2018 Nissan Murano: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Among the cleanest Murano years on record, very few complaints, comfortable and refined; the CVT is the only real long-term caveat. 2 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2018 Nissan Murano ranged from $31,000 to $42,430 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Among the cleanest Murano years on record, very few complaints, comfortable and refined; the CVT is the only real long-term caveat.
Sources (2)
- cargurus.comhttps://www.cargurus.com/research/articles/nissan-murano-buying-guide
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/nissan/murano
Known issues
-
CVT transmission failure, juddering, violent vibration on acceleration, and abrupt failure, worst on the 2015 launch year; replacement typically runs $3,500-$5,000.
commonly reported · 51 NHTSA complaints · transmission
-
Airbag warning light / occupant-classification sensor faults and intermittent infotainment and electrical glitches.
occasional · 20 NHTSA complaints · electrical
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (3)
- 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…
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
- Comfortable, quiet, upscale cabin with supportive "zero-gravity" seats, a standout for long-distance comfort.
- Smooth, torquey 260-hp 3.5L V6 delivers confident highway passing power.
- Strong crash-test results and, on later years, generous standard safety tech; ranks among the most reliable Murano years in owner-reliability surveys.
- Distinctive styling and solid used-market value for an upscale midsize crossover.
Cons
- V6-only with no hybrid or four-cylinder, so fuel economy is mediocre for the class.
- Soft, comfort-tuned handling, relaxing but not engaging to drive.
- Seats only five, no third-row option, and cargo/towing capacity trail some midsize-SUV rivals.
- The CVT automatic is the chronic reliability risk and the main reason to budget for an extended warranty.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S | $31,000 | discontinued | — | — |
| SV | $34,300 | $41,670 | — | — |
| SL | $38,700 | $46,760 | — | — |
| Platinum | $42,430 | $49,800 | — | — |
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/2018-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 ($31,000). Higher trims started higher (up to $42,430), 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 |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $1,800–1,900/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~200k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/nissan/murano
- insurance.comhttps://www.insurance.com/vehicles/nissan-insurance/nissan-murano-car-insurance
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2018 Nissan Murano have?
Documented issue patterns include: 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. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2018 Nissan Murano reliable?
Among the cleanest Murano years on record, very few complaints, comfortable and refined; the CVT is the only real long-term caveat.
How much did the 2018 Nissan Murano cost new?
Between $31,000 and $42,430 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.