Nissan Murano Common Problems & Reliability Guide

The first-generation Murano introduced the Jatco CVT to Nissan's SUV lineup, and premature transmission failure quickly became its defining flaw. Units commonly develop shuddering during light acceleration, slipping at highway speeds, and complete failure. Fluid degradation and internal belt/pulley wear are the primary causes. Nissan eventually extended the powertrain warranty, but many vehicles failed just outside coverage. Replacement is the only reliable long-term fix.

Typical mileage: 70,000-130,000 miles

Both banks of catalytic converters deteriorate prematurely on the VQ35DE, triggering check engine lights and causing emissions test failures. Rich-running conditions from minor fuel trim issues accelerate converter degradation. OEM replacements are expensive; aftermarket cats are cheaper but may not satisfy emissions inspection in all states.

Typical mileage: 80,000-150,000 miles

Vacuum hoses and intake plenum gaskets crack with age and heat cycling, introducing unmetered air that causes lean conditions, rough idle, and stumbling under load. The crankcase ventilation hose is a frequent culprit and should be inspected at every tune-up.

Typical mileage: 60,000-120,000 miles

Individual coil-on-plug ignition coils fail on the VQ35DE, causing misfires, rough idle, and poor acceleration. All six coils should be replaced at the same time rather than replacing them individually, as adjacent coils typically fail in quick succession.

Typical mileage: 60,000-120,000 miles

Z50 Muranos use hydraulic power steering; the pump develops leaks at the high-pressure hose connection and internally, causing whining noise and heavy steering. Fluid loss can damage the pump entirely.

Typical mileage: 80,000-150,000 miles

The rear wiper motor fails due to moisture intrusion in the liftgate, leaving the rear wiper inoperative. This is a well-documented electrical issue on Z50 Muranos.

Typical mileage: 50,000-100,000 miles

Front strut upper mounts and bearing plates wear out, causing clunking or knocking noises when turning or going over bumps. Common in higher-mileage examples in northern climates.

Typical mileage: 70,000-130,000 miles

The updated Jatco JF011E CVT on the Z51 Murano is notorious for premature failure. Symptoms progress from shuddering during light-throttle acceleration to slipping, harsh engagement, and eventual failure to move. Nissan extended warranty coverage to 84,000 miles on many affected vehicles following class-action litigation, but failures well above that mileage are common. A CVT fluid flush at 30,000-mile intervals significantly extends transmission life, as Nissan originally rated the fluid as lifetime.

Typical mileage: 60,000-120,000 miles

Catalytic converters on both banks fail well before the typical 150,000-mile industry standard, largely due to the VQ35DE running slightly rich from minor fuel trim issues and combustion byproducts contaminating the catalyst substrate. Nissan issued extended emissions warranties on some model years, but many owners pay out-of-pocket for replacement.

Typical mileage: 90,000-160,000 miles

The VQ35DE timing chain tensioners and guides wear over time, causing a pronounced rattle or ticking noise for several seconds after cold starts. If ignored, the chain can jump a tooth, resulting in severe engine damage. Oil changes at or before the 5,000-mile interval and use of the correct viscosity oil slow the progression.

Typical mileage: 100,000-180,000 miles

The EVAP purge solenoid valve sticks open or closed, causing lean fuel trim codes, rough idle at startup, and illuminated check engine light. The part is inexpensive but its location makes labor costs notable on this platform.

Typical mileage: 50,000-110,000 miles

Gas struts on the power liftgate lose pressure, preventing the liftgate from staying open or causing it to fall unexpectedly. The power liftgate motor and electronic latch mechanism also fail on higher-mileage examples.

Typical mileage: 60,000-120,000 miles

Rear brake calipers seize due to corrosion on the slide pins, causing uneven brake pad wear, pulling during braking, and reduced fuel economy from drag. Annual lubrication of slide pins prevents premature failure.

Typical mileage: 60,000-100,000 miles

The Nissan Connect infotainment system freezes, reboots unexpectedly, and loses Bluetooth pairing. The hard drive-based navigation system on SL and LE trims fails entirely, requiring software updates or head unit replacement.

Typical mileage: Any mileage

The electromagnetic coupling unit in the rear differential (which routes power to the rear wheels) fails, causing AWD fault warnings and loss of rear-wheel drive engagement. Symptoms include pulling and vibration during turns.

Typical mileage: 80,000-150,000 miles

The Z52 Murano continues to use an updated Jatco CVT that, despite incremental improvements, remains prone to early failure. The 2015-2018 model years are most frequently cited, with shuddering beginning around 50,000-70,000 miles and progressing to slipping and harsh engagement. Nissan extended the CVT warranty to 84,000 miles under pressure from regulators and class-action suits. Replacing CVT fluid every 30,000 miles (instead of the original 'lifetime' claim) is the single most important maintenance item. Full replacement is typically the only lasting repair.

Typical mileage: 50,000-110,000 miles

Catalytic converters on both banks degrade prematurely, failing emissions inspections and triggering persistent check engine lights. The VQ35DE's port-fuel injection system deposits trace oils on the converters over time. CARB-compliant states may have extended catalyst coverage under California emissions warranties.

Typical mileage: 90,000-160,000 miles

The VQ35DE timing chain plastic tensioner guides wear and crack, causing a cold-start rattle that can last 5-15 seconds. Prolonged neglect allows the chain to stretch and skip, causing severe valvetrain damage. Use of 5W-30 full-synthetic oil and adherence to 5,000-mile change intervals is critical.

Typical mileage: 100,000-180,000 miles

2018+ Muranos equipped with ProPilot Assist experience phantom braking, false forward collision warnings, and lane-keep assist overcorrections. Camera and radar sensors are sensitive to road spray, sun glare, and painted lane markings. Nissan issued software updates, but some owners report recurring issues.

Typical mileage: Any mileage

The 8-inch NissanConnect infotainment screen freezes, goes blank, or fails to wake from sleep. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay (on later models) drop connections frequently. Software updates and head unit resets resolve issues temporarily; full head unit replacement is sometimes required.

Typical mileage: Any mileage

Some Z52 Muranos develop a hard brake pedal due to reduced vacuum assist. The vacuum check valve and brake booster are implicated. Symptoms are most noticeable on the first few brake applications after startup.

Typical mileage: 70,000-140,000 miles

The electronically controlled AWD coupling unit in the rear axle develops internal seal leaks and bearing failures, causing AWD fault messages, vibration during cornering, and loss of rear-wheel traction. The coupling fluid should be changed at 30,000-mile intervals.

Typical mileage: 80,000-150,000 miles

The EVAP purge solenoid commonly sticks in the open position, creating a vacuum leak that causes lean fuel trim codes and rough idle at startup. The part itself is inexpensive; early replacement prevents fuel trim adaptation issues and catalyst damage.

Typical mileage: 50,000-100,000 miles