Crossover Nissan Murano It is positioned as a car for those who value comfort and style, but this attractive appearance comes at a price. Many potential buyers are delighted with the design and smooth running, but actual operation reveals a number of serious nuances that dealers often keep silent about. If you're considering buying a used one or already own one, it's important to know about its weak points in advance.
Owners Nissan Murano Second and third generations often face problems that can turn the pleasure of driving into an endless search for spare parts and repair shops. It's not worth canceling a purchase because of one flaw, but completely ignoring reviews can cost you a significant amount of money. We've collected the most common complaints and technical issues so you can make an informed decision.
Most vulnerable part: Jatco CVT
The heart of most problem cars is the transmission. B Nissan Murano a continuously variable variator is installed Jatco JF011E, which, for all its manufacturability, has a critical drawback - low reliability over long runs. This unit requires extreme care and regular oil changes, even if the manufacturer claims that the box is “maintenance-free.”
Many owners complain that the unit begins to kick after a mileage of 80-100 thousand kilometers. The cause is often overheating, which occurs due to a clogged cooling radiator or fan failure. If you notice a change in the color of the oil to brown or the appearance of metal shavings in the sump, you must immediately stop using it and carry out a full diagnosis.
The main symptoms of an impending disaster include:
- 🔴 Sharp jerks when switching driving modes “forward and backward”
- 🔴An extraneous howl or hum that increases with speed
- 🔴 The Check Engine light comes on and the “protection” mode (the car drives only at second speed)
⚠️ Attention: CVT repair on Nissan Murano often costs more than restoring a classic machine, and replacing it with a contract unit does not guarantee long life without a thorough history check.
Electrical and multimedia system
The second most common source of problems is electronics. The interface of the multimedia system in restyled versions of the third generation often freezes, and the touch screen stops responding to touches. This is not just an inconvenience, but a serious failure that requires flashing or replacing the entire control unit, which costs a pretty penny.
Owners especially often encounter problems with the keyless entry system. The key fob may stop opening doors or starting the engine for no apparent reason. Sometimes the problem lies in the oxidation of contacts in the connectors under the hood or in the lock control unit itself, which is located in an area of high humidity.
It is also worth noting the capriciousness of the parking sensors and rear view camera. The image may disappear in the cold or after washing, and the sound signals of the parking sensors may work chaotically. Check the functionality of all systems before purchasing, as it may take weeks for dealers to diagnose and replace units.
- 🔵 Media screen freezes or shows black screen
- 🔵 Keyless-Entry system fails at low temperatures
- 🔵 Tire pressure sensors transmit incorrect data
Suspension and steering
Comfortable suspension Nissan Murano wears out quickly on our roads. Shock absorbers and springs may not withstand even 60 thousand kilometers, starting to knock and lose their damping properties. This causes the car to float on the road, and handling becomes uncertain and dangerous at high speeds.
The steering rack is another weak point. Owners often hear a characteristic knocking sound in the steering wheel area when driving over bumps. Repairing the rack requires removal and restoration, or complete replacement, which is an expensive procedure. In addition, at high mileage, steering tips and silent blocks of levers may begin to leak.
- Less than 50 thousand km
- 50-100 thousand km
- 100-150 thousand km
- More than 150 thousand km
Don't forget about the braking system. The brake discs on this model tend to quickly deform during active use, which leads to the steering wheel wobbling when braking. The pads also wear out quite quickly, requiring replacement more often than on competitors.
- 🟠 Knock in the front suspension on small bumps
- 🟠Brake fluid leaking from calipers
- 🟠 Tire wear is uneven due to wheel alignment problems
Cooling system and engine
The 3.5 L V6 engine (VQ35DE/VQ35HR) is considered reliable, but it is demanding on the cooling system. Radiators often become clogged with lint and dirt, which leads to overheating in the summer. Overheating can cause deformation of the cylinder head and the need for major engine repairs.
Owners also note problems with the variable valve timing system (CVTCS). A cold knocking sound when starting the engine is a common symptom of clutch wear. Ignoring this sound may result in the engine going into emergency mode or requiring the replacement of expensive timing components.
Fuel consumption is a separate pain for owners. In the urban cycle Nissan Murano with a 3.5 liter engine it easily consumes 15-18 liters of fuel, and with aggressive driving the numbers can approach 25 liters. This makes the car extremely expensive to operate, especially considering gasoline prices.
