Crossover Nissan Murano The 2016 model remains one of the most controversial cars in its class. On the one hand, its futuristic design, spacious interior and powerful engine attract the attention of buyers. On the other hand, reviews from owners are full of complaints about problems with the variator, high fuel consumption and expensive maintenance. If you are considering Murano as an option for purchase, this article will help you figure out whether the game is worth the candle.
We analyzed hundreds of reviews on forums, social networks and specialized platforms (including Drive2.ru, Drom.ru and foreign resources), and also took into account the opinions of auto experts. The material contains honest assessments on key parameters: reliability, comfort, controllability and cost of maintenance. We paid special attention typical “diseases” of the Jatco variator and the nuances of operation in Russian conditions.
Design and exterior: futuristic vs practical
Nissan Murano 2016 is the third generation of the model, which debuted in 2014. The brand's designers embarked on a bold experiment, abandoning the usual angular shapes in favor of streamlined lines and a “floating” roof. Externally, the car looks like a concept car: narrow headlights with LED optics, a massive radiator grille and dynamic stampings on the body.
However, not all owners are delighted with this approach. Here's what they write on the forums:
- 👍 "Stylish and memorable “It always stands out in the parking lot, many passers-by turn around.”
- 👎 "Poor visibility "Because of the thick pillars and small rear windows, it's difficult to park in tight spaces."
- 👎 "Plastic moldings bumpers quickly scratch and fade in the sun."
- 👍 "High quality painting - for 5 years of operation, not a single chip or rust."
Experts note that the design Murano The 2016 still looks modern, but practicality is sacrificed for style. For example, a trunk volume 393 l (against 550 l competitors) seems to many to be too small for a crossover of this size.
- I like it, it looks futuristic
- Too pretentious, not practical
- Ok but not memorable
- I don't like it, it looks like a concept car
Interior: space vs cheap materials
Salon Murano 2016 is made in a futuristic style with an abundance of soft plastics and leather trim (in top trim levels). The front panel is asymmetrical, with an emphasis on the central tunnel, where the CVT selector and climate control buttons are located. Owners praise:
- 🛋️ "Very comfortable chairs with good lateral support - you don’t get tired even on long trips.”
- 🎛️ "Ergonomics at its best “All the buttons are at your fingertips, no need to reach.”
- 📱 "Good sound insulation - quieter on the highway than many German competitors."
But there is also criticism:
- 🧱 "Cheap plastic on the door cards and the lower part of the panel - it creaks after a year."
- 🔍 "Weak instrument lighting “The numbers on the speedometer are hard to read at night.”
- 🚗 "Not enough legroom rear passengers if tall people are sitting in front."
The system is especially often criticized NissanConnect — multimedia complex with navigation and support Apple CarPlay. Many people complain about freezing, slow work and inconvenient interface. In some cases, owners had to reflash the unit themselves.
⚠️ Attention: In trim levels with leather trim, a problem is often encountered - peeling leather on steering wheel after 2-3 years of operation. This is not a warranty case, repairs cost 15-20 thousand rubles..
Technical characteristics and engine: power vs appetite
Under the hood Nissan Murano In 2016, a single engine was installed - petrol V6 volume 3.5 l (249 hp), familiar from models Pathfinder And Infiniti QX60. This motor is combined with CVT Jatco JF011E and all-wheel drive system Intelligent AWD.
Official dynamics data:
| Parameter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Acceleration 0-100 km/h | 8.2 sec |
| Maximum speed | 210 km/h |
| Fuel consumption (city) | 12.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (highway) | 8.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 10.2 l/100 km |
In practice, owners record completely different numbers:
- 🛢️ "In the city in winter, consumption reaches 16-18 l/100 km — the variator is constantly “stupid” in traffic jams.”
- ⛽ "On the highway at 110-120 km/h - 9.5-10 l/100 km, but if you accelerate to 140+, your appetite grows to 13 liters."
- 🔧 "The engine is reliable, but requires high-quality oil (for example,
Mobil 1 5W-30) and replacement every 7-8 thousand km."
Experts note that the engine VQ35DE - one of the most durable in the line Nissan, but its potential is held back by the CVT. Many owners complain about jerks during acceleration And switching delays, especially in cold weather.
