Nissan Murano: best & worst years

Based on CarVitals reliability verdicts, the Nissan Murano years to approach with the most caution are 2005 and 2015. The strongest years in our data are 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2022, 2023, and 2024. Below is every model year we cover (2005–2024), ranked, with the owner-reported problems behind each call.

Every Nissan Murano year, ranked

YearVerdictScoreTop owner-reported problems
2024 Recommended 7 Forward-collision / automatic-emergency-braking false activation ("phantom braking"), the system can brake hard for overpasses, shadows, or with no obstacle present.; Residual CVT concern, much improved over earlier generations but the chronic Nissan continuously-variable-transmission failure risk still warrants an extended warranty. Full report ↗
2023 Recommended 7 Forward-collision / automatic-emergency-braking false activation ("phantom braking"), the system can brake hard for overpasses, shadows, or with no obstacle present.; Residual CVT concern, much improved over earlier generations but the chronic Nissan continuously-variable-transmission failure risk still warrants an extended warranty. Full report ↗
2022 Recommended 7 Forward-collision / automatic-emergency-braking false activation ("phantom braking"), the system can brake hard for overpasses, shadows, or with no obstacle present.; Residual CVT concern, much improved over earlier generations but the chronic Nissan continuously-variable-transmission failure risk still warrants an extended warranty. Full report ↗
2019 Recommended 7 Forward-collision / automatic-emergency-braking false activation ("phantom braking"), the system can brake hard for overpasses, shadows, or with no obstacle present.; Residual CVT concern, much improved over earlier generations but the chronic Nissan continuously-variable-transmission failure risk still warrants an extended warranty. Full report ↗
2018 Recommended 7 CVT transmission failure, juddering, violent vibration on acceleration, and abrupt failure, worst on the 2015 launch year; replacement typically runs $3,500-$5,000.; Airbag warning light / occupant-classification sensor faults and intermittent infotainment and electrical glitches. Full report ↗
2017 Recommended 7 CVT transmission failure, juddering, violent vibration on acceleration, and abrupt failure, worst on the 2015 launch year; replacement typically runs $3,500-$5,000.; Airbag warning light / occupant-classification sensor faults and intermittent infotainment and electrical glitches. Full report ↗
2016 Recommended 7 CVT transmission failure, juddering, violent vibration on acceleration, and abrupt failure, worst on the 2015 launch year; replacement typically runs $3,500-$5,000.; Airbag warning light / occupant-classification sensor faults and intermittent infotainment and electrical glitches. Full report ↗
2021 Caution 6 Forward-collision / automatic-emergency-braking false activation ("phantom braking"), the system can brake hard for overpasses, shadows, or with no obstacle present.; Residual CVT concern, much improved over earlier generations but the chronic Nissan continuously-variable-transmission failure risk still warrants an extended warranty. Full report ↗
2020 Caution 6 Forward-collision / automatic-emergency-braking false activation ("phantom braking"), the system can brake hard for overpasses, shadows, or with no obstacle present.; Residual CVT concern, much improved over earlier generations but the chronic Nissan continuously-variable-transmission failure risk still warrants an extended warranty. Full report ↗
2014 Caution 6 CVT transmission shudder and eventual failure, improved over the 2009-2010 build years but still a known long-term reliability risk.; Passenger-airbag occupant-classification sensor faults, the passenger-airbag warning light stays on or the airbag deactivates with an adult seated. Full report ↗
2013 Caution 6 CVT transmission shudder and eventual failure, improved over the 2009-2010 build years but still a known long-term reliability risk.; Passenger-airbag occupant-classification sensor faults, the passenger-airbag warning light stays on or the airbag deactivates with an adult seated. Full report ↗
2012 Caution 6 CVT transmission shudder and eventual failure, improved over the 2009-2010 build years but still a known long-term reliability risk.; Passenger-airbag occupant-classification sensor faults, the passenger-airbag warning light stays on or the airbag deactivates with an adult seated. Full report ↗
2011 Caution 6 CVT transmission shudder and eventual failure, improved over the 2009-2010 build years but still a known long-term reliability risk.; Passenger-airbag occupant-classification sensor faults, the passenger-airbag warning light stays on or the airbag deactivates with an adult seated. Full report ↗
2010 Caution 5 Brake pedal sinks toward the floor with ABS and VDC warning lights illuminated, failure of the ABS actuator (delta-stroke sensor), frequently appearing after a battery replacement; reduced braking performance.; CVT transmission slipping, hesitation on acceleration, and premature failure.; Electrical gremlins, climate-control, sunroof, and dashboard warning-light faults. Full report ↗
2007 Caution 5 Driver's power-seat frame fractures at the lift-arm bracket, letting the seat wobble and shift while driving, a widely reported, safety-relevant defect on these years.; Early-CVT transmission failure, slipping, hesitation, and stalling, often requiring a full and costly replacement.; Driver's sun visor will not stay up and drops into the line of sight while driving. Full report ↗
2006 Caution 5 Driver's power-seat frame fractures at the lift-arm bracket, letting the seat wobble and shift while driving, a widely reported, safety-relevant defect on these years.; Early-CVT transmission failure, slipping, hesitation, and stalling, often requiring a full and costly replacement.; Driver's sun visor will not stay up and drops into the line of sight while driving. Full report ↗
2015 Avoid 4 CVT transmission failure, juddering, violent vibration on acceleration, and abrupt failure, worst on the 2015 launch year; replacement typically runs $3,500-$5,000.; Airbag warning light / occupant-classification sensor faults and intermittent infotainment and electrical glitches. Full report ↗
2009 Caution 4 Brake pedal sinks toward the floor with ABS and VDC warning lights illuminated, failure of the ABS actuator (delta-stroke sensor), frequently appearing after a battery replacement; reduced braking performance.; CVT transmission slipping, hesitation on acceleration, and premature failure.; Electrical gremlins, climate-control, sunroof, and dashboard warning-light faults. Full report ↗
2005 Avoid 4 Driver's power-seat frame fractures at the lift-arm bracket, letting the seat wobble and shift while driving, a widely reported, safety-relevant defect on these years.; Early-CVT transmission failure, slipping, hesitation, and stalling, often requiring a full and costly replacement.; Driver's sun visor will not stay up and drops into the line of sight while driving. Full report ↗

