A complete analysis of reviews from Nissan Murano Z52 owners: pros, cons and pitfalls

Crossover Nissan Murano third generation (Z52 body) has long become one of the most talked about cars in the premium mid-size SUV segment. Owners appreciate it for its unique design, which has not become outdated for almost a decade, and for its incredible level of comfort, comparable to executive sedans. However, behind the external attractiveness there are technical nuances that dealers often keep silent about, and enthusiasts argue on forums for years.

When considering reviews about Nissan Murano Z52 Two camps can be distinguished: those who are in love with the car from the first minutes behind the wheel, and those who are faced with serious operational problems. The main stumbling block for many is the Jatco CVT8 variator, which requires strict adherence to oil change regulations. Understanding actual user experience helps future buyers avoid costly repairs and disappointment.

This article is compiled based on an analysis of hundreds of real owner stories, technical reports from service centers and data from specialized forums. We will not hide either the advantages or disadvantages so that you can get an objective idea of ​​what awaits you behind the wheel of this Japanese crossover.

Design and ergonomics: first impression and reality

Appearance Nissan Murano The Z52 is still controversial. Some consider it a masterpiece of industrial design, others consider it an elaborate toy. Inside the cabin there is a cozy atmosphere created by an abundance of soft plastic, high-quality leather and a well-thought-out lighting system. Massage and heated seats really make you forget about fatigue after long trips.

However, ergonomics has its own characteristics. The instrument panel is made in the “floating island” style, which looks stylish, but not everyone is comfortable reading information from it while moving. Multimedia system The latest restyling has improved significantly, but according to reviews from many users, it can still run slower than we would like.

• 🚗 Unique body design that is unlike any other car in its class.
• 🛋️ Premium interior materials and excellent sound insulation.
• 📱 Modern multimedia with support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

It's important to note that the driving position is high, which provides excellent visibility, but can be uncomfortable for tall people due to the low ceiling. Rear row of seats quite spacious, but the lack of a center armrest and air conditioning for rear passengers is a noticeable disadvantage compared to competitors.

⚠️ Attention: When buying a used car, be sure to check the condition of the leather seats for cracks, as the leather is Nissan Murano quite sensitive to ultraviolet radiation and requires regular care.

Engine and transmission: the heart of the car

Under the hood Nissan Murano The Z52 is powered by a proven naturally aspirated petrol engine in most countries. V6 3.5 liters (model VQ35DE or VQ35HR). This unit is famous for its power, torque and relatively long service life, subject to quality maintenance. Acceleration to hundreds takes about 7-8 seconds, which is an excellent indicator for a heavy crossover.

The main feature and at the same time the main problem is the transmission. The car is equipped with a CVT Jatco CVT8. Many owners complain about kicks, jerks and delays when shifting gears, especially in jump-start mode. This is due to the peculiarities of the operation of the torque converter and belt drive paired with software.

• 🔧 The VQ35 engine requires the use of only high-quality AI-95 or AI-98 gasoline.
• ⚙️ The variator is extremely sensitive to overheating and requires an oil change every 40-50 thousand km.
• ❄️ The variator cooling system should be checked annually for contamination.

It must be taken into account that the dynamic characteristics of the car directly depend on the condition of the oil in the gearbox. CVT resource often does not exceed 150-200 thousand kilometers if timely maintenance is not carried out. Ignoring this fact may lead to the need to completely replace the unit, which is a very costly undertaking.

Chassis and handling: comfort or sportiness?

Suspension Nissan Murano designed exclusively for comfort. It gently absorbs potholes, joints and uneven road surfaces, creating a “swinging” effect at high speeds. Smooth ride is the number one priority here, making the car an excellent choice for long journeys on poorly paved roads.

Handling can be described as “cotton”. The steering wheel has a large backlash, and reactions to steering wheel turns are delayed. When cornering, the crossover leans heavily, which forces the driver to slow down in advance. However, for a calm driving style this is not a critical drawback, but rather a design feature.

• 🛣️ Excellent ride smoothness on any type of road surface.
• 🚦 Soft suspension tuning, but with noticeable roll in corners.
• 🌧️ Good directional stability on wet asphalt thanks to the all-wheel drive system.

If you plan to use the car for active driving, then you may lack the sharpness of the steering and stiffness of the suspension. Crossover not created for sports racing or extreme off-roading, it is oriented towards the city and the highway.

Typical problems and malfunctions

Despite the high level of comfort, Nissan Murano The Z52 has a number of characteristic problems that often come up in owner reviews. One of the most common is the failure of the crankshaft position sensor, which can lead to a sudden engine stop. Owners also encounter problems in the cooling system, where antifreeze leaks can occur due to a crack in the plastic pipe.

