Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2003 Nissan Murano owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While driving down the highway with my infant child the vehicle lost power I could not accelerate went from 75mph to a struggling 5mph. No matter how far I pressed the gas pedal there was no acceleration no revving of engine just complete nothing just pure panic. I was able to pull off to the side of the freeway in a not so safe place however I had no choice. I out hazard lights on and turned off the car. After waiting approx 5 min. I attempted to start car to no avail. The battery light as well as abs light stayed on. I again waited for another 5 -10 min and tried again nothing but same warning lights. I eventually had to wait for approx 45-_60 min when it finally started however I was only allowed to go no fastethan 5 mph. I was able to exit freeway where I parked car for several hours and walked home. Upon retrieving vehicle it still had same results. I drove home @ 5mph. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Nissan Murano. While driving various low speeds, the contact's vehicle independently accelerated in reverse and crashed into a parked vehicle. The contact shifted into park to avoid a potential crash, but the vehicle failed to stop. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was able to be driven from the scene. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent and first occurred two years ago. An independent mechanic was notified, but the failure could not be duplicated. A dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000. Consumer stated failure happened several times. Updated 12/11/18
Coming off exit ramp, stopped and turned left, was going around 25 MPH when the car surged forward, accelerated, RPM shot up. I had to slam on the brakes and put the car into neutral. The car then slowed and began driving normally. A week later, my wife and I were on the interstate going around 60 MPH when the car slowed down as though it was put into a low gear. We could only get it to go no more that 35 MPH. We pulled off on the shoulder and parked. The car would not start again. Had to tow it. About a month later, I was on the interstate going around 65 when the same thing happened as before, it went into a lower gear, lowering my speed to around 30 MPH which caused me to almost get hit from behind. Had it been a large truck it most likely would have hit me. I put it in neutral and pulled off to the shoulder. When I pulled out again, it drove at a normal rate of speed. …
Purchased this vehicle in 2012, used- bag an having issues immediately, including , no heat, stalling, windows rolling down on their own in winter- returned it to the dealer and they kept for 1 week, said there was nothing wrong except the fuel pump. We replaced it and trouble continued. Contacted Nissan and they said to take to dealer for diagnostic, a certified Nissan mechanic now looking it over and claims there is nothing wrong, we have thrown so much money into trying to get it to work. Overheats and can not climb even the smallest of incline without overheating, the Nissan company wants us yo pay for all the testing they require, we have been paying for a vehicle that is not drivable or reliable in any way- after 4 years there is still no answers as to why it will not run properly, so disappointing yo purchase a vehicle that looks good and is comfortable, and has become a lawn …
I was driving down a hill road, I decided to turn back, I performed a legal u turn and when I tried to reverse the accelerator would not perform its duty. I was going downhill and hit the dirt curb and almost went off the cliff if I had not pressed the emergency brakes. This is not the only incident. As I go on the freeway I am not able to accelerate from time to time because the step motor cannot perform its duty in making sure gears switch at a proper time. I went to a transmission expert and was told it was the step motor which affects the transmission. This part is in charge in making sure gears switch properly. I went online and I have seen that many people have issues with this same problem. I called a Nissan dealership and was told that since I had passed the 120K mileage mark they could no longer service my transmission within the warranty limits. …
On June 18th 2015 my car felt as if was losing power and then my brake light and battery came on. I came to a slow moving pace, like 10 MPH. Very dangerous I was on the highway. Lost all power. Would not crank. Replaced battery and worked for about 2 weeks and then again same thing. Could have really caused a bad accident.... Did some research and had alternator tested. Bad alternator. Replaced it. And again today same thing. This is so dangerous and getting to be very expensive. I see there was a recall about this issue but not my car. Very upset. Something needs to be done to correct this issue before someone causes an accident that could very well take someone's life. I have replaced the censor, battery and now two alternator's within 2 months.
Driving on a highway with children 65mph coming from airport, starting losing speed quickly, brake light and charging(battery) light came luckily made it side of highway despite, honking horns and screaming kids, someone could have been killed. This is on top of the acceleration problem where all of a sudden you will press on gas pedal and the car doesn't go and then suddenly lunges forward, I have almost been rear- ended on several occasions due to this. I have purchased new battery, alternator, etc. I have had the throttle sensor replaced. This car is so unsafe and has been a money pit. Many mechanics including Nissan mechanics say they test drive the vehicle and don't see the acceleration problem.
My 2003 Nissan Murano stalls out on me while driving, and multiple times just today 06/07/18 while driving at a normal speed limit, vehicle just slows down causing me to put my hazards. I was not able to accelerate. This is a hazard for myself and more important my children who ride in this vehicle with me. My VIN# does not have a recall, but reading other consumer's comments there is a major issue. It's my hope that this can be recalled so that we the consumer's will have a piece of mind and be safe while driving on the roads.
While driving on a city street car lost charge would drive very slowly about 1 mile per hour. Brake and battery light came on. Have already replaced battery and alternator about a year ago but when same thing happened today. Per the VIN my car has not been recalled. I'll have to get invoice from tire choice to show what I paid for alternator and battery. Thank you.
Driving came to a stop at a light car died. Restarted it, drove home. Car wouldn't start, replaced the fuel pump. Vehicle started was driving got on the freeway had no acceleration control, loud knocking noise all of a sudden, turned around went back home and before I got to my front door the radiator exploded! The whole top of it cracked open.
Acceleration complaints in other Murano years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 2003 Nissan Murano?
NHTSA has 58 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 2003 Nissan Murano, 7% of the model year's 800 complaints. The component named most often is accelerator pedal (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Nissan Murano acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for the 2003 Nissan Murano, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2003 Nissan Murano acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 98,000 miles, and 12% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to speed control & acceleration problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.