2005 Nissan Murano: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
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. 3 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2005 Nissan Murano ranged from $27,730 to $30,180 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
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.
Sources (2)
- cargurus.comhttps://www.cargurus.com/research/articles/nissan-murano-buying-guide
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/nissan/murano
Known issues
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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.
widespread · 435 NHTSA complaints · other
-
Early-CVT transmission failure, slipping, hesitation, and stalling, often requiring a full and costly replacement.
commonly reported · 51 NHTSA complaints · transmission
-
Driver's sun visor will not stay up and drops into the line of sight while driving.
commonly reported · 120 NHTSA complaints · other
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (4)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=nissan&model=murano…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=nissan&model=murano…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=nissan&model=murano…
- cargurus.comhttps://www.cargurus.com/research/articles/nissan-murano-buying-guide
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Roomy, comfortable two-row interior.
- Powerful V6 and bold, then-distinctive styling that was sportier than many rivals.
Cons
- A drooping sun visor and dated electronics are common annoyances.
- The early CVT is failure-prone and expensive to replace.
- The driver's-seat-frame fracture is a widespread, safety-relevant defect on these years.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | $27,730 | discontinued | — | — |
| SL | $29,230 | $46,760 | — | — |
| SE | $30,180 | discontinued | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2005-nissan-murano-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/nissan-murano-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($27,730). Higher trims started higher (up to $30,180), and options added more.
The curve's data ends 10 years in, so the line levels off after that. Treat the tail as a floor, not a forecast: asking prices for older cars depend mostly on condition, mileage, and the current market, and often sit well above it.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/nissan-murano/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $500–550/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~200k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (1)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/nissan/murano
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2005 Nissan Murano have?
Documented issue patterns include: 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. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2005 Nissan Murano reliable?
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.
How much did the 2005 Nissan Murano cost new?
Between $27,730 and $30,180 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
Is the Nissan Murano expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $500–550/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.