If you're planning to buy a 2016 Murano, be sure to check the CVT's oil change history. The optimal interval is every 60 thousand km, even if the official dealer says that it is “for the entire service life”.
Jatco variator: the main headache of owners
The most painful topic for Nissan Murano 2016 is variator Jatco JF011E. Despite the declared resource in 200 thousand km, many owners encounter problems after 80-100 thousand km. Typical complaints:
- 🔄 "Jerks and jerks when accelerating, especially when cold."
- 🛑 "RPM freezing by 3-4 thousand with sharp acceleration."
- 💥 "Hum and vibration when driving at a speed of 60-80 km/h."
- 🚨 "Emergency mode (the "skull" lights up on the tidy) after overheating."
The causes of the problems lie in several factors:
- Overheating — the variator is sensitive to high temperatures, especially in traffic jams.
- Poor quality oil — many dealers filled in cheap analogues instead of the original ones
NS-3. - Belt and cones wear — with aggressive driving, the resource is reduced by 2 times.
The cost of CVT repair varies from 80 thousand rubles. (oil and filter change) until 300 thousand rubles. (overhaul with replacement of cones). Some owners solve the problem radically - install Automatic transmission from Infiniti, but it costs 400-500 thousand rubles..
⚠️ Attention: If during the test drive you heard crunching or grinding when switching variator modes (P-R-N-D), it is better to refuse to purchase such a copy. This is a sign of worn bearings or gears and will be very expensive to repair.
Change the oil every 60 thousand km (use only NS-3)|Avoid sudden starts and towing|Warm up the variator in winter for at least 3-5 minutes|Check the oil level every 10 thousand km|Do not drive at high speeds for a long time-->
Handling and behavior on the road: comfort vs rolliness
Nissan Murano 2016 built on the platform Nissan D, which is shared with models Pathfinder And Infiniti QX60. The suspension is tuned for comfort: soft shock absorbers, long-stroke springs and good sound insulation. Owners praise:
- 🛣️ "Excellent at swallowing pits “On the bumps you feel like you’re on a sofa.”
- 🌧️ "Confidently holds the road on wet asphalt thanks to all-wheel drive."
- 🚗 "Light steering wheel “Parking is a pleasure.”
However, there are also disadvantages:
- 🌀 "Strong rolls when cornering - at speeds above 80 km/h the car begins to “slump”.
- 🛞 "Weak feedback from the steering wheel - you don’t feel the road.”
- ❄️ "Bad behavior on ice “The stabilization system is triggered late.”
Experts note that Murano More suitable for quiet driving around the city and on the highway than for aggressive driving. Due to the high center of gravity and soft suspension, the crossover behaves predictably in sharp maneuvers, but not sportily.
How to improve handling?
Install stiffer shock absorbers (for example, Kayaba or Bilstein)|Replace tires with low-profile ones (for example, 235/55 R20 instead of standard 235/65 R18)|Disable stabilization system in sport mode (button ESP OFF)|Bleed the brake system (replace the pads and brake fluid with sports analogues)
Reliability and typical problems: what breaks most often
In addition to the variator, Nissan Murano There are other “diseases” in 2016. Here's what service station owners and technicians most often mention:
| Knot | Problem | Repair cost |
|---|---|---|
| Electronics | Throttle position sensor failure, multimedia glitches | 10-30 thousand rubles. |
| Suspension | Leakage of shock absorbers, wear of stabilizer bushings | 40-80 thousand rubles. |
| Brake system | Brake disc corrosion, pad squeaking | 20-50 thousand rubles. |
| Body | Peeling paintwork on the hood, rust on the arches | 30-100 thousand rubles. |
They especially often complain about electronics:
- 🔋 "Spontaneous turning on of headlights or turn signals."
- 📻 "Rear view camera failure - the image disappears or has noise."
- 🔑 "Problems with keyless entry “The car does not respond to the key fob.”
Many also face cabin filter leak — water enters the cabin through a hole under the windshield. This leads to glass fogging and mold growth. Problems are solved by installing an additional seal (cost: approx. 5 thousand rubles.).
