Nissan Murano is one of the most recognizable crossovers in the Japanese brand’s lineup, combining stylish design, a spacious interior and technological solutions. However, before purchasing, many people ask the question: does it justify its price in practice? In this article we have collected real owner reviews different generations Murano (Z50, Z51, Z52), analyzed typical problems and highlighted key advantages that are silent in salons.
We will pay special attention reliability of VQ35DE and VQ37VHR engines, variator behavior Jatco on long runs, as well as the nuances of operation in Russian conditions - from the quality of the paintwork to the adaptation of the suspension to our roads. If you are considering Murano Whether it's a family car or a high-status crossover, this information will help you avoid costly mistakes.
1. Generations of Nissan Murano: which one to choose based on owner reviews?
Three generations have come out since 2002 Murano, each of which has its own characteristics. Let's take a closer look at them, based on the experience of real owners.
Z50 (2002–2007) - the first generation, which today can be bought for 300–600 thousand rubles. Owners praise him for simplicity of design and maintainability, but note poor sound insulation and a tendency to corrosion. Motor VQ35DE (245 hp) is considered a “millionaire”, but the CVT RE0F06A often requires replacement after 150–200 thousand km.
Z51 (2007–2014) - the most popular generation in the secondary market (price 800 thousand - 1.5 million rubles). Atmospheric appeared here VQ35DE (265 hp) and all-wheel drive All-Mode 4x4-i. Owners note improved sound insulation and comfort, but complain about problems with electronics (especially ABS and ESP sensors). CVT Jatco JF011E more reliable, but sensitive to overheating.
Z52 (2014–present) - modern generation with engine VQ37VHR (249 hp) and CVT Jatco JF016E. Prices start from 2 million rubles. Owners praise adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree camera, but note high fuel consumption (12–14 l/100 km in the city) and expensive maintenance. There are also complaints about fragile front optics and rapid wear of brake discs.
- 🔧 Z50 - a cheap but risky option for handy craftsmen
- 💰 Z51 — optimal price/quality ratio (it’s better to take the 2010+ restyling)
- 🚗 Z52 — comfortable, but expensive to maintain (suitable for those who don’t count money on maintenance)
- Z50 (2002–2007)
- Z51 (2007–2014)
- Z52 (2014–present)
- I don't know, I haven't gone yet
2. Nissan Murano engines: resource, problems, reviews
Nissan Murano was equipped exclusively with gasoline V6 engines of the series VQwhich are famous for their reliability. However, even they have weaknesses.
VQ35DE (245–265 hp) - the most common engine in Murano Z50 and Z51. Owners confirm that with proper maintenance it passes easily 300–400 thousand km without capital. Main problems:
- 🔥 Oily appetite after 200 thousand km (consumption up to 1 l/1000 km)
- 🔊 Knock of hydraulic compensators to a cold one (solved by replacing the oil with a more viscous one, for example,
5W-40) - 🛠️ Leaking crankshaft seals after 150 thousand km (especially relevant for Z50)
VQ37VHR (249 hp) — installed on Z52. More modern, but also more capricious. The owners note:
- ⚡ Problems with the variable valve timing system (VVEL) after 100 thousand km (cleaning or replacing solenoids costs 30–50 thousand rubles)
- 💸 Expensive maintenance (replacement of timing belt with rollers - from 25 thousand rubles)
- 🔥 Overheating when towing (it is not recommended to pull a trailer heavier than 1.5 tons)
⚠️ Attention! If you buy Murano with mileage, be sure to check timing chain condition (on VQ35DE) or timing belt (on VQ37VHR). On engines with a mileage of more than 150 thousand km, this is a critical unit - a break leads to bending of the valves!
| Engine | Resource (thousand km) | Main problems | Cost of capital (thousand rubles) |
|---|---|---|---|
VQ35DE (Z50) |
350–450 | Oily appetite, oil seal leaks | 80–120 |
VQ35DE (Z51) |
400–500 | Knocking of hydraulic compensators, sticking of rings | 90–130 |
VQ37VHR (Z52) |
300–400 | Problems with VVEL, expensive maintenance | 120–180 |
3. Jatco CVT in Nissan Murano: myths and reality
CVT Jatco - one of the most discussed topics among owners Murano. Many are afraid of it like fire, but in practice everything is not so scary if you follow the operating rules.
