Nissan Murano Z51 - a crossover, which since 2015 has remained one of the most controversial offerings of the Japanese brand on the Russian market. On the one hand, this is a stylish car with a comfortable interior and powerful 3.5 liter V6, and on the other hand, a model with an ambiguous reputation in terms of reliability and cost of maintenance. In this article we have collected real owner reviews Murano Z51 (including restyled versions 2019-2026), analyzed typical problems and compared them with official data from dealers.

We will pay special attention to issues that concern potential buyers: fuel consumption per 100 km, behavior CVT variator on high mileage, quality of paintwork and electronics. We’ll also figure out whether it’s worth taking Murano with mileage over 100,000 km or better consider alternatives like Toyota Highlander or Hyundai Santa Fe.

Specifications Nissan Murano Z51: what you need to know before buying

Under the hood Murano Z51 a single engine is installed - petrol V6 volume 3.5 l (QR25DE) power 249 hp (in Russian specification). The motor works in tandem with continuously variable transmission Xtronic, which transmits torque to the front or all four axles (depending on the configuration). The official acceleration to 100 km/h takes 8.2 sec, but owners note that actual performance depends on fuel quality and mileage.

Key technical parameters:

  • 🔧 Engine: V6 3.5 l (249 hp, 336 Nm)
  • ⚙️ Transmission: Xtronic CVT (with simulated 7 steps)
  • 🛣️ Drive: front or full (All-Mode 4×4-i)
  • 🔋 Fuel consumption (claimed): 10.5 l/100 km (city), 7.2 l/100 km (highway)
  • 📏 Clearance: 180 mm

One of the main questions is CVT reliability. According to service centers, the CVT resource is Murano Z51 amounts to 150,000–200,000 km subject to timely oil changes (every 60,000 km). However, many owners are faced with problems after 100,000 km, especially if the car was driven in city mode with frequent traffic jams.

📊 What is the mileage of your Nissan Murano Z51?
  • Up to 50,000 km
  • 50,000–100,000 km
  • 100,000–150,000 km
  • More than 150,000 km
  • Planning a purchase

Real fuel consumption: owner data vs official figures

Claimed fuel consumption for Nissan Murano Z51 — 10.5 l/100 km in the city and 7.2 l/100 km on the highway. However, the real figures, according to reviews from owners, are much higher. On average:

  • 🏙️ Urban cycle: 13–15 l/100 km (in winter up to 16–18 l)
  • 🛣️ Route (90–110 km/h): 8.5–9.5 l/100 km
  • 🔄 Mixed cycle: 11–13 l/100 km
Riding mode Official consumption (l/100 km) Actual consumption according to reviews (l/100 km)
City (traffic) 10.5 14–16
Route (110–120 km/h) 7.2 9–10
Mixed cycle 8.9 11–13
Winter mode (warm-up) — 16–18

The main factors influencing increased consumption:

  • 🔥 Fuel quality: many owners note that the consumption on the AI-95 is lower than on the AI-92.
  • 🚗 Riding style: the variator “does not like” sharp accelerations - this increases gasoline consumption.
  • ❄️ Winter operation: prolonged warming up and operation of the stove adds 2–3 liters per 100 km.
  • 🛠️ Condition of the air filter and spark plugs: A clogged filter can increase flow by 10-15%.
⚠️ Attention: If fuel consumption exceeds 18 l/100 km in the city, this may indicate malfunction of lambda probes or air leak in the intake manifold. It is recommended to carry out diagnostics by reading errors via OBD-II.

Reviews of the CVT variator: myths and reality

CVT Xtronic on Murano Z51 - one of the most discussed topics among owners. Officially, the CVT resource is declared at the level 200,000 km, but in practice many encounter problems after 80,000–120,000 km. Main complaints:

  • 🔊 Jerks during acceleration (especially when cold).
  • 🛑 Switching delays (effect of a “rubber” pedal assembly).
  • 💥 CVT overheating in traffic jams (can lead to failure of the oil pump).
  • 💰 Expensive repairs: replacing the variator costs 300 000–400 000 ₽.

According to reviews from service centers, the main causes of breakdowns are:

  1. Late oil change (recommended interval - 60,000 km, but many owners ignore this).
  2. Aggressive riding (sharp starts, towing trailers).
  3. Overheating (the variator is sensitive to high temperatures, especially in hot weather).
What to do if the variator starts to twitch?

If jerks or delays occur during acceleration, check:

1. Level and condition of the oil in the variator (should be light, without a burning smell).

2. Presence of errors through the diagnostic scanner (codes P0776, P0841 indicate problems with blood pressure).

3. Condition of solenoids and variator belt.

If the problem persists, a full diagnosis is required from a service center with experience working with CVTs. Nissan.

