Nissan Murano problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated

The most serious documented Murano problem is an ABS actuator that can leak brake fluid onto its circuit board and start a fire on 2015–2018 models, covered by recalls 16V636, 18V601 and 19V807. A 2025 class settlement extended transmission coverage on 2015–2018 Muranos to 84 months or 84,000 miles, and earlier models have intake duct and power steering hose recalls.

CarWhere lists 18 documented Murano issues, including 15 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source. Recall entries come from NHTSA's recall dataset on the DOT open-data portal, which may not list every campaign, so run the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup.

Murano generations at a glance

Nissan Murano generations and the known issues listed for each
GenerationModel yearsIssues on this page
First generation2003–2007Intake air ducts may shrink and separate, stalling the engine (recall 09V169) · 2003–2010 CVT 10-year/120,000-mile limited warranty extension
Second generation2009–2014Power steering hose may come off and leak (fire risk) (recall 17V184) · ABS control unit valves may stick (recall 18V916) · Passenger air bag may not work after a deep battery discharge (recall 08V066) · Passenger air bag sensor may cut out (recall 08V521) · 2003–2010 CVT 10-year/120,000-mile limited warranty extension
Third generation2015–2024Steering knuckle or rear axle housing may be too weak (recall 21V402) · Front transverse link may separate from the ball joint (recall 21V170) · ABS actuator may leak fluid onto its circuit board (fire risk) (recall 19V807) · ABS actuator fluid leak on cars with Intelligent Cruise Control (recall 16V636) · ABS actuator O-ring may be damaged (recall 16V193) · ABS actuator valves may be contaminated (recall 15V364) · Murano Hybrid software may shut down the powertrain (recall 21V774) · Passenger air bag may switch off with an adult seated (recall 16V244) · CVT warranty extended to 84 months/84,000 miles (Beaver settlement)
Fourth generation2025 onwardRearview camera may not display at start-up (recall 25V821) · Front brake calipers may break (recall 25V173)

First generation Murano problems (2003–2007)

Intake air ducts may shrink and separate, stalling the engine (recall 09V169) (2003–2007)

Safety recall
Generation:
First generation (2003–2007)
Years:
2003–2007
Powertrain:
All

The intake air ducts on 2003–2007 Muranos can age, shrink and pull away from the resonator as the engine moves, which can stall the engine. Dealers inspect and repair or replace the parts free of charge. NHTSA lists 362,891 vehicles in the campaign.

Symptoms

  • Stalling
  • Rough idle or check-engine light

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Nissan dealer for the repair order showing the intake duct inspection

NHTSA recall: 09V169 (2009-05-19) · 362,891 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [21]

2003–2010 CVT 10-year/120,000-mile limited warranty extension (2003–2007)

Moderate
Generation:
First generation (2003–2007)
Years:
2003–2007
Powertrain:
3.5L V6 with Xtronic CVT

Nissan's owner warranty page states that 2003–2010 vehicles with a continuously variable transmission carry a 10-year/120,000-mile CVT limited warranty extension. EPA's listings show the 2003 and 2007 Murano with a CVT. The 10-year term has run out on these vehicles.

Symptoms

  • Shudder, slipping or whining from the transmission

Check before buying

  • Confirm the vehicle has the CVT, not a manual gearbox
  • Ask a Nissan dealer whether the 10-year/120,000-mile CVT coverage still applies to this VIN; on most cars of this age the 10 years have run out

Sources: [18][22][23]

Second generation Murano problems (2009–2014)

Power steering hose may come off and leak (fire risk) (recall 17V184) (2013–2014)

Safety recall
Generation:
Second generation (2009–2014)
Years:
2013–2014
Powertrain:
All

A weak clamp on 2013–2014 Muranos and Murano CrossCabriolets can let the power steering hose detach and spray fluid onto hot engine or exhaust parts, raising the risk of fire. Dealers install a high-pressure hose kit free of charge. NHTSA lists 56,766 vehicles in the campaign.

Symptoms

  • Power steering fluid leak
  • Whining or heavy steering

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Nissan dealer for the repair order showing the power steering hose kit installation

NHTSA recall: 17V184 (2017-03-16) · 56,766 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [14]

ABS control unit valves may stick (recall 18V916) (2009)

Safety recall
Generation:
Second generation (2009–2014)
Years:
2009
Powertrain:
All

Valves in the ABS hydraulic control unit of 2009 Muranos can react with some brake fluid additives and fail to close, adding pedal travel. Dealers flush the system with DOT 4 fluid, test the unit and replace it if needed, free of charge. NHTSA lists 86,265 vehicles in the campaign.