Electrics are also not without their shortcomings. Owners often complain about malfunctions of the keyless entry system, as well as failure of parking sensors. Start-Stop system often causes irritation with its unreliability and frequent false positives. In addition, after a mileage of more than 100 thousand km, replacement of suspension arms and stabilizer bushings may be required.

• 🔋 Rapid battery discharge during long-term parking due to current leaks.
• 🌡️ Problems with the thermostat and engine cooling system.
• 📺 Fogging of multimedia screens and navigation glitches.

It is important to note that many problems can be resolved by software updates from an authorized dealer. However, if you buy a car second-hand, you may be faced with already “healed” problems that the previous owner is not aware of. Diagnostics before purchase required to identify hidden defects.

⚠️ Attention: When purchasing a used car, be sure to check the service history of the variator. A lack of oil change records is a red flag that could mean transmission failure is imminent.

Fuel consumption and efficiency

Expect from Nissan Murano with a 3.5 liter V6 engine, low efficiency is not worth it. This is a heavy crossover with a powerful engine that consumes a lot of fuel. In the urban cycle, real consumption is 13-15 liters per 100 km, and in traffic jams it can reach 18 liters or more. Fuel consumption directly depends on driving style and vehicle load.

On the highway the situation is a little better, consumption drops to 9-11 liters, but still remains high compared to modern turbocharged counterparts. Some owners install natural gas equipment (LPG) to reduce fuel costs, but this requires major engine modifications and may affect the warranty.

• 🚦 Urban cycle: 13-18 liters per 100 km.
• 🛣️ Highway cycle: 9-11 liters per 100 km.
• 🔧 Combined cycle: 11-13 liters per 100 km.

Despite the high consumption, owners note that the dynamics and traction justify these costs. Power reserve on one tank is about 500-600 km in the combined cycle, which requires frequent stops at gas stations on long trips.

Comparison table of characteristics

For a visual comparison of characteristics Nissan Murano Z52 with its main competitors in the class, we have compiled a table. This will help you evaluate its place in the market and understand what advantages it offers compared to other models.

Model	Engine	Power (hp)	Acceleration 0-100 km/h (s)	Drive
Nissan Murano Z52	V6 3.5 l	249	7.6	Full
Toyota Highlander	V6 3.5 l	295	7.3	Full
Honda Pilot	V6 3.5 l	280	7.0	Full
Ford Edge	2.0 L Turbo	245	7.8	Full

As can be seen from the table, The Nissan Murano lacks power and acceleration compared to its competitors, but offers unique design and comfort. The choice depends on the buyer’s priorities: dynamics or aesthetics.

What to do if there is a variator error?

If the CVT error light comes on on the dashboard, stop immediately and turn off the engine. Further movement may lead to complete failure of the box. Call a tow truck and contact a specialized service.

Results: is it worth buying?

To summarize, we can say that Nissan Murano The Z52 is a car for those who value comfort, style and uniqueness over efficiency and sporty dynamics. This is an excellent choice for families looking for a spacious and safe crossover for city trips and outdoor excursions.

However, before purchasing, you need to be prepared for high maintenance costs and possible problems with the CVT. Regular Maintenance and careful operation is the key to the long life of this car. If you're willing to pay attention to the car's condition and don't mind high fuel costs, then the Murano will be an excellent partner on the road.

• ✅ Ideal for comfortable family trips.
• ⚠️ Requires careful attention to the variator.
• 🔥 High fuel consumption and high cost of maintenance.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and budget. Owner reviews show that with the right approach, the Nissan Murano Z52 brings a lot of joy and does not cause serious complaints.

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When changing CVT oil, use only original NS-3 fluid or a certified equivalent that meets Jatco specifications. Skimping on oil can lead to costly repairs.

What is the real service life of the VQ35 engine on the Nissan Murano Z52?

With regular maintenance and the use of high-quality oil, the VQ35 engine can last more than 300,000 kilometers without major repairs. However, the resource greatly depends on the quality of the fuel and driving style.

Is it necessary to change the oil in the variator more often than the manufacturer recommends?

Yes, many experts and owners recommend changing the oil in the variator every 40,000 - 50,000 km, even if the manufacturer claims an interval of 60,000 - 80,000 km. This significantly extends the life of the transmission.

What are the main electronic problems found on the Murano Z52?

The most common malfunctions of the keyless entry system, parking sensor errors and problems with the multimedia system. Many of these problems can be resolved by updating the software.

Is the Nissan Murano suitable for winter use?

Yes, all-wheel drive and a stabilization system make the car confident on winter roads. However, due to the high ground clearance and soft suspension springs, you need to be careful in deep snow and ice.

Is it worth installing gas equipment (LPG) on Murano?

Installation of gas equipment is possible, but requires careful selection of equipment and qualified installation. Incorrect installation may result in engine problems and void the warranty. It is recommended to install only at specialized service stations.