Despite the risks, many owners note that with proper maintenance, the variator lasts a long time. For example, a user with the nickname @MuranoFan on the forum Drive2 drove my Murano Z51 180,000 km without major CVT repairs, changing the oil every 50,000 km and avoiding sudden loads.

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The main rule for the longevity of the variator Murano Z51 — regular oil changes (every 50,000–60,000 km) and a smooth driving style.

Typical problems Nissan Murano Z51 according to owner reviews

In addition to the variator, Murano Z51 There are a number of other “diseases” that you should know about before purchasing. We analyzed reviews on Drive2, Auto.ru and thematic forums and identified the most common problems:

Problem Frequency of occurrence Average repair cost (₽)
Oil leak from under the valve cover Often (after 80,000 km) 15 000–25 000
Failure of the stabilizer link Often (after 60,000 km) 8,000–12,000 (per pair)
Problems with electronics (sensor, camera) Average (after 100,000 km) 20 000–50 000
Corrosion of thresholds and arches Rarely (with poor care) 30 000–100 000
Wear of brake discs and pads Frequently (every 40,000–50,000 km) 25 000–40 000

Particular attention should be paid electronics. Many owners complain about:

  • 📱 Multimedia system hangs (especially on restyled versions 2019+).
  • 🎥 Rear view camera failure (often due to oxidation of contacts).
  • 🔋 Low battery overnight (problem with current "leakages").
⚠️ Attention: If the icon on the dashboard lights up ESP OFF or SLIP, this may indicate a malfunction of the steering angle sensor or problems with the stabilization system. Ignoring will lead to refusal ABS And traction control.

Cost of ownership: how much does it cost to maintain? Murano Z51

Nissan Murano Z51 does not apply to budget cars in terms of maintenance. Let's look at the main expense items using the example of a used car 100,000 km:

  • 🛢️ Changing the engine oil: 5,000–8,000 ₽ (every 10,000–15,000 km).
  • ⚙️ Changing the oil in the variator: 12,000–18,000 ₽ (every 60,000 km).
  • 🔧 Maintenance (replacement of filters, spark plugs): 20,000–30,000 ₽ (every 30,000 km).
  • 🔋 Battery: 10,000–15,000 ₽ (resource 3–5 years).
  • 🛞 Tires: 40,000–60,000 ₽ (for a set of summer/winter tires).
  • 🛡️ Insurance (CASCO/OSAGO): 50,000–100,000 ₽ per year.

For comparison: content Toyota Highlander of the same year costs 15–20% less due to a more reliable transmission and lower cost of spare parts. However Murano wins in comfort and interior design.

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Upon purchase Murano Z51 with mileage, be sure to check the service history of the variator. If the oil has not been changed for more than 80,000 km, be prepared to replace the CVT in the next 20,000–30,000 km.

Comparison with competitors: Murano Z51 vs Toyota Highlander vs Hyundai Santa Fe

To understand whether it is worth choosing Nissan Murano Z51, let's compare it with the main competitors in the class:

Parameter Nissan Murano Z51 Toyota Highlander (XU50) Hyundai Santa Fe (DM)
Engine V6 3.5 l (249 hp) V6 3.5 l (273 hp) 2.2 diesel (200 hp) / 2.4 turbo (235 hp)
Transmission CVT 6-st. automatic 8-st. automatic
Fuel consumption (city) 14–16 l/100 km 13–15 l/100 km 10–12 l/100 km (diesel)
Reliability Medium (risks with CVT) High High (especially diesel)
Maintenance cost (per 100,000 km) ~300 000 ₽ ~250 000 ₽ ~200 000 ₽

Benefits Murano Z51:

  • 🚗 Design: one of the most stylish crossovers in the class.
  • 🛋️ Comfort: soft suspension and spacious interior.
  • 🎧 Noise insulation: better than Santa Fe.

Disadvantages:

  • 💸 Expensive service (especially the CVT).
  • 🛢️ High fuel consumption.
  • 🔧 Low reliability of electronics compared to Toyota.

Owner reviews: pros and cons Nissan Murano Z51

We analyzed more than 200 reviews on Russian auto forums and identified the most common opinions:

Pros (according to owners):

  • ✅ "Machine for travel" — comfortable suspension and spacious trunk (560 l).
  • ✅ "The V6 engine pulls great" — no problems with overtaking.
  • ✅ "Design never gets old" - even after 5-7 years it looks modern.
  • ✅ "Good sound insulation" - quieter than Outlander or Santa Fe.

