With its sleek design and comfortable ride, the Nissan Murano stands out among midsize SUVs. The car’s innovative features and spacious interior have made it a loyal following since it came out in 2003. The Nissan Murano has some years you should avoid, however.
There have been some Murano models that have been unreliable. The first few years of your vehicle’s life can be burdensome financially and frustrating due to recurring mechanical and performance issues. When purchasing a used Nissan Murano, it is important to identify these problematic models.
Avoid these Nissan Murano years
There have been numerous mechanical issues and poor reliability documented in certain model years of the Nissan Murano. The years you should avoid if you want to avoid expensive repairs and frustrations when purchasing a used Murano. The problematic years are as follows:
| Model Year | Key Issues |
| 2003-2007 | Failures of CVT transmissions, engine mounts, and interior accessories (e.g., seat adjusters, sun visors) |
| 2009 | Issues related to brakes and transmissions (soft pedals, ABS actuator failures) |
| 2015 | Electrical system malfunctions, poor acceleration of the CVT, jerky movements |
2003-2007 Models
Its futuristic design attracted attention when Nissan launched the first-generation Murano in 2003.
There were a lot of mechanical problems with these early models. The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) was a common cause of transmission troubles during those years. Due to this, vehicles shut down abruptly, had trouble shifting, and were expensive to replace.
Premature engine mount wear was another problem in this range. There was too much vibration from faulty mounts, making rides uncomfortable and putting more strain on the engine. These models also had problems with interior accessories. The overall driving experience was negatively affected by broken seat adjusters and malfunctioning sun visors.
2009 Model
Second-generation Muranos also faced challenges when it came to the 2009 model. Several drivers reported soft brake pedals and intermittent ABS actuator failures as a sign of a weak brake system. Recurring transmission problems have plagued this year’s models, echoing those of the first-gen as well.
2015 Model
It does not surprise that the 2015 Murano has received some criticism, even though it is a newer model. There were resurfacing CVT issues, which resulted in jerky movements, poor acceleration, and increased repair costs. For a vehicle that marketed itself as a luxury-themed SUV, drivers found it frustrating that it often offered a rough ride.
These model year’s common issues
The key to making a smart buying decision is understanding the recurring issues in Nissan Murano models. The performance of an automobile can be impacted by these problems as well as the cost of repair can be high. Here are some of the most common issues owners report.
Transmission Failures
There have been several Murano models with transmission issues, particularly CVT problems. Transmission failure is one of the most severe problems reported by owners of models created in 2003-2007, 2009, and 2015. Shifting was erratic, acceleration was delayed, and the transmission fell apart completely. A repair cost not only thousands of dollars, but it often required a complete replacement.
Errors with brake systems
Numerous complaints were received about the braking system of the 2009 model. Some drivers complained about spongy brake pedals, a reduction in stopping power, and problems with the ABS actuator. There was a serious safety risk associated with these problems, especially when sudden stops were required. Many of these issues could not be resolved quickly or inexpensively without replacing major components.
Failed engine mounts
It was also common for early models, such as 2003-2007, to experience engine mount failure prematurely. It was difficult to ride safely due to excessive vibrations caused by faulty mounts. This could result in higher repair costs as vibrations wear down surrounding components over time.
Malfunctions of interior accessories
Murano owners were still annoyed by interior accessories malfunctioning, although not to the same extent as transmission or brake issues. The sun visors, seat adjusters, and dashboard materials on early models were especially prone to failure. A premium experience was not available due to these flaws, which diminished the appeal of the vehicle.
Models of Nissan Murano to consider
The Nissan Murano is one of the best choices if you are looking for an affordable and reliable vehicle.
It is well known that these models offer dependable performance, smooth handling, and good value. This is a list of Nissan Murano years that we recommend:
2011-2014 Models
As one of the most reliable models in the lineup, the Murano models offered from 2011-2014 have earned a reputation for reliability. A lot of improvements were made in performance, reliability, and design during these years. These models have the following features:
- Improved Transmission: CVT issues of previous years have been largely resolved, making the transmission run smoothly and fail less frequently.
- Improved Safety Features: More airbags, stability control, and anti-lock brakes are all part of these models.
- Comfortable Ride: These models offer a quiet cabin, high-quality interior materials, and plenty of space.
Models produced after 2017
A significantly improved third-generation Murano was introduced in 2017 after being introduced in 2015. As of this year, new models offer cutting-edge features and are regarded as highly reliable. Among the highlights are:
- Advanced Technology: Various driver assistance systems, including blind-spot monitoring, are included as standard features.
- Modern Design: This sleek, aerodynamic vehicle features premium interior materials and a sleek exterior design.
- Fuel Efficiency: These models are economical to operate because they have improved fuel economy.
You can enjoy a reliable Nissan Murano with minimal concerns if you focus on these recommended years when buying a used version of the SUV. Your vehicle’s maintenance should be prioritized, so choose one that is well-maintained, so you can maximize its life expectancy.
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Conclusion
Its style and comfort continue to make it one of the most popular midsize SUV choices. There have been persistent reliability issues with certain model years, however. These problems have earned specific years a reputation for avoiding, ranging from transmission failures to brake system malfunctions to interior accessory defects. There are several models from 2003-2007, 2009, and 2015 that are outliers in terms of reliability, resulting in recurring complaints that can be costly to repair.
