levers. On an uneven road, a rattling sound may appear in the front panel (a problem with the dashboard mounting).
- ⚡ Electrical: throttle position sensor failures (
P0120), problems with the climate control unit, failure of the steering column switches.
⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Murano With mileage, be sure to check the oil change history of the variator. If the previous owner filled in cheap fluid or ignored the regulations (every 60,000 km), the box may require repairs within 10,000–20,000 km after purchase.
How to check a variator before buying?
1. Warm up the car to operating temperature (at least 10–15 minutes of driving).
2. On a flat surface, press the gas sharply - if there is a delay or jerk, this is a sign of belt wear.
3. Listen to the box at idle: a hum or whistle indicates problems with the bearings.
4. Check the color and smell of the oil in the variator (through the dipstick). Black oil with a burnt smell is a signal for immediate replacement or repair.
VQ35DE engine: service life and maintenance features
Engine VQ35DE considered one of the most reliable in the line Nissan. With proper maintenance it goes away easily 300,000–400,000 km without major repairs. However, there are nuances:
- 🛢️ Oil and filters: It is recommended to use synthetic
5W-30or5W-40(For example, Mobil 1 or Nissan Original Oil). Replace every 7,000–10,000 km. - 🔥 Overheat: The weak point is the thermostat and water pump. When the engine overheats, the cylinder head gasket and valve stem seals suffer.
- 🔧 Timing chain: The chain life is about 200,000 km, but when stretched, noise appears when cold. Replacing a chain with tensioners and dampers costs 30,000–50,000 rubles.
- ⚡ Sensors: Oxygen sensors often fail (
P0130–P0161) and absolute pressure (P0106).
Particular attention should be paid variable valve timing system CVTC. When the oil channels are contaminated or low-quality oil is used, the solenoids become clogged, which leads to errors P0011 or P0021. The solution is to flush the system or replace the solenoids (cost - from 15,000 rubles per set).
If the engine starts to stall at idle, check the spark plugs (NGK PLFR5A-11 - original article) and coils. Often the problem is solved by replacing them without deep diagnostics.
CVT Jatco JF011E: how to extend the life of the box
CVT JF011E - this is the “Achilles heel” Nissan Murano 2008. With careful operation, it lasts 200,000–250,000 km, but many owners encounter breakdowns already at 150,000 km. Main reasons:
- 🛢️ Untimely oil change: liquid NS-2 (original) loses properties after 60,000 km. The use of cheap analogues accelerates the wear of the belt and cones.
- 🔥 Overheat: towing a trailer or driving in traffic jams with frequent acceleration and braking leads to overheating of the oil and loss of its properties.
- 🚗 Aggressive riding: sudden starts and braking increase the load on the variator belt.
Signs of a variator malfunction:
| Symptom | Possible reason | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Jerks during acceleration | Worn belt or cones, low oil level | Diagnostics, oil change or repair |
| Hum or whistle | Bearing wear, belt damage | Replacing bearings or variator assembly |
| Switching delay | Solenoid contamination, valve body malfunction | Flushing solenoids or replacing the valve body |
Error P0776 |
Problems with oil pressure in the box | Checking the oil pump, changing the oil |
⚠️ Attention: If the variator is already “kicking” or making strange sounds, a regular oil change may not help. In such cases, it is often necessary to replace the belt, cones or box assembly (the cost of a new one is from 250,000 rubles, a used one is from 80,000 rubles).
Change oil every 60,000 km (use only NS-2 or NS-3)
Avoid towing heavy trailers (maximum 900 kg)
Do not overheat the box (monitor the oil temperature)
Accelerate and brake smoothly
Check the oil level regularly (via dipstick)
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Suspension and chassis: what breaks most often
Suspension Murano designed for a comfortable ride, but with age it requires attention. The main components that fail:
- 🔧 Shock absorbers: front and rear struts last 80,000–120,000 km. When worn, the body begins to sway and controllability deteriorates.
- 🛠️ Stabilizer bushings: They begin to creak after 50,000 km. Replacement costs 2,000–4,000 rubles per pair.
- 🔩 Silent blocks of levers: the front levers “live” 100,000–150,000 km, the rear ones - up to 200,000 km. When worn, a knocking sound appears on uneven surfaces.
- 🚗 Wheel bearings: They fail at 150,000–200,000 km. The symptom is a hum when driving, which gets worse when turning.
Particular attention should be paid steering. B Murano 2008s wear out frequently:
- 🔄 Steering tips: backlash appears after 100,000 km.
- 🔧 Steering rack: may start leaking or knocking after 150,000 km. Repairs cost 20,000–40,000 rubles.
The life of the suspension directly depends on the driving style and the quality of the roads. When operating on Russian highways, it is recommended to check the chassis every 20,000–30,000 km, even if there are no obvious signs of malfunction.
Interior and electronics: what to look for
Salon Nissan Murano 2008 is made of high-quality materials, but with age typical problems appear:
- 🪑 Seats: leather seat coverings crack after 10 years of use. The driver's seat often sags (a problem with the springs).
- 🎛️ Instrument panel: The backlight may dim or fail completely. There are also problems with the on-board computer display.
- 🔊 Audio system: in versions with Bose The amplifier or speakers often fail. Replacing an amplifier costs 15,000–25,000 rubles.
- 🌡️ Climate control: The damper servos or temperature sensor fail. Symptom: Only hot or cold air is blowing.
Electrics Murano quite reliable, but there are weaknesses:
- ⚡ Light control unit: may malfunction, causing the headlights to turn off spontaneously or not switch to low/high beam.
