Car Nissan Murano The second generation (Z51 body) has been one of the most desirable crossovers on the Russian market for many years. Its smooth lines, rich equipment and comfortable interior attract thousands of buyers, but before making a purchase, you need to carefully study the experience of those who already operate this car.
Owners often share conflicting opinions: on the one hand, this is a premium device with excellent sound insulation, on the other hand, it is a car with specific “sores” characteristic of Japanese engineers of that era. We've analyzed hundreds of real reviews to highlight key advantages and disadvantages that you won't find in official brochures.
Engine and transmission: real problems
With my heart Nissan Murano Z51 is a gasoline engine V6 volume 3.5 liters (code VQ35DE). This motor has earned a reputation as a reliable design, capable of running more than 300 thousand kilometers with proper care. However, given the conditions of Russian roads and fuel quality, owners note a number of specific problems that you need to know about in advance.
The most vulnerable point is the phase shift system (CVTCS), which over time begins to knock when cold. This knock often frightens beginners, but experienced craftsmen claim that it is not critical until a certain point. If the sound becomes constant even after warming up, it is necessary to immediately check the condition oil channels and the camshaft itself.
Paired with the engine is a variator Jatco JF011E (CVT), which is the weak link of the entire structure. CVTs of this series do not like sudden starts and overheating. The owners note that the resource of the unit directly depends on the quality of service and driving style.
- 🚗 Regularly change the oil in the variator every 40-50 thousand kilometers, and not once every 100 thousand, as stated in the regulations.
- 🔥 Be sure to check the condition of the transmission cooling radiator, as clogging leads to overheating and failure.
- ⚙️ Avoid towing trailers and other vehicles, as the CVT is not designed for high mechanical loads.
Many car owners are faced with the problem of “oil burnt” after a mileage of over 150,000 km. This is due to the occurrence of piston rings. If you are planning a purchase, be sure to check the compression and condition of the spark plugs before you make the transaction.
⚠️ Attention: When purchasing with a mileage of more than 100,000 km, be sure to check for the presence of an oil “bubble” in the cooling radiator, which indicates a breakdown of the heat exchanger gasket and antifreeze getting into the oil.
- Up to 100,000 km
- 100-150,000 km
- 150-200,000 km
- More than 200,000 km
Suspension and ride quality
Suspension comfort is a calling card Nissan Murano. The soft tuning of the shock absorbers and the large contact area of the tires make it easy to overcome potholes and bumps without feeling them in the cabin. However, such softness has its price, which you have to pay for the resource of the elements.
The MacPherson front suspension requires attention after 60-80 thousand kilometers. The silent blocks of the front levers begin to creak and play, and the lever assemblies are often replaced entirely due to the difficulty of restoring them. The rear multi-link suspension also has its weak points, especially in the shock absorbers and springs.
The Electric Power Steering (EPS) works well, providing light steering at low speeds and good feedback on the highway. However, owners often complain about play in the steering rack, which manifests itself in the form of knocking when driving over small bumps.
- 🛠️ Replace the front control arms assemblies, since replacing silent blocks often does not give long-term results.
- 📉 Monitor the condition of the anti-roll bar bushings, they are consumables.
- 🌧️ Check the anthers of the steering tips, as moisture ingress quickly disables the mechanism.
A special feature of the model is that the suspension is very sensitive to the quality of wheel installation. After replacing suspension elements, you must do wheel alignment on a specialized stand, otherwise the rubber will quickly wear out and vibration will appear on the steering wheel.
When replacing shock absorbers, it is recommended to replace them in pairs on one axle, even if the second one still looks good, in order to maintain suspension balance.
Electrical and multimedia system
Electronic equipment Nissan Murano Z51 was very advanced for its time, but this is where many of the problems that owners face lie. The multimedia system screen may freeze, become unresponsive, or simply not turn on.
The problem often lies not in the screen itself, but in the control unit or wiring. In some cases, replacing the capacitors in the power supply helps, but most often a flashing or replacement of the head unit is required. Owners also note problems with the Keyless-Go keyless entry system.
The climate control system works great, but the temperature sensors can fail, causing the air conditioner to not work properly. Window fogging in winter is also a common complaint related to the operation of humidity and air quality sensors.
⚠️ Attention: If the multimedia screen stops responding to touches, do not try to “knock it out” or knock on it - this may destroy the matrix and increase the cost of repairs.
- 🔌 Check the fuses of the multimedia system if the screen does not turn on.
- 📡 Update the head unit software if new firmware versions are available.
- 🔋 Replace the battery in the key fob if the Keyless system stops working.
Owners often encounter the problem of a “black screen” when starting the engine. This may be due to a low battery or a malfunction of the CAN bus. In such cases, it is necessary to carry out a full diagnostic of the electronics.