Nissan Murano problems by year

2024 Nissan Murano Recommended

A well-sorted final-generation Murano: comfortable, strong V6, good safety; the long-standing CVT risk is much reduced but still the thing to warranty against.

  • Forward-collision / automatic-emergency-braking false activation ("phantom braking"), the system can brake hard for overpasses, shadows, or with no obstacle present.
  • Residual CVT concern, much improved over earlier generations but the chronic Nissan continuously-variable-transmission failure risk still warrants an extended warranty.

2023 Nissan Murano Recommended

Mature, comfortable third-gen crossover with very few reported problems; budget for the chronic Nissan CVT as the one real long-term risk.

  • Forward-collision / automatic-emergency-braking false activation ("phantom braking"), the system can brake hard for overpasses, shadows, or with no obstacle present.
  • Residual CVT concern, much improved over earlier generations but the chronic Nissan continuously-variable-transmission failure risk still warrants an extended warranty.

2022 Nissan Murano Recommended

Reliable, refined, and well-equipped late third-gen year; the CVT is the only meaningful caveat.

  • Forward-collision / automatic-emergency-braking false activation ("phantom braking"), the system can brake hard for overpasses, shadows, or with no obstacle present.
  • Residual CVT concern, much improved over earlier generations but the chronic Nissan continuously-variable-transmission failure risk still warrants an extended warranty.

2021 Nissan Murano Caution

Comfortable and dependable overall, but owners report forward-collision-avoidance phantom braking on these post-refresh years; otherwise a solid pick.

  • Forward-collision / automatic-emergency-braking false activation ("phantom braking"), the system can brake hard for overpasses, shadows, or with no obstacle present.
  • Residual CVT concern, much improved over earlier generations but the chronic Nissan continuously-variable-transmission failure risk still warrants an extended warranty.

2020 Nissan Murano Caution

Strong comfort and safety, but automatic-emergency-braking false activation is the notable owner complaint; the CVT remains the long-term watch item.

  • Forward-collision / automatic-emergency-braking false activation ("phantom braking"), the system can brake hard for overpasses, shadows, or with no obstacle present.
  • Residual CVT concern, much improved over earlier generations but the chronic Nissan continuously-variable-transmission failure risk still warrants an extended warranty.

2019 Nissan Murano Recommended

Refreshed and well-reviewed third-gen year with good reliability; phantom-braking reports exist but are occasional. A strong used buy.

  • Forward-collision / automatic-emergency-braking false activation ("phantom braking"), the system can brake hard for overpasses, shadows, or with no obstacle present.
  • Residual CVT concern, much improved over earlier generations but the chronic Nissan continuously-variable-transmission failure risk still warrants an extended warranty.

2018 Nissan Murano Recommended

Among the cleanest Murano years on record, very few complaints, comfortable and refined; the CVT is the only real long-term caveat.

  • CVT transmission failure, juddering, violent vibration on acceleration, and abrupt failure, worst on the 2015 launch year; replacement typically runs $3,500-$5,000.
  • Airbag warning light / occupant-classification sensor faults and intermittent infotainment and electrical glitches.

2017 Nissan Murano Recommended

Reliable, comfortable third-gen Murano from its strongest stretch; mostly minor electrical niggles, CVT the long-term watch item.

  • CVT transmission failure, juddering, violent vibration on acceleration, and abrupt failure, worst on the 2015 launch year; replacement typically runs $3,500-$5,000.
  • Airbag warning light / occupant-classification sensor faults and intermittent infotainment and electrical glitches.

2016 Nissan Murano Recommended

One of the most reliable Murano years in owner surveys, comfortable, safe, good value; budget for the chronic CVT and it is a strong buy.