⚠️ Attention: The engine oil should be changed every 7-8 thousand kilometers, and not every 15 thousand, as recommended by the official service, in order to avoid coking of the piston rings.
Problems with the thermostat are also not uncommon. It can get stuck in the open position, which will prevent the engine from reaching operating temperature, or in the closed position, which will lead to overheating. Diagnostics of the cooling system should be mandatory when inspecting a car.
Body and paintwork
Body Nissan Murano has a weak anti-corrosion coating. The paintwork (paint coating) is very thin and prone to chipping even from small pebbles. Chips quickly turn into pockets of corrosion, especially on arches, sills and hood. This reduces the liquidity of the car for resale.
In addition, plastic elements of the body kit often crack in the cold, and chrome moldings begin to fade and become covered with a whitish coating after only 3-4 years of use. Owners have to constantly polish the body and look for body parts, which are not cheap on the secondary market.
Here are the main problems with the body:
- 🟢 Chips on the hood and front bumper
- 🟢 Rust on the arches and bottom
- 🟢 Fading and tarnishing of chrome
Comparative table of problems by generation
To better understand the difference in reliability, let's look at the main problems specific to each generation Nissan Murano. This will help you choose a model that suits your operating conditions and maintenance budget.
| Generation | Years of manufacture | Main disadvantages | Risk of breakage |
|---|---|---|---|
| First (Z50) | 2002-2007 | Body rust, automatic transmission problems, engine wear | High |
| Second (Z51) | 2008-2014 | Jatco variator, steering rack knock, electrics | Very tall |
| Third (Z52) | 2015-2020 | Expensive repairs, capricious electronics, fuel consumption | Medium |
| Fourth (Z53) | 2021-present | Difficult diagnostics, expensive spare parts | Low (little data yet) |
☑️ Checklist when buying Murano
Operating costs and liquidity
Possession Nissan Murano requires serious financial planning. Spare parts for this model, especially original ones, are much more expensive than for mass-produced Japanese crossovers. Many parts have to be ordered from abroad, which increases the waiting time for repairs to several weeks.
The liquidity of the car on the secondary market also raises questions. Due to known problems with the CVT and body, demand for used units is falling faster than for competitors. Selling a “live” copy without hidden defects is becoming increasingly difficult, as buyers are wary of this model.
It is worth considering that insurance for such a powerful and expensive car will be expensive, and the tax for a 3.5-liter engine in some regions can be significant. All these factors combine to make exploitation Nissan Murano quite burdensome for the average budget.
⚠️ Attention: Having a service history with changing the oil in the variator every 40-50 thousand km is the only guaranteed factor in the long life of the car.
Before purchasing, be sure to check the VIN for any liens or restrictions. Often such cars end up in the hands of new owners after major repairs that were hidden from the buyer. Be extremely careful when inspecting the documents and the car itself.
In conclusion, it is worth saying that Nissan Murano — this is a car with character. It can give a lot of emotions, but it requires constant attention and investment. If you are ready for this and understand what you are getting into, then the purchase may be justified. However, if you're looking for reliable, hassle-free transportation, you may want to consider other options.
What to do if the Check Engine Light comes on on a Murano?
You must immediately connect the OBDII scanner. If the error is related to the variator (for example, P0841), you cannot drive further - this will lead to replacing the box. If there is an error in the engine sensors, you can drive to the service center, but in a gentle manner.
Keep receipts for all oil changes and filters. When selling a car, having a complete service history will significantly increase its value and speed up the sale.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How reliable is the CVT on the 2015 Nissan Murano?
The Jatco CVT on the 2015 models is considered one of the most reliable in the line, but only if the oil is changed regularly. Without maintenance, the resource may not exceed 80-100 thousand kilometers. It is recommended to change the oil every 40-50 thousand km.
What is the real fuel consumption of the Nissan Murano in the city?
In the urban cycle, actual fuel consumption ranges from 15 to 18 liters per 100 km. When warming up in winter or in traffic jams, the figure can reach 20 liters. On the highway, consumption drops to 10-12 liters.
Is it worth buying a Nissan Murano with a mileage of more than 150 thousand km?
Buying a car with more than 150 thousand km mileage without a full service history is risky. There is a high probability that it will be necessary to replace the variator, steering rack and suspension, which may exceed the cost of the car itself.
How often does the VQ35 engine oil need to be changed?
The oil in the VQ35 engine should be changed every 7-8 thousand kilometers, and not every 15 thousand, as the manufacturer recommends. This will extend the life of the motor and prevent coking of the rings.