Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | 20% | — |
| 2024 | 1 | 20% | 4,000 miles |
| 2021 | 1 | 6% | — |
| 2020 | 1 | 2% | 0 miles |
| 2019 | 1 | 2% | 3,000 miles |
| 2018 | 5 | 4% | 20,000 miles |
| 2017 | 5 | 5% | 103,000 miles |
| 2016 | 14 | 13% | 45,000 miles |
| 2015 | 20 | 10% | 58,000 miles |
| 2014 | 8 | 6% | 126,000 miles |
| 2013 | 7 | 9% | 7,000 miles |
| 2012 | 14 | 10% | 50,000 miles |
| 2011 | 7 | 5% | 94,000 miles |
| 2010 | 10 | 5% | 75,000 miles |
| 2009 | 40 | 6% | 75,000 miles |
| 2007 | 71 | 11% | 109,000 miles |
| 2006 | 35 | 4% | 94,000 miles |
| 2005 | 51 | 5% | 68,000 miles |
| 2004 | 82 | 12% | 87,000 miles |
| 2003 | 137 | 17% | 80,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
While driving my new 2025 Nissan Murano (owned for 3 weeks), I parked the vehicle and exited. I realized the car was sticking out into traffic, so I got back inside to restart it. When I attempted to start the vehicle, the dashboard displayed the message: "Warning: Key system error - see owner's manual" and the car would not start. The vehicle remained disabled for at least 10 minutes while partially obstructing traffic, creating a safety hazard. I contacted the dealership immediately, and they advised me not to drive the car until it could be inspected. The vehicle was towed to the dealership, where it was held for 24 hours. …
[redacted] at 1378 miles received a malfunction warning light for lane departure. [redacted] at 1875 miles pulling out from my home to Railroad Street the engine started sounding really loud like a motorcycle engine and started to decelerate which could have caused an accident. Video was taken, vehicle was taken to Matt Bowers Nissan 7/11/25 and states issue could not be duplicated and that the engine noise is normal. Engine sounds really loud each time the vehicle is started and again was told by Service Technician Foreman Ken that he has seen similar vehicles with the same problem, and this is normal and preceded to tell me about other noises that I will here that is also normal. Here a sound like valves is tapping. New vehicle should be quiet, and this one is very noisy.
Car was parked for two hours in a private parking space. Onlooker reported seeing it on fire and called 911. Car was completely destroyed by fire. Insurance company reported it was related to this recall.
NHTSA Vehicle Safety Complaint - 2018 Nissan Murano Submitted by: [redacted] Vehicle: 2018 Nissan Murano VIN: [redacted] Mileage at time of issue: Approx. 93,500 miles Location: Albuquerque, NM Date of issue onset: [redacted] Summary of the Problem: Shortly after my vehicle was serviced at a Nissan dealership, it began exhibiting serious mechanical and electrical issues. These include: - Transmission jerking and slipping between gears - Uncommanded RPM surging while accelerating - Occasional loss of power, particularly at highway speeds - Dashboard flickering, resetting, and other electrical irregularities - Brake caliper drag and significantly reduced gas mileage Third-Party Diagnosis: A certified independent repair shop reported the following: - Transmission malfunction (needs full replacement) - Dragging brake caliper - Engine overfilled with oil - Erratic RPM behavior Despite these …
The contact's mother owns a 2017 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that on numerous occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated and stalled. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that after a few hours, the vehicle was able to be restarted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the failure could not be duplicated; however, the contact was informed that the catalytic converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where the catalytic converter was replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.
The contact owns a 2017 Nissan Murano. The contact stated she and her son were getting sick due to " silent fumes" entering the vents of the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact sought medication attention for headaches, high blood pressure, and dizziness. The contact took the vehicle to the local dealer, where a failure was not determined. The dealer replaced the air cabin filter and the engine filter but she continued to experience the same symptoms. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and started to coast. The contact had the vehicle towed to the dealer, and the dealer determined there was corrosion on the battery terminals. The battery cables were repaired. The dealer also mentioned potential engine failure. The engine was not repaired. The failure occurred 3 times. The contact stated that after the second failure, the vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the dealer was unable to identify the cause of the failure. The contact inquired about NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V774000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Hybrid Propulsion System). The dealer confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. …
The contact owns a 2016 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that water was leaking into the front driver's side of the vehicle. Additionally, the engine was making a grinding sound and vibrating while attempting to accelerate. The vehicle also had an oil leak from the transfer case. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer who replaced the transfer case however, the leak recurred approximately a month later. The repair was completed again however, the vehicle was still emitting an abnormal sound. The contact was also informed that the torque converter needed to be repaired. The contact was informed that the torque converter was not damaged enough to be replaced. The contact took the vehicle to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the transaxle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.
Related recalls (2)
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 and engine cooling
On certain passenger vehicles, the circuit board for the crank position sensor or cam position sensor May have an improper solder joint due to solder deformation caused by heat stress accelerated by the existence of flux residue during the soldering process.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the crank position sensors. Camshaft position sensor(s), and in some cases, the variable timing control sensor(s).
Frequently asked questions
Which Nissan Murano years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2003 (137), 2004 (82), 2007 (71), 2005 (51) and 2009 (40) model years. Engine complaints make up 17% of all complaints for the 2003.
Is there a recall for Nissan Murano engine problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 09V-169 (engine and engine cooling, May 19, 2009); 03V-455 (engine and engine cooling, Nov 17, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Nissan Murano engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles; 25% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (25 mentions), followed by the exhaust system (11).
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.