2009 Nissan Murano Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2009 Nissan Murano, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Brakes26935.4%
- Airbags9112.0%
- Electrical8411.1%
- Powertrain (other)658.6%
- Engine405.3%
- Steering344.5%
- Body & structure293.8%
- Other / unspecified283.7%
- Interior & seats273.6%
- Driver assistance253.3%
- Visibility162.1%
- Suspension152.0%
- Fuel system152.0%
- Tires & wheels121.6%
- Transmission40.5%
- Heating & air conditioning20.3%
- Exterior lighting20.3%
- Seat belts20.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Murano. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the front passenger air bag failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 94,000.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
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,
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
When starting my vehicle, it would shake and hesitate to turn on. While driving, It would hesitate when accelerating. When driving at 70 miles, the vehicle would hesitate then drop 3 to 4 miles below speed on its own. The dashboard would indicate drive mode then change to reverse mode then back to drive mode, then reverse mode continuously while driving. The car was also making a loud clanking noise. When I was at a standstill at a red light with foot on the brake, the car was jerking forward on its own. I was driving the car with my 2 year old when this happened and decided to take it to a mechanic who confirmed that it is a transmission problem as well as a broken axle on the left. I left the car at his shop and started shopping around for a transmission replacement which is very costly. My concern is, if this has been a faulty issue with 2009 Nissan Murano transmissions, then it is likely that this can happen again if I purchase a used transmission which at this time, I cannot afford so it is sitting at the mechanics repair shop until I either save money for a transmission or use the money to get a better used vehicle. At this time I have to take my mom to work and use her car so i can go to work. I’ve been doing this for the past 2 weeks and unsure as to how much longer I can keep doing this as our work hours are conflicting.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owned a 2009 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in the apartment building parking lot and turned off for approximately five hours, the vehicle caught fire and was destroyed. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. The cause of the fire was not determined. A fire report was taken at the scene that indicated the fire originated in the engine compartment. Two parked vehicles were also damaged during the incident. The contact indicated that the engine was recently replaced at the dealer days before the incident. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 94,000.
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that months after she purchased the vehicle, while she was driving, the brake pedal was depressed, and the vehicle started to jump. Additionally, the contact stated that on a separate occasion while driving, the vehicle intermittently went into Limp Mode and stalled. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that assistance would not be provided. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE VEHICLES POWER STEERING GOES IN AND OUT AS WELL AS THE BRAKING SYSTEM
STERING WHEEL LOCK ACTUATOR ITS NOT WORKING DONT LET MY CAR START THIS PART ITS SO EXPENSIVE SHOULD BE A RECALL REGARDING THIS PROBLEM I WAS IS CHICAGO 90 DEGRES WITH MY 2 DAUGHTERS AND MY WIFE AND MY CAR DOESN'T START MY A/C ONLY CAN RUN FOR A FEW MINUTES BEFORE THE BATTERY IS GONE , HOW CAN BE POSIBLE THAT THIS PART CAN MAKE THE CAR AND MY FAMILY STANDING ON THE SUN IN SUMMER TIME SNISSAN SHOULD BE RESPONSIBLE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that while inspecting the vehicle, it was discovered that the entire subframe was rusted. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 160,000.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
Falla en abs y ruedas riesgo al frenar tarda demasiado luces de abs vdc off AWD y tpms
Abs/vdc off/awd en el tablero
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
Passenger seat sensor light for air bag stays lit, flashing 1 steady and 5 bursts. Shows airbag off even with adult sitting in passenger seat
This car does not have the clips and I can’t get the base secure for the infant car seat!
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
This has happened on two different occasions. While driving the vehicle the alternator has gone out and there is no warning that there is any problem but you lose your throttle control and the car loses power and is unable to accelerate. The 1st time this happened I was in the middle of an intersection trying to make a left turn and lost all power to be able to move the car. Luckly no one was coming in the other direction, or I could have been involved in a serious accident!!! I had the alternator check and it was bad, so we replaced it. The second time this happened was two days ago I was doing 65 MPH on a four-lane highway and without any warning I lost power and could not accelerate I was able to pull to the side of the road, but m emergency flashers were of no use due to the battery was low because the entire car was using it for power. The car has no gauge or light of any type to warn you that the alternator has failed till you lose power and are unable to accelerate.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2009 Nissan Murano. The contact stated while driving approximately 67 MPH, the sunroof suddenly detached. The dealer was contacted and stated that the sunroof needed to be replaced. The contact also contacted a certified auto body shop that stated the same. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 179,000.
The backup camera only works at night and even then it is grainy. During the day I can only see a green screen with the yellow and red guidelines. But not what is actually behind my vehicle. This is very dangerous and makes backing this 2009 Nissan Murano SUV difficult. It's a large vehicle with blind spots. The main reason I bought the car was because it has a backup camera installed. I have seen blogs with same complaint. Nissan offers no help or solution. Have been told I would have to buy a whole new camera and dash navigation screen. Very expensive.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
Abs
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
FUEL GAUGE IS NOT READING FUEL LEVEL. HAPPENS MOST OFTEN WHEN FUEL IS BELOW 1/2 TANK. SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED. THIS INCIDENT OCCURS REGARDLESS IF VEHICLE IS PARKED OR DRIVING. STARTED OCCURRING WHEN VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN AUGUST 2019
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN MURANO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE BATTERY CHARGING WARNING SENSOR INDICATOR SUDDENLY ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE LATER SHUT OFF. IN ADDITION, WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM SENSOR INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ALTHOUGH THE AIR PRESSURE IN THE TIRES WAS AS RECOMMENDED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURES WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100,000.
