Nissan Murano Maintenance and Repair

landis

I only had 7,500 some miles on mine when this all stared with the shimmy and vibration in the steering wheel.

baldwin3

Look at my post #985. Throttle position sensor failure. JB

blc4

My '03 SL transmission failed in the Colorado Rockies. Would not move out of idle. The odd thing was that it self-corrected after about 10 on/off over 12 hours (to keep the cell phone charged). Towed to the dealership, where I was told that high altitude operations required additional software patches. They re-set the software, and the problem went away.
The manufacturer has failed to respond to my request for information on the issue.
I understand that the "clicking noise" exists in other Nissans and has something to do with a calibration component and is a design issue that is supposed to have no practical consequences.

jmack

I'm having a similar problem with my 03 Murano, but I think the problem is the brake rotors are out of round. if you apply even light pressure at highway speeds it shimmys like crazy. I am thinking this may be a common problem with the larger vehicles built on the Altima platform. (Quest, Murano, etc.)I had the front brake :mad: rotors on my 05 quest replaced at 7000 miles, under warranty. The service manager told me to expect to replace the back pads before 10k miles, which is insane.

miazak

I'm another victim. I have an '05 Murano. The only thing I think might be different in my case is that we noticed a loud clanking (rattle) by the axle in the rear when going over bumps and dips before everything went south.

Asked the Nissan service dept to look into that during the first oil change (10/05), but they were unable to duplicate the problem -- and made me feel like an "over-reacting" female.

A little over three weeks later (10/31), the noise got louder and the service engine light came on. Had the service dept look at it again and this time, they said the throttle control sensor was bad, so they replaced it. They also said the rattle was due to loose emergency brake cables. At this point, all was well and I drove off happy.

Two days later (11/02) I noticed that when I accelerated, the Murano would jerk back and forth, like it wasn't getting enough gas/power (?). It did this intermittently, all day.

The next day (11/03) on my way to work in rush hour traffic, I accelerated, the Murano did the jerking back & forth thing, then started to loose power. Not good. It came to a slow crawl in the middle of traffic on the way to the freeway. Then the service engine light came on. I called the service dept asking for a tow and they told me to turn the car off/on, and get drive it to them. What fun I had trying to get it to start, while hoping I wouldn't get rear-ended or worse... After 2 attempts, finally got the car to start and limped out of traffic. Had to turn it off again before I was able to drive it at a normal speed. Service dept had vehicle for 7 days. First, they had no idea what was wrong. Then they told me they were trouble-shooting with Nissan Tech online (?). They finally decided they needed to replace the ECM (engine control module). Got the car back today (11/09). I sure hope this is it. I still need to get over the fear of driving it, though.

murano_owner

It just baffles my mind as to how I see the same problem being posted here over and over and how the Nissan dealerships act like it is the first time they have seen the problem. You would think by now that Nissan would have learned how to service these issues since most of you have had them and have taken your Murano's to them. From my experience the people at my Nissan Dealership service dept had no clue about half of the features. They sent out an "expert" to show me how to work my GPS. This guy had no clue. He was pressing button after button with no clue what he was doing. I ended up just pushing him out of my car because he was wasting my time. I learned everything I needed to know form the service manuals which I believe that the Nissan service people have not read, because if they did they would have been more helpful in answering some of my questions. After reading all of these posts I have purchased AAA membership for the first time. You can count on AAA to help you out in a bind. I find the road side assistance from Toyota, Honda or Nissan to be awful. I had to use Honda Road side assistance. I live in the city but it still took 1 hour and 45 minutes for the tow truck to show up. AAA would have been there in 15 minutes. I read somewhere that there is some test going on to verify if the Muranos have a faulty gas tank and if they find it to be so that there will be another recall. Such a nice car, but bad Nissan service makes it hard to be happy with your purchase.

nrabbat

I am having the same issue. But my issue started after the alternator was changed; furthermore, the moon roof wouldn't open anymore.

