Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Nissan Murano owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2006 Nissan Murano. The contact stated while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and told the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The failure mileage was approximately 183,000.
drivers seat is not sitting right almost seems like it came unhinged. driving on a short distance Trip I noticed that every time I needed to turn and it the road was windy I could smell fuel and it seems like I was loosing gas as I was driving like it was punchard or spilling some how.. I'm no mechanic but as a pregnant woman I was absolutely nauseous from going only an hour away. also it seemed like I would periodically loose power and at one point actually had to pull over and let the vehicle air out and cool down. seems like the was a situation with the coolant as well had to replace the cap and it looks as though that had been a issue with the previous owner as well.
Exhaust manifold is cracked. Exhaust gases leak in through vent when ac is on and air is coming from outside. Extreme health hazard! Up to two engine mounts are broken. Oil leaks from boot. Drivers seat bracket is broken. Electrical on the drivers seat fried.
Took vehicle in for repairs for oil leaks, lights, trunk release, vehicle running like a truck, A/C, radio,transmission and camera display in car. Was told trunk release , motor, and transmission problems, and lighting couldn't be duplicated. The same day I picked up my vehicle turn vehicle off close the drivers door and head and rear lights shut off, close my trunk and again head and rear lights went off. Took vehicle to another dealer and showed the service advisor my concerns informed me a dianogstic test would cost $270 if couldn't find anything wrong, and I couldn't be take home because it was over 10 miles, and advisor suggested taking car closer to where I lived. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle jerked and stalled at the same time, the check engine light illuminated while the failure occurred. The failure was experienced several times. On one occasion, the vehicle jerked and crashed into a cement wall while the contact attempted to park. The contact thought that the failure was a driver's error. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and denied assistance with repairs because the VIN was not included in the recall associated with NHTSA campaign id number 09V169000 (engine and engine cooling). The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000 and the current mileage was 94,000.
Upon starting cold engine a loud tapping or rattling sound heard coming from front of car. Sound increases when accelerating until reaching 40 to 45 MPH - then it almost disappears. Once engine is warm sound is barely noticeable. It also takes a lot of strength to turn the steering wheel left, ex: when backing out of the driveway into the street, or when turning left into a driveway or a parking space. It feels like there is no power steering. Slight left turns are normal as are all right turns. Vehicle is going into dealer Tuesday which is their first opening. I will update this once it is determined what is causing the problem /problems.
We first started having issues with the ignition coils and spark plug going bad, causing our car to stop and shake. Had them replaced and a month later the car started making an ungodly rattle noise. Almost like a loud fan type noise. It gets louder the more you drive it. The several different shops that looked at it. All said the same thing, the lifters needed to be replaced and fast. And said unfortunately it was just a matter of time. Before my axle and navigation system went out mid drive. And I should contact you because this was Nissan issue to fix. And that we need to get rid of this death trap. Before it killed me and our family.
My 2006 Nissan Murano stopped in the middle of the road with no warning. I was almost rear ended by several cars and I had both of my kids in the backseat of the car. This is the third time that my car just dies while I was driving. This is so dangerous I hope Nissan corrects this problem before someone gets killed
The fuel sending unit have a problem and my gas gauge is not work right and passage side door lock don't work right when lock the with the remote are door switch and when I start the vehicle up it take a long time to start up in the winter morning or when I turn the vehicle off it don't start back upright away.
Tl contact owns a 2006 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The failure occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 65,000.
Related recalls
Engine and engine cooling
Nissan is recalling 362,891 my 2003-2007 murano vehicles. The intake air ducts, which are connected to the intermediate resonator in the air intake system of the engine, May separate from the resonator with engine movement.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace/repair the appropriate components free of charge. The recall began on September 24, 2009. Owners May contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
Engine complaints in other Murano years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2006 Nissan Murano?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2006 Nissan Murano, 4% of the model year's 803 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Nissan Murano engine problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 09V-169 (engine and engine cooling, May 19, 2009). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2006 Nissan Murano engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 94,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to engine & cooling 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.