Nissan Murano: honest reviews from owners about the pros and pitfalls

Crossover Nissan Murano It has long become a cult car on the Russian market - its recognizable design, spacious interior and powerful engines have been attracting attention for more than 20 years. But what do those who use it every day say about the car? In this article we have collected real owner reviews different generations - from Z51 (2015–2020) to current Z52 (from 2021) - to help you decide whether this crossover is worth buying.

We analyzed hundreds of comments on forums, social networks and review services (including Drive2, Avto.ru And Drom.ru), highlighted key benefits And common problems, and also compared subjective impressions with technical characteristics. Particular attention was paid to such aspects as Fuel consumption in the urban cycle exceeds the rated values by 20–30% when using 92-octane gasoline, reliability of the variator Jatco JF011E and real engine life VQ35DE.

1. Design and comfort: why the Murano stands out from the competition

Appearance Nissan Murano has always been his thing. The owners note that even after 5–7 years of operation, the crossover does not lose relevance thanks to futuristic body lines and premium optics. For example, restyled version Z51 (2018) with LED headlights and chrome inserts still looks more expensive than many of its classmates.

In the salon, owners praise:

• 🪑 Ergonomic seats with good lateral support (especially in versions with leather trim Premium).
• 🎛️ Convenient location of controls — climate control and multimedia buttons are intuitive.
• 🔇 High level of sound insulation — on the highway at 120 km/h the cabin is quieter than Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V.
• 📦 Volume trunk (up to 1,890 liters with seats folded) - owners can easily transport bicycles or furniture from IKEA.

However, there is also criticism: plastic on the dashboard and door panels of the basic trim levels (SL) seems cheap, and the dashboard lighting is dim in sunny weather. Some owners complain about plastic squeaks after 30–40 thousand kilometers, especially in cold weather.

2. Engine and transmission: VQ35DE resource and “weak points” of the variator

Heart Murano - petrol V6 3.5 VQ35DE (249 hp) - has earned the reputation of a “millionaire”. The owners confirm that when timely service (oil change every 7–8 thousand km, original filters) the engine easily lasts 300–400 thousand km without major repairs. For example, on Drive2 there are reviews about runs of 500+ thousand km on Murano Z50 (2008–2014).

But there are nuances:

• ⚠️ Timing chain problems after 150 thousand km - stretching leads to an error P0011 (phase shift). Solution: replacing the chain and tensioners (~40 thousand rubles).
• 🔥 Overheating during traffic jams - the fault of a weak radiator. Owners recommend installing an additional fan or radiator from Infiniti QX60.
• 🛢️ Oil consumption (up to 1 liter per 5 thousand km) after 200 thousand km - typical for VQ-series.

The main “sore” question is variator Jatco JF011E. Reviews are divided: 60% of owners praise the smooth ride, but 40% have encountered problems:

Problem	Reason	Repair cost	How to avoid
Jerks during acceleration	Worn belt or cones	80–150 thousand rubles.	Change oil every 60 thousand km (original NS-3)
Hum/whistle	Bearing failure	30–50 thousand rubles.	Avoid abrupt starts
Overheating	Clogged variator radiator	10–20 thousand rubles.	Flush the radiator every 100 thousand km

⚠️ Attention: If the variator starts to “kick” or there is a burning smell, go immediately for diagnostics! Delay risks replacing the variator assembly (~300 thousand rubles).

Change NS-3 oil every 60 thousand km |

Checking the oil level with a dipstick once a month |

Avoid towing and sudden starts|

Install an additional cooling radiator (for hot climates)

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3. Fuel consumption: real numbers vs passport data

Official expense Murano 3.5 V6 — 10.5 l/100 km in the combined cycle. But the owners in the reviews write different numbers:

• 🏙️ City (traffic): 14–16 l/100 km on 92 gasoline, 12–14 l on 95 gasoline.
• 🛣️ Route (110–130 km/h): 8.5–9.5 l/100 km.
• ❄️ Winter (warm up): up to 18 l/100 km at −20°C.

