RoadVitals

2012 Nissan Murano Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
134
Latest Jun 4, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
14
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
5

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2012 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

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

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

30
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

This car I purchased two months ago has the Cvt transmission in it and has proven unsafe for regular traffic let alone highway driving. It randomly “lurches” , has a loss of power and hesitates when accelerating or lane changing .

NHTSA ID 11534342 · filed Jul 25, 2023

CVT FAILURE AVAIL FOR INSP IMMEDIATE SLOWING IN HIWAY TRAFFIC CONFIRMED BY ED MARTIN NISSAN 317 359 9231 OBD II CODE P1778 CVT STEP MOTOR FUNCTION (CVT XMISSION) NO OTHER INSP NO WARNING LIGHTS/NO SYMPTOMS ON 02/AUGUST/2021

NHTSA ID 11428016 · filed Aug 6, 2021
All 30 reports naming powertrain (other)

Airbags

Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.

26
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

I purchased 2012 Nissan Murano in Jul 2012. Recently the Airbag light is on and keeps flashing when start the car. It happened since 6 months ago. I sent my car to the local Nissan Dealer, they charged me $149 diagnostic fee + $1500 to replace the Airbag DIAG unit under the center console. After the replacement, the airbag light is still on and flashing. My car cannot pass the annual inspection because of the airbag light. It's a big safety concern. The dealer told me I need to get the passenger seat bottom sensor replaced, the pars has been discontinued. I am very surprised the airbag is related safety issue, Why Nissan discontinued the parts? And I google this issue, many Nissan car owners have the same airbag light issue. This is the most common issue and related to the customer safety. Nissan should recall it. I paid more than $1500 dollar, cannot get my problem fixed. It's unacceptable!

NHTSA ID 11583188 · filed Apr 15, 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the air bag warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the air bag control module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. Also, while operating the vehicle, the tire pressure monitoring system warning light activated although the tire air pressures were normal. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.

NHTSA ID 11571694 · filed Feb 13, 2024
All 26 reports naming airbags

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

19
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Driver sunroof exploded while driving. Nothing impacted the glass to my knowledge. Occurred on 1/21/23, 54xxx miles on the vehicle, no previous accidents. Gloomy day approx 30F, heat on and drivers window opened about an inch. No injuries.

NHTSA ID 11503122 · filed Jan 23, 2023

The driver side sun visor suddenly broke and is floppy, hanging down and will not stay up. This is hindering my line of vision restricting my view of the road.

NHTSA ID 11483774 · filed Sep 10, 2022
All 19 reports naming visibility

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

14
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

POWER LOSS ON TAKE OFF. ISSUE HAS BEEN OCCURRING FOR OVER A YEAR AND IS INTERMITTENT. WHEN STARTING OFF FROM A STOPPED POSITION, IE STOP SIGN, RED LIGHT, OR HIGHWAY ONRAMP, THE VEHICLE WILL ENGAGE, BUT IMMEDIATELY LOOSE ACCELERATION. THE GAS PEDDLE CAN BE FULLY PRESSED, WITH NO REACTION. AFTER A FEW SECONDS THE POWER GETS RESTORED AND VEHICLE TAKES OFF AS IF ENGAGING A JET BOOSTER. A VISIT AND DIAGNOSTIC CHECK AT A NISSAN DEALER, DID NOT REVEAL AND FAULTS OR CODES, AND ISSUE COULD NOT BE RECREATED. THIS ISSUES IS RANDOM, AND BASED ON A NISSAN OWNER FORUM, I LEARNED IT HAS PLAGUED THE MURANO AND IS LEXIS COUNTER PART FOR DIFFERENT MODEL YEARS. NO FORUM ENTRIES AS TO KNOWN CAUSE OR CORRECTIVE FINDINGS BY THE DEALERSHIPS OR MECHANICS.

