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Gas mileage problem is not uncommon for Murano. I read in the past that many are not getting the posted MPG while others claim they do. I can only speak for my experience. I'm currentyly averaging 17.3 MPG between highway and city driving and I consider myself a good driver..Regarding dealers that tell you all are OK, again, not uncommon response to make you go away. I experience that quite a few times even for minor repairs...Your MPG is quite extreme, I would recommend that you insist to get this problem addressed. New cars are very complex and even dealers struggle to get even minor problem fixed. If you don't bug them, then, they win.
Morning everyone! Never did this before so bear with me if my posting ability isn't up to forum standards. (What can you expect from an old "ground pounder") I have to admit being a little concerned after reading all the other posts reporting problems! Almost wondering whether posting this will JINX me! Knock wood it won't! Have been running a 2003 Murano since June of that year. Have 41K plus miles on it. In city driving, stop & go, I'm getting 18.5 mpg on regular gas - when I take the trip down to Charleston SC and my Beloved Citadel, I get over 20 mpg. And boy, that CVT is a powerhouse! Best pick-up of any of my trucks or other vehicles. (Takes a while getting used to NOT feeling your transmission shifting up and down the gears. I love it!) Still running on the first set of tires. Had the brakes done around 30K. I'm a big guy. 6'4+" 275lbs., so I'm bigger than your average bear and comfort is critical to these 54 year old bones! The "ride" inside is comfortable and more relaxing than any other vehicle I've ever owned. I get out down in Charleston feeling no aches or pains, whereas with my Grand Cherokee or even my huge Chevy Silverado I felt like I'd been through the war again! The BOSE sound system works great - except for an intermittant skipping problem. The skipping stopped after I cleaned out the CD unit. Those heated seats work wonders in cold NW "New Joisey." Snow driving is a dream in the Murano, only better car was my old Jeep Cherokee that could scamper up off-road tracks around Elk Mountain PA. like they weren't even there. (But then again my Cherokee didn't have the style and pizazze of the Murano!) But the Murano has taken me up the mountains and around stuck vehicles and trucks since I've had it. Haven't been stuck once. My ONLY problem is that neither my mechanic nor I can figure out what's causing the noise in the front end of the vehicle ONLY when I make a "moving" right hand turn. Doesn't occur when I turn after being stopped. Last week I thought it was fixed when my ace mechanic adjusted my stabilizer bar. Stopped it for a day - but now it came back. It sounds like a "rubbing" caused by the weight shift when I turn right while moving. After the turn, it's silence as usual. Any ideas or suggestions from Forum readers would be appreciated. Regards, bigeasy51
I have a 05 Murano SL AWD since Aug. 05 - has 8k now. Loved it up until about 3 weeks ago when it had a total loss of power while I was driving a car pool. All warning lights came on and it wouldn't go more than 20 mph and had trouble going up hill. I called the dealership and they told me it was safe to drive!! I barely made it home and had it towed to dealer. They looked at it and said battery was low and blamed it on me (must have left a light on or door open). I knew I hadn't but they charged it and all was fine-or so I thought. (BTW: it is not a model affected by alternator recall). Yesterday it refused to start in my garage. After many tries it finally turned over and I took it straight to dealer - who again told me nothing is wrong but that it may have something to do with the Smartkey system. Now I'm worried every time I start it. Any ideas out there?
