2011 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 2011 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
- Brakes3923.8%
- Powertrain (other)3722.6%
- Visibility148.5%
- Airbags137.9%
- Body & structure137.9%
- Electrical116.7%
- Suspension106.1%
- Engine74.3%
- Fuel system63.7%
- Driver assistance53.0%
- Interior & seats42.4%
- Other / unspecified21.2%
- Steering21.2%
- Tires & wheels10.6%
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
2011 Nissan Murano, While pulling into a parking area the left rear (drivers side) wheel collapsed. Fortunately this happened at a very low speed, (under 10 MPH). Upon inspection it was discovered that the lower control strut had rotted out and separated from the frame causing the wheel to collapse. If this had occurred on a main road at speed it could have caused a very serious accident due to loss of control. In this case it did not happen, as stated it was at low speed and in a parking lot. The deterioration of this strut was never called out by dealer inspite of numerous Multi-point safety inspections during normal periodic vehicle servicing. There was no warning of impending failure, it just occurred! Neither Nissan or the dealer claim any responsibility for the failure of this part(s) Both sides were replaced as both sides had rotted out.
The contact's husband owns a 2011 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that while driving up an incline at approximately 35 degrees and making a sharp left turn, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact then stated that he attempted to apply more pressure but the vehicle failed to accelerate and moved at a slow pace. The contact then stated that after he was in the driveway, he placed the shifter in park and then back in drive position but the vehicle hesitated then failed to accelerate. No warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer nor the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 131,000.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
In July 2023, at 55,496 miles on the odometer, the original CVT transmission failed and was replaced at Port City Nissan (120 Spaulding Tpke N, Portsmouth, NH 03801), an authorized Nissan dealership, with a Nissan-supplied rebuilt CVT transmission at a cost of approximately $7,000. The rebuilt transmission was warranted for one year. Approximately 2.5 years and only 26,500 miles after installation, the rebuilt CVT transmission has failed again at approximately 82,000 miles. CVT transmission failure while driving presents a serious safety hazard, as the vehicle may lose power unexpectedly, particularly dangerous at highway speeds, during merges, or in intersections. Pattern of Defect: Nissan’s CVT transmissions have been the subject of widespread consumer complaints and multiple class action lawsuits across various model years. Significantly, Nissan recently updated its warranty on rebuilt CVT transmissions from one year to three years with unlimited mileage for replacements performed after July 2024. This warranty extension strongly suggests Nissan is aware of systemic premature failures in its rebuilt CVT units. The failure of a rebuilt transmission at only 26,500 miles indicates a fundamental quality control or design deficiency in the rebuilt units Nissan is supplying to dealerships. Safety Concern: Sudden CVT failure causes immediate loss of propulsion and can result in loss of vehicle control. This is particularly hazardous on highways, in heavy traffic, and during adverse weather conditions. Given the pattern of premature failure in Nissan’s rebuilt CVT units, I believe this constitutes a safety defect affecting a population of vehicles and warrants investigation. I request that NHTSA investigate Nissan’s rebuilt CVT transmission program and the adequacy of Nissan’s response to known premature failures.
35 complaints on the CVT transmission failing for the 2011 Nissan Murano, which could be a major safety issue while driving. We experienced 3 episodes and have not heard back from Nissan nor the NHTSA on recalling this car and having Nissan repair their known defect that could result in injury. We know the CVT transmission is known by Nissan to have reliability issues as they have recalled other years of CVT transmissions. Does someone have to be hurt before a fix is communicated to the owners of this vehicle. What a shame!
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
SAFETY ISSUE! MY MURANO DRIVER SIDE VISOR WILL NOT STAY UP AND IS VERY DANGEROUS.MY CAR IS ONLY 9 YEARS OLD AND I LOOKED ONLINE AND THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE FOR SEVERAL YEARS FOR NISSAN, EVEN FOR 3 YEAR OLD CARS AND COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT WHEN IT FALLS COVERING THE DRIVERS VISION BOTH FRONT AND REAR VIEW MIRROR! THIS CAR AND ITEM SHOULD BE RECALLED. OWNERS SHOULD NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR THEIR OWN SAFETY FOR AN ISSUE LIKE THIS.