NHTSA ID 11374892 · filed Nov 16, 2020

TIMING CHAIN

NHTSA ID 11269451 · filed Oct 18, 2019
All 14 reports naming engine

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, the contact and the front seat passenger attempted to exit the vehicle, but all the doors failed to unlock. Additionally, the steering wheel was locked upside down. The contact stated that the engine started to overheat, and the front seat passenger had a panic attack. The contact called 911. The Fire Department arrived but was unable to forcefully open the doors. The Fire Department broke the rear passenger's side window and was able to unlock the doors. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the main fuse box was blown and melted. The mechanic determined that the Intelligent Power Distribution Module (IPDM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred the following morning. The contact was able to open and enter the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start. The contact was able to exit the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was able to restart. The dealer determined that a fuse in the steering column might have been blown. The dealer informed the contact that the part was no longer available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 136,161.

NHTSA ID 11742137 · filed Jun 4, 2026

While driving, vehicle just quits and all dashboard lights flash quickly and then the car stalls out and won't restart. This has happened 4 times now. Had battery replaced, alternator replaced for a 2nd time, sensor replaced. Now, I had the car towed to dealer who wanted to keep it for over the weekend to see if they could repeat the issue. My local mechanic had the same issue and he had to have it towed back to his shop also. This is a very dangerous situation, I've had to call 911 several times to provide safety while on the side of the road. My car has only 72k and is in excellent condition. I have always maintenance the vehicle since purchasing it in 2014.....I need some help with figuring out this issue. I am a disabled senior citizen on social security and that's it! Please look into this as I have run out of solutions.

NHTSA ID 11702102 · filed Nov 30, 2025
All 13 reports naming electrical

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

13
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Could be an issue with ABS component. Car driving normally then when attempting to brake car slows but does not stop and driver needs to almost pin brake to floor to fully stop car. Car braking not acting as normal potentially putting driver at risk. No warning message. Car was brought to independent mechanic and they replaced rotors, pads and did system flush. Reason for report is in researching this issue I noticed there was a 2009 recall for the Murano with a similar issue. Not sure if this is just a part that is worn due to service or something similar to the 2009 issue. Issue happened again after the service described above but seems to de driving normally at this time.

NHTSA ID 11446761 · filed Jan 9, 2022

ON 3 SEPARATE OCCASIONS, MY VEHICLE LOST BRAKE PEDAL PRESSURE AND HAD EXCESSIVE TRAVEL TO THE FLOOR REQUIRING EXTRA DISTANCE IN ORDER TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP ABS TO AVOID A COLLISION. ON ONE OCCASION, I DROVE OVER A BUMP ON THE EXPRESSWAY AND THE BRAKE PEDAL TRAVELED ALL THE WAY DOWN TO THE FLOOR. AFTER PUMPING THE PEDAL A FEW TIMES, PRESSURE WAS RESTORED. ALL BRAKE COMPONENTS ARE IN PROPER WORKING ORDER AND MAINTAINED BY AN ASE MASTER TECHNICIAN. THE MASTER CYLINDER DOES NOT SHOW SIGN OF LEAKING. A CHECK ONLINE REVEALED THAT THE 2009 MURANOS HAD THE SAME EXACT ISSUE (WHICH IS NOW A RECALL) THAT I AM EXPERIENCING ON MY VEHICLE AND WAS DISCOVERED TO BE A FAULTY ABS MODULE. A CHECK ALSO REVEALED THAT CERTAIN 2011 MURANO HAD THE SAME ISSUE AS THE 2009 BUT NO RECALL WAS EVER ISSUED.

NHTSA ID 11372373 · filed Oct 30, 2020
All 13 reports naming brakes

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

6
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Paint continues to chip and peel. It looks awful and Nissan won't do anything about it. It should be under the same recall as the Nissan Rogue and Infinity. It has overly devalued my car.

NHTSA ID 11595014 · filed Jun 18, 2024

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Murano. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the contact heard a knocking sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the rear subframe was rusted. The contact was advised to contact the local dealer for assistance. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 130,000.

