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 2009 Nissan Murano owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owned a 2009 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the apartment building parking lot and turned off for approximately five hours, the vehicle caught fire and was destroyed. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. The cause of the fire was not determined. A fire report was taken at the scene that indicated the fire originated in the engine compartment. Two parked vehicles were also damaged during the incident. The contact indicated that the engine was recently replaced at the dealer days before the incident. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 94,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that months after she purchased the vehicle, while she was driving, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle started to jump. Additionally, the contact stated that on a separate occasion while driving, the vehicle intermittently went into Limp Mode and stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that assistance would not be provided. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.
I was driving down the highway. There were no warning lights on my dashboard aside from the TPMS light. There was a loud pop noise, so I pulled over to check it out. Within 30 seconds smoke came from under the hood and quickly turned from white to black. Then the vehicle caught on fire. It was completely burned with nothing but the trunk left in tact.
In June 2018, my car started stopping suddenly while driving. I took it to the mechanic who change my alternator. The problem persists. I change my brakes, still the problem persists. I took my car to the dealer , they informed me that my car has ABS module recalled and that was the problem. They changed it. The car could not drive out of the parking lot thus, I returned it to the service center. They diaganed transmission issues, they said they fix it. The car stop within three blocks and on the highway. I returned it back to Nissan service center, now, they said it's the alternator. I informed them that I have the alternator changed lest than 30 days. The car is a lemon because of the ABS module that Nissan canot fix or unable to fix. Every time that car is in motion, the ABS light turn on and the car stops abrutly. I have two teenagers who drives my car to go to school. …
Well lets start with the engine stalling and not being able to get on the highway cause the engine lacks the power to even move. The right passenger side air bag light keeps flasing no matter what it does'nt go off.there is a rattling noise coming from the rear right side under the carriage. The left rear tire it lobsided and when it rains the rear of the car feels like its on ice and sways side to side it's an accident waiting to happen the tire sensor light never goes off even if you inflate to proper range and dont get me started on the transmission slipping hope that some one in your company does something about these issues before someone gets seriously hurt you May end up in court fix them before some one gets hurt....all this in motion. Street and highway. Documentation yes the whole car is documentation.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Nissan Murano. While driving 60 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle accelerated instead. Each time the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle would accelerate at a high speed. The brake pedal was depressed to the floor. The contact placed the vehicle in park, but the engine kept revving. The contact was able to turn the vehicle off, but once it restarted, the rpms kept increasing and a popping sound was heard. The vehicle was turned off again and operated normally when it was restarted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was approximately 106,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2009 Nissan Murano. While driving at an unknown speed, the air conditioner started blowing hot air. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and attempted to turn off the vehicle, but it failed to turn off. The vehicle was taken to the dealer (lithia Nissan of fresno, 5580 n blackstone ave, fresno, ca 93710) and was informed that a fuse had to be pulled to stop the engine. The contact stated that the vehicle was still at the dealer for further diagnostic testing and repairs. The manufacturer had not been contacted. The failure mileage was 89,526.
The service engine soon light came on and the engine started to stumble as if it was fuel starved and was losing power and wanted to stall. Putting the car in neutral and goosing the gas at idle at traffic lights kept the vehicle going until I could get it to the dealership. The dealer replaced the cam and crank position sensors. One year later the same two parts failed and were replaced. They lasted less than one day and now the vehicle is at the dealership for major repairs because of either the parts or a combination of the parts and internal engine parts.
I was driving the car and stopped at a red light. When I hit the gas to go when the light turned green the car would not go. It took about 20 seconds before it would go and when it did it acted like I had my foot on the gas pedal which I did not. It has done this numerous times. I replaced the fuel pump and took it to a mechanic twice. Nothing that has been done has fixed the problem. I have almost been rear ended several times due the fact that the car stalls.
I own a Nissan Murano 2009, there is a problem with the electrical system: alternator/generator/regulator. The charger warning and brake warning lamps will immediately come on and the batter will begin to discharge. After a short time, the engine will go into a "fall safe" condition which will limit vehicle speed. The engine will stop running which could result in a crash. The only way to move the vehicle is to have it towed.
Engine complaints in other Murano years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2009 Nissan Murano?
NHTSA has 40 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2009 Nissan Murano, 6% of the model year's 635 complaints. The component named most often is engine (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2009 Nissan Murano engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2009 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 2009 Nissan Murano engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries 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.