Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Nissan Murano owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I purchased vehicle 2/9/2015 since than I have taken to get 2 total vehicle inspections. Both inspections I have been given two different estimated problems. When at a complete stop and trying to take off vehicle will not go, after about 15 to 20 seconds it will take off at a rapid speed which scares me to the point where I am glad it doesn't happen on expressway I know me and my 8 yr old would be injured. I have been told it could be the transmission and/or the trans case both I have looked up and omg more complaints than any vehicle I have ever owned. Second issue is, when turning a corner left or right it hesitates like it doesn't want to go, I have been told its the trans case. If Nissan knows there are issues with the CVT why haven't they done a recall, especially before someone dies with the delayed hesitation. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 15 MPH, the vehicle started to loose power and when the accelerator pedal was depressed, it did not respond. The steering ability became difficult to maneuver. The vehicle was powered off and restarted and the vehicle resumed to normal. In addition, all the warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was informed that the vehicle was repaired under a manufacturers recall related to the failure in 2005. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure occurred eighteen times. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
I was driving at about 30 MPH on a city street and all the dash lights came on including the brake light, car would not accelerate and steering wheel locked like it had no power steering. Pulled over, parked, turned off car, waited a minute. Turned car back on and all dash lights were off again. Drove for a mile to see if it would happen again and it did not. What the hell, @Nissan? I had my children in the car. That's not safe for a car to just turn off like that.
2004 Nissan Murano suffered complete steering failure. The steering wheel would turn freely but does not control the car. The result was a crash. There were no other cars in sight on a straight road traveling approximately 35 MPH. The SUV went off the road and hit a tree totaling the vehicle and injuring driver. Airbag injuries were not too bad but could have been worse if traveling at a higher speed.
The steering became extremely hard all of a sudden during driving. And ever since the problem persisted, it was very difficult (almost impossible) to make a big turn, on either side. This happened during parking, when the car was speeding up or slowing down (10 to 30 MPH) and also on highway (up to 65 MPH). Fortunately no accident happened but it is believed the car is not drivable under such condition.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Nissan Murano. While driving 45 MPH, the contact stated that the steering wheel would become loose and an abnormal noise could be heard from the steering wheel. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 174,000.
Whether I'm driving 70 MPH on the interstate or 20 down the street the car will randomly shut off and come to a complete stop and make whining noise until it comes to a complete stop. I have to shut the car off and turn it back on
I own a 2004 Nissan Murano. I have had this vehicle for less than a year (9months) and in the last 2 months I have noticed multiple issues...both my front windows roll down automatically after the car is turned off, the temp gauge on the mirror flashes 100 degrees, lastly-the most concerning is my steering! I heard popping for months and months, but most recently I could feel the power steering going out. I thought at first it was because of all the rain we had some high water over our road, but it continued. My brother is a certified mechanic and he added fluid to it which helped for a day or two then it went right back to being hard to steer, mostly turning left some right.we were driving over a bridge when we crossed the bridge joint passing oncoming traffic the wheel nearly jerked left out of my grip because of the problem. …
The first time that this issue happened I was driving down a mountain with lots of curves when the car lost power. I would press on the gas pedal but the car would not respond as I started to head into a curve all the lights in my center console came on and the car shut itself off. I quickly proceeded to put the car in neutral with one hand and with the other on the steering wheel driving the vehicle as I was going around a sharp curve. I was able to start it up again but this was in my opinion very dangerous. I took it to the Nissan dealership and they could not figure out what the issue. Some months later I was driving around town and my Murano would not move even though I was pressing the gas pedal all the way to the floor I pulled over to inspect the engine compartment to see if I could fined the problem. Finally after about 45 min. It regained the ability to move again. …
The pressure hose of the power steering is leaking extensively, to the point where it required the reservoir to be refilled an about 10 days. Upon closer inspection, the power steering fluid can be seen dripping onto the exhaust, creating smoke and a burning smell when outside the vehicle. This failure probably began several months ago, but the vehicle was already leaking oil from the upper oil pan (the aluminum shroud around the crank). Once the upper oil pan leak was fixed, the ps pressure hose leak became more evident. Apparently, this problem has gotten worse just recently, because I added some fluid to the ps reservoir when I fixed the upper oil pan, and much of this replaced fluid drained out within the following 10 days. Certainly not what I'd call a safe situation, and from reading the online forums on Nissan Murano's, it appears this is a common situation.
Steering complaints in other Murano years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2004 Nissan Murano?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the steering of the 2004 Nissan Murano, 4% of the model year's 678 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (4 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Nissan Murano steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2004 Nissan Murano, though it has 4 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 2004 Nissan Murano steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 98,000 miles, and 27% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 2 injuries to steering 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.