I just got the Murano back from the dealership yesterday. The gas tank door still will not open! And they haven't yet gotten the part I needed for the moon roof. They also created a one inch gash in the driver side paneling when they tried to remove it. I am so angry!

miazak

I don't think Nissan takes the time to look at like service issues within, let alone from different areas/dealerships. One would think they'd share the info.

Case and point: When I was waiting to pick up my car during one of my "visits" another service advisor was troubleshooting with a service mechanic about another murano's problem with rattling outside of the vehicle. My car was serviced (and repaired) for the same issue not too long ago. I couldn't help but step in and tell them about it -- check the emergency brake cables! They had no clue and when I told them to validate it by looking up the service on my car, then they decided it was a good direction to take. Amazing.

Oh, and by the way, I ended up taking the murano back the very next day (11/10) for the same problem with the service engine light and loss of power (see post# 1037). Mid-day, they reported that it had something to do with the accelerator pedal sensor, which :surprise: had to be replaced. When I asked for an update at the end of the day, I was told they were still having "difficulties" and will need to keep the car over the weekend. No other details provided.

This makes 3 visits for the same core problem. :lemon: ??

rsaunders

I have a new, 2005 Murano with 300 miles on it. I went out with the manual and made some settings changes when I got home. Thanx to this forum I turned off the auto relock.

Today it didn't beep when I unlocked it. That seemed odd, so I went to personalized settings to check. The settings for beep on unlock were set to off. I pushed the joystick to turn it back on, and it won't. The little * hops to the right place, but then instantly hops back. The Ikey is working, it can stay in my pocket while driving.

What's going on here? Is there some "mute" feature that over-rides these settings? The manual's worthless, "personalized settings" isn't even in the index.

landis

I have had a vibration in my 2005 Nissan Murano and they have changed the 4 tires and steering rack and the front end drive shifts and the problem still is going on. After having it at the dealership 7 times now I just got BBB to help me out and now Nissan North America has 14 days to fix the problem and if they don't fix it they will be giving me a new Murano. So anyone that is having this problem needs to stay on top of it and nave Nissan North America to stand behind it all the way, but the owner that are have the vibration needs to stay on top of it to get to the point where I am.

dmitriy1

I seen people posting about problem they have with 03,04,05 murando. I am thinking of picking up 06 S murando. Any advice if i should look at some other vehicles or is the overall quality of this vehicle is good?

murano_owner

I find that my AC system does not remember the last settings before I turned off my car. There have been many instances where I shut off the fan and the AC the night before and the next morning when I start my car the AC is back on again and the fan kicks in. I confirmed that the auto setting is turned off as well. It just seems to me that the AC system does not remember what my settings were the night before. Has anyone else encountered this issue before?

Thanks

rsaunders

This ia apparently a feature! Pressing both buttons on the remote fob toggles between the "personalized settings" for lock and unlock and fixed "quiet" ones. You can't change the personalized ones when the quiet ones are in force. Bottom line, this is even in the manual, but just unintelligible.

virgo1

I was also thinking about buying a 04 fully loaded pre own or a brand new SE murano. I would like to know is this a reliable vehicle & if it is then is the listed problem is what I will looking forward to
P.S. I welcome any feedback on this matter.

pier

just want to set your expectations at a realistic level here. In my experience, vibrations come in two types.
The first is probably fixed within the first or second visit (re-balancing, rim\tire replacement, steering rack adjustment/replacement).

The second type ends up in no resolution at all. Eventually even the most accommodating dealer will run out of fix attempts. At this point, it seems, the automotive industry follows the same protocol. The manufacturer goes into a defensive mode. Subsequent test drives with technical specialists will result in the finding that the vibration is a normal operating condition (even if it is plainly obvious that it is not). This is a defensive call to preempt a lemon law case. Invoking a lemon law on a defect the manufacturer does not recognize will drag out the proceedings and wear down the consumer.

In order to force the manufacturer to acknowledge the defect, NHTSA's Office of Defect Investigation (ODI) requires the public to log a significant number of cases for the same defect to approach the manufacturer. At that point, the manufacturer can voluntarily initiate a recall - the government-enforced recall option would be a PR disaster.

