2009 Nissan Murano

On April 18, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Engineering Analysis (EA) 18-001 to investigate reports of braking concerns in model year (MY) 2009 Nissan Murano vehicles. A failure of the hydraulic control unit (HCU) portion of the antilock brake system (ABS), which involves improper operation of an internal hydraulic control valve(s), can cause extended brake pedal travel and may result in a reduction in overall braking effectiveness. Tier-one supplier Continental manufactured the HCU for Nissan.The corrosion-preventive, zinc coating used on the armatures of the normally closed (NC) valves within ABS HCU may react with brake fluids lacking sufficient corrosion-preventative additives. This reaction can cause the formation of a gelatinous material, which may cause the NC valves to close slowly. Over time, the gel can solidify to an extent such that the spring used to return the valve to the closed position may not be able to overcome the gel buildup, allowing the NC valve to remain open. If any of the four NC valves remains open, fluid will be diverted to one or two accumulator(s). This misdirected fluid has the net effect of causing brake pedal travel to increase, however enough stroke remains in the pedal to generate braking force. Although the hydraulic braking system remains intact and full braking force is maintained once the pedal travels the additional distance, when this condition occurs, the initial increase in brake pedal travel could result in increased stopping distance. An existing Nissan Service Campaign was launched for MY 2009 vehicles built prior to 11/1/2007. After consultation with ODI as part of EA18-001, Nissan decided to expand this population to the full range of MY2009 Murano vehicles. Later Murano vehicles exhibit significantly lower rates of malfunction.During this investigation 156 complaints were identified that related to the braking concern. Within the complainants 2 allege crashes with 4 injuries. The Nissan reports from investigation Information Request letter responses, were similar in content and identified 870 reports with 16 crashes and no injuries.On December 19, 2018, Nissan notified ODI it would conduct a safety recall (18V916) to remedy the ABS modules on certain MY 2009 Nissan Murano vehicles. The remedy procedure involves dealers flushing the brake system with DOT 4 fluid. The HCU will then be tested to detect a possible stuck valve condition. If necessary, the HCU will be replaced. The 2010-14 Murano SUVs outside the recall population and equipped with zinc-coated armatures will be inspected under a service campaign P0A08 using the same procedure as recall 18V916.Continental HCUs with a redesigned armature coating were phased into new vehicle production after December 2014 and do not appear to be experiencing corrosion. The recall action initiated by the manufacturer appears to address the safety risks of concern to ODI. Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exists on other model or MY vehicles outside of the recall scope. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.For a complete summary of this investigation and related consumer complaints, please see attached closing resume document.

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is closing this Preliminary Evaluation and upgrading to an Engineering Analysis (EA) 18-001.During the PE, ODI requested and reviewed information provided by Nissan including consumer complaints and other field and technical data related to failures of the hydraulic control unit (HCU), an electro-mechanical brake system component that provides antilock braking and other functionality in the subject model year (MY) 2009 Murano.The subject failure of the HCU, which involves improper operation of an internal hydraulic control valve, can cause extended brake pedal travel and may result in a reduction in overall braking effectiveness.Tier-one supplier Continental manufactured the HCU for Nissan.ODI currently recognizes 484 subject vehicle complaints that appear related to the alleged defect.Fourteen crash allegations, with three non-life threatening injuries are under evaluation also.ODI has been monitoring consumer complaints received, and in some cases has obtained suspect HCUs from complainants' vehicles.Recovered HCUs sent to NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) in East Liberty, Ohio are under evaluation, and VRTC has conducted limited vehicle testing also.In a July 28, 2017 submission, Nissan acknowledged that a failure of the HCU can result in increased brake pedal travel during braking.Nissan's analysis of returned parts revealed that a zinc coating used on the normally closed valve assemblies inside the HCU may react with certain brake fluid constituents.The reaction results in the formation of a gelatinous material that can harden with time and prevent the valve from closing after opening in an ABS event.When this occurs, Nissan maintains that the hydraulic brake system remains intact and that full braking is available once the pedal travels an additional distance, about 36 mm according to Nissan.Although still under investigation, Nissan states it has not determined the condition represents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety, citing low rate and vehicle age as additional factors.In March 2018, Nissan began conducting a customer satisfaction campaign on certain MY 2009 Murano to service (flush and replace the brake fluid), and then test and replace the HCU as needed.The campaign is being conducted free of charge to customers.During the EA, ODI will request VRTC continue to evaluate the cause and consequence of HCU failures, including the affects of multi-valve failures.ODI will further study the potential scope of the alleged defect as it understands similar HCUs and brake fluid is used in other MY Muranos, and potentially in other Nissan models as well.ODI notes that improved valve coatings were introduced on Nissan HCUs at some subsequent stage.