  • CVT transmission failure, juddering, violent vibration on acceleration, and abrupt failure, worst on the 2015 launch year; replacement typically runs $3,500-$5,000.
  • Airbag warning light / occupant-classification sensor faults and intermittent infotainment and electrical glitches.

2015 Nissan Murano Avoid

Third-generation launch year with the worst CVT record of any Murano, juddering and outright failure are common, with $3,500-$5,000 replacement bills. Avoid unless under warranty.

  • CVT transmission failure, juddering, violent vibration on acceleration, and abrupt failure, worst on the 2015 launch year; replacement typically runs $3,500-$5,000.
  • Airbag warning light / occupant-classification sensor faults and intermittent infotainment and electrical glitches.

2014 Nissan Murano Caution

One of the better second-gen years with a more sorted CVT, but the transmission is still a long-term risk; comfortable and good value otherwise.

  • CVT transmission shudder and eventual failure, improved over the 2009-2010 build years but still a known long-term reliability risk.
  • Passenger-airbag occupant-classification sensor faults, the passenger-airbag warning light stays on or the airbag deactivates with an adult seated.

2013 Nissan Murano Caution

Among the cleaner second-gen Muranos by complaint volume; comfortable and refined, with the CVT the main long-term concern.

  • CVT transmission shudder and eventual failure, improved over the 2009-2010 build years but still a known long-term reliability risk.
  • Passenger-airbag occupant-classification sensor faults, the passenger-airbag warning light stays on or the airbag deactivates with an adult seated.

2012 Nissan Murano Caution

Solid late second-gen year, comfortable V6 crossover with improved CVT durability, still worth an extended warranty.

  • CVT transmission shudder and eventual failure, improved over the 2009-2010 build years but still a known long-term reliability risk.
  • Passenger-airbag occupant-classification sensor faults, the passenger-airbag warning light stays on or the airbag deactivates with an adult seated.

2011 Nissan Murano Caution

Improved second-gen build year; comfortable and well-equipped, with the CVT as the standing reliability caveat.

  • CVT transmission shudder and eventual failure, improved over the 2009-2010 build years but still a known long-term reliability risk.
  • Passenger-airbag occupant-classification sensor faults, the passenger-airbag warning light stays on or the airbag deactivates with an adult seated.

2010 Nissan Murano Caution

Early second-gen year with jerky-takeoff and CVT hesitation reports plus lingering ABS/brake concerns; inspect the transmission and brakes carefully.

  • Brake pedal sinks toward the floor with ABS and VDC warning lights illuminated, failure of the ABS actuator (delta-stroke sensor), frequently appearing after a battery replacement; reduced braking performance.
  • CVT transmission slipping, hesitation on acceleration, and premature failure.
  • Electrical gremlins, climate-control, sunroof, and dashboard warning-light faults.

2009 Nissan Murano Caution

Second-generation launch year with the headline brake-pedal-to-floor ABS-actuator fault plus electrical gremlins and CVT slipping, the weakest second-gen year. Inspect thoroughly.

  • Brake pedal sinks toward the floor with ABS and VDC warning lights illuminated, failure of the ABS actuator (delta-stroke sensor), frequently appearing after a battery replacement; reduced braking performance.
  • CVT transmission slipping, hesitation on acceleration, and premature failure.
  • Electrical gremlins, climate-control, sunroof, and dashboard warning-light faults.

2007 Nissan Murano Caution

Final first-gen year; comfortable and powerful but carries the seat-frame-fracture defect and early-CVT failure risk. A budget buy that needs careful inspection.

  • Driver's power-seat frame fractures at the lift-arm bracket, letting the seat wobble and shift while driving, a widely reported, safety-relevant defect on these years.
  • Early-CVT transmission failure, slipping, hesitation, and stalling, often requiring a full and costly replacement.
  • Driver's sun visor will not stay up and drops into the line of sight while driving.

2006 Nissan Murano Caution

First-generation Murano with bold styling and a strong V6, but the seat-frame fracture and fragile early CVT keep it a cautious used buy.

  • Driver's power-seat frame fractures at the lift-arm bracket, letting the seat wobble and shift while driving, a widely reported, safety-relevant defect on these years.
  • Early-CVT transmission failure, slipping, hesitation, and stalling, often requiring a full and costly replacement.
  • Driver's sun visor will not stay up and drops into the line of sight while driving.

2005 Nissan Murano Avoid

Most-complained Murano year, widespread driver-seat-frame fractures, early-CVT failures, and a drooping sun visor. Hard to recommend except as a cheap, fully-inspected runabout.

  • Driver's power-seat frame fractures at the lift-arm bracket, letting the seat wobble and shift while driving, a widely reported, safety-relevant defect on these years.
  • Early-CVT transmission failure, slipping, hesitation, and stalling, often requiring a full and costly replacement.
  • Driver's sun visor will not stay up and drops into the line of sight while driving.

Rankings come from CarVitals reliability verdicts, built on public NHTSA complaint and recall data. See how we build these reports, the most reliable used cars overall, browse all Nissan models, or check any listing free with the CarVitals extension.