Crossover Nissan Murano third generation (Z52, 2015–2026) is positioned as a premium family car with a comfortable suspension, spacious interior and stylish design. However, behind the bright cover there are typical “sores” that the manufacturer is silent about, and dealers write off as “individual cases”. We have analyzed more than 300 reviews owners from Russia, Belarus and Kazakhstan to identify systemic problems of the model - from chronic CVT malfunctions to “surprises” with electronics after 100,000 km.
This article contains only verified information: data from forums (Drive2, Drom, Autoreview), results of owner surveys and expert conclusions of service centers. We won't praise Murano for comfortable seats or a quiet interior (this is already known), but let’s focus on what really affects the budget and nerves during operation. If you are planning to buy a used copy or doubt the reliability of a new one, here you will find answers to questions that are not asked in showrooms.
1. CVT: Murano's main headache
Most owner complaints Nissan Murano somehow related to continuously variable transmission Jatco JF017E, which is equipped with all versions with engines VQ35DE (3.5 l) and QR25DE (2.5 l). On paper, the CVT promises a smooth ride and efficiency, but in practice, after 80–120 thousand km problems begin:
- 🔥 Overheating and jerking when accelerating - especially in traffic jams or when towing a trailer. Many owners note that after changing the oil in the variator, the problem returns after 10–15 thousand km.
- ⚠️ Switching delays (“dullness”) when cold or after a long stay. Often accompanied by an error
P0776(pressure solenoid malfunction). - 💸 Expensive repairs: replacing the belt and cones costs 150–250 thousand rubles, and the new variator assembly is from 400 thousand rubles.
According to service centers, the variator resource is about Murano rarely exceeds 150–180 thousand km without major repairs. At the same time, official dealers insist on changing the oil every 60 thousand km, although the interval is indicated in the manual 90–100 thousand km. Owners who ignore this rule risk complete failure of the transmission already after 100 thousand km.
⚠️ Attention: If you feel vibration or “jerking” when driving at speeds of 60–80 km/h, immediately check the oil level in the variator. Driving with low fluid levels leads to accelerated wear of the belt and bearings - this is the most common cause of premature “death” of a CVT.
- Every 40-50 thousand km
- Every 60-70 thousand km
- Only according to regulations (90-100 thousand km)
- Never changed
2. VQ35DE engine: reliable, but with nuances
Gasoline V6 3.5 l (VQ35DE) considered one of the most reliable engines Nissan, but it also has weaknesses. Owners Murano note:
- 🔧 Oil leak through valve cover — the problem appears after 80–100 thousand km. The reason is gasket deformation due to overheating or poor quality oil.
- 🔥 Increased oil consumption (up to 1 liter per 3–5 thousand km) on runs over 150 thousand km. Often associated with wear of the oil scraper rings.
- 💨 Throttle valve contamination — leads to floating idle speed. Cleaning is required every 50–60 thousand km.
On the other hand, VQ35DE easily “digested” 300–400 thousand km with proper maintenance. The main thing is to use oil with approval Nissan 5W-30 or 0W-20 and don’t skimp on filters. Owners who filled in cheap analogues were faced with scoring on the cylinder walls already after 120 thousand km.
| Problem | Reason | Repair cost (₽) | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oil leak from under the valve cover | Gasket wear, overheating | 8 000–15 000 | Change the gasket every 100 thousand km, use the original |
| Floating speed XX | Throttle contamination | 3,000–5,000 (cleaning) | Clean the throttle every 50 thousand km |
| Increased oil consumption | Wear of oil scraper rings | 50,000–100,000 (overhaul) | Monitor the oil level, use high-quality additives |
If your Murano started to “eat” oil, check the compression in the cylinders. A variation of more than 10% between cylinders is a sign of worn rings or valves. Don’t delay diagnostics: driving with a low oil level will kill the variator in 5–10 thousand km.
3. Suspension: comfort vs. high cost of repairs
Nissan Murano It is famous for its soft suspension, but you have to pay for comfort. Main vulnerabilities:
- 🚗 Stabilizer links - a “consumable” that has to be changed every 30–40 thousand km. The original ones cost 10–12 thousand rubles per pair, analogues - from 4 thousand.
- 🔩 Rear beam bushings — they begin to creak and knock after 60–80 thousand km. Replacement costs 15–20 thousand rubles with work.
- 💥 Shock absorbers — leak or lose efficiency after 80–100 thousand km. A set of original ones costs 60–80 thousand rubles.
Many owners complain about knocking sounds in the front suspension when driving over uneven surfaces. Most often to blame worn out silent blocks of levers or broken support bearings. Diagnostics show that after 100 thousand km a comprehensive suspension repair is required in the amount of 100–150 thousand rubles.
⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the stabilizer struts the knocking does not disappear, check ball joint And steering rod. On Murano these nodes often fail at the same time, but service technicians “don’t notice” the problems so as not to do unnecessary work.
