Nissan Murano 2011: owner reviews, weaknesses and expert recommendations

Crossover Nissan Murano The second generation (Z51), released in 2011, still remains one of the most controversial offerings on the aftermarket. On the one hand, this is a spacious, comfortable car with powerful V6 3.5 and all-wheel drive, which promises dynamics and reliability. On the other hand, the model’s reputation is overshadowed by frequent complaints about CVT variator, expensive repairs and “childhood diseases” of electronics. So is it worth buying? Murano 2011 today? We analyzed hundreds of owner reviews, technical data and breakdown statistics to give an objective answer.

In this article you will find not only generalized opinions, but also specific numbers: average fuel consumption in the city, the cost of changing the oil in the variator, engine life and even the distribution of breakdowns by mileage. And also - unique data on which configurations of 2011 turned out to be the most problematic and why. If you are considering Murano as a family car or just looking for a reliable used crossover, this information will help you avoid costly mistakes.

2011 Nissan Murano Specifications: What's Under the Hood?

Under the hood Nissan Murano 2011 hiding time-tested petrol engine VQ35DE volume 3.5 liters, developing 265 hp at 6000 rpm. This motor is known for its endurance - with proper maintenance it can easily pass 300,000+ km, but there are nuances. For example, phase shifters the intake shafts often begin to “knock” after 150,000 km, and replacing the timing chain costs 40 000–60 000 ₽ (depending on the region).

The gearbox is the main stumbling block of the model. Murano 2011 equipped CVT Jatco JF011E, which, when paired with a powerful engine, demonstrates smooth acceleration, but requires perfect service. The manufacturer recommends changing the oil in the variator every 60,000 km, however, in practice, many owners save on this, which leads to belt slippage and expensive repairs (from 150 000 ₽).

• 🔧 Engine: VQ35DE 3.5 l, 265 hp, timing chain drive
• ⚙️ Box: variator Jatco JF011E (resource depends on service)
• 🚗 Drive: full All-Mode 4×4-i with clutch in rear axle
• ⛽ Fuel consumption: 12–14 l/100 km around the city, 9–10 l/100 km along the highway
• 📏 Dimensions: 4830×1900×1720 mm, wheelbase 2825 mm

Suspension Murano independent on all wheels: front - MacPherson struts, behind - multi-lever. This provides good handling, but after 100,000 km The stabilizer bushings begin to “die” (3 000–5 000 ₽ for replacement) and wheel bearings (8 000–12 000 ₽ per pair). Owners also note weak brake discs, which often “leads” after 50,000 km active driving.

Real owner reviews: pros and cons of the 2011 Nissan Murano

Analysis of reviews on sites like Drive2, Auto.ru and thematic forums shows that opinions about Murano 2011 polarized. Some people praise the car for comfort, spacious salon And dynamics, others scold for high cost of repairs And problems with the variator. We have highlighted the key topics that owners most often discuss.

✅ What we like about the 2011 Murano:

• 🚀 Acceleration dynamics: “From zero to 100 km/h in 8–9 seconds - very good for a crossover!” (review with mileage 120,000 km)
• 🛋️ Interior comfort: soft seats with good lateral support, low noise level at speed
• 🌍 Patency: four-wheel drive All-Mode 4×4-i copes with light off-road and snow
• 🔋 Electronics: climate control, heated all seats, rear view camera in basic configurations

❌ Main complaints:

• 💸 Expensive repairs: “Replacing the timing chain cost 50,000 ₽, and a month later the variator failed - another 180,000 ₽” (review with mileage 180,000 km)
• ⚡ Problems with the variator: jerks during acceleration, “kicks”, overheating after 150,000 km
• 🔥 Engine overheating: weak cooling system - the radiator often clogs after 100,000 km
• 📉 Power drop: “After 200,000 km, the engine began to slow down, diagnostics showed wear of the phase shifters”

Fun fact: the owners Murano included LE (with leather interior and premium audio system Bose) are more likely to complain about electrical problems than those who bought the basic version S. This may be due to the large number of electronic systems that begin to fail over time.

Weak points of the 2011 Nissan Murano: what to look for when buying

If you are considering Nissan Murano 2011 on the secondary market, here 5 critical nodeswhich need to be checked first. These problems occur most often and can result in serious expenses.

1. CVT:

   Symptoms of a malfunction: jerks during acceleration, delays when switching “virtual” gears, a hum or whistle. Cost of major repairs - from 150 000 ₽. If the variator is already “kicking”, only replacing the belt and cones can save it, but this is a temporary solution.

2. Timing chain and phase shifters:

   After 150,000 km the chain stretches, and the phase shifters begin to knock when cold. Replacing a chain with tensioners costs 40 000–60 000 ₽, phase shifters - more 20 000–30 000 ₽.