Symptoms

  • Long or soft brake pedal

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Nissan dealer for the repair order showing the brake flush and HCU test

NHTSA recall: 18V916 (2018-12-19) · 86,265 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [15]

Passenger air bag may not work after a deep battery discharge (recall 08V066) (2009)

Safety recall
Generation:
Second generation (2009–2014)
Years:
2009
Powertrain:
All

Air bag control software in 2009 Muranos and 2008 Infiniti EX35s could keep the passenger air bag from working properly if the battery was badly discharged. Dealers reprogram the control unit free of charge. The 16,365 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Murano.

Symptoms

  • No warning signs before a crash

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Nissan dealer for the repair order showing the air bag control unit reprogramming

NHTSA recall: 08V066 (2008-02-12) · 16,365 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [16]

Passenger air bag sensor may cut out (recall 08V521) (2009)

Safety recall
Generation:
Second generation (2009–2014)
Years:
2009
Powertrain:
All

A part in the passenger seat occupant sensor on 2009 Muranos and other 2007–2008 Nissan and Infiniti models may be out of specification and interrupt its signal, suppressing the passenger air bag. Dealers test the system and replace the seat cushion sensor as needed, free of charge. The 204,361 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Murano.

Symptoms

  • Passenger air bag OFF light with an adult in the seat

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Nissan dealer for the repair order showing the occupant classification system test

NHTSA recall: 08V521 (2008-10-07) · 204,361 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [17]

2003–2010 CVT 10-year/120,000-mile limited warranty extension (2009–2010)

Moderate
Generation:
Second generation (2009–2014)
Years:
2009–2010
Powertrain:
3.5L V6 with Xtronic CVT

Nissan's owner warranty page states that 2003–2010 vehicles with a continuously variable transmission carry a 10-year/120,000-mile CVT limited warranty extension. EPA's listings show the 2009 and 2010 Murano with a CVT. The 10-year term has now run out on almost every one of these vehicles.

Symptoms

  • Shudder, slipping or whining from the transmission

Check before buying

  • Confirm the vehicle has the CVT, not a manual gearbox
  • Ask a Nissan dealer whether the 10-year/120,000-mile CVT coverage still applies to this VIN; on most cars of this age the 10 years have run out

Sources: [18][19][20]

Third generation Murano problems (2015–2024)

Steering knuckle or rear axle housing may be too weak (recall 21V402) (2020)

Safety recall
Generation:
Third generation (2015–2024)
Years:
2020
Powertrain:
All

Improper heat treatment can leave the front steering knuckle or rear axle housing of certain 2020 Muranos, and some GT-R and Infiniti models, too weak, so a curb strike could bend it and cause a loss of steering or wheel separation. Dealers inspect and replace the parts as needed, free of charge. The 14,276 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Murano.

Symptoms

  • Steering pulls after hitting a curb

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Nissan dealer for the repair order showing the knuckle and axle housing inspection

NHTSA recall: 21V402 (2021-05-27) · 14,276 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [3]

Front transverse link may separate from the ball joint (recall 21V170) (2020)

Safety recall
Generation:
Third generation (2015–2024)
Years:
2020
Powertrain:
All

Certain 2020 Muranos may have front transverse links made incorrectly that could separate from the ball joint. Dealers check lot codes, replace links as needed and align the vehicle, free of charge. NHTSA lists 15,223 vehicles in the campaign.

Symptoms

  • Clunking from the front suspension

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Nissan dealer for the repair order showing the transverse link inspection

NHTSA recall: 21V170 (2021-03-11) · 15,223 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [4]

ABS actuator may leak fluid onto its circuit board (fire risk) (recall 19V807) (2015–2018)

Safety recall
Generation:
Third generation (2015–2024)
Years:
2015–2018
Powertrain:
All

This campaign expanded recall 18V601 and re-covers unrepaired vehicles. The ABS actuator pump in 2015–2018 Muranos, 2016–2018 Maximas and 2017–2019 Pathfinders and QX60s can leak brake fluid onto its circuit board and short, creating a fire risk. Dealers replace the ABS actuator free of charge; NHTSA's summary notes an ABS light staying on for more than 10 seconds can signal a leak. The 391,479 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Murano.