Saving secret: owners recommend:

1. Use 95 gasoline (consumption is reduced by 10–15%).
2. Disable 4WD Auto in the city - four-wheel drive increases appetite by 1-2 liters.
3. Monitor tire pressure (optimally: 2.3 bar front, 2.1 rear).

When using gas equipment (4th generation gas equipment), propane consumption is 16–18 l/100 km in the city, but the savings compared to gasoline reach 40–50%. However, owners warn: installing LPG will void the warranty on the engine and variator.

4. Cross-country ability and control: what owners say about behavior on the road

Nissan Murano positioned as a “SUV”, but with an all-wheel drive system All-Mode 4x4-i it copes well off-road. Owners share their experience:

• 🏔️ Mud/snow: Drives on forest roads and muddy ground thanks to its 180 mm ground clearance and short overhangs.
• ❄️ Winter operation: Stable on ice with studded tires, but ESP sometimes reacts abruptly — it is recommended to turn it off in parking lots.
• 🛣️ Route: At a speed of 140+ km/h, a “floating” effect appears - the fault of the soft suspension.

The disadvantages include:

• 🌀 Large turning radius (6.1 m) - inconvenient in tight yards.
• 🚗 Weak brakes with frequent descents from the mountains (the discs overheat).

⚠️ Attention: When driving in deep snow (>30 cm) Murano “buries” due to the low location of the air intake. Owners advise installing a “snow plow” on the bumper.

5. Typical problems and maintenance costs

Analysis of reviews revealed 5 most common breakdowns Nissan Murano:

1. Rear gearbox oil seal leaking (after 100 thousand km) - repairs cost 15–20 thousand rubles.
2. Throttle Position Sensor Failure (error P0120) — replacement of the sensor ~5 thousand rubles.
3. Corrosion of thresholds and arches - especially for cars 2015–2017. (poor galvanization).
4. Multimedia system failures (NissanConnect) - resetting or flashing helps.
5. Wheel bearing wear (crunching when turning) - replacement ~10 thousand rubles. per side.

Maintenance cost:

Type of work	Frequency	Cost (with spare parts)
Changing oil and filters	Every 10 thousand km	6–8 thousand rubles.
Replacing air and cabin filters	Every 20 thousand km	3–4 thousand rubles.
Replacing brake pads (front)	Every 40–50 thousand km	12–15 thousand rubles.
Suspension diagnostics	Every 30 thousand km	2–3 thousand rubles.

Owners advise to get service from official dealers the first 3–5 years (variator warranty is 150 thousand km), then switch to proven services with original spare parts. Average cost of ownership Murano — 150–200 thousand rubles. per year (including fuel, insurance and repairs).

Hidden costs when buying a used Murano

When buying a used Nissan Murano, pay attention to:

1. **The condition of the timing chain** - replacing it costs 50–70 thousand rubles, and ignoring the problem leads to valves meeting the pistons (~300 thousand rubles for repairs).

2. **Service history of the variator** - if the oil has not been changed every 60 thousand km, get ready for a major overhaul (~150–200 thousand rubles).

3. **Body corrosion** - for cars operated in regions with salt on the roads, the sills and side members rust (repair with painting ~100 thousand rubles).

4. **Suspension condition** - shock absorbers and silent blocks last 80–100 thousand km, replacing them will cost 50–80 thousand rubles.

6. Comparison with competitors: which is better - Murano, X-Trail or Hyundai Santa Fe?

Owners Nissan Murano it is often compared to other crossovers in the same class. Here are the key differences:

Parameter	Nissan Murano	Nissan X-Trail	Hyundai Santa Fe	Toyota Highlander
Engine	V6 3.5 (249 hp)	2.5 (171 hp) or 2.0T (249 hp)	2.5 (190 hp) or 2.2D (200 hp)	3.5 V6 (299 hp)
Fuel consumption (city)	14–16 l/100 km	10–12 l/100 km	11–13 l/100 km	15–17 l/100 km
Used price (2018, 80 thousand km)	2.2–2.5 million rub.	1.8–2.1 million rub.	2.0–2.3 million rub.	2.5–2.8 million rub.
Pros	Design, space, reliable engine	Economical, 7 seats	5 year warranty, diesel	Resource, all-wheel drive
Cons	Fuel consumption, CVT	Weak engine, noise insulation	Quality paintwork, electronics	Expensive maintenance, boring design

Conclusion: Murano wins against X-Trail in terms of comfort and dynamics, but loses in efficiency. Compared to Santa Fe at Nissan The engine is more reliable, but maintenance is more expensive. A Highlander superior in terms of resource, but much more expensive to purchase and maintain.

