Nissan Murano 2013 is a business class crossover that combines a spacious interior, powerful engine and stylish design. The model belongs to the third generation (body code Z51), which was produced from 2011 to 2014. In 2013, the car received minor updates: a modified radiator grille, new body colors and a modified multimedia system. This crossover is ideal for family trips and long journeys thanks to its comfortable suspension and spacious trunk.
However, before purchasing Murano 2013, it is important to take into account its typical problems: weak points in the variator, body corrosion and operating features V6 3.5. In this article we will analyze the technical characteristics, common faults, and also give practical advice on choosing a used one. If you are considering this crossover as an alternative Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot, our review will help you make an informed choice.
Technical characteristics of Nissan Murano 2013
Under the hood Murano In 2013, the only gasoline engine was installed - naturally aspirated VQ35DE volume 3.5 l, developing 260 hp at 6000 rpm. This engine is known for its reliability, but requires regular maintenance, especially oil changes every 7–10 thousand km. Transmission - continuously variable variator Jatco JF011E, which is paired with all-wheel drive All-Mode 4x4-i provides smooth acceleration and good maneuverability.
Acceleration to 100 km/h takes 8.3 seconds, and the maximum speed is electronically limited at 200 km/h. Combined cycle fuel consumption is approx. 11.5–12.5 l/100 km, which is typical for crossovers of this class. Independent suspension: front - MacPherson, the rear is a multi-link, which guarantees comfort even on rough roads. Clearance 180 mm allows you to overcome light off-road conditions, but you should not expect Murano off-road abilities Nissan Patrol.
- 🔧 Engine: VQ35DE 3.5 l, 260 hp, gasoline
- ⚙️ Transmission: variator Jatco JF011E, all-wheel drive
- ⛽ Fuel consumption: 11.5–12.5 l/100 km (combined cycle)
- 📏 Dimensions: 4800×1885×1720 mm, wheelbase 2825 mm
- 🚗 Trunk: 453 l (1687 l with seats folded)
Standard Murano 2013 equipped 18-inch wheels, leather interior, dual-zone climate control and audio system with 6 speakers. Top versions offered a rearview camera, navigation, heated seats and a panoramic roof. However, the electronics of that time are already outdated: the multimedia system Nissan Connect does not support Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, and parking sensors often fail.
- Atmospheric V6
- Turbocharged 4-cylinder
- Diesel
- Hybrid
- I don't care
Weaknesses and typical problems
Despite the reliability of the engine VQ35DE, y Murano 2013 There are several “diseases” that you should pay attention to when purchasing. The main one is variator Jatco JF011E. When running over 100–120 thousand km There may be jerking, delays when switching, or a hum. This is due to wear on the belt and cones, as well as overheating of the oil. Replacing a variator costs 250–400 thousand rubles, so be sure to check the service history before purchasing!
The second common problem is body corrosion. The sills, wheel arches and rear door are especially vulnerable. In regions with abundant use of reagents, rust may appear within 3–4 years. Owners also complain about:
- 🔋 Battery: The standard battery lasts no more than 3–4 years, especially on short trips.
- 💡 Lighting: Bulbs in the headlights and taillights often burn out (it is recommended to replace them with LEDs).
- 🎵 Audio system: The bass range speakers lose their tightness, resulting in wheezing.
- 🚪 Electric windows: Over time, work slows down or a squeak appears.
⚠️ Attention! During a test drive, pay attention to the behavior of the variator during sharp acceleration. If “drawdowns” or vibrations are felt, this is a sign of wear. Also check the oil in the variator: it should be light in color and without a burnt smell. Dark oil with metal shavings is a reason to refuse the purchase.
One more nuance - suspension. Stabilizer links and bushings wear out 80–100 thousand km, and shock absorbers may leak after 120 thousand km. Replacing the front struts costs 20–30 thousand rubles for a pair, the rear ones are a little cheaper. Also, the throttle position sensor often fails, which leads to floating idle speed.
What to do if the variator starts to twitch?
If the variator Jatco JF011E started to work jerkily, first check the oil level and condition. If the oil is normal, but the problem remains, the following reasons are possible:
1. Worn belt or cones (requires diagnostics at a service station).
2. Malfunction of solenoids or valve body (needs flashing or replacement).
3. Dirty filters (replacement every 60 thousand km is recommended).
In 临时解决方案 it is possible to reset the CVT adaptations through the diagnostic scanner, but this will not eliminate physical wear.
