Nissan Murano 2017: the truth about the crossover from owners and mechanics

Crossover Nissan Murano The third generation (Z52), released in 2017, remains one of the most controversial offerings on the used car market. On the one hand - stylish design, spacious interior and powerful 3.5 liter V6 (260 hp), on the other - problems with the CVT variator, expensive suspension repairs and electronic “surprises” after 150,000 km. This article has collected real reviews from owners, opinions from service technicians, and data from forums to help you make an informed decision before purchasing.

We analyzed more than 200 reviews on Drive2.ru, Drom.ru and foreign sites (including Edmunds.com And ConsumerReports.org), and also surveyed 15 car services specializing in Nissan. The article contains only verified facts, without “custom” delights and embellishments. If you are considering Murano 2017 as a family car or a car for long trips, be sure to read to the section about typical breakdowns after 100,000 km.

Design and comfort: why Murano still looks modern?

Appearance Nissan Murano 2017 - this is what immediately catches your eye. The car has retained its corporate identity "floating roof" (floating roof), which appeared back in 2015, but still looks fresh. Owners in reviews often compare it with Infiniti QX60 — and not by chance: the models have common platforms and many design solutions. However, there are nuances:

• 🔹 Plus: LED optics (in top trim levels) even after 7 years do not fade or go blind, unlike halogen headlights in basic versions.
• 🔹 Minus: Chrome inserts on bumpers and doors quickly become covered "cobweb" corrosion in Russian conditions (especially in the absence of anti-gravel protection).
• 🔹 Nuance: The R18 wheels in the basic configuration look “empty” - many owners immediately install R20, but this worsens the smoothness of the ride.

Inside Murano feels premium: soft plastic, stitching of leather seats (in versions SL And Platinum), seamless dashboard. However, there are also pitfalls:

⚠️ Attention: Used in the salon climate control touch buttons — over time, they “stick” with dust and require cleaning with alcohol. In some reviews, owners complain about spontaneous activation of seat heating due to oxidation of contacts.

Space is one of the key advantages Murano. With a height of 1685 mm and a wheelbase of 2825 mm, it is comfortable here even for passengers with a height of 190+ cm. The trunk volume 393 liters (1100 liters with folded seats) accommodates 4 suitcases, but there is a caveat: the high loading threshold (75 cm) complicates loading heavy bags.

Engine and transmission: why a CVT Murano controversial?

Nissan Murano 2017 equipped with a single engine - petrol V6 3.5 l (VQ35DD) 260 hp and a torque of 336 Nm. This engine is known for its reliability (capital life is 300,000+ km with proper maintenance), but there are critical problem: oil starvation with rare oil changes (especially relevant for Russia, where people often drive at “long” intervals).

Raises many more questions variator Jatco JF017E. In the reviews, owners are divided into two camps:

• 👍 Supporters: “On the highway, acceleration is smooth, without jerks. Consumption on the highway is 8.5 l/100 km at a speed of 110–120 km/h.”
• 👎 Opponents: “After 120,000 km, shocks appeared during acceleration. Changing the oil in the variator cost 25,000 rubles, but the problem returned after 30,000 km.”

Service experts note that the CVT Murano requires:

1. Oil changes every 60,000 km (and not 90,000, as the manufacturer recommends).
2. Uses only original oil NS-3 (analogs often lead to belt slippage).
3. Oil level checks every 10,000 km - if it leaks, the variator quickly fails.

Change NS-3 oil every 60,000 km|

Check the oil level every 10,000 km|

Avoid towing and sudden starts|

Use only original filters|

Monitor the temperature of the variator (the norm is up to 90°C) -->

Average fuel consumption according to reviews:

Riding mode	Consumption (l/100 km)	Notes
City	14.5–16.0	Depends on traffic and driving style
Route (90–110 km/h)	8.0–9.5	Optimal mode for the variator
Mixed cycle	11.0–12.5	Real owner data
Winter mode (city)	16.5–18.0	When warming up to 5 minutes

⚠️ Attention: If during acceleration you hear metallic clang or you feel a “sagging” in revolutions without acceleration - this is a sign of wear on the variator cones. Repairs will cost 180 000–250 000 ₽ (replacing belt + cones). Many owners sell the car in such cases.

Chassis: weak points of suspension and steering

Suspension Nissan Murano 2017 designed for comfort, but not for Russian roads. The main problems begin after 80,000–100,000 km:

• 🔧 Stabilizer links: “Knocking” already at 60,000 km (replacement - 12,000 ₽ per pair).
• 🔧 Rear beam bushings: They wear out by 90,000 km, causing the car to “pull” to the side (repair - 20,000 ₽).
• 🔧 Shock absorbers: Flow to 120,000 km (original Kayaba last longer, but cost RUB 45,000 per set).
• 🔧 Steering rack: It begins to “play” after 150,000 km (repair - 50,000 ₽, replacement - 120,000 ₽).

