Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
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
The problem with my Nissan Murano like so many others is the transmission. I took it to the dealer and I wasted $125 dollars. I also contacted Nissan cooperate and they have not did anything. Nissan knows this is a manufactory problem and they will not acknowledge the problem. I am so frustrated with this problem I seen that they extended the warranty but I am 20,000 miles over it I need help
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. …
My 2003 Murano se/sl aawhen I first start the engine it makes a sound like it has no oil or engine is choking but its starts but if engine is idling for 5 mins or so its shut off but I can start it again but after when im driving engine just dies off amd wont start again for about 5 mins. That problems has been going on constantly when im on the road with my children or by myself last week I was driving my son to school and I was waiting to turn left and once I was turning my Murano died off in the middle of the road luckily the on coming traffic had a red light so I had a chance to push it of the intersection, one other time I was picking up dinner amd engine just died off on me while I was making a right turn and gear couldnt be released of drive and key wouldn't turn either some how while I was jerking the key I was able to shift to park and key was released that time I was lucky …
After driving in stop and go traffic or after driving long enough for the transmission to get warmed up, when accellerator is pushed the car is unresponsive for 5 to 10 seconds then suddenly lunges forward into traffic! This happens in all driving situations. The only requirement is the transmission needs to be driven enough to be warmed up. It is a known issue with this vehicle's CVT transmission failing! This is a major safety issue and all affected CVT's should be replaced or repaired! Nissan has recalled other vehicles that have the exact same transmission and experiencing the exact same issues but they have ignored taking responsibility for the 2003 Murano's transmission! Look here at your complaints and you will find hundereds of people claiming the same thing. …
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. …
I am pulling into the freeway in daly city and the vehicle will not engage transmission. I cruised going 10mph for a mile before I had to pull over on the freeway. I turned the vehicle off and sat there thinking on how to get home. After 10-15 minutes, I decided to drive the vehicle off the freeway. I parked the vehicle in the street and noticed the vehicle had power. I drove it to my technician that evening. Owner of the shop said it was very common and lucky that I did not have my family in the vehicle. The vehicle never revved even though I was stepping on the gas pedal. I have a 13 month old daughter and would not like to think what could of happened if I was stuck in an intersection on a busy street. These cars should be recalled since there are plenty of these cases online. …
The rear suspension member link which holds the suspension to the car rotted off and caused the suspension to fail. The remaining metal is severely rooted or perforated. There are several 2003 muranos on the road. Mine is always garaged and I have kept it well maintained since new. Nissanusa was called and they will do nothing to fix or pay to fix the problem. I surely would think this car could go for several more years before any problems with it. The entire car has no rust anywhere on it, so why did the rear suspension fail? I am wondering if in the early 2000's if this metal that was used was some of the batch that made them recall and replace a large number of pickup trucks too. I am wondering how many other Murano's have this problem or will. This is surely a safety issue for anyone who is driving a vehicle like this.. Please help.
My wife was driving down our road when the transfer case on her 2003 Nissan Murano locked up and locked the back wheels spinning her into the ditch and sign post. She wasn't hurt. I did alot of research on the problem, and it turns out that Nissan knows there was defective tranny and transfer cases on the 03, and 04 muranos. They even issued t.s.b.s to the dealers about the defect. My question is, why they aren't being held accountable to fix the problem? Why no recall? Isn't your job to make the auto makers make a safe product and when they don't, call them on their faults. I know that there are alot of Nissan owners like myself that are getting nowhere with Nissan. Our domestic auto makers have to live with recalls, why not Nissan?
Tl* the contact owns a 2003 Nissan Murano. The contact was driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle seized without warning. There was an unknown fluid leaking from the vents and smoke emitting from the transfer case. The vehicle was towed to a local mechanic shop where the contact was advised that the transfer case was defective and would need replacing. The contact stated she authorized the mechanic to replace the defective transfer case. The manufacturer was contacted and a complaint was filed but no further assistance was offered. The failure and current mileage was 112,000.
Related recalls
Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (PRNDL)
On certain sport utility vehicles, the nut that attaches the transmission gear selector shaft to the control valve lever in the transmission May not be adequately tightened. This could result in the transmission not actually being in the gear indicated by the gear selector lever.
Remedy: Dealers will check the affected nut in the transmission shift lever linkage, and tighten it if necessary. Owner notification began April 15, 2003.
Transmission complaints in other Murano years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2003 Nissan Murano?
NHTSA has 265 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2003 Nissan Murano, 33% of the model year's 800 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (157 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2003 Nissan Murano transmission problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 03V-123 (gear position indication (prndl), Mar 31, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2003 Nissan Murano transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 86,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to transmission & drivetrain 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.