Crossover Nissan Murano third generation (index Z52) debuted in 2014 and was produced until 2023, offering customers a stylish design, a spacious interior and a hybrid version. However, over the years of operation, the owners have identified a number of systemic problems that can seriously hit the budget. This article doesn't just list weaknesses - it explains causes of malfunctions, shows symptoms in the early stages and gives practical recommendations for repairs.

Feature Murano Z52 is that his problems are often disguised as “little things”: for example, A leaking sunroof can lead to corrosion of the electronics in the ceiling within a year., and vibrations at speeds of 100+ km/h are a signal of imminent failure of the wheel bearings. We analyzed owner reviews, service center data and technical bulletins Nissan, to highlight critical components that require attention even with a mileage of 60,000 km or more.

1. Problems with the VQ35DD engine: oil burn and knocking of hydraulic compensators

Gasoline V6 3.5 l (VQ35DD) - main motor for Murano Z52 - is famous for its reliability, but has two fatal flaws. First - increased oil consumption (up to 1 liter per 1,000 km), which appears after 80,000–100,000 km. The reason lies in the design oil scraper rings and the crankcase ventilation system, which becomes clogged with deposits. Unlike earlier versions VQ35DE, this is where the problem gets worse direct injection, which accelerates the coking of the piston rings.

The second common defect is knocking of hydraulic compensators on a cold engine. Owners describe it as a “clunking sound under the valve cover” that goes away after it warms up. Official dealers often write this off as a “feature of operation,” but in fact it is a sign wear of plunger pairs or using low-quality oil. The solution is to replace the compensators (article no. 15208-4M50A for all 24 pieces) or switching to oil with a viscosity 5W-40 (For example, Mobil 1 ESP 5W-40).

  • 🔧 How to diagnose oil burner: check the oil level every 500 km (the chip should be between the marks MIN And MAX). If consumption exceeds 300 ml per 1,000 km, it is required decarbonization or repair.
  • 🛢️ Recommended oils: Idemitsu Zepro Touring 5W-30 (original for Nissan), Liqui Moly Top Tec 4200 5W-30.
  • ⚠️ What not to do: ignore the knocking of hydraulic compensators - this leads to camshaft wear and expensive repairs (from 80,000 rubles).
⚠️ Attention: If the indicator on the dashboard comes on Check Engine with code P0011 or P0021, this indicates problems with the variable valve timing system (VVT). Do not delay diagnostics - replacing the timing chain with Murano Z52 costs 120,000–150,000 rubles.
📊 How often do you check the oil level in Murano Z52?
  • Every 500 km
  • Every 1,000 km
  • Only before long trips
  • I never check

2. Jatco JF016E variator: overheating and jerking

CVT Jatco JF016E - one of the most controversial decisions in Murano Z52. It provides smooth acceleration, but is extremely sensitive to overheating and oil quality. Main symptoms of malfunctions:

  • 🔄 Jerks during acceleration (especially at speeds of 40–60 km/h) - a sign of wear variator belt or solenoids.
  • 🌡️ Overheating (oil temperature above 110°C) - leads to fluid degradation and scoring on the cones.
  • 🚨 Emergency mode (lights up Check Engine with code P17F0) - requires immediate stop.

The main mistake owners make is using universal transmission fluids. CVT JF016E requires only original oil Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3 (article KLE52-00004). Replacement every 60,000 km (and not 90,000, as the dealer advises!) Extends the life of the variator by 30–40%. If jerks have already appeared, it will help variator adaptation via a diagnostic scanner (for example, Launch X431).

Symptom Probable Cause Repair cost (RUB)
Jerks when switching Worn solenoids or belt 40 000–70 000
Noise when driving Shaft bearing wear 80 000–120 000
caught fire Check Engine (code P17F0) Overheating or low oil level 10,000–30,000 (oil change + diagnostics)
Vibrations at speeds of 100+ km/h Driveshaft imbalance 15 000–25 000

Check the oil level in the variator (should be between HOT MIN And HOT MAX)

Change the oil to Nissan NS-3 (if mileage > 60,000 km)

Check for errors using a scanner P17F0, P0776

Check the variator cooling radiator (often clogged with dirt)

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3. Electronics: multimedia glitches and problems with sensors

Murano Z52 equipped with a system NissanConnect with an 8-inch screen, which is morally and technically obsolete by 2023. Main problems:

  • 📱 Freezes and reboots - associated with processor overheating or firmware damage.
  • 🔊 No sound - the amplifier is often to blame Bose (article 28560-4M50A).
  • 📡 Poor GPS reception — the antenna is located under the hatch, which sags over time.

The most dangerous thing is false sensor alarms. For example, tire pressure sensor (TPMS) may show a puncture at normal pressure due to corrosion of the contacts inside the wheel. A sensor steering angle (article 40520-4M500) often fails after 100,000 km, causing an error C1130 and shutdown ESP.

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If multimedia NissanConnect frozen, try resetting the settings: hold down the button Power for 10 seconds. If that doesn't help, disconnect the battery for 5 minutes.

Another "trick" Murano Z52 — sunroof leaks. Water gets through the seals and flows down the posts, causing corrosion of the connectors. body control module (BCM). Symptoms: headlights turning on spontaneously, power windows or central locking not working. The solution is to treat the seals with silicone grease (for example, CRC 5-56) and checking the drainage pipes.