☑️Diagnostics of electronics before purchase
Body and paintwork
Body corrosion is one of the main problems Nissan Murano Z51 on the Russian market. The paintwork on this car is quite thin and not resistant to reagents and small stones. Even small chips on the hood or fender quickly begin to rust.
Wheel arches, sills and the bottom of doors are especially vulnerable. Owners often note that rust appears already after 3-4 years of operation if the car has not been additionally treated with anti-corrosion agent. The build quality of the body also leaves much to be desired: gaps may be uneven, and trim elements may come off.
Car windows are quite fragile and often crack when hit by small stones. The rear glass is especially vulnerable as it has a complex shape and high replacement costs. Body paint tends to fade in the sun, especially on the roof and hood.
- 🛡️ Be sure to apply anti-corrosion coating to the arches and sills immediately after purchase.
- 🧱 Cover the body with ceramics or protective film to prevent chips and scratches.
- 🔍 Regularly inspect the bottom and arches for chips and scratches in order to treat them in time.
| Body element | Possibility of corrosion | Average appearance time |
|---|---|---|
| Wheel arches | High | 3-4 years |
| Thresholds | Average | 5-6 years |
| trunk lid | Average | 4-5 years |
| Doors | Low | 7+ years |
How to fight rust?
If rust has already appeared, it is necessary to strip it down to the metal, treat it with a rust converter and apply several layers of primer and paint. Ignoring the problem will lead to rotting of the metal.
Fuel consumption and operation
Dynamic characteristics Nissan Murano Z51 excellent thanks to the powerful V6 engine, but this affects fuel consumption. In the urban cycle, real consumption is 15-18 liters per 100 km, and in traffic jams it can reach 20-22 liters. On the highway at a speed of 90-100 km/h, consumption drops to 10-12 liters.
Many owners try to reduce fuel consumption by using winter tires or changing their driving style, but the effectiveness of these measures is limited. The fuel tank capacity is 71 liters, which provides a range of about 400-500 km in the city and up to 700 km on the highway.
It is important to note that to reduce fuel consumption it is necessary to use high-quality fuel and regularly maintain the ignition and injection system. Dirty injectors or spark plugs can increase consumption by 10-15%.
- ⛽ Use fuel not lower than AI-95, since the V6 engine is sensitive to the quality of gasoline.
- 🚗 Avoid sudden acceleration and braking to reduce fuel consumption.
- 🔧 Clean the throttle body and injectors regularly to maintain optimal flow.
In winter, fuel consumption may increase due to engine warming up and the use of the stove. Also
The expected fuel consumption in the combined cycle is 13-15 liters per 100 km, which is the norm for a car of this class and engine size.
Choosing a car on the secondary market
When choosing Nissan Murano Z51 In the secondary market you need to be extremely careful. This is a car that was often used for taxi or business purposes, so the condition of examples can vary greatly. Pay attention to mileage, service history and accidents.
One of the main markers of a problem car is the presence of signs of engine or variator repair. If you see signs of the oil pan being opened or the timing belt being replaced, this is a reason to think. Also check the oil change history of the CVT.
It is important to check the condition of the body for signs of corrosion and repairs. If the car has been painted, this may indicate serious damage. Also pay attention to the condition of the interior, as this can reveal something about the previous owner's driving habits.
- 🔍 Check your car's history through services like Avtoteki or ProAuto.
- 🛠️ Conduct a complete diagnosis at an official dealer or specialized service.
- 📄 Request documents for oil and filter changes to ensure regular maintenance.
Don't chase the cheapest option. Cheapness often hides serious problems that can cost you more than paying more for a higher quality item. It is better to overpay for a car with a transparent history.
⚠️ Attention: Never buy a car without first having it diagnosed by an independent expert, especially if you do not have in-depth knowledge of the device Nissan Murano.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
What is the service life of the Jatco CVT on the Murano Z51?
With proper maintenance and oil changes every 50,000 km, the CVT resource can be 150,000 - 200,000 km. However, with aggressive driving and overheating, the service life may be reduced to 100,000 km.
Is it worth buying a Murano Z51 with over 200,000 km on the clock?
Buying a car with such mileage is fraught with risks. The V6 engine may still have a resource, but the CVT and suspension will require serious investment. It is recommended to buy a car with less mileage or be prepared for major repairs.
How often does the VQ35DE engine oil need to be changed?
Despite the factory's recommendations, experienced owners advise changing the oil every 7,000 - 10,000 km, especially in urban conditions and taking into account the quality of fuel in Russia.
What to do if the Check Engine light comes on?
Don't ignore the lamp. Most likely the problem is related to the ignition system, sensors or fuel system. It is necessary to conduct computer diagnostics to accurately determine the error.
Can I use winter tires on the Murano Z51?
Yes, it is possible and necessary. But it is important to choose tires with a load and speed rating that meet the manufacturer's requirements, since the car is heavy and powerful.