Nissan Murano is a stylish premium crossover that attracts attention with its design and comfort. But behind the bright cover there are serious shortcomings that the manufacturer prefers to keep silent about. This article is not about “minor flaws”, but about systemic problems that can make ownership Murano headache.

We analyzed hundreds of owner reviews, technical documentation and service center data to identify 10 key disadvantages, which affect reliability, maintenance cost and operating comfort. We will pay special attention problems with the CVT variator after 100,000 km - this is a critical point after which serious spending begins.

1. CVT: time bomb

The main "nightmare" Nissan Murano - this is continuously variable transmission Jatco JF011E, which is installed on most versions. Problems start after 80,000–120,000 km:

  • 🔥 Overheating during active driving or towing, the variator requires mandatory cooling, but the standard radiator often fails to cope.
  • 🛑 Jerks and jerks when accelerating, especially when cold. This is the first bell about imminent repairs.
  • 💸 Oil change every 60,000 km is an official regulation, but many owners ignore it, exacerbating the problem.
  • ⚠️ Complete refusal after 150,000 km - repairs will cost 250 000–400 000 ₽ (price of a new variator).

According to service centers, 3 out of 5 Murano with mileage over 120,000 km they have problems with CVT. At the same time, official dealers often refuse to acknowledge the defect, attributing the jerks to “transmission features.”

⚠️ Attention: If your Murano started to "kick" when switching modes D→R or R→D, this is a sign of wear on the variator cones. You can’t put off diagnostics—every kilometer makes the breakdown worse.
📊 How often do you check the oil in your Murano CVT?
  • Every 30,000 km
  • Every 60,000 km
  • Only when problems arise
  • Never checked

2. Gluttony: gasoline and oil like in a sports car

Nissan Murano with engine VQ35DE (3.5 L) consumes fuel like a full-size SUV:

Riding mode Consumption (l/100 km) Real reviews from owners
City 14–16 "In traffic jams up to 18 liters - like Patrol!"
Route (90–110 km/h) 9–10 “At a speed of 130+, the consumption jumps to 12–13 l”
Mixed cycle 11–12 "The stated 10.5 l is a myth"

But that's not all: the engine is burning oil - up to 1 l per 3,000 km after 100,000 km. Owners complain about bedding of rings And wear of valve stem seals, which leads to smoke and loss of power.

Why is this happening? The reason is the design VQ35DE — high speeds and loads on the piston group lead to accelerated wear. A recommended oil 5W-30 often fails to cope with protection in Russian frosts.

💡

Use oil 0W-40 or 5W-40 with permission Nissan - this will reduce consumption by 20–30%. But keep an eye on the level every 1,000 km!

3. Suspension: soft vs. high cost of repairs

Murano famous for its comfortable suspension, but its the resource is extremely small for a crossover of this class:

  • 🔧 Stabilizer links - break down every time 30,000–40,000 km (pair price - 15 000–20 000 ₽).
  • 🛞 Shock absorbers — begin to “flow” after 80,000 km (replacing all four - 60 000–80 000 ₽).
  • 🔩 Ball joints - require replacement every 50,000–60,000 km.
  • 💥 Subframe — rusts and cracks after 100,000 km (repairs will cost 30 000–50 000 ₽).

The problem is that Nissan uses aluminum levers, which cannot be restored - only replacement. And original spare parts cost 2–3 times more than analogues.

⚠️ Attention: If, after passing a speed bump, you hear a knock from the front, this is not a “feature of the suspension,” but wear of the silent blocks or struts. Ignoring it will lead to the destruction of the wheel bearings (25 000 ₽ per pair).

☑️ What to check when buying a used Murano

Done: 0 / 5

4. Electronics: glitches and expensive “features”

Murano stuffed with electronic systems, but their reliability leaves much to be desired:

  • 📱 Multimedia system — often freezes or loses connection with the phone. Updating the firmware doesn't always help.
  • 🔑 Keyless entry - sensors in door handles fail after 3-4 years (replacing one handle - 12 000–15 000 ₽).
  • 🚗 Adaptive cruise control — gives false alarms on a wet road or in fog.
  • 💡 LED headlights - burn out through 40,000–50,000 km (lamp replacement - 8 000–10 000 ₽).

The most painful problem is body control module (BCM). If it fails, the power windows, mirrors and even the central locking stop working. Repairs will cost 40 000–60 000 ₽, and replacement - until 150 000 ₽.

According to owners' reviews, glitches most often begin after pressure washers — water gets into the door control module (DCM) connectors.

How to reset electronics errors without a dealer?

1. Disconnect the battery terminal for 10 minutes.

2. Reconnect and start the engine.

3. Press and hold the button TRIP on the dashboard for 5 seconds.

4. Errors will be cleared, but if the problem remains, go for diagnostics.

5. Body: rust and weak paint

Despite the premium status, Murano suffers from corrosion after 3–4 years of operation. Main problem areas:

  • 🚪 Thresholds — they rust from the inside, even if everything is clean on the outside.
  • 🔧 trunk lid — chips and paint bubbles near the lock.
  • 🚗 Wheel arches - rot due to poor anti-corrosion treatment.
  • 💧 Spars — rust appears after 100,000 km.