NHTSA ID 11527939 · filed Jun 20, 2023

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.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The progressive rattling/ shaking from the steering wheel has led to some close calls driving on multi lane roads the curve to the left at all. I've never had a single service light turn on even though steering and wheel issues were apparent. Every bump and cranny on the road is felt causing disturbance in ability to steer especially during in town driving.

NHTSA ID 11501584 · filed Jan 13, 2023

THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN ON THIS DATE BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO HAD DONE THE REPAIR 5 DAYS EARLIER NISSAN OF OURSMAN OF LAUREL MD . THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ONCE AGAIN PERFOM THE SAME WAS IT DID THE 2 WEEK EARLIER WHEN THE INCIDENTOCCURRENCE ON I 295 N BOUND DEOARTIBNG WASHINGTON DC , THIS SATURDAY THE VEHICLE WAS ACTING ERRATICLY IN THE PARKING LOT OF MY LOACK FOOD LION GROCERY STORY ON 197 IN LAUREL MD, AS I DEPATED THE PARKING LOT I EXPERIENCE THE GRINDING SOULD ON AND OFF AND THE SHAKKING / VIRBRATING OF THE STEERING WHEEL TURNING TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT WITHOUT ME DIRECTING IT TO DO SO...THEREFORE I HEADED OUT THE LOT TO GO TO THE DEALERSHIP BEFORE THEY CLOSED AT 3PM... I GOT THEIR ABOUT 1230PM, AND WASN'T RECEIVED BY THE STAFF FAVORABLE BASED .TGHIS WOULD BE A RETAKE BASED ON POOR AND INCOMPLETE MAINTENANCE PERFORMED THE WEEK BEFORE WHEN SAME VEHICLE WAS TAKEN INTO SAME DEALERSHIP WITH RESPECT TO ABS ACTUATOR , WHICH I FELT THE SAME ISSUES AND CONCERN BUT THIS TIME THE VEHICLE PULLED ABRUTLY TO THE LEFT IN TRAFFIC AND I ALMOST SIDE -SWIPED THE VEHICLE NEST TO ME IN THE LANE BESIDE ME.

NHTSA ID 11266511 · filed Oct 5, 2019

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.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

2012 Nissan Murano. Airbag red light always blinking plus passenger seat airbag says it’s “off”. Loads of similar complaints on web sites. Took to Annapolis Nilsson on Riva Road today. They were very aware of issue but said there is no recall. So both airbags will not inflate, not just passenger seat. Web complaints confirm this with actual accidents and there is no recall? Dealership said NONE of the parts including seat are available any more(I would guess because they all failed) but were told if we found the parts and seat at a used parts place then the dealership would put in for a cost but there would NOT be any warranty! Really? There should be a recall on this issue, how can we get this?

NHTSA ID 11504958 · filed Feb 1, 2023

SRS/AIRBAGS LIGHT FLASHING PASSENGER AIRBAG OFF. The airbag will not deploy if in a crash. Nissan code B1018 is diagnosed as needing the whole passenger seat replace due to the occupancy sensor in passenger seat. Nissan quoted repair at $5000.00 to replace. Called Nissan and started case 45708222 on 2/4/22. Was told no safety recall on the 2012 Murano and Murano is too far out for Nissan to assist. In researching Nissan has had this safety issue since 2008 and there have been recalls on certain models but not 2012. I feel Nissan such stand behind this type of safety issue of this magnitude. The vehicle was purchased new and probably 75% of the 61,500 miles there was no passenger in the seat. What factor has to come into play for a safety recall to be issued? Is it number of fatalities that occur for the occupancy sensor not deploying the airbags? I also tried to find out if Nissan has stopped using this type seat/sensors in the new models. Customer rep told me I needed to ask the dealer. The dealer had told me to ask Nissan so I'm at a loss on whether Nissan has changed to avoid this safety issue. I've always been pleased with Nissan and was considering trading this Murano for a 2022 Platinum but since this has occurred my opinion is changing on the Nissan. Nissan has had a safety issue with these sensors since 2008 and forward. Nissan should have recalled any make/model that is/was equipped with the faulty occupancy passenger airbag sensors that could/can fail and cause bodily harm or death. Or even at least compensate on some of the expense. This is just wrong.