4. Suspension: wheel bearings and stabilizer links

Suspension Murano Z52 designed for comfort, but not for Russian roads. First to give up:

  • 🔩 Wheel bearings - they begin to buzz already at 50,000–70,000 km. Replacement costs 15,000–20,000 rubles. per side (original article number 40520-4M500).
  • 🔧 Stabilizer links — they crunch when passing speed bumps. Change in pairs (article 54500-4M500).
  • 🛞 Shock absorbers - leak after 80,000 km. The best analogues: Kayaba or Monroe.

Deserves special attention rear springs. Due to the large mass of the crossover (from 1,800 kg), they sag by 10–15 mm already by 100,000 km, which leads to uneven tire wear. The solution is to install springs from Nissan Pathfinder R52 (article 54300-4M500), which are 5% stiffer.

⚠️ Attention: If the noise remains after replacing the wheel bearing, check drive shaft (article 39310-4M500). Its inner CV joint often wears out simultaneously with the bearing, but is diagnosed only during disassembly.

5. Hybrid version: problems with battery and inverter

Hybrid Murano Z52 (model Hybrid LE) equipped with a system e-Power with gasoline engine 2.5 MR20DD and an electric motor. Main weaknesses:

  • 🔋 Battery degradation — after 150,000 km, the capacity drops by 20–30%, which reduces the electric range.
  • ⚡ Inverter overheating - due to dust on the radiator (cleaning every 50,000 km is mandatory!).
  • 🚗 Vibrations when switching to petrol - requires flashing ECU (update HYB-2021).

The most expensive problem is battery replacement. Original battery (295B0-4M500) costs 400,000–500,000 rubles, but there is an alternative: recovery modules from GreenTec Auto (about 180,000 rubles). Signs of a "dying" battery:

  • Reduced power during acceleration.
  • Frequent switching to a gasoline engine.
  • Error P0A7F (low battery voltage).
How to extend the life of a hybrid battery

Regularly discharge and charge the battery to 80% (avoid constant charging from the mains).

Park in the shade - overheating reduces the life of lithium-ion cells.

Every 30,000 km, check the cell balance with a diagnostic scanner (for example, Autel MaxiSYS).

6. Body and interior: corrosion and squeaks

Despite galvanization, Murano Z52 susceptible to corrosion in several areas:

  • 🚗 Thresholds — rust from the inside after 3–4 years of operation (especially in regions with salt on the roads).
  • 🪟 Luke — the seal becomes dull, water gets into the cabin.
  • 🔥 Exhaust system — the muffler burns out after 100,000 km (original 20600-4M500 costs 45,000 rubles).

The main problems in the cabin:

  • 🪑 Front seat squeaks - can be solved by lubricating the guides (WD-40 Specialist).
  • 🌬️ Wind noise at speeds of 120+ km/h — the door seals are to blame (part number 80210-4M500).
  • 🔥 Steering wheel overheating - due to a faulty heating element (a common problem in cold weather).

To protect against corrosion it is recommended:

  1. Process thresholds ML-mastic (For example, Tectyl ML).
  2. Tape the hatch 3M Scotch Weld for sealing.
  3. Install mudguards (part no. 62600-4M500).
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Annual treatment of thresholds with anti-corrosive agent increases the service life of the body by 30–40%. Use zinc soils (For example, Body 930) for local rust spots.

7. Brake system: pad wear and ABS

Brakes Murano Z52 designed for the heavy weight of the crossover, but have their weak points:

  • 🛑 Front pads wear out within 20,000–30,000 km (original 40520-4M500, analogue - TRW GDB1746).
  • 🔄 Rear discs often warp due to overheating (replace in pairs!).
  • 🚨 ABS error (code C1130) - caused by corrosion of the sensors on the hubs.

Features of the hybrid version - regenerative brakingwhich increases the load on the rear pads. They need to be checked every 15,000 km! Signs of wear on ABS sensors:

  • The indicator is on ABS on the panel.
  • A "crunching" sound is heard when braking at low speed.
  • The brake pedal became "wobbly".

To change the brake fluid, use DOT 4 (article KLE22-00002). Replacement is required every 2 years, even if the mileage is low - the liquid is hygroscopic!

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the Nissan Murano Z52

❓ How often do you need to change the oil in the variator?

The official regulation is 90,000 km, but for Russian conditions it is recommended every 60,000 km. Use only Nissan CVT Fluid NS-3. For aggressive driving or frequent traffic jams, reduce the interval to 40,000–50,000 km.

❓ Why does the suspension rattle on bumps?

In 90% of cases they are to blame stabilizer links (crunching sound when driving over bumps) or wheel bearings (humming at speed). Less commonly, worn-out silent blocks of the front levers. Diagnose on a lift or overpass.

❓ Is it possible to drive with error P0011?

Code P0011 indicates a problem with the system VVT (adjustment of valve timing). You can drive, but can't be ignored - this leads to increased fuel consumption and engine wear. Causes: dirty oil, worn timing chain or solenoid VVT (article 13810-4M50A).

❓ How long does a hybrid battery last?

Average life of the original battery - 200,000–250,000 km. The period depends on:

  • Climate (frost reduces resources).
  • Driving style (frequent acceleration/braking accelerates degradation).
  • Maintenance (cleaning contacts and balancing cells prolongs life).

Signs of wear: loss of power, frequent starting of the gasoline engine, error P0A7F.

❓ How to remove vibrations at a speed of 100–120 km/h?

Vibrations are caused by:

  1. Wheel imbalance (needs balancing).
  2. Worn wheel bearings (humming at speed).
  3. Bent driveshaft (check after hitting the suspension).
  4. Warped brake discs (especially after overheating).

First check your tire balance and pressure. If the vibration remains, diagnose the suspension on a bench.