3. Radiator and cooling system:

   Weak point - plastic pipesthat crack after 100,000 km. The thermostat also often fails (5 000 ₽ for replacement). If the engine temperature rises above 100°C in a traffic jam - this is a reason for diagnosis.

Knot	Symptoms of malfunction	Average repair cost (₽)	Critical mileage (km)
CVT	Jerks, delays, hum	150 000–250 000	120 000–180 000
Timing chain + phase shifters	Knock when cold, error P0011	50 000–80 000	150 000–200 000
Radiator and pipes	Antifreeze leak, overheating	15 000–30 000	100 000–150 000
Wheel bearings	Noise at speed, wheel play	8,000–12,000 (per pair)	100 000–130 000
Brake discs	Vibration when braking, “beating” of the steering wheel	15,000–25,000 (set)	50 000–80 000

Pay special attention checking the oil in the variator. If it is black or smells like burning, this is a sign that the box is already worn out. Also ask the seller to show receipts for oil changes: if the interval exceeded 80,000 km, the risk of early breakdown is very high.

Condition of the oil in the variator (color, smell)|History of replacing the timing chain and phase shifters|Leaking antifreeze and condition of the radiator|Play in the wheel bearings|All-wheel drive operation (checking the clutch)-->

Fuel consumption: real numbers vs official data

The manufacturer states that Nissan Murano 2011 with engine VQ35DE and the variator consumes 11.8 l/100 km in the city and 8.4 l/100 km on the highway. However, real reviews from owners paint a different picture. According to the portal Fuelly.com, the average consumption in the city is 13.5–14.5 l/100 km, and on the highway - 9.5–10.5 l/100 km. The difference is due to several factors:

• 🚦 Riding style: The variator “loves” smooth acceleration. Abrupt starts increase consumption by 1–2 l/100 km.
• ❄️ Winter period: on a cold engine, consumption increases to 16–18 l/100 km (according to reviews from owners from Moscow and St. Petersburg).
• 🔧 Engine Condition: after 200,000 km consumption may increase by 10–15% due to wear of the piston group.
• 🛣️ Gasoline quality: Murano sensitive to octane number. On AI-92 consumption is higher than AI-95/98.

Owners note that consumption can be reduced if:

1. Change in a timely manner air filter (every 30,000 km).
2. Use synthetic oil with viscosity 5W-30 or 5W-40 (For example, Mobil 1 ESP or Liqui Moly Special Tec).
3. Avoid long warm-ups in winter (enough 2–3 minutes at idle, then drive at low speeds).

How to reduce fuel consumption by 10–15%

1. Install on-board computer (For example, Multitronics VC731) to control instantaneous flow.

2. Check the tire pressure: a decrease of 0.2 atm increases consumption by 1–1.5 l/100 km.

3. Disable all-wheel drive in the city (if you drive on asphalt) - this will reduce the load on the transmission.

4. Use fuel system cleaning additives (For example, Liqui Moly JetClean) every 10,000 km.

Interestingly, the owners Murano with mileage over 250,000 km note improvement in consumption after replacing spark plugs (NGK IFR6T11) and cleaning the throttle valve. In some cases, this results in savings of up to 1–1.5 l/100 km.

Reliability and service life: how long does the Nissan Murano 2011 last?

Resource Nissan Murano 2011 highly dependent on operating conditions And quality of service. According to an American study Consumer Reports, with proper care the car can pass 300,000–350,000 km without major repairs. However, on the Russian market these figures are more modest:

• 🔄 Engine VQ35DE: 250,000–300,000 km until the first major overhaul (when changing the oil every 10,000 km).
• ⚙️ CVT JF011E: 150,000–200,000 km every time you change the oil 60,000 km. No service - 100,000–120,000 km.
• 🔋 Electronics: problems with the climate control unit and sensors begin after 150,000 km.
• 🚗 Body: pockets of corrosion appear on arches and sills after 7–10 years (depends on the region).

According to service statistics, the most reliable there are copies released in first half of 2011. Cars autumn assembly 2011 more often suffer from problems with the variator and electrics - perhaps this is due to a change in component suppliers.

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The main conclusion: the 2011 Nissan Murano can last a long time, but only with strict adherence to maintenance regulations. Missing an oil change in the variator or timing chain will result in repairs costing 100,000+ ₽.

If we talk about cost of ownership, then Murano 2011 costs more than, for example, Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V the same year. Here are the approximate costs per year (with mileage 20,000 km/year):

Expense item	Cost (₽/year)	Notes
Fuel (13 l/100 km, AI-95)	120 000–140 000	At a price of 48–50 ₽/liter
Maintenance	30 000–50 000	Oil, filters, brake pads
Repair and spare parts	50 000–150 000	Depends on the condition of the variator and engine
Insurance (CASCO/OSAGO)	40 000–80 000	Depending on the region and age of the driver

For comparison: Toyota RAV4 2011 with mileage 150,000 km costs to maintain 30–40% cheaper. However Murano wins in terms of comfort and dynamics, so the choice depends on priorities.