The problem is made worse by the fact that Nissan uses thin layer of paint - even a small pebble leaves a chip, which quickly turns into a source of corrosion. Owners recommend treat the body with anti-gravel annually and apply protective film to vulnerable areas.

The cost of removing rust on thresholds will cost 20 000–30 000 ₽ per pair, and complete anti-corrosion treatment - in 15 000–20 000 ₽.

6. Shumka: the illusion of silence

Inside Murano really quiet... until the first 50,000 km. Then the problems begin:

  • 🔊 Plastic creaks — the front panel and door cards make sounds on bumps.
  • 🚗 Wheel noise — after 80,000 km a hum appears, which cannot be eliminated by balancing.
  • 💨 Wind whistling — door and hatch seals lose their elasticity after 3–4 years.
  • 🛑 Vibrations on the steering wheel — arise due to wear of the suspension silent blocks.

The main reason is low quality soundproofing materials. Owners complain that even after re-gluing the Shumka, the effect does not last long. And official dealers refuse to recognize this as a warranty case, chalking it up to “road features.”

💡

If squeaks appear in the cabin before 30,000 km, this is a warranty case. Ask your dealer to replace the plastic clips and treat them with silicone.

7. Climate control: vagaries in cold and hot weather

Dual zone climate control in Murano works well... until problems start:

  • ❄️ Evaporator freezing - in severe frosts (-20°C) the air conditioner refuses to blow warm air.
  • 🔥 Interior overheating - in summer traffic jams the temperature rises to 30–35°C, even with the climate control on.
  • 💨 Weak airflow in the legs — owners complain that the air only goes up.
  • 🛠️ Heater radiator leak — after 100,000 km, antifreeze begins to seep into the cabin.

The most common breakdown is dampers jamming (repair price - 15 000–20 000 ₽). And replacing the stove radiator will cost 30 000–40 000 ₽ with work.

According to the experts, the problem is poor duct design — dust and moisture accumulate in the system, which leads to corrosion and breakdowns.

8. Cost of ownership: why the Murano is affordable

Nissan Murano is positioned as a premium crossover, but it Maintenance costs like a luxury sedan. Let's look at the main expense items:

Node/System Service life Repair cost
CVT 100,000–150,000 km 250 000–400 000 ₽
Suspension (full set) 80,000–100,000 km 120 000–150 000 ₽
Engine (capital) 200,000–250,000 km 180 000–250 000 ₽
Electronics (BCM, DCM) 5–7 years 40 000–150 000 ₽

For comparison: service Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V costs 2–3 times less. And if you consider fuel consumption (12–14 l/100 km) And insurance (CASCO for Murano is 20–30% more expensive), then the content of this crossover becomes a luxury.

Conclusion: Murano suitable only for those who are willing to spend 150 000–200 000 ₽ per year for maintenance. Otherwise it's better to consider alternatives like Mazda CX-5 or Hyundai Santa Fe.

FAQ: Answers to pressing questions about the Nissan Murano

Can you tow a trailer with a Murano with a CVT?

Officially Nissan allows towing up to 900 kg, but in practice the variator overheats already at 500–600 kg. If you need to carry heavy loads, it is better to choose Pathfinder with "automatic".

If you decide to tow, be sure to:

  • Install an additional CVT cooling radiator.
  • Change the oil in the variator every 30,000 km.
  • Use the mode Manual to limit the load.
What kind of oil should I pour into the VQ35DE engine to reduce consumption?

Optimal options:

  • Nissan Strong Save X 5W-40 - original, but expensive (4 000–5 000 ₽ for 5 l).
  • Mobil 1 ESP 5W-30 — reduces consumption by 15–20%.
  • Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W-40 — the best choice for runs over 150,000 km.

Important: do not use cheap semi-synthetic oils — they accelerate the wear of rings and caps.

How long does the Murano battery last?

Average term - 3–4 years. Problems start due to:

  • A large number of electronics (even in standby mode, the battery is discharged in 2–3 weeks).
  • Poor ventilation of the engine compartment (the battery overheats in the summer).

We recommend installing a battery with a capacity 75–80 Ah (original - 60 Ah too small).

Which is better: Murano or X-Trail?

The choice depends on priorities:

Criterion Nissan Murano Nissan X-Trail
Comfort ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Reliability ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fuel consumption 12–14 l 8–10 l
Maintenance cost High Average

If you need stylish and comfortable crossover for the city - take it Murano. If important reliability and efficiency - choose X-Trail.

Is it possible to install non-original size tires on the Murano?

Yes, but with reservations:

  • Maximum diameter - 19 inches (original - 18 or 20 inches).
  • The width should not exceed 245 mm (otherwise it will rub the fender liners).
  • The offset (ET) must be within 40–45 mm.

Best alternative sizes:

  • 235/60 R18 - the best option for winter.
  • 235/55 R19 - for summer use.

Warning: Non-original sizes may lose speedometer readings And increase fuel consumption.