Symptoms

  • ABS warning light stays on after start-up
  • Burning smell

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Nissan dealer for the repair order showing the ABS actuator replacement

NHTSA recall: 19V807 (2019-11-08) · 391,479 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [5][6]

ABS actuator fluid leak on cars with Intelligent Cruise Control (recall 16V636) (2015–2017)

Safety recall
Generation:
Third generation (2015–2024)
Years:
2015–2017
Powertrain:
All

An earlier ABS campaign covered 2015–2017 Muranos with Intelligent Cruise Control and 2015–2016 Murano Hybrids, plus some Maximas, whose ABS actuator can leak fluid onto its circuit board and short. Dealers inspect and replace the actuator as needed, free of charge. The 120,329 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Murano.

Symptoms

  • ABS warning light stays on

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Nissan dealer for the repair order showing the ABS actuator inspection

NHTSA recall: 16V636 (2016-09-02) · 120,329 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [7]

ABS actuator O-ring may be damaged (recall 16V193) (2016)

Safety recall
Generation:
Third generation (2015–2024)
Years:
2016
Powertrain:
All

A damaged O-ring in the ABS actuator of certain 2016 Muranos and Maximas built late 2015–early 2016 can reduce brake fluid pressure and lengthen stops. Dealers inspect and replace the actuator as needed, free of charge. The 12,616 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Murano.

Symptoms

  • Longer stopping distances
  • ABS warning light

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Nissan dealer for the repair order showing the ABS actuator inspection

NHTSA recall: 16V193 (2016-04-07) · 12,616 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [8]

ABS actuator valves may be contaminated (recall 15V364) (2015)

Safety recall
Generation:
Third generation (2015–2024)
Years:
2015
Powertrain:
All

Contamination in the ABS solenoid valves of certain 2015 Muranos built December 2014–March 2015 can upset brake pressure when ABS activates, reducing stability. Dealers inspect and replace the actuator as needed, free of charge. NHTSA lists 9,614 vehicles in the campaign.

Symptoms

  • Unusual brake behavior during ABS stops

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Nissan dealer for the repair order showing the ABS actuator inspection

NHTSA recall: 15V364 (2015-06-10) · 9,614 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [9]

Murano Hybrid software may shut down the powertrain (recall 21V774) (2015–2016)

Safety recall
Generation:
Third generation (2015–2024)
Years:
2015–2016
Powertrain:
Hybrid

Hybrid control software in 2015–2016 Murano Hybrids, and related Pathfinder and QX60 Hybrids, can shut down the hybrid system and engine in some conditions, causing a loss of drive power. Dealers reprogram the hybrid control module free of charge. The 7,634 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Murano.

Symptoms

  • Sudden loss of power

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Nissan dealer for the repair order showing the HPCM reprogramming

NHTSA recall: 21V774 (2021-10-04) · 7,634 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [10]

Passenger air bag may switch off with an adult seated (recall 16V244) (2015–2016)

Safety recall
Generation:
Third generation (2015–2024)
Years:
2015–2016
Powertrain:
All

The occupant classification system in 2015–2016 Muranos and Murano Hybrids, and many other Nissans, can misread an adult passenger and switch off the passenger front air bag. Dealers reprogram the air bag and classification control units free of charge. The 3,296,947 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Murano.

Symptoms

  • Passenger air bag OFF light with an adult in the seat

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Nissan dealer for the repair order showing the air bag and OCS reprogramming

NHTSA recall: 16V244 (2016-04-26) · 3,296,947 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [11]

CVT warranty extended to 84 months/84,000 miles (Beaver settlement) (2015–2018)

Moderate
Generation:
Third generation (2015–2024)
Years:
2015–2018
Powertrain:
Xtronic CVT (not hybrids)

Under the Beaver v. Nissan class settlement, which became effective on October 5, 2025, Nissan extended the warranty on the transmission assembly, including the valve body and torque converter, and the transmission control unit on 2015–2018 Muranos to 84 months or 84,000 miles, whichever occurs first, from the original start date. Hybrids are excluded.

Symptoms

  • Shudder, hesitation or whining from the transmission
  • Transmission warning light

Check before buying

  • Confirm the model year and the original in-service date and mileage; the extension is measured from the original start date
  • Ask a Nissan dealer to look up the VIN for any open warranty extension and for prior CVT repairs in Nissan's records

Sources: [12][13]

Fourth generation Murano problems (2025 onward)

Rearview camera may not display at start-up (recall 25V821) (2025)

Safety recall
Generation:
Fourth generation (2025 onward)
Years:
2025
Powertrain:
All

A software error in the infotainment system of certain 2025 Muranos, 2025–2026 Armadas and Infiniti QX80s can keep the rearview camera image from showing in reverse. The software is updated by a dealer or over the air, free of charge. The 64,085 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Murano.