Which 2011 Nissan Murano trim level should you choose?

In 2011 Nissan Murano offered in three main trim levels: S, SL And LE. Each of them has its pros and cons, as well as typical problems, which are worth knowing in advance.

🔹 Nissan Murano S (base)

The most affordable version, but with a minimal set of options. There is no leather interior, sunroof or premium audio system, but less electronics = less problems. The owners note that this equipment breaks less often, but looks modest. Average price on the secondary market: 800 000–950 000 ₽ (mileage 120,000–150,000 km).

🔹 Nissan Murano SL (medium)

The best option in terms of price/quality ratio. Already here leather interior, hatch, rear view camera And heated front seats. However, it is in this configuration that they most often begin to “glitch” parking sensors And climate control unit. Price: 950 000–1 100 000 ₽.

🔹 Nissan Murano LE (top)

Maximum configuration with Bose audio system, seat ventilation, adaptive cruise control And xenon headlights. However, this is where problems most often arise with electronics: sensors fail, the multimedia system freezes, problems with the automatic transmission control unit. Price: 1 100 000–1 300 000 ₽.

Experts recommend choosing SL package as the most balanced option. If you need reliability, take it basic S, if you are willing to pay for comfort and take risks with electrics - LE.

Which package is better NOT to buy?

Murano LE with over 150,000 km mileage — high probability of problems with electronics (climate control unit, parking sensors, multimedia). You should also avoid cars that have been used in taxis or car sharing - their CVTs wear out 2 times faster.

2011 Nissan Murano Alternatives: What to Consider Instead?

If Nissan Murano 2011 seems like too much of a risky purchase to you because of the CVT, so 5 alternatives with similar characteristics, but more reliable transmission:

1. Toyota Venza 2011–2013

   The same 3.5 V6, but with 6-speed automatic instead of a variator. Fuel consumption is slightly higher (14 l/100 km in the city), but the resource of the box is 300,000+ km. Minus: less ground clearance (160 mm against 205 mm at Murano).

2. Honda Pilot 2010–2012

   More spacious interior (7 seats), 5-speed automatic, engine J35 with resource 400,000 km. Consumption - 13–15 l/100 km. Minus: higher price on the secondary market (1 200 000–1 500 000 ₽).

3. Hyundai Santa Fe 2010–2012 (CM)

   Cheaper to maintain 6-speed automatic, engine Theta II 2.4 or Lambda 3.5. Cons: worse sound insulation, less prestige of the brand.

If you like it exactly Nissan, but the variator is scary, pay attention to Nissan Pathfinder R51 (2010–2012) with 5-speed automatic and the same engine VQ35DE. It is less comfortable, but more reliable in terms of transmission.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the 2011 Nissan Murano

❓ Is it possible to drive a Nissan Murano 2011 without changing the oil in the variator?

⚠️ No! The manufacturer recommends changing the oil in the variator JF011E every 60,000 km. If you ignore this rule, the belt begins to slip and the cones wear out. Repairs will cost 150 000–250 000 ₽. Owners who change oil every 40,000–50,000 km, note that the variator serves 200,000+ km no problem.

❓ What engine does the Nissan Murano 2011 have and what is its resource?

Under the hood is petrol V6 VQ35DE volume 3.5 l (265 hp). With proper maintenance (oil change every 10,000 km, timing chains - every 150,000 km) he passes 300,000–350,000 km. Main weaknesses: phase shifters (they start knocking after 150,000 km) and oiler (after 200,000 km can spend up to 1 liter of oil per 1000 km).

❓ What kind of oil should I pour into the Nissan Murano 2011 variator?

Manufacturer recommends original oil Nissan CVT Fluid NS-2 (art. KLE52-00004). Alternatives: Idemitsu CVTF or Ravenol CVT. Important! You cannot use regular ATF oil - it will kill the variator. Refill volume: 9–10 l (with complete replacement).

❓ How much does it cost to repair a CVT on a Nissan Murano 2011?

The cost depends on the degree of wear:

• Changing oil and filters: 8 000–12 000 ₽.
• Repair (replacement of belt and cones): 80 000–120 000 ₽.
• Major repairs (with replacement of hydraulic unit): 150 000–250 000 ₽.
• Replacing the variator with a contract one: 180 000–250 000 ₽.

⚠️ Attention: If the variator is already “kicking” or slipping, a simple oil change will not help - repairs will be required.

❓ What is the real ground clearance of the Nissan Murano 2011?

Official ground clearance - 205 mm, but in fact it is smaller due to low-profile tires (usually 190–195 mm). If I plan