THE SUNROOF EXPLODED TODAY WHILE I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. IT MADE A LOUD BANG NOISE AND SHATTERED. IT SCARED ME. THANK GOODNESS I HAD THE COVER CLOSED SO NONE OF THE GLASS CAME IN THE CAR. *TR
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
I had a frontal crash in which I had a neck sprain and severe head injury due to the airbags not deploying
The passenger airbag warning light illuminated and remains on. A Nissan dealer diagnosed the issue as a failure of the Occupant Classification System sensor in the passenger seat. This causes the airbag system to be disabled and could prevent deployment in a crash. I was informed that my 2011 Murano is not included in Nissan’s previous airbag/OCS recalls (such as 16V244), even thought the symptoms appear identical. Repair requires replacement or reprogramming of the seat/OCS components and is very expensive ($2000-$7000). This is a critical safety issue because the passenger airbag may not function at all. Based on similar complaints from other 2011 Murano owners, this my represent a widespread defect that warrants investigation and a recall. Safety needs to be a priority. We were originally told to reset the light by a series of steps involving turning the car on and off. The process worked on a previous incident but now the light remains solid red and reset does not work.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Hi i see this vehicle had a recall campaign previously under notice P1261/NTB12-003/NTB14-076. This campaign includes the replacement of the links and other items under this campaign. This vehicle is a convertible and the top frame is once again damaged due to the same recall for links. I recently took the vehicle to Lorenzo Nissan as the top is not working. They advised the frame links are bound, and the frame needs to be replaced. As this was covered under previous recall, the recall is obviously not adequate.
Premature Subframe Corrosion: first noticed a knocking noise coming from under rear driver side area when going over bumps with our 2011 Murano. Then the knocking noise (metal on metal sound) got worse and then the back of our vehicle would sway uncontrollably side to side when pressing a little hard on the brakes. Brought the vehicle to the Nissan dealer and was told that the subframe had excessive corrosion and the vehicle is dangerous to drive. Our vehicle has only 106,800 miles and has been garage kept and serviced every year by the Nissan dealership. Discovered online that 100’s, probably 1000’s including unreported incidents of other Nissan owners having the same excessive subframe rusting problem. People have reported their wheels falling off and losing control of vehicle...easily can cause major accident with deaths. There was a recall in 2006 for the same subframe issue but for unknown reasons doesn’t include my vehicle. Nissan has not corrected the cause of the subframe defect and has allowed this dangerous situation to continue with their vehicles even after the recall ended. The parts & labor cost to replace the subframe is between $3,000-$4,000+ and Nissan Consumer Affairs says since there are no current recalls and the vehicle is out of warranty that they will do nothing for me. This subframe rusting started day 1 when we purchased the vehicle and prematurely got worse each year through the warranty period until it becomes a dangerous situation after the warranty period ends. The prior recall should be extended to cover more vehicles and Nissan should take responsibility for not correcting the premature subframe rusting issues. Nissan should cover the costs to repair the faulty subframe or at the least, Nissan should supply the parts to correct the issue and the owner be responsible for the labor.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Convertible top not working properly. Sometimes gets stuck and have to drive it to a safe location. Nissan has a Voluntary service campaign For 2011 and 2012 Nissan Murano Cabriolet
AROUND 100,000 MILES WOULD NOT ACCELERATE WHEN TRAVELING AN INCLINE OR AFTER STOPPING AND RESTARTING AT A RED LIGHT OR STOP SIGN, EVEN WHILE GAS PEDAL WAS TO THE FLOOR. WHEN THE CAR FINALLY DECIDED TO MOVE IT WOULD SURGE. ALSO WHILE IDLING STATIONARY AND SHUTTING THE CAR OFF, IT FAILED TO RESTART. HEAD LIGHTS STARTED BLINKING, A CLICKING NOISE COULD BE HEARD COMING FROM ENGINE. THE CAR WOULD HAVE TO BE JUMPED OFF. BATTERY CHECKED AND IS NOT THE ISSUE.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
Premature Subframe Corrosion: first noticed a knocking noise coming from under rear driver side area when going over bumps with our 2011 Murano. Then the knocking noise (metal on metal sound) got worse and then the back of our vehicle would sway uncontrollably side to side when pressing a little hard on the brakes. Brought the vehicle to the Nissan dealer and was told that the subframe had excessive corrosion and the vehicle is dangerous to drive. Our vehicle has only 106,800 miles and has been garage kept and serviced every year by the Nissan dealership. Discovered online that 100’s, probably 1000’s including unreported incidents of other Nissan owners having the same excessive subframe rusting problem. People have reported their wheels falling off and losing control of vehicle...easily can cause major accident with deaths. There was a recall in 2006 for the same subframe issue but for unknown reasons doesn’t include my vehicle. Nissan has not corrected the cause of the subframe defect and has allowed this dangerous situation to continue with their vehicles even after the recall ended. The parts & labor cost to replace the subframe is between $3,000-$4,000+ and Nissan Consumer Affairs says since there are no current recalls and the vehicle is out of warranty that they will do nothing for me. This subframe rusting started day 1 when we purchased the vehicle and prematurely got worse each year through the warranty period until it becomes a dangerous situation after the warranty period ends. The prior recall should be extended to cover more vehicles and Nissan should take responsibility for not correcting the premature subframe rusting issues. Nissan should cover the costs to repair the faulty subframe or at the least, Nissan should supply the parts to correct the issue and the owner be responsible for the labor.
