Nissan Murano: 10 common problems and how to fix them

Nissan Murano is a stylish crossover with a comfortable interior and powerful engines, but even it has weak points. Owners often encounter problems that can turn operation into a headache. From "oil zhora" VQ35DE to the vagaries of the variator - in this article we will analyze top 10 faults all generations Murano (Z50, Z51, Z52) and give specific recommendations for eliminating them.

We analyzed owner reviews, service center data and technical documentation to create the most practical guide possible. There are no general phrases here - only specific symptoms, causes and solutions, including repair costs and alternative diagnostic methods. If you are planning a purchase Murano or are already experiencing breakdowns, this article will help save time and money.

1. Problems with the VQ35DE engine: oil appetite and knocking

Engine VQ35DE (3.5 l, 245–265 hp) - heart Murano first and second generations (Z50/Z51). His main illnesses are increased oil consumption (up to 1 liter per 1000 km) and knocking when cold. The reason lies in the design features:

• 🔧 Oil rings and valve stem seals — they wear out by 150–200 thousand km, allowing oil to enter the combustion chamber.
• 🛢️ Crankcase ventilation system - becomes clogged with deposits, increasing pressure and “squeezing” oil through the seals.
• 🔨 Hydraulic compensators - knocking when cold due to wear or poor quality oil.

The solution depends on the degree of wear. Helps in the early stages flushing the ventilation system and switch to oil 5W-40 with a high content of additives (for example, Liqui Moly Leichtlauf). If oil consumption exceeds 1 liter per 1000 km - will require major repairs with replacement of rings and caps (from 80,000 ₽).

⚠️ Attention: Ignoring the knocking noise of hydraulic compensators leads to wear of the camshafts. If the knocking noise does not go away after warming up, immediately diagnose the oil pressure!

2. Jatco JF011E variator: jerking, overheating and service life

CVT Jatco JF011E installed on Murano until 2015 and is famous for its unreliability. Main symptoms of malfunctions:

• 🚗 Jerks during acceleration — wear of the belt or cones.
• 🔥 Overheating — malfunction of the oil pump or radiator.
• ⚡ "Check Engine" light comes on with errors P0776 or P0841 - problems with solenoids.

Average variator resource - 150–200 thousand km, but with aggressive driving or untimely oil changes, it is reduced to 100 thousand km. Critical error - ignoring oil changes (recommended interval - 60,000 km). Use only original fluid NS-2 or NS-3!

Symptom	Reason	Repair cost
Jerks when switching	Worn belt or cones	from 50,000 ₽ (belt replacement)
Vibration at speeds of 60–80 km/h	Shaft imbalance or bearing wear	from 30,000 ₽ (replacement of bearings)
Overheating, “AT Oil Temp” is on	Clogged radiator or faulty pump	from 15,000 ₽ (cleaning + oil change)

3. Suspension: knocks, play and “eaten” silent blocks

Suspension Murano designed for comfort, but not for Russian roads. The most vulnerable elements:

• 🔩 Front arm silent blocks - “live” 50–70 thousand km, after which knocking noises appear when driving over uneven surfaces.
• 🛞 Stabilizer links — they begin to creak and play after 40–60 thousand km.
• 🔧 Ball joints — they fail at 100 thousand km, which leads to “wobble” at speed.

Used cars are especially affected more than 150 thousand km — complex suspension repairs are often required here (from 60,000 ₽). For prevention it is recommended:

1. Every 20 thousand km, check the play in the steering rods and tips.
2. Use polyurethane silent blocks (for example, Powerflex) instead of standard rubber ones.
3. After 100 thousand km, replace the shock absorbers with Kayaba or Bilstein - they maintain characteristics longer.

4. Electrical: on-board computer glitches and “ghost” errors

Murano rich in electronics, but they often malfunction. Typical problems:

• 📱 On-board computer freezes - Re-flashing or replacement of the unit is required BCM.
• 🔋 Battery self-discharge - “leaks” in the alarm or multimedia system are to blame.
• 🚨 False errors P0420 (catalyst) - often caused by faulty lambda probes.

The most expensive breakdown is failure CVT control module (TCM). Symptoms: jerking, inability to switch modes P/R/N/D. Repair costs 25 000–40 000 ₽, but sometimes a simple flashing helps (from 5,000 ₽).

How to reset errors without a scanner?

Disconnect the battery terminal for 10 minutes. This will clear temporary errors, but will not eliminate their cause.

5. Body corrosion: where Murano rusts

Despite galvanization, Murano susceptible to corrosion, especially in Russian conditions. Main outbreaks:

• 🚗 Thresholds and wheel arches — they rust from the inside, noticeable only when dismantling the plastic covers.
• 🔩 Bumper mounts - Dirt accumulates and surface corrosion begins.
• 🚪 Doors and trunk lid - problems with drainage holes lead to “wet” spots inside.

Prevention:

• Treat hidden cavities every 2 years Movilem or Dinitrol.
• After washing, blow out the drainage holes in the doors with compressed air.
• At the first sign of rust, use Tsinkor-Auto — it stops corrosion without welding.

