The car market is full of offers, but Nissan Murano The 2014 model occupies a special niche among middle-class crossovers. This is the third generation of the model, which has completely revised the design and technical contents, focusing on comfort and technology. The car looks aggressive and modern even after years, and its interior resembles the cabin of a business class aircraft.
Many buyers choose this crossover for its spacious interior and powerful naturally aspirated engine. However, before purchasing, it is worth studying in detail the operating features, especially in harsh winters and bad roads. The owners note that reliability knots directly depends on the quality of service and driving style.
In this article we will look at all aspects of ownership. Nissan Murano 2014 model year. You will learn about real problems that are typical for this model, as well as how to properly maintain variator and engine to avoid costly repairs. We will also talk about prices for spare parts and features of choice in the secondary market.
Design and Exterior: Futuristic Z51 Style
Third generation Nissan Murano received the code name Z51 and radically changed the idea of the appearance of crossovers. Designers abandoned sharp corners in favor of smooth, streamlined lines reminiscent of sculpture. The front part of the body is decorated with a large radiator grille with a chrome trim and a corporate logo that visually expands the hood.
The lighting equipment is made in the form of thin LED strips, which give the car a predatory and modern look. The rear part also deserves attention: the optics combined with a chrome strip create the effect of a solid block, which looks very stylish. The rear of the car has a pronounced slope, which, however, does not greatly affect the volume of the trunk.
- 🚗 Exclusive design: The Z51 body is often confused with concept cars because it looks more expensive than it costs.
- 💡 LEDs: Standard LED headlights provide excellent visibility and reduce the load on the generator.
- 🛡️ Protection: The plastic body kit on the bumpers requires attention as it can be fragile when parked.
Particular attention should be paid to aerodynamics. Due to its streamlined shape, the air resistance coefficient is Murano 2014 is lower than many competitors. This has a positive effect on fuel consumption and noise levels in the cabin at high speeds.
Technical stuffing: Engine and transmission
Under the hood Nissan Murano 2014 hides a time-tested naturally aspirated 3.5-liter V6 engine. Known as the VQ35DE, this unit is powerful and smooth in operation. Depending on the market, engine power varies from 249 to 250 horsepower, which allows the car to reach a hundred in 7-8 seconds.
The only transmission available is a continuously variable transmission. Xtronic (CVT). This solution provides smooth acceleration without jerking, but requires special attention. The variator does not like long slips and sudden starts from traffic lights. Owners should regularly check the level and condition of the gearbox oil.
- ⚙️ Motor VQ35: a reliable unit, but requires high-quality oil and timely replacement of timing chains.
- 🔄 CVT: provides comfort, but is afraid of overheating and dirty oil.
- 🛣️ Four-wheel drive: The ALL MODE 4x4-i system automatically distributes torque between the axles.
All-wheel drive system Nissan works in automatic mode, connecting the rear wheels if necessary. Under normal conditions, the car is front-wheel drive, which saves fuel. However, in difficult road conditions, the system reacts quickly to prevent skidding.
Comfort and interior: Business class on wheels
Salon Nissan Murano 2014 was designed with an emphasis on maximum comfort for the driver and passengers. "Zero Gravity" seats are designed to meet orthopedic requirements and are reminiscent of airline seats. The seat cushions have a special shape that reduces the load on the spine during long trips.
The finishing materials are selected at a high level: soft plastic, high-quality leather and metal inserts create a feeling of premiumness. The instrument panel is designed in a style reminiscent of an airplane instrument panel, with two large analogue dials and a central display. Noise insulation is excellent, which makes the ride quiet even when driving on the highway.
⚠️ Attention: The leather on the seats can quickly crack if not cared for. Use special leather conditioners every 3-4 months, especially if the car is driven in hot climates.
The multimedia system includes a large touch screen, navigation and Bluetooth support. However, the interface may seem outdated by modern standards. The "Around View Monitor" function with all-round cameras is an excellent help when parking, since the dimensions of Murano quite impressive.
- 🛋️ Zero Gravity Seats: Provides best-in-class back support.
- 📺 Multimedia: high-quality Bose acoustics, but the system interface takes some getting used to.
- 🎥 Cameras: The surround view system helps you park large vehicles in tight yards.
Typical problems and disadvantages of operation
Despite the high level of comfort, Nissan Murano 2014 has a number of characteristic problems. The most common complaint from owners concerns the CVT. With a mileage of more than 100,000 km, jerks or delays may occur when shifting gears. This is often due to wear on the valve body or the variator belt.
Another vulnerable area is the suspension. Stabilizer struts and bushings require replacement already at 60-80 thousand kilometers. The silent blocks of the front levers can also wear out ahead of schedule, especially on bad roads. The rear multi-link suspension requires careful attention to the wheel bearings.
- ⚙️ CVT: the main consumable, requiring an oil change every 60,000 km.
- 🔋 Battery: Can discharge quickly if you don't watch out for current leaks in the electronics.
- 🚿 Corrosion: sills and arches can rust if they are not treated with anticorrosive.