I have a 2004 Murano with 28K miles. I have had the engine replaced (oil change screwup at dealership), rack & pinion steering mechanism replaced alternator replaced, miscellaneous minor problems and fixes. I get 18.4 mileage on regular gas, mix of small town and mountain driving. I use studless snow tires in the winter. I like the car and the way it handles, I am unhappy about the gas mileage and I do not like the dealership at all. I live an hour away from and over an 8,500 ft mountain from the Nissan dealer; if anything happens to my car that they must keep it overnight, they give me a Kia Rio or similar to drive, which means I cannot drive home in the winter. Absurd. I just pray that nothing will go wrong in the winter. I have an extended warranty, purchased when I bought the car. It is transferrable. At the time I bought the car, my husband pressured me to buy it over the Lexus RX330. I have regretted my decision since the engine replacement (dealer kept the car 6 weeks and gave me a Kia Rio to drive). Here's my dilemma - I have someone who wants to buy the car, for $27K including tires and warranty. I don't think the Murano is a reliable car anymore. I think I would be happier with an equivalent RX330 and the great customer service I hear you get at Lexus. Does anyone have any thoughts or advice for me? I need to decide soon. Thanks! sierralady
I guess my reason for selling the Murano and getting the Lexus is that I feel the Murano is not a stable car and will not be as reliable as a Lexus product. As well, I think the Lexus will hold its value much better than the Murano. Then there is the dealer issue. So, I think I should sell the car while I have such an excellent opportunity and upgrade to the Lexus. Comments? sierralady
If you have someone offering $27K for your car after all the problems its had, get the deal over with as quick as you can! The RX330 is a phenomenal SUV, and it will live up to your expectations, ie. solid, reliable, awesome customer service + you have the peace of mind of 4YR/50K warranty. In my opinion, you cannot go wrong with the RX- you do pay the premium for the name, but I still would pay extra for the name, customer service, prestige, and extra warranty. Good Luck....
Your description is classical Throttle Position Failure...way back a year ago, and 15,000 trouble-free miles later, you can see my initial post on TPS failure...and I thanked a previous post who clued me in on what the symptoms were. There has not been a recall on TPS, and I am not sure if plugging in the diagnostic machine to your Murano internal computer shows it...I do know my check engine light went on and stayed on, that turning off the key and waiting 2 minutes "Fixed it"...but the light stayed on. My dealer..Central Valley Nissan in Modesto, CA immediately agreed it was TPS, replaced the unit..it was a rather big chunk of complex metal stuff. That TPS failure was at about 7,000 in my 05. That has been the ONLY defect...ONLY...and we are now at 20K. In a previous post I stated the senior mechanic at above dealer told me only 2 transmissions have failed over the life of the Murano in their dealership, (one due to a crack and fluid leaked out and the other had regular Transmission fluid put in at a Jiffy Lube, not the different, special stuff the CVT requires) and about 8 TPS failures, and NONE which were replaced ever failed again. I sympathize with those posts above who have had epidemic problems..the CD, the ENGINE!, the transmission, the TPS, the alternator. I still believe the vehicle is sound, and Consumer's Report gives it a solid "BUY" for any year you choose, including "Used". How, why or what those discouraging posts mean I do not know...except that I have always felt that poor diagnostics, less than brilliant mechanics (the post for engine replacement had dealer failure in adding oil)and a very, very complex machine have led to things being blamed that might not have been at fault. As I have posted before, I will be right here straight-honest when the Murano turns on me...I am on a 36 mo. lease, 14 months into it. If when 36 comes, and the Murano has proven as reliable as my 01 Pathfinder, I would buy it, maybe. However, no matter what modern car you buy in 2006...down the line, repairs are huge dollar amounts...a simple window motor goes to about $800 in a Honda, Lexus, Nissan...near $1,000 for an Audi or BMW. With complexity like they all have, extending a warranty on even a "loyal" vehicle makes sense. My 01 Audi blew its turbocharger in warranty at 6,000 miles. Out of warranty...try $5,000 dollars and a couple weeks in a KIA. On that note...KIA makes a Murano look-alike...inexpensive and comes with 10 year/100,000 mile warranty. At some point, those Koreans will bankrupt GM and Ford. And, watch your local dealer for the Chinese "Chery" coming soon...starting at about $7,000 with warranty. Don't laugh...they laughed at Datsun, Toyota and Hyundai/Kia.... Lisa..go to your dealer and get the TPS fixed. Tell them you can get killed and your kids with you. Put that part in writing, describing your incident and your subsequent dealer "fixes"...you can tell them you read the posts on Edmunds.com...most dealerships are very aware of this real force. In legal terms, telling them in writing that there is a problem, is called: "Proximate liability". Once warned, if it happens again and someone is hurt, you have them dead in the water. As a cardiac surgeon, I am very familiar with this concept, in pump technology, in nursing instrumentation and in simple things like slippery floors. It makes sense and it will push them. Post again on what happens. I apologize for being long on this post, but the disasters described and the frustrations some owners are having really disturb me...particularly the often-cited dealer ignorance and unconcern. In my business, like theirs, diagnosis is crucial to a good result. John B from Twain Harte, CA
Thank you so much for all your advice - I printed your previous emails about TPS and will bring it up on my next visit. As a single mom I often feel intimidated about car stuff and rely on the dealer to be straightforward with me - which sometimes can be a disadvantage. I am thankful for people like you and forums such as this where I can obtain real-life info. I love my Murano and really had done my homework before leasing it. I am not naive enough to think that there is a trouble-free car out there but would like something that is mostly reliable. I'm glad to know the TPS was the fix for you (and others) and will let you know how it goes with mine.
