2012 Nissan Murano: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Solid late second-gen year, comfortable V6 crossover with improved CVT durability, still worth an extended warranty. 2 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2012 Nissan Murano ranged from $29,960 to $40,980 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Solid late second-gen year, comfortable V6 crossover with improved CVT durability, still worth an extended warranty.
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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CVT transmission shudder and eventual failure, improved over the 2009-2010 build years but still a known long-term reliability risk.
occasional · 37 NHTSA complaints · transmission
-
Passenger-airbag occupant-classification sensor faults, the passenger-airbag warning light stays on or the airbag deactivates with an adult seated.
occasional · 24 NHTSA complaints · other
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (5)
- 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…
- 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
- Refined 3.5L V6 power with a comfortable, well-equipped cabin.
- CVT reliability improved over the first generation, especially on the 2011-2014 build years.
- Strong value as a used upscale crossover.
Cons
- Thirsty V6 with no fuel-efficient alternative.
- The CVT remains a long-term failure risk worth budgeting for.
- The 2009-2010 ABS/brake-actuator fault makes the earliest build years the riskiest to buy.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | $29,960 | discontinued | — | — |
| SV | $33,530 | $41,670 | — | — |
| SL | $37,230 | $46,760 | — | — |
| LE | $38,960 | discontinued | — | — |
| Platinum Edition | $40,980 | 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/2012-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 ($29,960). Higher trims started higher (up to $40,980), 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 2012 Nissan Murano have?
Documented issue patterns include: 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. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2012 Nissan Murano reliable?
Solid late second-gen year, comfortable V6 crossover with improved CVT durability, still worth an extended warranty.
How much did the 2012 Nissan Murano cost new?
Between $29,960 and $40,980 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.