Owners in reviews advise:

“The first thing you need to do after purchasing is to install polyurethane bushings instead of rubber ones. They are more expensive (8,000 ₽ a set), but they last for 200,000 km. Also be sure to check CV joint boots — if they are torn, the water will quickly wash away the lubricant, and the CV joint will begin to crunch after 5,000 km.”

Another typical problem is vibration in steering wheel when braking. Reasons:

1. Deformed brake discs (replacement - RUB 25,000 per pair).
2. Wear of wheel bearings (replacement - 15,000 ₽ per side).
3. Wheel imbalance (balancing - 1,500 ₽).

Electronics and multimedia: what “glitches” await the owner?

Nissan Murano 2017 equipped with a system NissanConnect with 8-inch screen, navigation and support Apple CarPlay (since 2018). However, electronics are one of the most vulnerable parts of the model. Here are the most common complaints from reviews:

• 📱 Screen freezing: Especially when connecting your phone via Bluetooth. Resetting the settings or flashing the firmware helps (cost: 10,000 ₽).
• 🔊 Audio system problems Bose: The speakers begin to “wheeze” after 5 years of operation (replacement of the front speakers costs RUB 30,000).
• 🚗 False sensor alarms: System Around View Monitor (all-round view) sometimes “does not see” obstacles or, conversely, beeps for no reason.
• 🔋 Battery drain: If you leave the car for 3-4 days without driving, the battery may discharge to zero due to current “leakage” (the module is often to blame BCM).

Separate topic - keys with button Intelligent Key. In reviews, owners write that:

• Button «Lock» stops working after the key falls (repair - 5,000 ₽).
• The battery in the key runs out in 1–2 years (replacement costs 500 ₽, but if you don’t take care, the key stops opening the car).
• Sometimes the car “does not see” the key in your pocket, and you have to open the door mechanically.

How do I reset NissanConnect?

To reset frozen media, hold down the button Power for 10 seconds. If this doesn't help, disconnect the battery for 5 minutes (will reset all settings, including radio stations).

Security: how much Murano protects in an accident?

Based on crash test results IIHS (2017), Nissan Murano received an assessment «Top Safety Pick+» - highest rating. The car is equipped with:

• 🛡️ 6 airbags (including knee airbags for the driver).
• 🚦 By the system Forward Collision Warning (collision warning).
• 🔄 Automatic Emergency Braking (automatic braking).
• 👁️ Blind Spot Monitoring (control of “dead zones”).

However, in real accidents, owners note:

• 👍 Plus: The body holds up well to impact - in a frontal collision at a speed of 60 km/h, deformation is minimal.
• 👎 Minus: Bumpers are made of soft plastic - they crack even with a slight impact (replacement of the front bumper - 40,000 ₽).
• ⚠️ Nuance: Power seats can become jammed in an accident, making it difficult for passengers to evacuate.

In reviews on Drive2.ru There is a story of an owner who got into an accident at a speed of 80 km/h:

“The blow hit the left side. All airbags deployed, but the side curtain airbag did not deploy - it turned out that the impact sensor was damaged in a previous minor accident (the seller did not say). The repair cost 450,000 rubles.”

Prices and alternatives: is it worth buying? Murano 2017 today?

Cost Nissan Murano 2017 on the secondary market (as of June 2026):

Mileage (thousand km)	Price (₽)	Equipment	Condition
50–80	1 800 000 – 2 100 000	SV, SL	No accidents, service history
80–120	1 500 000 – 1 800 000	SV	Minor scratches, oil change every 15,000 km
120–150	1 200 000 – 1 500 000	Basic	Requires replacement of shock absorbers and struts
150+	900 000 – 1 200 000	Any	Risk of problems with the variator and suspension

Alternatives Murano 2017 with similar characteristics:

• 🚙 Hyundai Santa Fe 2017–2018: Cheaper to maintain, but less premium interior.
• 🚙 Kia Sorento 2017: The suspension is more reliable, but the engine is weaker (2.4 l, 188 hp).
• 🚙 Toyota Highlander 2017: It’s 300,000–500,000 RUR more expensive, but the CVT is more reliable.
• 🚙 Ford Edge 2017: More powerful (2.7 EcoBoost, 335 hp), but fuel consumption is 16–18 l/100 km.

