Nissan Murano Z51: problems and...

Nissan Murano Z51 third generation (2015-2021) - a stylish crossover with a comfortable interior and an advanced transmission. But behind the external attractiveness there are typical “diseases” that owners learn about after the purchase. This material is not about “everything is bad”, but about specific weaknessesthat require attention when operating or choosing a used one Murano.

We analyzed owner reviews, service center data and technical documentation to highlight 5 key problems models: from “childhood diseases” of the variator to unobvious body defects. We’ll also tell you what the problems are may result in a major overhaul already at 80-100 thousand km., if you ignore them.

1. Jatco JF017E variator: why is it “dying” and how to extend its life

The main “fear” of buyers Murano Z51 — variator Jatco JF017E, which was installed on all versions from VQ35DD (3.5 l). Problems begin after 60-80 thousand km, but with proper operation the resource can be increased to 150+ thousand km. Main symptoms of malfunction:

🔴 Jerks during acceleration (especially when “cold”)
🔴 Delayed response to the gas pedal
🔴 Humming or vibration at speeds of 40-60 km/h
🔴 Error appears P0776 (pressure solenoid malfunction)

The cause of most problems is overheating and wear of the variator belt. B Murano Z51 no separate radiator for CVT (unlike Nissan Pathfinder), so the transmission heats up along with the engine. If you ignore oil changes (recommended interval - every 60 thousand km), the belt begins to “crumble,” clogging the valve body with metal shavings.

⚠️ Attention: If the variator is already “kicking”, a regular oil change will not help - you will need to disassemble and replace the belt, cones and solenoids. The cost of such repairs in the service is from 180,000 rubles.

How to extend the life of a variator:

Check the oil level every 10 thousand km (should be between the HOT marks)

Use only original oil NS-3 (article KE909-99932)

Avoid long towing and sudden starts

Install an additional cooling radiator (optional for regions with hot climates) -->

2. VQ35DD engine: oil burns and problems with the timing chain

Gasoline VQ35DD (3.5 l, 249 hp) is known for its reliability, but Murano Z51 there are two critical problems:

Maslozhor — oil consumption up to 1 liter per 1000 km after 100 thousand km. The reason for this wear of oil scraper rings and coking of piston grooves. This is especially true for cars that drive short distances (up to 5 km) without fully warming up.
Timing chain stretch — noise appears during a cold start (“tractor sound”), and at a mileage of 150+ thousand km, the chain can jump and the valves meet the pistons.

Average resource VQ35DD with proper maintenance - 300-350 thousand km, but only if:

🛢️ Change the oil every 7-8 thousand km (even if the manufacturer allows 15 thousand)
🔧 Monitor the oil level with a dipstick, not with the sensor (it often lies)
🔊 When chain noise appears, immediately go for diagnostics (replacing a chain costs 40-60 thousand rubles, and the consequences of a break cost 200+ thousand)

Problem	Symptoms	Repair cost	Prevention
Maslozhor	Smoke from the exhaust, drop in oil level	50,000–120,000 ₽ (replacement of rings)	Avoid short trips, use oil `5W-30 SN`
Timing chain	Noise at startup, error `P0011`	40,000–80,000 ₽ (chain replacement + tensioners)	Check every 100 thousand km
Seal leakage	Engine oil, burning smell	15 000–30 000 ₽	Change oil seals during maintenance 2 (60 thousand km)

Every week

Once a month

Only before long trips

When the light comes on -->

3. Suspension: weak points and when to expect knocks

Suspension Murano Z51 designed for comfort, but not for Russian roads. The first problems appear after 50-70 thousand km:

🔧 Wheel bearings — they begin to buzz at speeds of 80+ km/h. Average resource - 80 thousand km.
🔧 Shock absorbers - they are already leaking at 60-70 thousand km (especially the rear ones). The original ones cost 20-25 thousand rubles per pair.
🔧 Stabilizer bushings - squeak on uneven surfaces. Change every 30-40 thousand km (cost - 1,500 ₽ per set).
🔧 Ball joints — they fail by 100 thousand km. The sign is a knocking noise when passing speed bumps.

The most expensive problem is wear of rear beam silent blocks. Replacing them costs 30-40 thousand rubles (including wheel alignment), and the signs are the car pulling to the side and uneven tire wear. Owners recommend replacing them in pairs, even if only one is knocking.

⚠️ Attention: If after replacing the shock absorbers the car “steers” to the side, do not rush to do a wheel alignment. First check the tire pressure (should be 2.3 bar at the front and 2.5 at the rear) and the condition of the rubber - Murano Z51 sensitive to a difference of 0.2 bar between the wheels.

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When buying used Murano Z51 be sure to check the play in the steering rack - this is the weak point of the model. Normal play is no more than 10 degrees when the steering wheel is rocked in place.

4. Electronics: multimedia glitches and problems with sensors

Murano Z51 equipped with a system NissanConnect with an 8-inch screen, but over time it starts to become dull:

📱 Screen freezes — only a reboot helps (hold down the power button for 10 seconds).
📱 Lost Bluetooth connection - can be treated by resetting the settings or updating the firmware.
📱 Rear view camera errors - an oxidized connector is often to blame (cleaning the contacts solves the problem).