Before purchasing a 2016 Murano, be sure to check the VIN history. Pay special attention to service records for changing the oil in the variator and repairing the suspension. If they are not there, this is a reason to be wary.
Cost of ownership: how much does it cost to maintain a Murano
Service Nissan Murano 2016 cannot be called a budget year. Here are the approximate costs for the year (with mileage 20 thousand km/year):
- 🛢️ Fuel:
10.2 l/100 km × 20,000 km × 45 rubles/l = 91,800 rubles. - 🔧 Maintenance (oil, filters):
15-20 thousand rubles.(every 10 thousand km). - 🚗 Insurance (CASCO/OSAGO):
50-100 thousand rubles.(depends on the region). - 🛞 Rubber (summer/winter):
60-120 thousand rubles.(per set). - 🔄 Repair fund:
50-100 thousand rubles.(for unexpected breakdowns).
Total: maintenance costs 300-500 thousand rubles. per year. For comparison, a similar crossover Toyota Highlander of the same year will cost less by 20-30% due to a more reliable variator and cheaper spare parts.
Prices for spare parts (original vs analogues):
| Detail | Original (RUB) | Analog (RUB) |
|---|---|---|
| Brake pads (front) | 12 000 |
4 500 |
| Spark plugs | 6 000 |
2 000 |
| Variator filter | 8 000 |
3 000 |
| Stabilizer link | 7 000 |
1 500 |
Experts recommend spending at least 15-20 rub/km mileage For example, when 100 thousand km total cost of ownership (without fuel) will be 1.5-2 million rubles..
Owner reviews: what are more pros or cons?
Opinions about Nissan Murano 2016 are split roughly evenly. Those who are satisfied with the purchase highlight:
- ✅ "Comfortable and quiet interior - like in business class."
- ✅ "Powerful engine “Overtaking is easy.”
- ✅ "Unusual design “You always stand out on the road.”
Those who are disappointed complain about:
- ❌ "CVT is a time bomb".
- ❌ "Expensive service “Spare parts and labor cost the same as for a premium car.”
- ❌ "Unreliable electronics “Something is always wrong.”
Interestingly, many owners, despite the problems, do not want to part with Murano. For example, a user with the nickname @MuranoFan on Drive2.ru writes: "Yes, the CVT caused a lot of headaches, but when you get behind the wheel, you realize that there is no alternative. You won’t find such a spacious and comfortable crossover for this money.".
Another owner @Disappointed, more categorical: "I bought a new one in 2016, after 3 years the variator died. Nissan refused to acknowledge the defect, even though it is a widespread problem. I will never buy a car with a CVT again".
FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about the 2016 Nissan Murano
❓ Should you buy a 2016 Murano today (2026)?
If you need a stylish and comfortable crossover for a quiet ride, and you are willing to invest in maintenance, yes. But be prepared for problems with the CVT and high fuel costs. Alternatives: Toyota Highlander (more reliable) Hyundai Santa Fe (cheaper to maintain).
❓ What is the real resource of the Jatco JF011E variator?
With careful operation and regular oil changes (every 60 thousand km), the variator can pass 150-200 thousand km. However, many owners encounter problems after 80-100 thousand km. The critical point is overheating, so it is important to monitor cooling.
❓ What oil should I fill in the VQ35DE engine?
Official recommendation - 5W-30 with permission API SN or ILSAC GF-5. Popular options: Mobil 1 5W-30, Idemitsu Zepro Touring 5W-30, Nissan Strong Save X 5W-30. Change every 7-8 thousand km.
❓ Can you tow a trailer on the 2016 Murano?
Technically yes, the maximum trailer weight is 900 kg (with brakes). However, towing puts a lot of stress on the variator and reduces its service life. If you plan to frequently transport a trailer, it is better to consider models with a classic automatic transmission (for example, Toyota RAV4 with automatic transmission).
❓ Which analogues are cheaper to maintain?
In terms of reliability and cost of maintenance, our closest competitors are: Hyundai Santa Fe (cheaper parts), Kia Sorento (easier to repair), Toyota Highlander (the CVT is more durable, but the maintenance itself is more expensive). If you need a spacious crossover with automatic transmission, pay attention to Ford Explorer or Volkswagen Touareg.