Good luck with your vibration issues. I was a victim of the type 2 defect with an 04 Nissan Quest. Oddly enough, Nissan voluntarily voided a two year balance on the lease of the car shortly after I informed Nissan of the NHTSA ODI case number I created on-line

newcarowner

Hi. I just purchased a Certified 2005 Nissan Murano with 19,000 miles 6 days ago. After the 2nd day I noticed smoke coming from the tailpipes. It was not cold out but I didn't give it much thought. The following night a passenger got out and commented on the excessive amount of smoke coming from the tailpipes and if everything was okay. I started paying closer attention and it may be my imagination but it feels as if my throat and eyes become agitated while driving. There is also a faint odor. I'm constantly looking in the side mirrors and every time I see the smoke my heart sinks.

I've made an appointment for next week with Service but I am afraid that because I'm a female and don't have much knowledge about cars I will just be strung along.

How can I tell if they are giving me a con when I go into Service and what can I say to show that I know a little about what may possibly be the problem? I don't believe the smoke is blue or black.

Thanks in advance.

timbo4

You didn't say what part of the country you are from or how cold it was but I noticed alot of smoke (steam) on a trip to Chicago last winter. There was more steam coming from my pipes than any other car on the road. I believe that this is a result on how the engines computer controls are set up to control emissions & has never been a problem on how the car has run or performed. I have 42,000 miles on my 2003 model & have had no engine issues. This engine is consistantley been voted as the top V-6 in the industry. I don't think you have a problem if your smoke is actually steam.

newcarowner

I live in Pennsylvania and when I first noticed it the weather was close to 60 degrees. I do see other cars with smoke coming from the tailpipe but it just seems like mine is so much more than everyone else as you stated.

Also as I mentioned there is a slight odor. I keep an eye on the temp gauge to make sure the needle doesn't rise above midpoint and it hasn't.

Thanks for your response.

jbr03

Should my Murano transmission blow after 75k after a routine service??? I took my 03 into dealership on the recall notice (dealership stated notice didn't apply to my VIN#) but while there (180 miles from home) they wanted to do a 60k service. Why didn't it go in at 60 you may ask? The dealership where purchased went out of business and being that there wasn't one around the corner anymore, and that it always ran so well, time cruised by until that painful recall notice enforced me to plan a long day trip. So with about 75k on it, it has always been babied and I do have ALL service records, even the 3000 mile oil changes. At the dealership, they convinced me that a 60k service would only take 3 hours to do WHILE THERE, so why not.... After a few hours it was done and I paid the $560 bill and drove out while listening to a clunk, clunk noise. I got on the highway, 5 o'clock traffic approaching, and called them since the noise didn't go away. They did not advise me to return. They were about to close and I wanted to seriously get home--three hours away. They asked if any warning lights were on and there were not. I drove home, kept stopping along the way as the noise was worsening, and got into my office driveway, just barely. The car whined and when I looked in the engine there was oil dripping out. I had an independent look at it that very next morning, driving it 5 mph there --- he checked the trans oil and there was NONE on the stick! I immediately called the dealership again and they sent a flatbed that same day... remember, my car is almost three hours away from them... and even said they'd pay a rental while fixing the problem....until their diagnostics indicated that the entire transmission needed replacing for $6000. They wanted to be generous and only charge me 2/3rds or about $4000... hmmmmm, I don't think so.
My baby has been at the dealership for 4 weeks and neither the dealership nor Nissan wants to pay to take care of this. The dealership claims it's Nissan's fault with the "unique" transmission style. The VP of Marketing at Nissan, whom we've been in touch with says this has become a HIGH PROFILE case and yet they have not owned up to replacing the problem--they may think it is the dealerships lack of due diligence in something the service department did or didn't do. These transmissions can not take being flushed, so all they are supposed to do is drain them, yet our receipt states it had a BG Transmission flush. All independent transmission repair shops aware of this type of transmission state that flushing it will cause a valve to blow. Is that why there was no fluid left??? We firmly believe that this is the case and that the dealership is responsible, yet the dealership claims it is the fault of a "coinsidental" problem with the exotic transmission type. It certainly shouldn't be our $6000 problem. So here we are without a Murano and in the middle of a Murano nightmare....also to note is the "special trans oil" only made for the Murano.... dealership claims they put the correct fluids in the "flush".
Also to note: the dealership g.m. thought we'd be better off trading it in, so we entertained that idea and low and behold his 'best price' on our fully loaded SL AWD 03 in 'good' condition was about $6000 less than kbb and nada from what I've found. I guess that would be one way to fix the problem and have us pay for it in the 'end'. But I'm not gonna go there....I just want my baby back. I was the first Murano owner in my small town and my baby ran great until this routine service at this dealership.
One final note - my recall appointment was actually with a different Nissan dealership about 1.5 miles away, but when I called to get directions from Nissan, I was sent to this one who didn't have my appointment in their books but had plenty of time in their service department to handle my car.