I PURCHASED MY MURANO 5 YEARS AGO AND I'VE HAD A FEW ISSUES BUT BEEN VERY HAPPY WITH PURCHASE OTHER THAN 2 THINGS! 1 THE WHEEL VALVES HAVE BEEN A COMMON ISSUE IN ON MY THIRD SET OF TIRES BUT I'M CONSTANTLY HAVING TO AIR THEM DUE TO THE VALVE IN SIDE THE TIRE! MINE ISN'T LISTED UNDER RECALL IT THERE IS A RECALL ON OTHER NISSAN WITH SAME ISSUE. THE SECOND MY STEREO LOCKED UP CDS AND THE WARRANTY DIDN'T COVER THIS WAS A WEEK AFTER PURCHASE THAT WAS. WET DISAPPOINTING AFTER PAYING OVER 30,000 FOR IT! *TR
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
AFTER SHIFTING GEAR IN THE 2009 NISSAN MURANO FROM DRIVE TO REVERSE OR REVERSE TO DRIVE, THE CAR CONTINUES TO ROLL IN PREVIOUS GEAR EVEN WITH THE GAS PEDAL PRESSED. THIS IS SEVERE ON HILLS AND HAS RESULTED IN NOT BEING ABLE TO DRIVE THE CAR IN THE DESIRED DIRECTION. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS DEFECT. ALSO-THE CAR ENABLES THE KEY TO BE REMOVED AND CAR SHUT OFF WHILE TRANSMISSION IS IN DRIVE OR REVERSE AND THE CAR CONTINUES TO MOVE IN EITHER DIRECTION EVEN WITH THE CAR POWERED OFF! IT DOES NOT LOCK OR PREVENT YOU FROM SHUTTING CAR OFF - EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!!! *TR
2009 NISSAN SUV MURANO / NEW CAR APROX. 8 MONTHS OLD KEY DEFECTIVE AND OR TRANSMISSION DEFECTIVE : WHEN YOU PULL OUT THE KEY AND FORGET TO PUT THE AUTO TRANSMISSION IN PARK THE TRANSMISSION (DOSE NOT LOCK). THEREFORE, WHEN YOU LEAVE THE AUTO, THE CAR CAN ROLL! THERE IS A SLIGHT BEEPER TONE, WHICH SOMETIME DOSE NOT WORK. THIS HAS HAPPENED TO ME SEVERAL TIMES. ON ONE OF THOSE OCCASIONS SOMEONE WAS BEHIND THE AUTO AND ALMOST SERIOUSLY GOT HEART . *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Heating & air conditioning
Reports naming the heating, ventilation and air-conditioning system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN MURANO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILED. THE IGNITION SWITCH EMITTED A BEEPING SOUND WHILE STARTING THE ENGINE, AND THE BEEPING SOUND ALSO EMITTED WHILE CLOSING THE DRIVER'S DOOR. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM WAS DEFECTIVE AND EMITTED HOT AIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO PERFORMED DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND STATED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS DEFECTIVE. THE CONTACT ALSO TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A SPECIALIZED ELECTRICAL MECHANIC WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM WAS DEFECTIVE; HOWEVER; IT WAS NOT SPECIFIED WHERE THE ELECTRICAL FAILURE INITIATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 73,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN MURANO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONER FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIANS STATED THE FRONT BUMPER ON THE VEHICLE HAD THREE SMALL HOLES WHICH ALLOWED DEBRIS INTO THE ENGINE AND DAMAGED THE CONDENSER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 34,600.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
MY HEADLIGHTS DOES NOT SHINE STRAIGHT AHEAD. THEY SHINE MORE TO THE SIDES AND DOWNWARD, MAKING IT HARD TO SEE ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN IT THERE ARE NO LIGHTING. WHEN I TOOK IT IN FOR SERVICE THE TECHNICIAN SAID IT WAS THE LENSES. I HAD THEM CLEANED AND THEY STILL DO NOT SHINE STRAIGHT. I BELIEVE THERE IS A MALFUNCTION THE HEADLIGHTS. THEREFORE, IT MAKES IT HARD TO DRIVE AT NIGHT WITHOUT THE PROPER LIGHTING
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN MURANO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH AT NIGHT, ON NORMAL ROAD CONDITIONS, THE EXTERIOR HEADLIGHTS SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD TO MAKE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS BEFORE THE HEADLIGHTS RE-ACTIVATED. THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES, BUT THE DEALER COULD NOT DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE WIPER WASHER AND DIMMER SWITCH WERE REPLACED UNDER THE FACTORY SERVICE WARRANTY. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 609 AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,350. UPDATED 1/5/09 *CN UPDATED 01/09/09. *JB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
HIT A DEER GOING 35 MPH AND DEPLOYED BOTH FRONT AIRBAGS. I WAS THE PASSENGER WHEN MY AIRBAG WENT OFF IT HIT MY FACE AND FRACTURED MY MAXILLA, BROKE OFF ONE TOOTH AND MADE ANOTHER LOOSE ENOUGH IT HAD TO BE PULLED OUT ALSO. SPLIT UPPER AND LOWER LIP BOTH NEEDING STITCHES. DO TO THE DAMAGE SUSTAINED AND THE AIRBAGS BEING DEPLOYED MY INSURANCE COMPANY FOUND THE CAR UNREPAIRABLE AND A TOTAL LOSS.
THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT AND IS LAYING LOOSELY IN THE CAR AND IS UNUSABLE. THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT IS JUST THE OPPOSITE, IT IS STUCK TIGHT AND WILL NOT COME OUT AND IS UNUSABLE. THIS IS NOT SAFE BECAUSE NEITHER SEATBELT CAN BE USED AND I BELIEVE SEATBELTS SHOULD BE A LIFETIME GUARANTEE. *TR
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .