Want a Reliable Nissan Murano? Avoid These Years Like the Plague (2024)

You are not alone if you’re eyeing the Nissan Murano as your next ride. This mid-size SUV comes with so much: its sleek design, comfortable interior, and strong record for reliability as a family vehicle. At the same time, just like other models, the Murano has gone through its glitches. To help you decide, we are digging into the Nissan Murano years you might want to avoid, as well as some of the most common issues owners report. Quick Answer: The Nissan Murano Years to Avoid

Years you should avoid buying a Nissan Murano include 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2009 models. Various reviews and complaints have highlighted such models on issues ranging from transmission failure to disputed comfortable seating. While these could be corrected and fixable, they might cost an arm and a leg in the long run.

Worst Years For Nissan Murano

For many model years, the Nissan Murano has been good and evil. With stylish designs and a comfortable ride, some model years have been affected by nagging problems that turn off several buyers. Some have transmission failures, while others have very uncomfortable seating.

Every year, those very peculiar problems can affect reliability and the overall ownership experience. Knowing these common problems can help you decide if you’re considering a used Murano. Let’s dive into the details about what is wrong with each model year.

1. 2003 Nissan Murano

This model’s first series came in very problem-ridden. Transmission problems were the most frequently stated problem by owners of this model; it may fail, thus requiring costly repairs. In like fashion, the alternator tended to malfunction, leaving one with a dead battery.

The seats were also very uncomfortable, especially on long drives. Despite its stylish look, these problems made the 2003 Murano a less reliable option for the buyer.

• Transmission Failure: This has been the most complained-about issue concerning the vehicle and has been a real headache for some owners. It tends to suffer from power train failure, which includes transmission failure, and repairing or replacing it can be very expensive.
• Alternator Problems: Another common problem area is with the alternator. The alternator keeps up the voltage in your car’s battery. There are a lot of owner reports of early failure of this part, leaving them stranded.
• Uncomfortable Seats: Finally, owners have reported that the seats are painful on long drives.

2. 2004 Nissan Murano

Some carryovers from those problems in the previous model year were still found in the 2004 Murano. One of these was visibility due to the placement of the rearview mirror, which makes a blind spot where it is tough to see an oncoming vehicle. The power train problems persisted, with several reports of transmission problems.

Even the electrical system needed to be more reliable, as many different types of lights and sensors failed when most needed. In addition to the seating discomfort, these made the 2004 model a headache for a car.

• Blind Spots: The placement of the rearview mirror creates a big blind zone. Due to this, it becomes challenging to see the vehicles that come from behind. This might pose a severe safety threat.
• Power Train Problems: Similar to the 2003 model, there are specific problems with the power train in the 2004 Murano. This problem is generally related to the transmission of the engine.
• Electrical System Glitches: The electrical system in the 2004 Murano has been a headache, ranging from lights going off to sensor failures.

3. 2005 Nissan Murano

In the case of the 2005 Nissan Murano, this backlog only increased, particularly concerning the interior and safety features. Many owners also complained that the seats could have been more comfortable and, at times, misaligned, making them hard to adjust. The visibility issues remained, causing many more complications when driving in those conditions.

Lastly, there was a great deal of feedback about faulty door latches and locks, adding them to the list of safety matters for the vehicle. With the sleek design still intact, the 2005 Murano was spitefully affected by these recurring issues that made it less of a favorite.

• Seat Issues: This year’s model is known to have very uncomfortable seating. Many owners have complained that the seats may need more alignment and are hard to adjust.
• Visibility Issues: The visibility issues were peculiar to the 2004 model and affected the 2005 Murano. The major visibility problem with this vehicle is related to the rearview mirror.
• Latch and Lock Problems: Many complaints about faulty door latches and locks have been raised. This can be a real pain when they stop functioning correctly while in motion.

4. 2006 Nissan Murano

The 2006 Nissan Murano tried to improve on the previous ones but still had various problems. Among them, the steering system seemed less responsive than was expected and, therefore, could be a safety hazard. Issues in the powertrain, especially the transmission, still plagued this model year.

Visibility remained a problem, especially in rainy conditions where wipers do not perform well. Even though the vehicle had some aspects redone, such as its engine performance, it still had significant failures in other areas.

• Steering Problems: This model year has been reported to have a less responsive steering system, which may create a safety concern.
• Power Train: The problems in the powertrain department continued through 2006, primarily with the transmission.
• Visibility and Wipers: Many owners have reported less than adequate visibility, particularly in rainy weather when the wiper effectiveness diminishes.

5. 2007 Nissan Murano

The 2007 Nissan Murano was both good and bad regarding reliability. The good news is that the seats were much more comfortable, with increased legroom compared to previous models. At the same time, though, the same problems that plagued the other models persisted with their engines and power trains, which caused stalling and other transmission problems, according to some vehicle owners. Visibility remained a problem, cornering tightly in particular.

They also had issues with an electric system malfunctioning, which ranged from light malfunction to failing sensors. While the 2007 model had its plus side, these demons continue to haunt it in terms of being a top choice for people buying used.

• Engine and Powertrain: The engine and powertrain still present flaws in engine stalling and transmission problems, as reported by some car owners.
• Electrical System: Electrical problems still haunt this model, with some grievances raised over the lights and sensors.
• Visibility: Visibility remains an issue in this respect, and parking and maneuverability still need to be improved.

6. 2009 Nissan Murano

The most highly complained-about 2009 Nissan Murano problems are related to brake issues. Owners reported a soft brake pedal, and some even said it could depress entirely to the floor, significantly affecting the overall safety of this car. Transmission problems also plagued this model since many drivers have complained about jerking or hesitation when accelerating, sometimes leading to complete transmission failure.

Finally, there was the power steering hose, which was a weak point and often resulted in expensive repairs. With its modern design and comfortable interior, the 2009 Murano still had mechanical mishaps, making it a risk for any buyer.

• Brake Problems: This year’s model is famous for its issues. Most owners reported the brake pedal was soft and went right to the floor, thus causing dangerous situations.
• Transmission Issues: Another major complaint about this model launched in 2009. In general, these need expensive repairs.
• Interior Accessories: Some interior accessories cause problems, such as the sun visors not working well and often becoming stuck, as well as the power locks.

Which Nissan Murano Years Are the Most Reliable?

If you’re intent on purchasing a used Nissan Murano but would prefer not to be inconvenienced with constant visits to the repair shop, then pay particular interest to the model years outlined below:

• 2011 Nissan Murano
• 2012 Nissan Murano
• 2013 Nissan Murano
• 2017 Nissan Murano
• 2018 Nissan Murano
• 2019-2021 Nissan Murano

These years have, therefore, fewer complaints and generally appear more reliable. The newer models, especially from 2019 to 2021, are some of Nissan’s best work. For instance, there have been minimal complaints in these model years, with attention given to quality and performance.

The Nissan Murano does aim to be a great SUV, just like anything else; some model years are better than others. With the selection of the better ones and aversion to the years to avoid Nissan Murano, you can relish all of the Murano’s fine features without headaches from unexpected repairs.

Also, if you’re buying used, obtain a detailed vehicle history report and allow a trusted mechanic to give your car a once-over before you do so. That’s what’s going to save you a lot of trouble down the line.

While not free from issues, some exemplary models of the Nissan Murano are rated highly in reliability, comfort, and performance. Do your homework, stay away from these problems for years, and you’ll likely drive off in a vehicle that does the job. Happy car shopping.