B Murano Three types of variators were installed:
RE0F06A(Z50) - the most unreliable, resource 150–200 thousand kmJF011E(Z51) - more durable, but sensitive to oilJF016E(Z52) - the most modern, but expensive to repair
The main causes of CVT breakdowns:
- 🛢️ Late oil change (recommended every 60 thousand km, not 100, as they say in the manual!)
- 🔥 Overheating (especially important when towing or driving in traffic jams)
- 🚗 Aggressive riding (sharp starts and braking kill the variator belt)
If the variator begins to “kick” or a hum appears, immediately check the oil level. Often the problem is solved by simply topping up original fluid NS-2 or NS-3 (don't skimp on analogues!).
The cost of repairing a variator depends on the breakdown:
- 🔧 Replacement of belt and cones - 50-80 thousand rubles.
- 🔧 Hydraulic unit repair - 30-50 thousand rubles.
- 🔧 Complete replacement of the variator - 150-250 thousand rubles.
⚠️ Attention! If you buy Murano with mileage over 100 thousand km, be sure to check CVT oil change history. Lack of receipts is a reason to bargain or refuse to purchase!
4. Fuel consumption: real numbers vs official data
Official fuel consumption Nissan Murano looks tempting: 9–11 l/100 km in the combined cycle. But the owners in the reviews write completely different numbers.
Actual consumption depends on the generation, driving style and operating conditions:
- 🚗 Z50 (VQ35DE) — 12–14 l/100 km (city), 9–10 l/100 km (highway)
- 🚗 Z51 (VQ35DE) — 13–15 l/100 km (city), 9–11 l/100 km (highway)
- 🚗 Z52 (VQ37VHR) — 14–16 l/100 km (city), 10–12 l/100 km (highway)
What affects consumption?
- ❄️ Winter operation — consumption increases by 15–20% due to heating and thick oil
- 🛣️ Gasoline quality — on the 92nd, the consumption is higher than on the 95th (the difference is up to 1 l/100 km)
- 🔧 Condition of spark plugs and air filter — a dirty filter adds +0.5–1 l/100 km
How to reduce fuel consumption by 10–15%?
1. Use quality synthetic oil (such as Mobil 1 5W-30).
2. Monitor the tire pressure (optimally 2.2–2.4 atm).
3. Avoid sudden acceleration - the variator does not like “pedal to the floor.”
4. Disable all-wheel drive if you are driving on asphalt (button 2WD on Z51/Z52).
5. Warm up the engine for no more than 2–3 minutes (even in winter).
5. Typical Nissan Murano problems: what to look out for?
Even the Japanese crossover has weaknesses. Here's what most often breaks, according to owner reviews:
| Knot | Problem | Manifestation period | Cost of repairs (thousand rubles) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suspension | Leaking shock absorbers, knocking stabilizer struts | 80–120 thousand km | 20–40 |
| Electronics | ABS/ESP sensor glitches, multimedia failures | 100–150 thousand km | 5–30 |
| Body | Corrosion of sills and arches (especially Z50) | 5–7 years of operation | 15–50 |
| Brakes | Rapid wear of pads and discs | 30–50 thousand km | 10–25 |
The owners pay special attention suspension. Knocks in the front often appear after 80-100 thousand km - the silent blocks of the levers and stabilizer struts are to blame. Replacement costs 15–25 thousand rubles.
Another headache electronics. ABS sensors often fail, especially after washing or rain. It can be solved by cleaning the contacts or replacing the sensor (3-8 thousand rubles). Z52 owners also complain about 360° camera malfunctions — sometimes flashing helps, but more often the unit needs to be replaced (20-40 thousand rubles).
CVT leak (spots under the car)|Condition of the timing chain/belt|ABS/ESP sensor operation|Corrosion of sills and arches|History of oil changes in the CVT-->
6. Owner reviews: pros and cons in detail
We analyzed more than 200 reviews on forums (Drive2, Drom.ru, Auto.ru) and highlighted the most common opinions.