roadrunner70

does anyone hear a sharp clicking sound when they accel or brake. it can be replicated at a standstill by holding the brake and shifting from f to r. sounds like either spring (but doesn't click over bumps), motor mount or ctj. any ideas? mostly hear at slower speeds. thanks.

roadrunner70

what kind of rattle is it? when do you hear it? how was it fixed? a few weeks ago, my 03 began to click which is primarily heard when driving at slower speed, like 0 to 35 mph, and mostly when accelerating. to me it sounds like a sharp click, like stones in the tred, but it can be replicated without moving by shifting from f to reverse and back while holding car still with the brake. thanks.

tucsondriver

There appears to be a defective part on my 2004 Murano, I am wondering if others have experienced this problem? I think this should be covered under warranty...

The "Service Engine Soon" light came on... after 2 hours of diagnosing the dealer found a broken valve and canister assembly. This is a plastic tube behind the gas tank by the tail pipe. The parts are made of plastic and have to be replaced at $400!!!

This Tucson Nissan dealer started giving me the story that this probably happened from off-roading. But, of couse the vehicle has not been off-roaded--ever. Then they told me it was from road debris. But, this box is protected from the road by a metal bar and their explanation violates the know laws of physics.

So, have others experienced this issue? I would like to know if this is really a one in a million, or a known problem that I should fight. THANKS!!!

tidester

But, this box is protected from the road by a metal bar and their explanation violates the know laws of physics.

The dealer may or may not have been feeding you a line but it's not really a physics issue. You can thank Murphy for his Law - if any stuff can get up there, it will!

tidester, host

miazak

It was a metallic sound, more like a clack. It could also be described like shaking a coin in a soda can. I started to hear it when going over speed bumps and dips at slow speeds. Within 3-4 weeks after first hearing it, it got louder and I'd hear it no matter what I did (drive over bumps, dips, in reverse, going slow, fast, etc.). After the service dept spent a lot of time on it, they determined it was due to loose emergency brake cables. They tightened them up and I haven't heard the rattle since. Good luck!

longina

I am well on my way to having a 3rd seal replaced on the front axel of my 2003 Nissan Murano. Anyone having these problems as well? I love my car but I am trying to decide if this and will be a "Murano" issue. Not sure if it could be a fluke, a 2003 issue or just an overall Murano problem given the transmission. Any advice???

kirby3

YES... I thought I was going out of my mind! I'm not sure... But it may be the CV joint? My noise is coming from the driver's side front. It is a clicking sound when starting off. It happens especially in rush hour traffic where you start and stop all the time.

longina

My 2003 had the same problem. It is some sort of part that monitors/regulates the load on each wheel. This is what I was told. Some elecrical part that went bad. Thank God it was under warranty.