Rear subframe corrosion and break. Front subframe perfectly ok, obviously under the exact same driving conditions. There was a recall for this exact same problem on the Nissan Murano 2007 models but unfortunately no recall on the 2011 model.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact's husband owns a 2011 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that while driving up an incline at approximately 35 degrees and making a sharp left turn, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The contact then stated that he attempted to apply more pressure but the vehicle failed to accelerate and moved at a slow pace. The contact then stated that after he was in the driveway, he placed the shifter in park and then back in drive position but the vehicle hesitated then failed to accelerate. No warning light illuminated. The dealer was notified of the failure and an appointment was scheduled. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The dealer nor the manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 131,000.
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHEN I HIT THE GAS THE CAR DIDN'T WANT TO GO INTO GEAR BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND THE ME MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THIS CAR HAS A RECALL FOR THE TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE PROBLEMS JUST WANT TO KNOW IF THIS IS CORRECT BECAUSE NO ONE WILL FIX IT FOR ME
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
2011 Nissan Murano, transmission issues. This is the second time I have had to report this problem, please also refer to my first complaint #11474221 on this vehicle for the same problem. When at a stop, and pushing the gas pedal to move forward, there is a hesitation or two before the vehicle moves forward. This is a big problem when trying to enter a highway, after a stop sign. With giving enough distance to merge, having the hesitation issue has almost caused an accident. This hesitation occurs in town driving and hi-way. The dealership Crown Nissan (Greensboro, NC) diagnosis indicated that the transmission was failing and needed to be replaced. Our local Nissan shop ordered a new transmission directly from Nissan, and installed into our car, by mechanics that were trained by Nissan. Received Murano back with replaced new transmission, and within two days it was hesitating again. The vehicle was taken to the dealership and it was confirmed that the ‘new’ transmission that was installed, was defective and when driving, also had the hesitation issue. A 2nd new transmission was ordered from Nissan, installed by Nissan trained mechanics, and delivered two weeks later. We received our Murano back on Oct.12, 2022 and when driving it there was a slight hesitation, but then started to buck very hard… I’m surprised that I don’t have whiplash. The 2nd new transmission installed is a ‘lemon’ as it is worse than the original AND the 1st new replacement, by bucking as well as the hesitation. Our Nissan Murano appears to be unfixable, as the company keeps sending transmissions that have serious flaws and will eventually hurt or kill someone. Where do we go from here, especially since we have paid off the loan a year ago.
Our 2011 Nissan Murano is garaged & serviced (not at dealer as their rates for labor & parts is crazy high) & has been a great SUV, until it had problems monthswith the acceleration in certain situations. This would happen when stopping at a red light or stop sign in town. We’d push on the acceleration~gas & the Murano wouldn’t respond…would do a slow count of 4 to 5, & the Murano would then accelerate slowly until reaching the posted speed limit. This act is dangerous as if merging or passing with a loss of acceleration in a crowded road would be a perfect storm of multiple accidents & injuries. On the highway, we would be driving & pressing the gas pedal like normal when all of a sudden the car wouldn’t respond & seemed like it was coasting or put in neutral, it would come back after a slow count of 4 to 5 seconds, & would slowly get to the speed limit. This has happened several times on the highway with speed limit listed @70mph. Imaging that you are driving along with traffic at 70mph when all of sudden the SUV stopped accelerating, & there is a big truck right behind you, & it’s continuing at the speed limit. Because of the acceleration issue, we were almost rear ended by a semi & could have killed us both. On the highway this has only happened a few times, compared to starting from a stop sign or red light which happens frequently each week. There is no warning or lights that this is going to happen, which makes it worse. The mechanic and shop that I have been using for over 35 years, has had several Murano’s with the same problem, & suggested the transmission might be failing, they also said to research this issue & ask Nissan. With living in a small town, the % of Murano’s having the same problem should trigger a paid recall, no matter the mileage or age if serviced regularly. This has been happening for months, & also with other years of the Murano design. Please read all of the owner’s comments about this issue, of not accelerating when needed.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHOW LOSS OF POWER IN 2019 WHILE ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE ENTERING.A HIGHWAY. VEHICLE ALSO WOULD JERK WHEN POSITIONED FROM PARK TO REVERSE. VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE WHEN COMING FROM A COMPLETE STOP. VEHICLE WOULD NOT ACCELERATE WHEN ATTEMPTING TO GIVE MORE POWER, ASNIF IT WAS STALLED I PARKED THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE FEAR OF CAUSING AN ACCIDENT.AND BEING SERIOUSLY INJURED.