Pros Nissan Murano:
- 👍 Spacious salon — even tall passengers are comfortable in the back row
- 👍 Soft suspension — handles potholes well (but doesn’t like high-speed turns)
- 👍 Reliable engine — VQ35DE runs 400+ thousand km with proper care
- 👍 Good sound insulation (especially the Z51 and Z52)
- 👍 Status appearance — Murano stands out from his classmates
Cons Nissan Murano:
- 👎 Expensive service - original spare parts are more expensive than Qashqai or X-Trail
- 👎 High fuel consumption — in the city it’s easy to keep within 15 l/100 km
- 👎 Weak variator - requires careful handling and regular oil changes
- 👎 Low traffic — ground clearance of 180 mm and the absence of blocking make it an “asphalt” crossover
- 👎 Problems with paintwork - the paint is soft, scratches and fades easily
Interesting fact: many owners Murano Z51 note that after 200 thousand km the car only gets better - all “childhood diseases” have already been eliminated, and the engine and gearbox have gotten used to it. The main thing is not to skimp on maintenance!
7. Should you buy a Nissan Murano in 2026?
Nissan Murano - a good choice for those who value comfort, space and Japanese reliability. However, it is not suitable for everyone. Let's figure out who should consider this crossover, and who should look towards its competitors.
Who is it suitable for? Murano:
- 👨👩👧👦 For families — spacious interior and large trunk (453 l)
- 🚘 For lovers of a comfortable ride - soft suspension and good sound insulation
- 💼 For businessmen — status appearance and premium interior
- 🛣️ For those who drive a lot on the highway — reliable engine and comfort over long distances
Who won't suit it? Murano:
- 💰 Thrifty drivers - high fuel consumption and expensive maintenance
- 🏔️ For off-road lovers — ground clearance 180 mm and no blocking
- 🏁 For sports drivers — CVT and soft suspension are not for dynamic driving
- 🔧 For those who are not ready to take care of their car — the variator and engine require regular maintenance
If you still decide to buy Murano, here are the best options:
- 💵 Budget up to 1 million rubles. - look Murano Z51 2010–2012 with mileage up to 150 thousand km
- 💵 Budget 1–1.5 million rubles. - consider Z51 restyling (2012–2014) or Z52 2015–2017
- 💵 Budget from 1.5 million rubles. — take the Z52 2018+ with a guarantee
Nissan Murano is an excellent choice for those looking for a comfortable and reliable crossover for the city and the highway. But it requires careful treatment and a willingness to invest in maintenance. If you need an off-road tank or an economical car, consider the alternatives.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Murano
❓ Which Nissan Murano engine is the most reliable?
Considered the most reliable VQ35DE (245–265 hp), installed on the Z50 and Z51. With proper maintenance, it easily covers 400–500 thousand km. VQ37VHR (Z52) is more modern, but capricious - problems with the VVEL system begin after 100 thousand km.
❓ How long does the variator last in Murano?
The resource of the variator depends on the model:
RE0F06A(Z50) - 150–200 thousand kmJF011E(Z51) - 200–250 thousand kmJF016E(Z52) - 200–300 thousand km
The main rule is change oil every 60 thousand km and avoid overheating!
❓ What is the real fuel consumption of Murano?
In the city, consumption is 13–16 l/100 km, on the highway – 9–12 l/100 km. In winter, add 15–20%. On Murano Z52 with motor VQ37VHR consumption is higher than on Z51 s VQ35DE.
❓ What are the most common breakdowns of Murano?
Top 5 problems according to owner reviews:
- Leaking engine seals (after 150 thousand km)
- Knocks in the suspension (stabilizer struts, silent blocks)
- ABS/ESP sensor glitches
- Corrosion of sills and arches (especially on the Z50)
- Wear of brake discs (every 30–50 thousand km)
❓ Is it worth buying a Murano with a mileage of more than 200 thousand km?
Buy Murano with a mileage of 200+ thousand km it is possible, but only if:
- There is a complete service history (receipts, records)
- The engine does not “eat” oil (consumption up to 300 ml/1000 km is normal)
- The variator does not “kick” or make noise
- No traces of corrosion on the body
The best option is Murano Z51 with motor VQ35DE and mileage up to 250 thousand km. A Z52 with a mileage of more than 200 thousand km is risky to buy due to expensive CVT repairs JF016E.