⚠️ Attention: If the rust has eaten right through the thresholds, the repair will cost 30,000–50,000 rubles (welding + painting). It is better to avoid such cars on the secondary market!

6. Transmission and all-wheel drive: weak points

Murano equipped with all-wheel drive system Attesa E-TSthat requires attention:

• 🔄 Rear axle coupling wear - manifested by “kicks” at start or slipping.
• 🛢️ Oil leak from transfer case - leads to overheating and failure of the differential.
• 🚗 Noise in the rear gearbox - signal about the need to change the oil (interval - 60,000 km).

Clutch repair cost Attesa - from 40 000 ₽. To extend its life:

• Use only original oil Nissan Matic-S.
• Avoid prolonged slipping (for example, in snow).
• Every 20 thousand km, check the oil level in the transfer case.

7. Climate control: why it blows cold or the air conditioner does not work

Climate control system Murano capricious. Frequent problems:

• ❄️ The stove doesn't heat - a clogged heater core or faulty thermostat is to blame.
• 🌡️ The air conditioner blows warm - Freon leak or compressor failure.
• 🔧 Noise when turning on the fan — wear of the stove motor bearing.

The most expensive failure is replacement heater radiator (from 25,000 ₽ with work). To avoid problems:

• Change the cabin filter every 2 years.
• Before winter, flush the cooling system (for example, Liqui Moly Kuhler-Reiniger).
• If the air conditioner starts to cool worse, check the freon pressure (normal: 2.5–3.5 bar).

8. Brake system: vibrations and uneven pad wear

Brakes Murano reliable, but have some peculiarities:

• 🛑 Vibration when braking — deformation of brake discs (often due to overheating).
• 🔧 Pads creaking — low-quality materials or lack of anti-squeak plates.
• 🚗 Moving to the side - uneven pad wear or problems with calipers.

Solution:

• Discs thickness less than 22 mm (before) or 10 mm (rear) - for replacement.
• Use pads Brembo or ATE - they are softer for discs.
• Every 10 thousand km lubricate the caliper guides lubricant for brake systems.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Murano problems

Is it possible to drive a Murano with an oil consumption of 1 liter per 1000 km?

Technically possible, but highly undesirable. At such a flow rate, the engine runs “dry” in critical modes (for example, when overtaking), which accelerates the wear of the piston group. If you ignore the problem, after 20–30 thousand km you will need major repairs with replacement of rings and caps (from 80,000 ₽).

Temporary solution - adding oil 5W-40 with a high content of additives (for example, Castrol Edge), but this will not eliminate the cause. The best option is compression diagnostics and repair.

How to extend the life of the JF011E variator?

Key rules:

1. Change the oil every 60,000 km (at least!) using NS-2 or NS-3.
2. Avoid towing and prolonged slipping (for example, in snow).
3. Warm up the variator before driving: after starting the engine, hold your foot on the brake and switch all modes one by one (P-R-N-D) with a delay of 5 seconds.
4. Every 20 thousand km check the oil level (should be between the marks HOT on the dipstick).

If the variator is already “kicking” - try it adaptation (training) through a diagnostic scanner. This will temporarily smooth out the jerking, but will not replace repairs.

How long does a VQ35DE engine last with proper maintenance?

If you follow the regulations (oil change every 10,000 km, original filters, high-quality fuel) VQ35DE passes easily 300–400 thousand km without major repairs. However:

• After 200,000 km be sure to check the compression and condition of the timing chain (its resource is 150–200 thousand km).
• Use approved oil Nissan (For example, Mobil 1 5W-50).
• Avoid overheating - VQ35DE sensitive to high temperatures (critical threshold - 110°C).

If the engine “eats” oil, but the compression is normal, the problem is valve stem seals (their replacement costs 15,000–20,000 rubles).

Which Murano years are the most problematic?

Weaknesses by generation:

• 2003–2007 (Z50) — variator JF010E (lifetime 120–150 thousand km), threshold corrosion, problems with VQ35DE (knocking of hydraulic compensators).
• 2008–2014 (Z51) — variator JF011E (starts to “kick” after 100 thousand km), electronics (glitches BCM).
• 2015–2021 (Z52) - engine VQ35DE became more reliable, but there were problems with the turbo version VR30DDTT (overheating, oil consumption).

The most “reliable” copies - 2012–2014 (pre-restyle Z51) with a mileage of up to 150 thousand km and a full service history. Avoid cars 2003–2006 — they have weak CVTs and body corrosion.

Is it possible to install non-original spare parts on Murano?

Yes, but with reservations:

• Engine and transmission - only original or proven analogues (Febi, Gates, SKF). For example, a variator belt Contitech lasts longer than the original one.
• Suspension - can be used Moog (silent blocks), Kayaba (shock absorbers), Brembo (brake pads).
• Electrics - only original sensors (for example, Lambda probes Denso). Chinese analogues often give false errors.

Where you can't save money:

• CVT oil - only NS-2/NS-3.
• Timing chain - original or Iwis.
• Fuel injectors - only Nissan or Denso.