Symptoms

  • No camera image in reverse

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Nissan dealer for the repair order showing the infotainment software update

NHTSA recall: 25V821 (2025-11-26) · 64,085 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [1]

Front brake calipers may break (recall 25V173) (2025)

Safety recall
Generation:
Fourth generation (2025 onward)
Years:
2025
Powertrain:
All

Certain 2025 Muranos, Pathfinders and Infiniti QX60s may have front brake calipers with reduced strength that could break and cause a loss of front braking. Dealers inspect and replace the calipers as needed, free of charge. The 1,430 figure covers every vehicle in the campaign, not just the Murano.

Symptoms

  • Brake pedal sinks or braking feels weak

Check before buying

  • Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
  • Ask a Nissan dealer for the repair order showing the front caliper inspection

NHTSA recall: 25V173 (2025-03-19) · 1,430 vehicles in the campaign

Sources: [2]

Related Murano research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints relative to the rest of the model’s history is answered in the years-to-avoid research where CarWhere publishes it.

Confirm how a Murano was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere Nissan build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Nissan build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common Nissan Murano problems?

The most widespread documented issues are the 2015–2018 ABS actuator fire-risk recalls, a CVT class settlement that extended transmission coverage on 2015–2018 models, a power steering hose that can leak on 2013–2014 models, and intake ducts that can separate on 2003–2007 models.

Is there a CVT warranty extension for the Murano?

Yes. Under the Beaver v. Nissan settlement, effective October 5, 2025, the transmission assembly and control unit on 2015–2018 Muranos (excluding hybrids) are covered for 84 months or 84,000 miles from the original start date. 2003–2007 and 2009–2010 Muranos had Nissan's earlier 10-year/120,000-mile CVT extension.

Which Muranos have the ABS fire recall?

Recall 16V636 covers 2015–2017 Muranos with Intelligent Cruise Control and 2015–2016 Murano Hybrids, 18V601 covers 2015–2017, and 19V807 expanded coverage to 2015–2018. The ABS actuator can leak brake fluid onto its circuit board; dealers replace it.

Are Murano Hybrids covered by the CVT settlement?

No. The Beaver settlement excludes hybrid models. 2015–2016 Murano Hybrids have their own recalls, including 21V774 for hybrid control software and 16V636 for the ABS actuator.

How do I check a used Murano for open recalls?

Enter the VIN in NHTSA's recall lookup and ask for dealer repair orders. On a 2015–2018 Murano, confirm the ABS actuator work and ask a dealer about any CVT repairs on record.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

  1. Recall 25V821: Rearview Camera Image May Not Display/FMVSS 111 — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  2. Recall 25V173: Front Brake Calipers May Fail/FMVSS 135 — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  3. Recall 21V402: Steering Knuckle or Rear Axle Housing Can Deform — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  4. Recall 21V170: Transverse Link May Separate From Ball Joint — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  5. Recall 19V807: Brake Fluid Can Leak Into ABS Pump and Ignite — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  6. Recall 18V601: Brake Fluid may Leak into ABS Pump and Ignite — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  7. Recall 16V636: Brake Fluid may Leak into ABS Pump and Ignite — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  8. Recall 16V193: ABS Brake Actuator may have a Damaged O-Ring — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  9. Recall 15V364: ABS Actuator may Malfunction — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  10. Recall 21V774: HPCM Software May Cause Loss of Drive Power — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  11. Recall 16V244: Passenger Air Bag may not Deploy due to OCS Error — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  12. Beaver v. Nissan North America settlement website (2015–2018 Murano, 2016–2018 Maxima CVT) — Settlement administrator (Verita), court-approved settlement website
  13. Beaver v. Nissan North America: important dates and deadlines — Settlement administrator (Verita), court-approved settlement website
  14. Recall 17V184: Power Steering Hose may Detach — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  15. Recall 18V916: ABS Valve May Remain Open after ABS Event — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  16. Recall 08V066: PASSENGER AIR BAG FAIL TO DEPLOY — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  17. Recall 08V521: OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM CONTROL UNIT — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  18. Nissan vehicle warranty information (2003–2010 CVT limited warranty extension) — Nissan USA owner portal
  19. 2009 Nissan Murano AWD: transmission options — U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. 2010 Nissan Murano AWD: transmission options — U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  21. Recall 09V169: INTAKE AIR DUCTS/RESONATOR — NHTSA (via data.transportation.gov recall dataset)
  22. 2003 Nissan Murano 2WD: transmission options — U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  23. 2007 Nissan Murano AWD: transmission options — U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Nissan North America, Inc. or Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.. Nissan and the model names are trademarks of their owners.