5. Body and paintwork: where it rusts and why the paint peels off

Murano Z51 does not apply to “rotten” machines, but there are problem areas:

🔍 Rear wheel arches — they begin to rust after 3-4 years (especially if they are not treated with anticorrosive).
🔍 Thresholds — corrosion appears from the inside, so inspect them with a flashlight.
🔍 trunk lid — the paint may swell due to a poor primer (defect of the 2015-2017 batch).
🔍 Doors — drainage holes become clogged with leaves, which leads to moisture accumulation and rust.

Another problem - peeling paint on hood. This is not corrosion, but a defect in the paintwork (especially on dark-colored cars: Deep Blue Pearl And Black Obsidian). Nissan recognized the problem and repainted the hoods under warranty, but now this is being done at the owner’s expense (20-30 thousand rubles).

⚠️ Attention: If you buy Murano Z51 with mileage, be sure to check the thickness of the paintwork with a thickness gauge. The norm for the hood is 120-150 microns. If it is less than 100 microns, the car has already been repainted.

6. Fuel and exhaust: why does the “Check Engine” light come on?

A common reason for service visits is fuel system errors:

⛽ Error P0420 — low catalyst efficiency. On Murano Z51 catalysts often “die” by 100 thousand km due to bad gasoline. Replacement costs 50-80 thousand rubles (original) or 20-30 thousand (universal).
⛽ Error P0171/P0174 - lean fuel mixture. Culprits: dirty injectors, air leaks or faulty mass air flow sensor (MAF).
⛽ Error P0300 - random misfires. Often caused by candles (NGK IFR6T11) or coils that need to be changed every 60-80 thousand km.

Another "trick" Murano Z51 — sensitivity to gasoline quality. If you refuel with 92, over time deposits appear on the valves, which leads to a drop in power. Recommended gasoline - AI-95 or AI-98 (according to the manual).

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If after refueling there are jerks or the “Check Engine” light comes on, drain the gasoline and flush the fuel system. In 80% of cases, this solves the problem without diagnosis.

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

Climate control system in Murano Z51 capricious:

❄️ Air conditioner doesn't work - most often to blame freon pressure sensor (replacement cost - 5-7 thousand rubles). Less commonly, freon leaks through pipes (diagnosis - 1,500 ₽).
❄️ Blows warm air when A/C is on — the cabin filter is clogged or faulty damper actuator (10-15 thousand rubles for replacement).
❄️ Fan noise — bearing wear (repair — 8-12 thousand rubles).

The most expensive problem is freon leak through condenser. Replacing it costs 30-40 thousand rubles (including refilling the system). To avoid this, it is enough to check the freon level once a year and change the cabin filter (every 15 thousand km).

If the climate control begins to “take on a life of its own” (spontaneously changes the temperature), the fault is control unit. Reflashing it costs 5-10 thousand rubles, replacing it costs 50+ thousand.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Nissan Murano Z51

Can a Murano Z51 be towed with a CVT?

Yes, but only on a rigid coupling and at a speed of no more than 50 km/h. The maximum distance is 50 km. If you need to transport your car over a longer distance, use a tow truck. CVT does not tolerate prolonged stress without a running engine.

What is the real fuel consumption of the Murano Z51?

According to the passport - 10.5 l/100 km in the combined cycle. Actual consumption:

🏙️ City: 14-16 l/100 km (depending on traffic)
🛣️ Highway (90-110 km/h): 8.5-9.5 l/100 km
🏔️ Off-road: up to 20 l/100 km (due to constant gas changes)

Consumption increases by 10-15% when using winter tires or with all-wheel drive engaged.

Is it worth buying a Murano Z51 with a mileage of more than 100 thousand km?

Yes, but only if:

🔧 The variator has been serviced (there are checks for oil changes every 60 thousand km)
🔧 No oil burn (check compression)
🔧 Suspension does not knock (especially the rear beam)
🔧 No rust on the sills and arches

Optimal price for Murano Z51 2016-2017 with a mileage of 100-120 thousand km - 1.8-2.2 million rubles. Cars cheaper than 1.7 million most likely have problems.

What kind of oil to pour into the VQ35DD engine?

Official Nissan recommendations:

🛢️ 5W-30 - for regions with temperatures from -30°C to +35°C (original article number - KE900-90042)
🛢️ 0W-20 — for cold climates (below -30°C), but increases oil consumption

Analogues: Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30, Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W-30. Do not use approved oil API SN below!

How to reset the service interval on Murano Z51?

Instructions:

Turn on the ignition (without starting the engine).
Press and hold the brake pedal.
Move the selector lever to position D, then back to P.
Release the brake pedal.
Press and hold the button TRIP on the dashboard for 10 seconds until the message appears SERVICE DONE.

If it doesn't work, try through the menu Settings → Maintenance → Reset.

Nissan Murano Z51 (2015-2021): main problems and how to solve them