Cons (common complaints):

  • ❌ "The CVT is a time bomb" — many are afraid of runs beyond 150,000 km.
  • ❌ "Guzzes gas like a truck" — actual consumption in the city often exceeds 15 l/100 km.
  • ❌ "Expensive parts" — for example, original racks cost ~10,000 rubles apiece.
  • ❌ "Electronics are glitchy" — especially the multimedia system on restyled versions.

Example of a review from Drive2 (user @Alex_Murano, mileage 120,000 km):

"Bought Murano Z51 2017 in 2020 with a mileage of 60,000 km. The first two years I was delighted - the car drives smoothly, the engine is powerful, the interior is comfortable. But after 100,000 km, problems began: first, the variator delayed, then the valve cover leaked, and now the rear view camera is glitching. Repairs are expensive, but I don’t want to sell - the car is too comfortable for long trips."

Is it worth buying Nissan Murano Z51 in 2026?

Nissan Murano Z51 — a car for those who appreciate comfort, design and dynamics, but ready to put up with high maintenance costs and potential problems with the CVT. Purchase recommendations:

Check the oil change history of the variator (there should be records every 60,000 km)

Make sure there is no oil leaking from under the valve cover

Test the electronics (camera, sensor, climate control)

Pay attention to the condition of the suspension (struts, silent blocks)

Check the body for corrosion (especially sills and arches)

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Who is it suitable for? Murano Z51:

  • 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families who often travel long distances (comfort and space).
  • 🚗 Drivers who love dynamic driving (the V6 engine gives good acceleration).
  • 💼 For those who value premium design and are not ready to consider “gray” Chinese crossovers.

Who is not suitable for:

  • 💰 Thrifty drivers (high fuel consumption and expensive maintenance).
  • 🛠️ For those who are not ready to monitor the variator (risk of expensive repairs).
  • 🏙️ City residents with frequent traffic jams (CVT does not like a ragged rhythm).

Alternatives:

  • 🚙 Toyota Highlander - more reliable, but less dynamic.
  • 🚙 Hyundai Santa Fe (diesel) - more economical, but worse in terms of sound insulation.
  • 🚙 Mazda CX-9 - similar to V6, but with a classic automatic.
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Nissan Murano Z51 is a choice of the heart, not the mind. If you like its design and are willing to invest in maintenance, it will live up to expectations. If the priority is reliability and efficiency, it is better to consider Toyota Highlander or Mazda CX-9.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about Nissan Murano Z51

❓ What is the real resource of the variator on Murano Z51?

With proper maintenance (oil change every 60,000 km, smooth ride) the CVT can last 180,000–220,000 km. However, many owners encounter problems after 100,000–120,000 km, especially if the car was driven in city traffic jams. The main signs of CVT wear are jerking during acceleration, delays in shifting, humming or vibration.

❓ Is it possible to tow a trailer on Murano Z51?

Officially Murano Z51 allows towing a trailer weighing up to 900 kg (without brakes) or 1,500 kg (with brakes). However, owners and service centers not recommended often use a crossover for towing - this significantly increases the load on the variator and reduces its service life. If a trailer is needed, it is better to choose a model with a classic automatic transmission (for example, Toyota Highlander).

❓ What kind of oil to pour into the variator Murano Z51?

The manufacturer recommends using original oil Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3 (article KLE52-00004). Analogues: Idemitsu CVTF or Ravenol CVT. Important: Do not mix different types of oils and fill in cheap analogues - this will lead to rapid wear of the variator. Refill volume: 9.5–10 l (with complete replacement).

❓ Why on Murano Z51 Does the Check Engine light come on frequently?

The most common reasons:

  1. Malfunction of lambda probes (error codes P0130–P0161).
  2. Problems with ignition coils (misfire, code P0300).
  3. Air leak in the intake manifold (code P0171).
  4. Clogged catalyst (especially on runs over 150,000 km).

For accurate diagnostics, you need to connect a scanner and read errors. In 80% of cases, the problem is solved by replacing spark plugs, coils or cleaning the throttle valve.

❓ What mileage is considered critical for purchase Murano Z51?

Optimal mileage for purchase - 50,000–80,000 km. With this mileage, most of the “childhood diseases” have already been eliminated, and the variator does not yet require major repairs. Mileage 100,000–150,000 km considered risky - there is a high probability of early investment in a CVT or suspension. If you are considering a car with a mileage of more than 150,000 km, be sure to check:

  • Condition of the variator (is there any jerking or humming).
  • Presence of oil leaks (valve cover, seals).
  • The operation of electronics (especially the multimedia system).