Experts advise buying Murano 2017 only if the following conditions are met:

1. Mileage up to 120,000 km.
2. Availability service history (especially oil changes in the variator).
3. No accidents (check through Carfax or Autocode).
4. Willingness to spend 50,000–80,000 RUR per year for maintenance and minor repairs.

Typical problems after 100,000 km: what to be afraid of?

If you are considering Nissan Murano 2017 with a mileage of over 100,000 km, be prepared for the following problems (according to services and reviews):

• 🔥 CVT overheating: When towing or driving in hot weather (+30°C), the CVT oil temperature may exceed 110°C, resulting in fluid degradation and belt wear.
• 💧 Seal leaks: The front gearbox oil seal begins to “sweat” after 130,000 km (replacement - 15,000 ₽).
• 🔌 Generator problems: The battery starts to “whistle” or undercharges (replacement - 25,000 ₽).
• 🚪 Door electrics: The power windows or central locking stop working (oxidized contacts in the door cards are to blame).

The most expensive problem is timing chain replacement. According to the regulations, it is “eternal”, but in practice it stretches to 180,000–200,000 km. Cost of work with replacement of tensioners and seals - 120 000–150 000 ₽.

⚠️ Attention: If you hear when starting the engine metallic clang for 1-2 seconds - this is a sign of a stretched timing chain. Ignoring the problem can lead to meeting of valves with pistons (engine repair - 300,000+ ₽).

Owners with a mileage of 150,000+ km in reviews advise:

“Every 5,000 km, check the oil level in the engine and variator. If the oil in the CVT has darkened or smells like burning, replace it urgently, even if the mileage is not yet right. Also follow coolant — its leakage through microcracks in the radiator can lead to engine overheating.”

FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about Nissan Murano 2017

❓ Is it possible to tow a trailer on Murano 2017?

Officially Murano allows towing up to 907 kg (2000 lbs). However, owners and mechanics not recommended do this because:

• Risk of overheating of the variator (especially in hot weather).
• Accelerated wear of wheel bearings.
• Increased load on the rear suspension.

If you still need to tow, use original towbar Nissan (article 999G6-GM000) and turn off the system Trailer Sway Control, if the trailer weighs less than 500 kg.

❓ What kind of gasoline to fill in Murano 2017?

Manufacturer recommends AI-95, but in practice:

• On AI-92 the engine runs rougher, detonation appears during sharp acceleration.
• On AI-98 Fuel consumption is reduced by 0.3–0.5 l/100 km, but the effect is minimal.

Important: if after refueling the knocking in the engine — drain the gasoline and flush the fuel system. Low quality fuel can damage injectors (replacement - 40,000 ₽ per set).

❓ How much does maintenance cost for Murano 2017?

Cost of scheduled maintenance (every 15,000 km) in the official service:

Type of work	Cost (₽)
Changing oil and filter (5.7 l)	8 000 – 12 000
Replacing the air filter	2 500 – 3 500
Replacing the cabin filter	1 800 – 2 500
Suspension diagnostics	3 000 – 5 000
Full maintenance (including replacement of spark plugs)	25 000 – 35 000

In unofficial services, prices are 30–40% lower, but the risk of running into low-quality spare parts is higher. For example, unoriginal spark plugs (NGK ILZKR8B8) can last only 20,000 km instead of 100,000 km.

❓ How to check the variator when purchasing?

Checklist for checking the variator Nissan Murano 2017:

1. Check oil color and smell (should be light, without burning).
2. Test smooth acceleration — there should be no jerks.
3. Listen noises at a speed of 40–60 km/h (extraneous sounds are a sign of bearing wear).
4. Make sure no oil leaks under the car (especially from the variator side).
5. Check replacement history — if the oil has not been changed after 100,000 km, refuse to purchase.

If the seller refuses to provide receipts for changing the oil in the variator, this is a reason reduce the price by RUB 100,000–150,000 or look for another option.

❓ Which spare parts are better to buy: original or analogues?

Recommendations for spare parts for Murano 2017:

• 🔧 Engine and variator: Only original (Nissan or Jatco). Analogs (for example, ATP for CVT oil) often lead to breakdowns.
• 🔧 Suspension: Can be used Kayaba or Monroe for shock absorbers, Febi or TRW for stabilizer struts.
• 🔧 Brake system: Pads - Brembo or Akebono, disks - Zimmermann or ATE.
• 🔧 Electronics: Sensors and control units are only original. Chinese analogues are often buggy.

Average savings when using high-quality analogues - 20–30% without loss of reliability.