The VQ35DE engine also has its own nuances. As mileage increases, oil consumption increases, which is due to the presence of rings. Also, owners are faced with the problem of stretching the timing chain, which needs to be changed at a mileage of about 150,000 km. Ignoring this recommendation can lead to serious consequences for piston group.
- up to 50,000 km
- 50,000 - 100,000 km
- 100,000 - 150,000 km
- more than 150,000 km
Maintenance and cost of ownership
Possession Nissan Murano 2014 requires certain financial investments. The cost of spare parts is higher than average for the class, especially for original parts for the suspension and variator. However, there are many high-quality analogues on the market that can reduce costs.
Regular maintenance includes changing the engine oil, filters, spark plugs and CVT fluid. The oil in the variator must be changed strictly every 60,000 km, using only the specified fluid NS-3. Using unsuitable fluids can lead to rapid transmission failure.
☑️ Checklist before purchasing Murano 2014
The fuel consumption of a naturally aspirated 3.5-liter engine in the urban cycle is about 13-15 liters per 100 km. On the highway this figure drops to 9-10 liters. This is acceptable for a car of this size, but don't expect it to be efficient in traffic. The fuel tank has a volume of 80 liters, which provides a good range.
| Parameter | Meaning | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Engine size | 3.5 l (V6) | Power 250 hp |
| Transmission type | CVT Xtronic | Automatic only |
| Consumption (city) | 13-15 l/100 km | Depending on the style |
| Tank volume | 80 l | Long range |
All-wheel drive system and cross-country ability
All-wheel drive system Nissan on Murano 2014 is plug-in automatically. Under normal conditions, the car drives with front-wheel drive, saving fuel. When the front wheels slip, the clutch begins to transmit torque to the rear axle.
However, this car should not be perceived as an SUV. The suspension has high ground clearance, but there are no differential locks or downshifts. Deep mud, snow or steep inclines can be a challenge. The car is intended primarily for city roads and light off-road use, and not for serious off-road use.
- 🌧️ Rain and snow: All-wheel drive confidently holds the road on slippery surfaces.
- 🏔️ Primer: high ground clearance allows you to overcome irregularities, but you need to pay attention to the crankcase protection.
- 🚫 Deep mud: not recommended, since ground clearance is limited and the tires are often standard road tires.
How does a four-wheel drive clutch work?
The all-wheel drive clutch on the Nissan Murano is multi-plate and electronically controlled. It does not have a mechanical lock, but operates using oil pressure. When the front wheels slip, the pressure increases and the discs are pressed against each other, transmitting torque to the rear wheels. This happens very quickly, but the system is not designed for long-term slipping loads, as it can overheat.
For off-road use, it is recommended to install additional protection for the engine crankcase and fuel tank. It is also useful to check the condition of the CV joint boots, as damage to them can lead to rapid failure of the drive.
Tips for choosing aftermarket
When choosing Nissan Murano 2014 on the secondary market you need to be extremely careful. The most important stage is the diagnosis of the variator. Be sure to take it for a test drive, including hard acceleration and coasting. Any kicks, jerks or extraneous sounds are a reason to refuse the purchase.
Inspect the body for repaints and rust. Thresholds and arches are the most vulnerable places. Check the operation of all electronic systems: climate control, electric seats, multimedia. The cost of repairing electronics can be very high.
Before purchasing, be sure to do computer diagnostics of the variator. The scanner will show the number of errors and belt wear, which will help assess the real condition of the gearbox.
Review the vehicle's service history. It is ideal if the seller has a complete package of documents with records of oil changes in the engine and variator. Missing records is a serious red flag. Remember that service from an official dealer is expensive, and many owners try to save money, which can lead to problems.
Buying a 2014 Murano without a CVT diagnosis is a lottery, where the risk of losing money on transmission repair is extremely high. Always have the box checked by a specialist.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
What is the real fuel consumption of the 2014 Nissan Murano?
In the urban cycle, actual consumption is 13-16 liters per 100 km, depending on traffic jams and driving style. On the highway at a speed of 90-100 km/h, consumption drops to 9-10 liters. In winter, consumption may increase by 2-3 liters due to engine warming up and the use of the stove.
Is it possible to change the oil in a variator using the partial change method?
Yes, partial oil changes in the Xtronic CVT are acceptable and are often recommended to keep the system clean. However, a complete replacement with flushing of the valve body is more effective. The main thing is to use only original NS-3 fluid and not exceed replacement intervals.
How reliable is the VQ35DE engine in the Murano?
The VQ35DE engine is considered one of the most reliable Nissan engines. With timely oil changes and the use of high-quality consumables, it can travel more than 300,000 km without major repairs. The main problems are ring sticking and timing chain stretching at high mileage.
Is it worth buying a Murano with more than 150,000 km on it?
Buying a car with such mileage comes with risks, especially if there is no full service history. The CVT and engine may require serious intervention. If you're prepared for the potential expense and find a well-maintained example, it's possible, but it's best to consider lower-mileage options.
What is the warranty on the 2014 Nissan Murano?
The standard warranty for new cars was 3 years or 100,000 km. In the secondary market, there is usually no warranty unless the car has been renewed by an authorized dealer. Many owners purchase an extended warranty on key components.