baldwin3

At 7,500 miles (Mur 05) had loss of power, engine would not rev. Turned off ignition, everything came back fine but Service Engine Soon light was on. Dealer: "Throttle Control Sensor"...replaced under warranty. (No direct accelerator pedal link with carburetor...it is electric now) All has been FINE since, now at 14,000 miles, with no rattles, clunks, vibrations, or even minor things. I unloaded an Audi A-6T (01) to buy the Murano. The Audi had innumerable problems, not least turbo failing...under warranty at 20,000, but would have been $3,500. Also lots of lights on, stuff falling off, plastic radiator cracking and going empty, radio failure, and on and on. I just came from the Edmunds A-6 site...the litany of Audi failures makes the Murano problems seem like nothing....at least by comparison. Reading over the posts, it seems like dealer ignorance (flushing and maybe forgetting to fill the transmission) and stupid diagnostics for simple problems are the Murano's worst enemy. Crossing my fingers, but ours is doing fine...(I know, tomorrow it might go down). Will followup at 20,000 or sooner if problem comes up of interest to owners.

gjone300zx

The day before Thanksgiving my wife and I were preparing to "Go over the river and through the woods" in our new 2005 Nissan Murano; it has less than 5k miles on it. My wife complained of the Murano having a loss of power and hesitating on take off - plus the Check Engine light came on. If not for the fact that we had another vehicle (that I really didn't want to take) we might not have been able to take the trip. So, we left the Murano in the garage. Upon returning, we started the Murano up and drove it around town. The check engine light was still on but it was not experiencing the "loss of power" or "hesitation". We will take it to Nissan tomorrow for diagnostic testing. I see that others had in this forum had similar problems. I will post the results of the diagnostics when I receive them.

vditzler

haven't purchased a Murano yet, but have done lots of research. the loss of power might be due to a defect in the alternator. it's listed in the 2003-2005 official recall list which is on the Nissan Motors web site. but before you get all excited, check the vin numbers listed that are affected. supposedly, it has only affected approximately 125,000 muranos.......check it out.

platinumbird1

Is anyone aware of Transmission problem on 2005 Murano?

roadrunner70

logina, please pull your service records and see what was repaired or replaced. it seems that a few of us have the same problem. the clicking sound is coming from the drivers side front and is very clearly heard upon accel and deceleration, usually at speeds from 0 to 25 mph. your help is greatly appreciated.

roadrunner70

kirby3, have you had this repaired yet? i am trying to find out what logina's actual repair was before i bring mine in.

mandamus

have I got a horror story for you!!
Wifey and I left in my 2005 Murano SL AWD for a thanksgiving holiday in Jacksonville, Florida with family. Approximately 3600 miles on the car when we pulled out of the driveway and LESS than 5000 miles on it when, just outside of __________, Georgia when the transmission failed. This was on Sunday, November 20, 2005. Come Monday morning I was at the local Nissan dealer in _________ with the car at 7:30 AM when they opened. Late that same day, the dealer called me (about 5:00 PM) to tell me that it was indeed a bad transmission and it would have to be replaced. But the really bad news was that there was NO replacement transmission in the US!! One was ordered from Japan and it just was delivered to the dealership in _________ YESTERDAY!!! And there is more! While in the middle of writing this reply to your question, the dealership called and said that having pulled the engine, transmission, and "transfer case" they had discovered that the transmission case was also bad... and (worse news) one will in all likelyhood will also have to be ordered from Japan!!! They warn me that this latest problem will likely take another 10 days to 2 weeks to fix. And in the meanwhile, Wifey and I are back home in Northern Illinois while my car sits in a Nissan dealership in _________, GA, still unrepaired. We leased a Hertz rental car on our own, one that we could pick up in ___________, drive home and leave at our local Hertz office. Sadly, Nissan Customer Service has not as yet committed as to how and when, I will be reunited with the car, or how I will be compensated for the expenses I've incurred and may yet have to incur to get this car home. My request that it be repaired and then shipped via truck to my local dealership where I would then pick it up was initially denied. Although that and this whole situation, is now being reviewed by Nissan at the Corporate level. Do I have a lemon? It is certainly looking like I will not have the use of my car for at least a month ... yet my lease payment for that month will still be due and payable!! What to do? What to do? I wish I knew.

