Nissan Murano Years to Avoid: The Models That Gave Drivers the Most Trouble

The Nissan Murano is known for its distinctive styling, smooth ride, and upscale feel. Reliability varies by model year, however. If you’re shopping for a used Murano, it helps to know which years have drawn more complaints, including reliability problems reported in the 2023 Nissan Rogue.

Some Murano model years have developed a poor reliability reputation, with owners reporting transmission and brake problems that can lead to costly repairs. Reviewing model-specific patterns before buying can help you make a better-informed choice.

This guide covers the Nissan Murano years to approach with caution, the problems reported in those vehicles, and the model years generally considered better options.

A Quick Look at the Nissan Murano’s Legacy

When the Nissan Murano first appeared on the scene in 2002, it was a new and different thing. While most SUVs of the era were boxy and utilitarian, the Murano was smooth and curvy, even futuristic in appearance, and seemed more suited to city streets than dirt roads. It was based on the Nissan Altima platform, providing it with a smoother, more carlike ride — one of the primary reasons it was so popular among commuters and families from the get-go.

Following its debut, the Murano skipped 2008 before coming back with a reborn model the next year. It has been an active member of the SUV family at Nissan ever since, sitting between the smaller Rogue and bigger Pathfinder.

Why was the Murano popular all these years?

• Smooth V6 Power: All models of the Murano have been matched with a robust V6 engine, offering responsive power and smooth highway cruising.
• Upscale Comfort: It typically has a more upscale feel than its price would imply, with soft-touch surfaces and comfortably padded seats.
• Modern Styling: From its provocative lines to the traditional “floating roof” styling on subsequent models, the Murano always appears more stylish than most of its competitors.

Nissan Murano Years to Avoid

If you’re shopping for a used Nissan Murano, it’s easy to get drawn in by its sleek exterior and comfortable interior — but under the surface, not every model tells a happy story. Over the years, certain Murano models have faced persistent reliability issues that left many owners dealing with unexpected breakdowns and expensive repairs. Whether it’s a faulty transmission, spongy brakes, or power steering problems, a few model years have become the black sheep.

Let’s take a walk down the years to avoid for the Nissan Murano and why avoiding them may end up costing you a pretty penny in the long term.

2003–2007 Murano: Initial Reliability Issues

The original Murano (2003–2007) was a hit when it first rolled out — sleek, roomy, and revolutionary in design. Too bad it was equipped with one of the SUV’s largest long-term issues: the continuously variable transmission (CVT).

Car owners described jerking, stalling, and total failure of the transmission, usually long before reaching 100,000 miles. As CVT repairs are not inexpensive, this was a deal-breaker for many quickly enough. Replacing or refurbishing a failed CVT transmission will cost $3,500 to $5,000, depending on where it is sent.

But the transmission was not the sole source of aggravation:

• Poor quality driver seat cracks and adjuster assemblies were not rare complaints. Drivers complained of a stiff “clunking” or the seat being on some odd angle after just a few years. Replacing or repairing the seat track can cost between $600 to $1,100.
• Leaks in the power steering system were also frequent, usually because of bad hoses that could have owners fighting to turn the wheel. Fixes usually cost between $400 and $800.
• Bare engine mounts produced an immense amount of vibration, particularly at stoplights or low-speed operation.
• Though early Muranos ride nicely and are roomy, the repair bill can easily put them out of their price range.

Verdict: Avoid unless you can find a 2003–2007 Murano with full service history and records of significant repairs (in particular, a new transmission).

2009 Murano: The Infamous Brake Problems

When Nissan introduced the new second-generation Murano in the 2009 model year, it promised a smoother ride and better performance. Many of its buyers received a major malfunction in the brake system that is now one of the best-documented safety issues of the SUV.

The 2009 Murano registered more than 226 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — the majority of them brake-related, with reports of spongy, soft, or unresponsive brakes. In certain cases, the brake pedal went all the way down to the floor, making it difficult to stop safely.

Owners have reported that the issues had a habit of happening even at low mileage, and in certain cases even before 50,000 miles. The repairs usually involved the ABS actuator or master cylinder replacement which averaged between $2,400 and $2,500.

Worst of all, numerous 2009 Muranos suffered transmission issues as well, including symptoms of jerking, slow acceleration, and harsh shifting — all directly related to the very same CVT issues that afflicted previous models.

Verdict: Despite its stylish appearance and smooth handling, the 2009 Murano is a flop model year due to its brakes and transmission issues. Safety and dependability are vital, so this is a model year to avoid.

