RoadVitals

2021 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.
16
Latest Jul 6, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
7
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.
1

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2021 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

  • Electrical212.5%
  • Exterior lighting16.3%
  • Seat belts16.3%
  • Visibility16.3%
  • Engine16.3%
  • Body & structure16.3%

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

Driver assistance

Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

While accelerating to merge into traffic and make a left turn, the vehicle briefly hesitated, which has occurred previously. After completing the turn and straightening the vehicle, I fully released the accelerator pedal, but the vehicle continued accelerating and maintaining speed without accelerator input from me. The vehicle appeared to maintain approximately 54 mph in a 45-mph zone while I was not pressing the accelerator pedal. I applied the brakes, but the vehicle did not immediately decelerate. To regain control, I shifted the transmission into Neutral. Once the transmission was in Neutral, the engine RPM increased briefly and then quickly returned to normal, and I was able to slow down and stop safely. This occurred at approximately 6:00 PM on Saturday, June 20, 2026. There was no floor mat or anything else blocking or touching the accelerator pedal. After I stopped, the vehicle seemed to drive normally again. The vehicle has also had a recurring condition after startup in which the engine sometimes revs higher than normal for a short time before returning to a normal idle. I am including this as an additional observation. The continued acceleration after I had fully released the accelerator pedal created a safety concern. I am submitting this report so the incident can be documented and investigated.

NHTSA ID 11745478 · filed Jun 21, 2026

The crash sensor light keeps engaging while driving, even when the vehicle is parked or idle. There is nothing in site to indicate a crash. Vehicle was taken to dealer on 5 or more occasions and finally it was replaced in December 2024 after Nissan Corp. got involved. The vehicle engaged the brakes while driving on the highway when NOTHING was present to indicate danger. This was mentioned to Nissan and the dealer (AutoNation) on my last visit in January 25 and the dealer stated they could not reproduce the issue, although the problem still exist, I was told by the dealer that it's normal. Nissan Corp mentioned a senior mechanic will investigate, but was never sent to dealer. Instead, I emailed video of it happening to customer affairs at Nissan. The senior mechanic (Nissan Corp) and the mechanic at the dealer provided reasons like a piece of lint could be on the lenses (not while driving 55mph), could be sunlight blocking the sensor (what about at night), or the lenses could be dirty (maybe but not really). This seem to be a danger when driving and all of a sudden your brakes are engaged automatically while driving and the only reason given was possibly lint. The only recourse from the dealer was my option was to return vehicle (lemon law) and purchase another one. I'm retired and not in the position to start all over in acquiring a note. This vehicle was still under warranty (with less 25K miles) when this was first reported, why are customers responsible for any fees? I am afraid to drive most occasions and would like to know if anyone else has reported this (also asked Nissan - sure they're not going to be truthful)? Will someone please investigate this matter and let me know my options? Have videos showing crash sensor engaging but the files are too large to upload. Thanks!

NHTSA ID 11639696 · filed Jan 30, 2025
All 9 reports naming driver assistance

Electrical

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

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

The fuel gauge no longer works and the speedometer is inconsistent. The 2021 Murano has a digital spped read out that can be used. The main speedometer can jump around show 45 while running at 73 mph. Or showing 23 when at 33 - so it is clearly a safety issue. This is a low mileage vehicle - with about 18000 miles on it.

NHTSA ID 11748508 · filed Jul 6, 2026

Car stalls and dashboard goes blank or backup warning lights or other warning lights randomly coming on. I don't feel safe. My car could stall and cause accidents. 2 dealership inspected and said they could not find anything wrong.

NHTSA ID 11474283 · filed Jul 16, 2022

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The component of the vehicle is the passenger headlight. The vehicle is available for inspection at any time.I was unable to see at night clearly with the use of only one headlight because the other headlight went out. At the time that the headlight went out I was on a 2 Lane Rd. with no street lights and it became very dark and difficult to see.The defect has been confirmed at a Nissan dealership on September 23. The dealership found separation of the assembly, causing the condensation in the passenger side headlight causing it not to work. The vehicle has not been inspected by any other entity, besides the certified Nissan dealership. The system warning message appeared only when the headlight went out.

NHTSA ID 11616501 · filed Sep 25, 2024

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.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The driver side rear seat belt buckle does not engage, the red button on buckle does not pop up

NHTSA ID 11666395 · filed Jun 11, 2025

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

Visibility

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

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

The contact rented a 2021 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle, the rear windshield suddenly shattered. The contact indicated that during the failure, no object had struck the windshield to cause it to shatter. The manufacturer was notified but vehicle was a rental and would not discuss the defect. Also, Pennsylvania State Attorney but manufacturer declined to engage about the damage to the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not determined. The approximate failure mileage was 11,000.

NHTSA ID 11460107 · filed Apr 8, 2022

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

Engine

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

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

On Jan 15, 2025, my vehicle exhibited an unintended sudden acceleration event while applying the brakes to slow the vehicle. Shortly after applying the brakes, the vehicle's engine revved very high and the car launched forward despite my foot on the brake and then struck another vehicle in front of me. The automatic emergency braking did not trigger. The air bags did deploy. No significant injuries, but both cars were damaged, my Murano likely totaled. I am confident that I did not accidentally hit the gas pedal.

NHTSA ID 11637487 · filed Jan 21, 2025

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

Body & structure

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

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

On Jan 15, 2025, my vehicle exhibited an unintended sudden acceleration event while applying the brakes to slow the vehicle. Shortly after applying the brakes, the vehicle's engine revved very high and the car launched forward despite my foot on the brake and then struck another vehicle in front of me. The automatic emergency braking did not trigger. The air bags did deploy. No significant injuries, but both cars were damaged, my Murano likely totaled. I am confident that I did not accidentally hit the gas pedal.

NHTSA ID 11637487 · filed Jan 21, 2025

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 .