The contact owned a 2009 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that several years ago, the vehicle was stolen, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was involved in a crash and that the air bags should have deployed; however, the air bags failed to deploy. The contact was unaware of several details associated with the crash, including the speed at the time of the crash. The vehicle was towed and returned to the contact by the Police Department. A Police report was filed, and the contact was informed that the vehicle was deemed a total loss. The contact became aware that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V916000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic); however, the vehicle was not repaired under the recall. The manufacturer was informed of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

NHTSA ID

11745898

Incident

Feb 1, 2019

Mileage

130,000 mi

I was going 35 MPH, normal operation speed and there was no extreme weather or road conditions. I slowed down to get into the center turn lane ended up coming to a complete stop due to on coming traffic. I was stopped for about 30 seconds to maybe a minute when I finally had enough clearance to make my turn. When I pressed the accelerator it began to accelerate but stalled out almost immediately. So I pressed and depressed the accelerator rapidly several times then it finally accelerated. When it did finally accelerate it accelerated much to quickly like it just took off. I’d like to say that this excessive acceleration was terrible but it saved my passenger from getting slammed by the now on coming traffic due to the lack of power. This is not the first time it has happened it does it allot when the weather gets warmer as well as when exiting the highway coming to a complete stop and then when trying to accelerate it stalls I’d say 25% of the time. I’ve taken it to multiple repair shops and they all say they can’t find the problem. I know their is a problem and I’ve read of this happening to many other owners so why is there no recall on it yet I’m surprised no one has been seriously injured or worse. In my opinion I feel like the manufacturer has complete disregard to the consumers safety. It’s unsettling.

NHTSA ID

11719568

Incident

Nov 11, 2025

The car just had no power and the battery had no energy to it i was stalled on hwy and had to call Aaa emergency roadside assistance

NHTSA ID

11707200

Incident

Dec 26, 2025

We bought our 2009 Murano new back when we were expecting our baby cause it was rated one of the safest suv on the market. For the most part besides some brake issues and the steering linkage that I had scheduled to have replaced last month its treated us well. Last month with our now [XXX] old daughter I took it to go to a concert an hr from our house. On the highway I felt it swaying which I found weird cause it was swaying from the rear of the vehicle not the front where the linkage is. We drove home slowly and the next day I dropped it off at our mechanics to have the linkage replaced and asked him to check out the sway I felt. He immediately called me after he got it on the lift and said I needed to head to the shop that our suv was JUNK! When I got there I could not believe my eyes and thanked God that I and even more my daughter made it home safely. My mechanic of 35yrs in business said we were lucky we didn't end up in the woods on the highway and that the entire rear k member/ frame is completely rotted out and the rear tires could have flown off at any moment. I have read that there is a recall on this issue but not in the salt belt states. That is ridiculous and is an excuse to not have to back your vehicle. We live in Dartmouth MA and have barely had any snow in the past 10 yrs to salt for and even if we had this hasn't happen to any other vehicles we own. 2003GMC, 2006 Saab and my wifes Jeep all gd. Whats the point of getting a safety check during the annual inspection when you know your frame is junk and its a death trap!How in good faith can you not back your products when this is clearly a major issue. Nissan needs to do the right thing and take care of the people who have taken care of them by buying there vehicles. This vehicle has always been meticulously maintained, washed constantly at car wash with the extra fee of undercarriage spray for what when its rotting from the inside out as you are aware off. Make it a recall before people get killed! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM O

NHTSA ID

11673032

Incident

Jun 5, 2025

The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Murano. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission started slipping. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be rebuilt or replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 216,000.

NHTSA ID

11660467

Incident

Apr 17, 2025

Mileage

216,000 mi

My battery went dead, and I was trapped inside my car, there is not way to get out of the vehicle with out someone having the hidden key inside the fob, or lock smith, or break the window, this is a huge safety issue especially in extreme weather or hazardous situations. I parked my vehicle to get gas in a small town, and was stuck inside my car for over 30 mins, until I finally got someone to assist me,

NHTSA ID

11655141

Incident

Apr 16, 2025

The contact's daughter owns a 2009 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that occasionally, while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed but went to the floorboard. The contact stated that the brakes had become inoperable However, moments later the brakes became operational. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 105,000.

NHTSA ID

11625137

Incident

Nov 13, 2024

Mileage

105,000 mi

After noticing a noise on the left rear of my car after hitting a pothole, I took my 2009 Nissan MURANO to my local mechanical garage. What was found was a rusted sub frame. Obviously this could have resulted in injuries

NHTSA ID

11617298

Incident

Sep 20, 2024

CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is attached to the instrument panel or body on the driver side at the base of the windshield (see Figure 1). · The “Certification Label” (vinyl adhesive label) is located on the lower area of the driver side B-Pillar (see Figure 1).

CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT: Certification Label = FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards) label. These items may be available from Nissan by request if certain criteria are met. This bulletin lists the criteria and provides an application form for such replacements. · The “VIN Plate/Label” (metal plate or vinyl label) is attached to the instrument panel or body on the driver side at the base of the windshield (see Figure 1). · The “Certification Label” (vinyl adhesive label) is located on the lower area of the driver side B-Pillar (see Figure 1).

CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.

REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.