- 🔋 Battery: a regular one lasts 3–4 years. When replacing, select a battery with a capacity of at least 70 Ah.
- 🚪 Central lock: Door actuators fail after 100,000 km. Symptom - the door does not open from the remote control.
If you are planning to buy Murano with mileage, be sure to check:
- The operation of all electric windows (the mechanism often jams).
- Condition of the wiring under the seats (may fray).
- Functionality of heated seats and steering wheel (elements burn out).
Owner reviews: pros and cons
Owners Nissan Murano 2008 marks the following advantages models:
- ✅ Comfort: soft suspension, spacious interior, good sound insulation.
- ✅ Dynamics: engine VQ35DE provides confident acceleration (0–100 km/h in 8.5–9 seconds).
- ✅ Patency: four-wheel drive All-Mode 4WD copes well with snow and off-road conditions (within reason).
- ✅ Engine reliability: with proper maintenance, the engine runs 300,000+ km.
Among shortcomings most often mentioned:
- ❌ CVT: expensive to repair, requires careful handling.
- ❌ Fuel consumption: in the city it easily goes beyond 14–15 l/100 km.
- ❌ Spare parts: original parts are expensive (for example, a shock absorber strut - from 15,000 rubles).
- ❌ Corrosion: on the body, the arches, sills and lower part of the doors rust (especially in versions without galvanization).
According to reviews, Murano suitable for those who value comfort and are willing to invest in maintenance. For budget-conscious owners, it is better to consider alternatives with a classic automatic transmission (for example, Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot).
How much does a 2008 Nissan Murano cost today and is it worth buying?
Prices for Nissan Murano 2008 on the secondary market in 2026 range from 600,000 to 1,200,000 rubles, depending on mileage, condition and configuration. Average prices by region:
| Mileage | Condition | Price (Moscow) | Price (regions) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to 100,000 km | Excellent (no accidents, service history) | 1 000 000–1 200 000 ₽ | 800 000–1 000 000 ₽ |
| 100,000–150,000 km | Good (small cosmetic defects) | 800 000–950 000 ₽ | 650 000–800 000 ₽ |
| 150,000–200,000 km | Satisfactory (requires investment) | 600 000–750 000 ₽ | 500 000–650 000 ₽ |
| Over 200,000 km | Bad (problems with CVT, suspension) | 400 000–550 000 ₽ | 350 000–500 000 ₽ |
Is it worth buying Murano 2008? The answer depends on your priorities:
- ✔️ Buy if: You want a comfortable crossover with a spacious interior, and you're willing to invest money in maintenance (especially the CVT).
- ❌ Refuse if: Are you looking for an economical car with minimal repair costs or are you planning to drive off-road.
⚠️ Attention: Upon purchase Murano with mileage over 150,000 km, budget 100,000–200,000 rubles for possible repairs of the variator, suspension and chassis. Without this, the risk of getting into a “money pit” is very high.
The best option for purchase is a copy with a mileage of up to 120,000 km, a full service history and an oil change in the variator. Such cars require minimal investment in the first 2–3 years of operation.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the 2008 Nissan Murano
What kind of oil should I put in the VQ35DE engine?
Recommended synthetic oil viscosity 5W-30 or 5W-40, corresponding to the standard API SM/SN or ILSAC GF-4/GF-5. Optimal options:
- Nissan Original Oil 5W-30 (article
KE900-90042) - Mobil 1 5W-30 (article
152611) - Liqui Moly Special Tec AA 5W-30 (article
3709)
Oil volume when changing - 4.8 l (with filter replacement).
How often do you change the oil in the variator?
Official regulations Nissan provides for changing the oil in the variator every 60,000 km. However, when operating in difficult conditions (city traffic jams, towing, heat), it is better to reduce the interval to 40,000–50,000 km.
Use only original fluid Nissan CVT Fluid NS-2 (article KLE52-00004) or its analogue Idemitsu CVTF. Volume for complete replacement - 9.5 l, for partial - 4.5–5 l.
Can you tow a trailer with the 2008 Murano?
Yes, Nissan Murano 2008 allows towing a trailer weighing up to 900 kg (without brakes) or 2000 kg (with brakes). However, it is important to consider:
- Towing increases the load on the variator and accelerates its wear.
- When driving with a trailer, avoid sudden acceleration and braking.
- Check the temperature of the oil in the variator (if it overheats, the box may need to be replaced).
For regular towing, it is better to choose a model with a classic automatic transmission (for example, Toyota 4Runner).
What tires fit the 2008 Murano?
Factory tire sizes for Nissan Murano 2008:
- 18-inch wheels:
235/65 R18 - 20-inch wheels:
235/55 R20
Recommended models:
- Winter: Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3, Michelin X-Ice North 4
- Summer: Continental CrossContact LX2, Pirelli Scorpion Verde
- All-season: Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3
Tire pressure: 2.3 bar front and back (for all sizes).
What is the service life of the VQ35DE engine?
With proper maintenance, the engine VQ35DE passes easily 300,000–400,000 km without major repairs. Key conditions for long service:
- Regular oil changes (every 7,000–10,000 km).
- Use high-quality fuel (octane number not lower than 95).
- Timely replacement of the timing chain (every 200,000 km).
- Monitoring the cooling system (replacing antifreeze every 5 years).
Weak points of the motor: thermostat, water pump and system solenoids CVTC. Their replacement or repair costs 15,000–30,000 rubles.