Options and prices on the secondary market
In 2013 Nissan Murano offered in three main trim levels: SE, SV And LE. Basic version SE included leather interior, climate control, cruise control and 18-inch disks. Equipment SV added a panoramic roof, rear view camera and audio system Bose with 11 speakers. Top LE equipped with ventilated front seats, navigation and a blind spot monitoring system.
On the secondary market in 2026, prices for Murano 2013 vary depending on mileage and condition:
| Equipment | Mileage (thousand km) | Cost (thousand rubles) | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| SE | 80–120 | 900–1 100 | CVT, corrosion of thresholds |
| SV | 60–100 | 1 100–1 300 | Panoramic roof (leaks), electronics |
| LE | 50–80 | 1 300–1 600 | Ventilated seats, parking sensors |
| Any | 150+ | 700–900 | Condition of the variator, suspension, engine |
When choosing, pay attention to service history. The best option is a copy with mileage up to 100 thousand km, which was serviced by an authorized dealer. Cars with over mileage 150 thousand km require investment in a variator and suspension, so their purchase is justified only with a significant discount. It is also worth checking whether the crossover has been in an accident: Murano has weak side members, and even minor impacts can lead to disruption of the body geometry.
Before purchasing, ask the seller for receipts for changing the oil in the variator. If they are not there, assume that the oil has not been changed at all. In this case, be prepared to replace the variator in the next 20–30 thousand km.
Owner reviews: pros and cons
Owners Nissan Murano 2013 note its comfort, reliable engine and spacious interior. Among the main advantages:
- ✅ Spacious interior: even tall passengers are comfortable in the back row.
- ✅ Soft suspension: perfectly smooths out road unevenness.
- ✅ Powerful motor: VQ35DE pulls confidently even when overtaking.
- ✅ Build quality: plastic and leather trim do not creak even after 10 years of use.
However, there are also disadvantages, which are often written about on forums:
- ❌ Expensive service: original spare parts (for example, stabilizer struts) cost 2–3 times more than their analogues.
- ❌ Weak variator: many owners recommend changing the oil every
40–50 thousand km, and not according to regulations (90 thousand km). - ❌ Electronics problems: Parking sensors and rear view camera often fail.
- ❌ High fuel consumption: in the city can reach
14–15 l/100 km.
On the forums Drive2 And Nissan-Club owners advise:
⚠️ Attention! If you buy Murano with mileage over 120 thousand km, be sure to diagnose the variator at a service station using a scanner Launch X431 or similar. Even if there are no obvious signs of failure, wear can be critical. Also check the condition of the variator radiator - its clogging leads to overheating.
Many praise the crossover for controllability: despite the dimensions, Murano holds the road well and does not roll in corners. However, the steering is a little “empty”, which fans of sports driving do not like. The owners also note that Shumka at high speed it leaves much to be desired - noise from the wheels and wind can be heard in the cabin.
Comparison with competitors: which is better?
In 2013, the main competitors Nissan Murano were Toyota Highlander, Honda Pilot And Hyundai Santa Fe. Let's compare them based on key parameters:
| Parameter | Nissan Murano | Toyota Highlander | Honda Pilot | Hyundai Santa Fe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6 3.5 l, 260 hp | V6 3.5 l, 270 hp | V6 3.5 l, 250 hp | V6 3.3 l, 235 hp |
| Transmission | CVT | 6-automatic | 5-automatic | 6-automatic |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 12 l/100 km | 11.5 l/100 km | 12.5 l/100 km | 11 l/100 km |
| Resale price (2026) | 900–1600 thousand rubles. | 1000–1800 thousand rubles. | 800–1400 thousand rubles. | 700–1200 thousand rubles. |
Murano outperforms competitors in suspension comfort And quality of interior trim, but loses in transmission reliability. For example, Toyota Highlander with 6-automatic is considered more tenacious, although less dynamic. Honda Pilot offers a larger interior, but it 5-automatic outdated by 2013. Hyundai Santa Fe cheaper to maintain, but inferior in prestige.
If you care comfort and style, Murano - an excellent choice. If the priority is reliability and low cost of ownership, better consider Highlander or Santa Fe. Suitable for lovers of dynamic driving Mazda CX-9 with a turbo engine, but its interior is less spacious.
The 2013 Nissan Murano is suitable for those who value comfort and are willing to invest in maintenance. If you need an “indestructible” car, choose the Toyota Highlander. If price is important - Hyundai Santa Fe.