NHTSA ID 11450426 · filed Feb 4, 2022

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

4
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The rear subframe has rusted through due to road salt and made the vehicle unsafe to drive

NHTSA ID 11655786 · filed Apr 21, 2025

The progressive rattling/ shaking from the steering wheel has led to some close calls driving on multi lane roads the curve to the left at all. I've never had a single service light turn on even though steering and wheel issues were apparent. Every bump and cranny on the road is felt causing disturbance in ability to steer especially during in town driving.

NHTSA ID 11501584 · filed Jan 13, 2023

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The tire light stay on even after I put air in it. I don’t think my tire air pressure is being monitored correctly; this is not due to an accident. This light come on all the time… before and after I put air in my tires

NHTSA ID 11529970 · filed Jul 2, 2023

The progressive rattling/ shaking from the steering wheel has led to some close calls driving on multi lane roads the curve to the left at all. I've never had a single service light turn on even though steering and wheel issues were apparent. Every bump and cranny on the road is felt causing disturbance in ability to steer especially during in town driving.

NHTSA ID 11501584 · filed Jan 13, 2023

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.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

Vehicles of previous model years, this model year, and future model years have all experienced this issue. Issue was reported on thru a youTube channel in order to let the public know and understand the issue and how to fix/repair the issue. It was then discovered thru view time and the linking of the part to repair that this was a rempent issue of concern for possible recall. Issue of hesitation upon acceleration was noticed for 18 months. Vehicle was taken into dealership for diagnosis - main Nissan dealer and second repair facility diagnosed the need for a new transmission. Transmission was replaced thru the second repair facility for $7500.00. Issue of hesitation upon acceleration was not repaired thru the replacement of the transmission. Owner of the vehicle researched the issue and determined it was caused by holes and degredation of the "Air-Intake-Hose" assembly. This part is a $35.00 part availalbe on Amazon and easily replaced in about 10 minutes time by the owner. The need for recall is that Nissan does not throw an error code in order to diagnose this problem. The only error code thrown is for a NEW TRANSMISSION.

NHTSA ID 11724430 · filed Mar 15, 2026

When accelerating from a stop vehicle does not move, with gas pedal to the floor will slowly advance or stall. Has a battery drain somewhere also.

NHTSA ID 11685503 · filed Sep 6, 2025

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the air bag warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the air bag control module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. Also, while operating the vehicle, the tire pressure monitoring system warning light activated although the tire air pressures were normal. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.

NHTSA ID 11571694 · filed Feb 13, 2024

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I WAS CHANGING LANES AS I WAS APPROACHING A CITY STREET INTERSECTION AT ABOUT 10 MPH AND BEGAN APPLYING THE BRAKES TO STOP. I NOTICED THAT I WAS HAVING TO PUSH MUCH HARDER ON THE BRAKES TO SLOW THE CAR AND THEN NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WAS RACING AT A HIGH RPM. I WAS ABLE TO COME TO A STOP AND THEN PUT THE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL. AT THAT POINT WITH MY FOOT STILL ON THE BRAKE AND THE TRANSMISSION IN NEUTRAL, THE ENGINE RACING STOPPED AND FELL BACK TO IDLE. I WAS THEN ABLE TO PROCEED AS NORMAL ALTHOUGH I WAS SOMEWHAT SHAKEN BY THE INCIDENT. NOTHING LIKE THIS HAS OCCURRED SINCE. I DID HAVE THE CAR EVAUATED BY MY NISSAN DEALERSHIP BUT NOTHING WRONG WAS FOUND.

NHTSA ID 10823328 · filed Jan 31, 2016

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

Data on this page last refreshed .