My '03 Murano has a problem with transmission oil leaking from the transfer case seal. It drips on the manifold and causes a distinctive burning oil smell when I am stopped or going slowly. When I am driving the burning oil does not get sucked into the cabin air intake. The seal was replaced at both 22K and 32k. The entire transfer case was replaced at 34K. No luck, it still smells and I am bringing the car back to the dealer this Tuesday. Has anyone had this problem, and how was it resolved?
I would sell it. The lexus is a proven winner. I haven't had any trouble with my Murano but I hate my dealer also. They lie and distort trying to get me to open my wallet. SELL!
At around 30k I asked one of the guys at the nissan service desk when i should change my transmission fluid in my '03 Murano. He said "you could do it at your 36k check up". The next time i was in I asked a different guy and he said "you could do it around 48k" . So I was just there again and I asked another guy who I had talked to before and actually felt was a little more straight forward with his answers than the other service personnel. He said "it's a sealed transmission. You don't do anything until 100k and then it will cost $500.00 to $600.00 to change the fluid. I'm curious about other Murano owners transmission maintenance experiences. The thing I really hate about Nissan is they make the customer think their "suggested Maintenance and check up" schedule is necessary and mandatory. I haven't done anything but change the oil and get my alternator recall taken care of and my car is fine. Sometimes I think when you follow these ridiculous maintenance schedules and let some green mechanic tinker with your new car every 7.5k miles you are just asking for problems. Not to mention the $300.00 to $600.00 they charge to look your car over. My brakes were squeaking and they ended up re-surfacing my front rotors. it was a warranty issue. Then I looked at the suggested maintenance list and "adjust brakes", "transmission service" all that stuff is on there. It's under warranty, you shouldn't have to pay the dealer to take care of these things. Jump in with your thoughts on this matter, I would love to hear other opinions. I won't buy another Nissan but as long as my Murano keeps cruising along I like it.
I also have checked with service writers about trans oil changes. Both have told me that you don't have to do anything until 60,000 miles. Even then, the service advisor told me that on board computer monitors will let you know when your oil needs to be changed. When it detects that the oil needs to be changed the engine light will come on. When they plug your car into the analyser the code will indicate trans oil change. I was impressed a while back when the service dept ran the codes on my computer indicated that my battery was going bad. Didn't believe it but sure enough 2 battery shops test equipment indicated that the battery didn't have the ability to hold a reserve charge even though the car started just fine. Saved me from being stranded on a cold winters day. Pretty impressive stuff.
Side comment. These boards can scare the stuff out of you if you take it too serious. Sure cars have troubles, but my 03 has 44k & has run very well. Consumer Reports still rates this car as a recommended buy, new or used. My service rep says they have only replaced 1 trans & 2 throttle sensors, the 2 most commented on items on this site. The trans was changed because the wrong oil was put in it. I have posted a warning label next to my dip stick stating that this trans uses CVT oil only.