I WAS DRIVING MY CAR ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON WHEN I HIT THE GAS THE CAR DIDN'T WANT TO GO INTO GEAR BROUGHT THE CAR TO THE REPAIR SHOP AND THE ME MECHANIC TOLD ME THAT THIS CAR HAS A RECALL FOR THE TRANSMISSION AND ENGINE PROBLEMS JUST WANT TO KNOW IF THIS IS CORRECT BECAUSE NO ONE WILL FIX IT FOR ME
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
Dashboard light started flashing indicating airbag error. Light indicating passenger airbag inoperative on center stack illuminated. Dealership indicated error code B1018 per ESM diagnostic procedure and recommended replacing entire passenger side seat cushion and retesting. Uncertain if passenger side airbag sensor will prevent driver's airbag from deploying in accident.
The contact's daughter owns a 2011 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle, she noticed that the front passenger’s side seat back had completely lowered down and was lying flat. The contact stated that the seat back could not be raised or moved. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
2011 Nissan Murano, While pulling into a parking area the left rear (drivers side) wheel collapsed. Fortunately this happened at a very low speed, (under 10 MPH). Upon inspection it was discovered that the lower control strut had rotted out and separated from the frame causing the wheel to collapse. If this had occurred on a main road at speed it could have caused a very serious accident due to loss of control. In this case it did not happen, as stated it was at low speed and in a parking lot. The deterioration of this strut was never called out by dealer inspite of numerous Multi-point safety inspections during normal periodic vehicle servicing. There was no warning of impending failure, it just occurred! Neither Nissan or the dealer claim any responsibility for the failure of this part(s) Both sides were replaced as both sides had rotted out.
I HAVE NOTICED ON NUMEROUS OCCASIONS THIS SUMMER, A CRACKLING SOUND IN LOWER PORTION OF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. I ACTUALLY REMEMBER HEARING IT LAST SUMMER BUT IT IS NOW MORE AUDIBLE. THE WARM WEATHER MUST BE A FACTOR. I HAVE ALSO EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH MY KEYLESS FOB, IT DOES NOT ALWAYS WORK AND MY IGNITION AN REAR LIFT GATE SOMETIMES WILL OPERATE EVEN WHEN THE FOB IS WITHIN 3 FEET. THIS HAS OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES OVER THE PAST 2 MONTHS. I TOOK IT TO NISSAN AND THEY COULD NOT FIND THE PROBLEM. I PURCHASED THE CAR BRAND NEW IN AUG. 2011. NO ACCIDENTS. UPDATED 4/24/2015 *JS
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
POWER STEERING LOSES POWER ALL OF SUDDEN. UPON TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP. IT IS SIMILAR TO THE: THE POWER STEERING HOSE CLAMP MAY NOT ADEQUATELY SECURE THE HOSE, ALLOWING THE HOSE TO DETACH AND LEAK POWER STEERING FLUID. THE POTENTIAL NUMBER OF UNITS AFFECTED BY THIS RECALL IS 56,766. THE NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER IS: 17V184000
TWICE IN THE LAST FEW WEEKS, WHEN TURNING OFF THE IGNITION, THE LIGHTS WHEN ON, THE HEADLIGHTS STARTED BLINKING. AND THE ENTIRE ELECTRICAL SHUTDOWN, NOT ALLOWING ME TO CHANGE GEARS OUT OF PARK, NOT TURN ON A LIGHT, NOTHING. CAR HAD TO BE JUMP STARTED. SO DANGEROUS, WHEN KIDS ARE IN THE CAR, AND I COULDN'T MOVE IT OUT OF HARM'S WAY. SEE UPLOADED DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS.NO WAY TO PUT IN NEUTRAL TO MOVE. HUSBAND COULDN'T GET OUT OF CAR. DOOR LOCKED FROM INSIDE,
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 NISSAN MURANO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE TIRE PRESSURE SENSOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED FOR TWO HOURS. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,000.
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 .