2015 Murano: Transmission and ABS Issues

By 2015, the Murano was among Nissan’s coolest SUVs, with a futuristic-looking exterior, upscale trims, and plenty of high-tech amenities. Alas, its mechanical reliability never lived up to its exterior looks.

The 2015 Murano soon gained a reputation for transmission and ABS actuator issues. Several owners reported “juddering” or slowness on acceleration — an indicator of early wear on the transmission. Others saw outright failure of the CVT, in some cases with fewer than 25,000 miles.

These problems are not budget-friendly. Replacing a new CVT or complete rebuild will cost approximately $4,000, and an ABS actuator replacement will run an extra $1,500 to $2,000. Drivetrain grievances this year are one of the most popular for the Murano model year, with many drivers reporting sudden failure of the brake or loss of complete power when driving.

Verdict: The Murano 2015 may look fashionable and ride smoothly, but beneath that fashionable veneer is an overpriced bet. If you cannot get one that includes an extended warranty as well as a record of repairs, your best option is to look at the newer models, the more dependable ones.

Nissan Murano Years Worth Buying (and How the New Ones Stack Up)

Not all Murano’s have a chequered past — in fact, many of them have earned themselves a solid reputation for comfort, dependability, and understated performance. If properly maintained, the right Murano can happily offer many years of smooth, trouble-free driving. Before you eliminate the nameplate entirely, let’s take a look at the best Murano years to buy and how the latest generation (2020–2025) is shaping up.

The Most Reliable Nissan Murano Years

If you’re shopping used, a few model years consistently rise to the top: 2003, 2010–2014, and 2017–2021.

Here’s why these years stand out:

• 2003: The debut year, while not perfect, featured the Murano’s original 3.5L V6 and solid handling. With proper care, it remains one of the more reliable early versions, free from the severe transmission issues that plagued the mid-2000s models.
• 2010–2014: These second-generation models struck a balance between high-brow styling and improved reliability. Nissan had ironed out the majority of CVT problems by then, and the performance felt smoother and transmissions were less likely to fail. Interiors also experienced a noticeable uplift — soft-touch trim, more comfortable seating, and better cabin insulation resulted in more enjoyable every-day drives.
• 2017–2021: These models are the holy grail for most consumers. The Murano gained a more modern look, a polished infotainment system, and sophisticated safety features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot warning. Above all, reliability scores significantly improved — especially for the 2019–2021 versions, which have few NHTSA complaints and fewer reported drivetrain or brake issues.

During these strong years, owners enjoyed seamless CVT operation, better gas mileage, and fewer extensive repairs — all great reasons why they make a smart investment for those who want luxury-like amenities for a fraction of the premium price.

What About the Newer Models? (2020–2025 Update)

As Murano entered the 2020s, Nissan focused on refinement — but it’s been a patchwork. Whereas 2020–2023 models are complimented on their ride and appearance, some of the old gremlins haven’t completely gone away.

• Mild CVT stutter or jerkiness during acceleration continues with some owners, though hardly as atrocious as before.
• Brake issues continue to crop up occasionally, like a 2025 recall for faulty front brake calipers, which could add to stopping distances.
• Advanced technology features — like fresh infotainment systems and driver-assist sensors — have introduced the occasional hiccups, like unresponsive screens or incorrect notifications from safety systems.

And then there’s the 2025 Nissan Murano, the new and most buzzed-about edition. Following nearly a decade of the same third-generation design, the model is long overdue for a refresh — and it’s a doozy.

Nissan didn’t reinvent the wheel, so to speak, but it did update the Murano’s styling and vibe in all the right places. The 2025 model has sleeker sheet metal, distinctive LED lighting, and a more aggressive stance, being 2.6 inches wider with larger 20- or 21-inch wheels. It’s built on much the same foundation as previous years, keeping its smooth, familiar driving characteristics intact. But strangely, even with the more bountiful track, skidpad grip deteriorated slightly (0.77 g vs. 0.81 g for the previous model) — and this suggests that the changes are cosmetic and comfort-driven rather than sport-driven handling.

Underneath, the 2025 Murano is more polished but not dramatically different. That’s not necessarily a bad thing — the outgoing platform was well suited to city driving and interminable highway travel. Nevertheless, watch for early reliability reports, as the introduction of new tech and parts can sometimes bring new issues.

How to Spot a Problem Murano Before You Buy

Purchasing a used Nissan Murano is a blast — they’re stylish, comfortable, and loaded with amenities. But with some years being costly to repair, it’s a good idea to take a little closer look before handing over the keys (or your wallet). Here’s a simple guide to recognizing potential issues in advance and getting a fair deal.

1. Look Up Recall Records

Even before you step foot on the lot, go to NHTSA.gov and enter the Murano’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number). This little tool tells you whether any outstanding recalls have been issued, like those for brakes, airbags, or the transmission.

If the seller hasn’t had work done under recall — or does not seem to be aware of it — that is a red flag right there.

2. Inspect Service Histories and CVT Warranty Work

Murano CVT transmission has experienced problems in certain model years, so make sure to review maintenance records very carefully. Look for:

• Transmission fluid changes (should be regular)
• Warranty work or replacement done by Nissan
• Mentions of “hesitation,” “slipping,” or “whining” in service history remarks

If the transmission has been worked on or replaced while under warranty, that’s actually a great sign — it indicates that the issue was taken care of by Nissan rather than ignored.

3. Test Drive with Purpose

When you test drive in the Murano, pay attention to how it drives.

• During acceleration, listen for hesitation, jerking, or revving without movement — these are classic CVT warning signs.
• When braking, note whether the pedal feels soft or spongy, or if stopping distances seem long. That could point to ABS or brake actuator issues.
• On the highway, listen for unusual noises like whining, rattling, or humming that change with speed.

A short, distracted test drive won’t reveal much so take your time and test it like you’d actually drive it every day.

4. Inspect the Interior Closely

Don’t miss the cabin. Older Muranos, especially those in the mid-2000s, had busted driver seats, faulty seat adjusters, and old electronics. Sit in the driver’s seat and see if it feels like a solid piece of furniture or if you can push it around by shifting your weight. Test every switch, power windows, and the infotainment system — small issues can add up fast once you are the owner.

What If You Bought a Bad Murano? Understanding Lemon Law Protection

Even if you do it all right — read the model years, check recall history, and take that leisurely, slow test drive — luck just sometimes is not on your side. Maybe your Nissan Murano starts to develop the same glitch over and over. Maybe the dealer keeps “fixing” it, but a few weeks later, the same glitch shows up again. If that sounds familiar, you might be having what’s known as a “lemon.”

That’s where Lemon Laws are necessary, they’re designed to protect automobile buyers from automobiles that just can’t stay fixed.

Why Is Lemon Law Important for Murano Owners

Lemon Laws vary from state to state, yet all have a single main purpose: to prevent consumers from losing money on a defective car that the producer can’t effectively repair. If you live in a strong consumer-protection state such as California Lemon Law, you may be eligible for a buyback, replacement, or cash settlement when the dealership cannot fix repeat defects.

If your Nissan Murano develops a recurring issue, say, the transmission slips every other couple thousand miles or the brakes continue to fail and the dealer has tried (and failed) to fix it several times while still under warranty, you may be owed compensation. To most people, that means a refund or a new vehicle.

Need to know better how these laws protect you? Check out this detailed guide on how Lemon Law works for a step-by-step breakdown of the process.

Do Lemon Laws Work for Used Muranos, Too?

A lot of car owners assume Lemon Laws only apply to new vehicles — but that’s not always true. Depending on your state, used and certified pre-owned (CPO) Muranos may also be covered, especially if they’re still under the manufacturer’s warranty.

That is, if you bought a used Murano which still has major flaws (like CVT failure or brake actuator issues), you will still have rights. You can learn more about how these protections extend to secondhand vehicles in this article on whether Lemon Law applies to used cars.

Your Rights Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act

Even if your Murano doesn’t technically qualify as a “lemon” under state law, you might still have federal protection under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.

This act is applied on any commodity sold under a warranty, for example, automobiles, and allows consumers to make manufacturers liable when they fail to live up to their repair promises. If your Murano’s constant transmission or brake failures happen within the warranty period and Nissan isn’t making it right, you might have a strong case in law under this federal law.

Final Thoughts

Nissan Murano ownership is meant to be a smooth, enjoyable experience, not an endless battle with the repair shop. But if you’ve found yourself stuck with a model that just won’t stay fixed, you don’t have to face it alone.

The Consumer Protection Law Group has helped thousands of drivers across the country stand up to automakers and dealerships when their cars were lemons. With more than 3,915 wins across the country, we understand exactly how to get you the justice and restitution you deserve — and you don’t pay a dime upfront.

So if your Murano keeps having the same transmission, brake, or electrical issues even after multiple repair attempts, it might be time to take action.