panamapete

I wrote an earlier thread about a vibration at around 1500 rpm in my 2003 Murano. The dealership believed it was a transmission issue and obtained permission to replace the transmission. It turns out that the engine had to be removed to replace the transmission (my read is that this is the first CVT transmission the dealership has had to replace) It took 4 days and in the process, something in the power steering was damaged. Through a bandaid fix, I was able to test drive the car...the vibration/noise problem is actually a bit worse. As of this writing, I am driving a rental car and waiting for the power steering part to come in. The dealer has been in communication with Nissan Technical representatives, but advice on how to remedy the problem is not forthcoming. I am really disappointed and have a fundamental expectation that the problem be repaired or have the car replaced. Does anyone have edvice on this issue?

miazak

I had the same problem (posts 1037, 1040) and it turned out be a loose wire. Service tech repaired it by crimping the terminal to make it tighter and now all's well. It's been almost a month since and I haven't had any more issues with loss of power and the service engine light coming on.

toeknee1

It looks like my 2005 Murano has some transmission problems. We bought the Murano new, and my wife drives it. It only has 4000 miles on it. Yesterday, she noticed excess smoke while traveling, on the interstate, in our area. When she pulled over and stopped, she lost all forward gears and reverse. Even though the engine was running fine, it wouldn't move. We called a tow truck to have it towed to our local Nissan dealership. The dealership gave us a loaner car. They were closing when we brought it in last night (Saturday at 5PM), so they will look at it on Monday and let us know what is wrong.

baldwin3

These happenings seem to keep coming. (see my 1061 post) Since TPS was replaced, all fine. Does anyone know what happens if somebody puts oil or regular ATF into the transmission fill point...or if,worse, it comes out empty...that post 1070 really intrigues me. Please followup on what it was. Thanks. JOHN B in CA

blc4

My "clicking" grew to where I became concerned. Brought it in for service. Was told that there is a cooling fan on the transmission, and that the casing protecting the fan had been bent. Therefore the noise is the fan clicking against the casing. New casing on order. Will find out results next week. Stay tuned.

leftwalking

We purchased a 2003 Murano new. We have expressed concern about the transmission over the last 3 years. The dealer always said they couldn't find anything. Then as fate would have it, just after our warranty went out, the problems with hesitation and noise like it was in a strain got worse. Then one Nissan dealer told us that the sensor in the transmission had gone bad and it we had it replaced. Some times the transmission was fine. No problems. Then again there were times it wouldn't change gears. We were told it would require a new transmission and the cost would be $6,000. Then we were told that there was an internal problem in the transmission and we would have to buy a new transmission. We could not afford it so we drove it until last night. Last night the car's transmission quit. The car would run but, no forward or reverse on it. We had to be towed. The times we complained early on about the transmission were never written down on the job ticket. Will call dealer tomorrow.

toeknee1

Update: I didn't hear from the dealership today, so I called them at 4PM. The service representative told me that they were still trying to find the problem. He said the transmission fluid was empty, so they refilled it and it quickly spurted out. He said that is all he knows at this point, but will call me tomorrow with more news.

toeknee1

Good News For Now: The Nissan dealership called today. The Murano is fixed. A transmission hose clamp came loose, and the hose fell off. This caused the transmission to lose all fluid, so it lost all motion. Nissan replaced the hose and clamp and filled the fluid. They say it runs fine, and the loss of fluid will not harm the transmission. I'll keep an eye on it and let you know if any further problems arise. Hopefully, all is well!

ricksofla

Before I plunk down a lot of cash on a used 2003 (SL/AWD)Murano, I thought it a good idea to get some opinions from owners. 2003 is the first full model year. After reading a considerable amount of BLOG on transmission problems, I have concerns about the reliablity as compared to an '04 or '05. Or, for that matter, are there inherent transmission problems for all years. Comments would be appreciated. :confuse:

roadrunner70

in all the years i have been aroound cars, i have never heard of a trans hose clamp coming off. they sometimes will leak after years of service at the crimp on the high pressure side, but coming off. could you please look at the service report and perhaps can you determine which hose. i believe there are two on the upper right of the engine compartment. either way, i will certainly check mine to make sure that they are tight.