How to properly maintain your Nissan Murano 2013?
To Murano lasted longer, follow these recommendations:
- Changing engine oil: every
7–10 thousand km(use 5W-30 or 5W-40 with permission Nissan). - CVT oil: change every
50–60 thousand km(original NS-2 or equivalent Idemitsu CVTF). - Air and cabin filters: once every
15–20 thousand km. - Brake pads and discs: check every
30 thousand km(front pad life is approx.50 thousand km). - Anti-corrosion treatment: once every 2-3 years, especially if you operate the car in winter.
Pay special attention CVT. To extend its life:
☑️ Nissan Murano CVT service
Also follow cooling system: The CVT radiator often becomes clogged, leading to overheating. It is recommended to flush the system every 80–100 thousand km. If you notice that the car begins to accelerate worse or a whistle appears from under the hood, check drive belts — their resource is about 100 thousand km.
in winter Murano requires special care:
- ❄️ Battery: check the charge before frost (the capacity must be at least
60 Ah). - ❄️ Tires: use winter tires with a width of at least
235 mmfor better stability. - ❄️ Suspension: after severe frosts, check the condition of the CV joint boots.
Modernization and tuning
Owners Murano 2013 often upgraded to improve comfort or appearance. Popular improvements:
- 🎨 External tuning: installation of body kits Nismo, window tinting, replacing optics with LED.
- 🔊 Audio system: replacing the standard radio with Android Auto with support Apple CarPlay.
- 🛋️ Salon: installing a heated steering wheel, replacing leather trim with Alcantara.
- 🚗 Suspension: replacing shock absorbers with Bilstein B4 or Kayaba for better handling.
One of the most popular upgrades is replacing a variator with an automatic transmission. Some workshops offer to install 6-automatic from Nissan Pathfinder, but this is an expensive and time-consuming solution (cost - from 300 thousand rubles). A more budget option is a reinforced variator with a modified valve body, but it will also cost 150–200 thousand rubles.
Owners also often install:
- 🔋 Additional battery: to power a powerful audio system or refrigerator.
- 📡 DVR with radar detector: integrated into the rear view mirror.
- 💺 Heated rear seats: if it was not included in the basic configuration.
⚠️ Attention! When installing LED lamps in headlights, check their compatibility with the ignition unit. Incorrectly selected LEDs can cause errors on the dashboard or even melt the plastic of the headlight. Also remember that any changes in optics require re-registration with the traffic police.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the 2013 Nissan Murano
How long does the CVT last on a 2013 Murano?
CVT resource Jatco JF011E depends on operating conditions. With regular oil changes (every 50–60 thousand km) it can last 150–200 thousand km. However, if the oil has not been changed or the car has been operated in difficult conditions (towing, off-road), the variator may fail after 100 thousand km.
Can you tow a trailer with the 2013 Murano?
Yes, Murano 2013 allows towing a trailer weighing up to 900 kg (without brakes) or 1500 kg (with brakes). However, regular towing reduces the life of the variator, so it is not recommended to exceed these values. Also make sure that the car has a tow bar with original wiring.
What kind of oil should I put in the VQ35DE engine?
The manufacturer recommends using oil with a viscosity 5W-30 or 5W-40, corresponding to the standard API SN or ILSAC GF-5. Popular options: original Nissan 5W-40, Mobil 1 5W-30 or Liqui Moly 5W-40. Important: do not use oil with a viscosity higher 10W-40, as this may lead to increased engine wear.
What is the real gas mileage of the 2013 Murano?
In a mixed cycle, the consumption is 11.5–12.5 l/100 km. In the city it can grow to 14–15 l/100 km, especially in traffic jams. On the highway at speed 90–110 km/h consumption is reduced to 9–10 l/100 km. To reduce fuel consumption, monitor your tire pressure (optimally 2.2–2.4 bar) and avoid aggressive driving style.
Should you buy a 2013 Murano today?
If you need a comfortable and spacious crossover with a powerful engine, Murano 2013 - a good choice. However, be prepared for high maintenance costs, especially if the mileage exceeds 100 thousand km. Alternatives: Toyota Highlander (more reliable) Hyundai Santa Fe (cheaper to repair) or Mazda CX-9 (more dynamic). Before purchasing, be sure to conduct a complete diagnostic, including the variator and body for corrosion.