7. Owner reviews: real stories

We have selected several typical reviews from the forums:

Alexey, Moscow, Murano Z51 2016, mileage 120 thousand km:

“I bought a new one in 2016 and have never regretted it. The engine is just a tank, the variator changed the oil every 50 thousand km - no problems. Consumption on the highway is 9 liters, in the city 15 liters at 95. The only thing is that in winter at −25°C it is difficult to start, so I had to install a pre-heater. The design still gets compliments!”

Olga, Yekaterinburg, Murano Z52 2021, mileage 40 thousand km:

“I took it on credit because I really liked the interior - leather seats with heating/ventilation, a huge trunk. But after a year, plastic squeaks appeared, and the variator began to twitch. The official dealer said that this is the "norm" for Jatco. Consumption in the city of 16 liters is too much for such a car.”

Dmitry, Krasnoyarsk, Murano Z50 2012, mileage 280 thousand km:

“The machine is a workhorse! I didn’t open the engine, only changed the timing chain at 200 thousand km. The variator holds up, but I add oil every 40 thousand km. There is corrosion, but not critical. The main disadvantage is that it consumes gas like a truck, but it drives like a dream.”

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

❓ How long does the variator last on a Nissan Murano?

CVT resource Jatco JF011E depends on operating conditions:

• When regular oil changes (every 60 thousand km) and careful driving - 200–250 thousand km.
• When aggressive driving or ignoring maintenance - 100–150 thousand km.

Symptoms of wear: jerking, humming, burning smell. If they appear, go immediately for diagnostics!

❓ Is it possible to install HBO on Murano 3.5?

Technically yes, but:

• ✅ Pros: savings on fuel (up to 50%), increased range.
• ❌ Cons: The warranty for the engine and variator is void, the risk of engine overheating, and power reduction by 5–10%.

Owners recommend installing HBO only after 100 thousand km and use high quality propane (not lower than Euro 5).

❓ What kind of gasoline should I put in Murano - 92 or 95?

By passport Nissan Murano designed for 92 gasoline, but the owners note:

• On 95th the engine runs smoother, fuel consumption is reduced by 10–15%, and detonation is reduced.
• On 92nd “knocks” during sudden acceleration and increased consumption are possible.

Conclusion: if the difference in price between 92 and 95 is insignificant, it is better to use 95.

❓ Which tires are better to choose for Murano?

Owners' recommendations:

• 🌨️ Winter:
  • Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 - better handling on ice.
  • Michelin Pilot Alpin 5 - quiet, but more expensive.
• ☀️ Summer:
  • Continental ContiCrossContact LX2 — optimal balance of price and quality.
  • Pirelli Scorpion Verde - soft, but wears out quickly.

Size: 235/55 R20 (for Z52) or 235/65 R18 (for Z51). Pressure: 2.3 bar front, 2.1 rear.

❓ Is it worth buying a Murano with a mileage of more than 150 thousand km?

Purchase Murano with high mileage is justified if:

• 🔧 Yes full service history (receipts, records of oil changes in the variator and timing chain).
• 🔍 Conducted pre-sale diagnostics (especially the CVT and suspension).
• 💰 Are you ready to invest 50–100 thousand rubles. for prevention (replacement of all fluids, brake pads, filters).

The price of such a car is 1.2–1.5 million rubles. (for Z51 2015–2017). Alternative: Murano Z52 2020–2021 with a mileage of up to 50 thousand km for 2.5–2.8 million rubles.