2020 Nissan Murano Suspension Problems

Component Affected: SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM: LOWER ARM Description of Defect: My 2020 Nissan Murano experienced a severe front suspension failure matching the exact structural symptoms described in Nissan Recall Campaign PC797 (NHTSA Campaign Number 21V170000) for defective front transverse links/lower control arms. The vehicle exhibited a loud popping and clunking noise coming from the front end, occurring primarily when applying the brakes and coming to a stop as the vehicle’s weight shifted forward. A professional diagnosis confirmed a failing front lower control arm and ball joint, creating a structural failure and an immediate risk of component separation, which threatens a total loss of steering control. This safety defect first manifested as a persistent noise last year while the vehicle was still well under the 84,000-mile mark when I took it in to have my transmission fluid changed. However, I thought it pertained to my front brakes and the repair man said when he drove it, he didn't hear the noise. But I continued to hear the noise when I braked in the front area. So, when I recently checked my 17-digit VIN on the official recall portal, after the inspection of my vehicle during an oil change, is when I was told about the front suspension. My vehicle shows "0 Open Recalls." Nissan Corporate Consumer Affairs refused to offer assistance or a goodwill repair due to the current mileage (99,488 miles), stating my VIN was excluded from the campaign. Because my vehicle is experiencing the exact structural defect, manufacturing flaw, and safety risk outlined in Campaign PC797, I am filing this complaint to urge the NHTSA to investigate and mandate an expansion of the recall footprint to include excluded VIN blocks. I have paid $680 out-of-pocket to Torrance Motors to replace the defective control arm and perform a mandatory wheel alignment to keep the vehicle road-safe. I retain all itemized repair receipts for future reimbursement verification.

NHTSA ID

11772563

Incident

Aug 19, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was driving unstable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the suspension was inspected. The mechanic became aware of cracked bushings on the upper control arm on both sides of the vehicle. The independent mechanic performed an alignment; however, after the alignment was performed, the steering instability and handling failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V170000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall repair.

NHTSA ID

11765060

Incident

Sep 17, 2026

The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Murano. The contact stated while the vehicle was at Now Auto Care for a service appointment, the contact was informed that the driver's and passenger's side control arms were unusually worn and failing. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,960.

NHTSA ID

11740299

Incident

May 23, 2026

Mileage

85,960 mi

Claim #11682497 follow up I’ll be attaching documents below

NHTSA ID

11683631

Incident

Aug 28, 2025

Subject: Vehicle Safety Complaint – 2020 Nissan Murano, VIN [XXX] Dear NHTSA, I am submitting a formal Vehicle Safety Complaint regarding my 2020 Nissan Murano (VIN: [XXX] ) due to unresolved safety defects that match existing recalls. I have been notified of two recall campaigns affecting my vehicle model: 1. NHTSA Campaign 21V402000 (Steering knuckle/rear axle housing defect). 2. NHTSA Campaign 21V170000 (Transverse link/ball joint defect). Despite these active recalls being published in NHTSA’s database, Nissan Consumer Affairs has denied that my VIN is included, even though my vehicle is exhibiting the exact safety defects described: [insert brief description of your issues, e.g., steering instability, noises, or loss of control symptoms]. I have already provided Nissan with: - NHTSA campaign numbers - Recall notifications received through the Kelley Blue Book app - Documentation of my safety concerns Nissan has failed to provide a resolution. I request that NHTSA investigate whether additional VINs should be included in these recalls and ensure Nissan fulfills its obligations to correct these safety defects. I am prepared to supply copies of all recall notifications, correspondence with Nissan and, documentation of my vehicles defects upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11682497

Incident

Aug 22, 2025

My 2020 Nissan Murano sl has 35k miles and the rear shocks are defective. The defect has already ruin a new set of tires with humps. This should be a manufactured recall.

NHTSA ID

11646576

Incident

Feb 28, 2025

Slowly over time it is becoming harder to turn the wheel, making a loud clumping voice when I turn the wheel a certain direction.

NHTSA ID

11628043

Incident

Aug 2, 2024

This is a 2020 Nissan Murano S. The vehicle has been well maintained and taken to the dealership for maintenance periodically. I usually take my vehicle to either Antwerpen Nissan Clarksville or Antwerpen Nissan Security. I took my vehicle to Antwerpen Nissan Security for a transmission flush and change. Shortly after that service I started to notice an oil smell coming into the cabin. I took it back to them twice and they did not see any leakage or anything to cause the smell. I later took my car to Antwerpen Clarksville. They didn't notice the smell but said I needed to replace both front lower control arms for $1655.88. Front lower control arms splitting, dry rotting. This car was purchased brand new and only had 62K miles. This appears to be premature wear and of course the warranty as passed, which would have been 5 years or 60,000 miles. Out of all the visits I had, no one seen this premature wear on the control arm until this visit. This doesn't happen overnight, and I think Nissan should cover this. My vehicle was seen at Antwerpen Nissan at 56k and inspected and the dealer never mentioned this issue.

NHTSA ID

11501886

Incident

Jan 6, 2023