toeknee1

Hi Roadrunner: Here is the explanation on the invoice: Found trans cooler line off. Found clamp on hose unsprung with factory clip holding clamp. Connected hose and installed clamp. Put fluid in trans, 7 qt. Road test and found trans runs normally and is full.

sliceopizza

Has anyone purchased an extended warranty and how much did you pay? I have 35k on my '03 Murano and am thinking about buying the extended warranty.

sliceopizza

I bought an '03 about 6 months after the Murano was introduced. My biggest issue was some squeaks from the plastic door panels contacting the metal door frame and some other annoying creaks. I've done minimal maintenance, oil changes, wheel rotation, etc. I do not go in for the expensive "look over" they try to get you to pay for every 7500 miles. I don't stomp on the accelerator and drive like Al Unser. I read all this stuff on here and wonder if I got really lucky or if there was a bad batch of Muranos that hit the streets.

baldwin3

Dear Slice: I am but a humble retired Army surgeon from Nam, who appreciates quality and despises inefficiency and quality issues. Our Murano 05, bought 1 year ago, had the throttle sensor problem, (sudden loss of power), correctly diagnosed at 7,500..(thanks totally to an Edmunds post which clued me in) and now at 15,000 remains perfect. ONE defect in one year...windows, radio, dash, seats, warmers, leather, transmission, engine, tires, rattles and all the rest: perfect. I oil, lube, filter at Jiffy Lube and will only go to dealer (whom I trust implicitly) for the 15 and 30K. I have noted that the Transmission dipstick is "difficult" to remove...first noted by the Jiffy guys...this to stop ignorants from putting in ATF fluid when special juice is necessary. The posts which, I included, have put up, stating problems are real, but when compared to Audi, VW, BMW and Jaguar: volume, severity and complexity, pale by comparison. I believe the transmission is engineered with great reliability..but if the fluid is gone or it is dented or abused, it fails. The CVT was in service in Japan in a similar vehicle under a different name for FOUR years before USA introduction. The Murano is built, as I understand it, in Japan, not some South Carolina town...and for all that have been made, it has been remarkably reliable. One of the unspoken problems is that the vehicle is more complicated than the servicepersonnel at the dealerships, who are hired to repair it.....take it as you will.
I had a 2001 Audi A-6T which was "Import Car of the Year" for Car and Driver in 2001...which NOW is the dog of the used car trade in Consumers Reports for 2005..under the "AVOID" category along with older Jeeps. Murano will never go that far down. I am not a dealer, an advocate, a union car guy, and I do nothave any vested interest in this product-model, but I do know that Nissan builds better cars than most companies, having bought them for twenty five years exclusively, and the M is very, very complicated...electronics, transmission, seats, tire pressure sensors, throttle sensors, CVT, heating, radio, CD, AC, power windows and computer driven carburetion. To not have a MYRIAD of problems...as do all current automobiles which have gravitated to the "American ideal" of incredible expectations and extras is impossible. A loose transmission coupling and and a throttle sensor failure (as I had.under warranty) are minimal expectation failures, although very serious at the time instances, for such a complicated, and yet, fun to drive, as one post said, "a hoot" vehicle."
I may eat my words in the next 5,000 miles and if so, I will so post and be totally honest. Thanks everyone...it was an Edmunds post here... that turned me on to the throttle sensor failure...and saved me a transmission-alternator-battery-or a week at the dealer's for a fix. It was "you are right" and two hours later, under warranty, I was all fixed. Good dealer=good customer=good car... John Baldwin, Twain Harte, CA...

roadrunner70

you got lucky. i only drive about 7,000 miles a year, garage the car, etc. lots of problems.

drm0223

We purchased a 2005 Murano last March (9 mos. ago).
At 8,000 miles we begin hearing/feeling a vibration. We just took it to the dealer and they say a new Transmission is needed!