Ask the seller to drive over the speed bump - listen for knocks|Check the play in the ball joints (rock the wheel)|Inspect the shock absorber boots for leaks|Check the condition of the silent blocks (cracks, tears)
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4. Electronics: “glitches” that drive you crazy
Salon Murano stuffed with electronics, but the quality of its execution leaves much to be desired. Here are the most common complaints:
- 📱 Freezing of the multimedia system (especially on 2015–2017 models). The screen stops responding to touches, and sometimes turns off completely. Only flashing or replacing the unit solves the problem.
- 🔋 Spontaneous shutdown of parking sensors - often occurs in frost below -20°C. Only rebooting the system (removing the battery terminal) helps.
- 🚨 False alarms - especially if the car is parked outdoors. The reason is leaky contacts in the control unit.
A separate story - 360° camera. On many copies, after 3-4 years of operation, it begins to “blind” in the dark or produce a distorted image. Official repairs cost 30–50 thousand rubles, but many owners solve the problem by installing third-party cameras behind 10–15 thousand rubles.
How to reload media on Murano without a trip to service
1. Turn off the ignition.
2. Press and hold the media button (to the right of the screen) for 10–15 seconds.
3. Without releasing the button, turn on the ignition.
4. Wait until the system reboots (about 1-2 minutes).
If this does not help, you will have to reset the settings to factory settings through the menu Settings → System → Reset.
5. Body and paintwork: are rust and chips inevitable?
Despite the galvanized body, Nissan Murano not immune to corrosion. Owners from regions with salty winters note:
- 🔹 Rust on arches and sills - appears after 3-4 winters. Particularly vulnerable places under plastic linings.
- 🔹 Chips on the windshield — due to the large area of glass and its tilt, even small pebbles leave cracks.
- 🔹 Peeling of chrome on door handles — begins after 2–3 years of operation.
Many people complain about paint quality: The paint is soft and scratches easily even when washed. Owners recommend applying immediately after purchase. ceramic coating or “armor” the hood and bumper with film. Otherwise, in a year the car will look like it was used in off-road conditions.
- Thresholds and arches for rust (especially under plastic).
- Windshield - even small chips will eventually turn into cracks.
- Chrome elements - peeling starts from the edges and spreads quickly.-->
6. Fuel and efficiency: real numbers vs. declared
The manufacturer promises fuel consumption in the combined cycle 9.5–10.5 l/100 km for VQ35DE, but the owners in the reviews write about completely different numbers:
- 🛣️ Urban cycle: 14–16 l/100 km (in winter up to 18 l).
- 🌳 Route (90–110 km/h): 8–9 l/100 km.
- ⛽ When towing a trailer: consumption increases to 20–22 l/100 km.
Many note that after 100 thousand km The engine's appetite increases by 10–15%. Reason - injector contamination And spark plug wear. Regular cleaning of the injector (every 60 thousand km) helps keep consumption within a reasonable range.
One more nuance - sensitivity to gasoline quality. If you fill up with 92 instead of the recommended 95, after 20–30 thousand km you can hear detonation and encounter an error P0300 (misfire).
7. Should you buy a Nissan Murano in 2026?
Nissan Murano — a car with pronounced pros and cons. It is ideal for:
- ✅ Family trips (spacious interior, comfortable suspension).
- ✅ Lovers of silence and premium finishes.
- ✅ Those who are willing to spend on service 50–80 thousand rubles per year.
But if you're looking reliable and budget-friendly crossover, it is better to pay attention to competitors (for example, Toyota Highlander or Hyundai Santa Fe). Murano requires careful attention to CVT, suspension and electronics, and repairs are expensive due to the premium positioning of the model.
⚠️ Attention: If you are considering Murano with a mileage of more than 100 thousand km, be sure to check:- Condition of the variator (test drive with sharp acceleration).
- Compression in the engine (must be at least 11–12 bar in all cylinders).
- Service history (if the oil was not changed on time, run away from such a car).
Main conclusion: Nissan Murano is a car for those who value comfort and are willing to put up with high maintenance costs. If you need reliability and low cost of ownership, choose something else.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Murano
❓ How often do you need to change the oil in the Murano variator?
Official regulations - every 90 thousand km, but experienced owners recommend reducing the interval to 60 thousand km, especially if you drive in traffic or tow a trailer. Use only original oil Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3.
❓ Why does Murano start to twitch when accelerating?
Most often this is due to wear of the variator belt or contamination of solenoids. It could also be due to faulty spark plugs or dirty injectors. Diagnostics at the service center is mandatory - ignoring the problem will lead to expensive CVT repairs.
❓ Which tires are best for Murano?
Original size - 235/55 R20. For winter, the owners recommend Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 or Michelin X-Ice North 4. Shows well in summer Continental CrossContact LX2 or Pirelli Scorpion Verde.
❓ How long does the VQ35DE engine last in Murano?
With proper maintenance (regular oil changes, level control, timely replacement of the timing belt), the engine easily runs 300–400 thousand km. The main thing is not to skimp on consumables and not to ignore the first signs of malfunctions (knocks, vibrations, increased oil consumption).
❓ Is it possible to tow a trailer on a Murano with a CVT?
Technically yes, but with caveats:
- Maximum trailer weight — 900 kg (for version with VQ35DE).
- Be sure to use additional variator cooling radiator (installed optionally).
- After towing, check the oil level in the CVT - overheating reduces transmission life.