I was just making inquiries yesterday regarding replacement of fluid on my transmission, I was told not to do it untill 100,000 km including the differential and transfer case. I also found out that the oil on our transmission is synthetic and very expensive. I was quoted between $30-$40/liter and was told that I could need between 8-10 liters.
I made about 7 phone calls and two dealers were good enough to provide me those information.
There would be a recall to begin on March 21,2006 or owners may contact Nissan at 1-800-647-7261.
According to the recall, DEFECT:On certain vehicles,due to the location of the forward edge of the fuel tank,in the event that a vehicle front tire runs over a small, sharp object in the road, catches it and propels it towards the rear of the vehicle, it may strike and puncture the fuel tank.
CONSEQUENCE: A punctured tank could increase the risk of a fire.
REMEDY: Dealers will install protectors in front of the tank free of charge.
I agree with your feelings about Nissan's "Suggested Maintenance." A friend of mine is in the auto parts distributorship. He always tells me not to have any work done at the dealership, that they're there to make a profit. I have followed his advice and gone to independent shops that he knows and is familiar with their workmanship. And I have saved money on work such as brake work and small stuff. I drive a 2002 Nissan Maxima and all I've done in four years is had the oil changed every 3,000 miles, one set of tires and front brakes done. Car has 56,000 miles.
Had a 15,000 service today at Central Valley, Modesto, Nissan. No TPS failures in past 9 months in their shop. None of the five replaced heretofore failed again. Nissan has fixed the original problem. Still only 2 CVT failures for this dealership:the wrong ATF (not green Nissan) and the other, crack on rock-climbing, all leaked out. I watched a video of how it works...two pulleys connected by (I held this wide steel chain in my hand) a complex woven steel chain...as revs increase, one pulley get larger by centrifugal force, thus changing "gear" ratios without shifting. Ingenious. Nissan so happy with CVT performance (seven years in Japan up to now) that it will be going into Altimas and Maximas in the next model year. On fluid for timbo04 and easym1: as you know, the dipstick is purposely difficult to remove to discourage adding STP, conventional ATF or just plain oil. The CVT is NOT sealed as some posts have indicated,and is/can be checked as to fluid level/burning, etc. In the Service and Maintenance Guide you can look up CVT change intervals. There are 3 levels of service: Premium: CVT is changed every 30,000 miles. Schedule 1: never mentioned Schedule 2:(barebones)never mentioned...except that in both, it should be "Inspected" and footnote #4: "changed if towing trailer, camper or cartop, or rough/muddy roads." This at 30, 60, 90 (like Premium). So, you pick it...seems like it probably shouldn't go 100,000, and probably not over 60,000. (Most vehicles change ATF at 30s.) As in, never a rough or muddy road? Seems to me, if changing at 30K would prevent even a 5% chance of CVT failure, it would be worth it. I didn't ask how much it takes or how much it costs...sorry. The in-cabin microfilter...easy to change for them...tough for a doityourselfer...Took them fifteen minutes...got to remove the under-glove box panel to get at it...$29.95. It was original and was dirty and had our beloved dog's hair in it along with California freeway dust and fur. Make sure they do this every 15K. Finally, the fuel tank thing mentioned by platinumbird1 is beautiful: how many thousands of cars are out there that could throw a nail or rock from the front tire to hit the tank...? a million? Somebody must have done that with a Nissan, and bingo...recall. Frankly, I will take my chances on that one...seems less than being rear-ended in the Great Valley by an illegal without a license or insurance. That really hurts the tank way more. Total drive off for Premium 15,000: $272.79. OK, not cheap, but the car cost $35,000 and this is 0.7% of that cost..and is only every 15,000...which for me is once a year. In between, there are three changes...any or all of which can be Jiffy Lube ("leave the ATF stick alone, please) for $29.95 or the dealer whom I trust for $39.95. Still love the car...hey, I touch the button and keep the keys in my pocket; I can adjust the headlights higher or lower; in deep Yosemite snow, it performs like it has chains on; on ice, the VDC package really senses which tire is not driving in a flash; the seats heat up and I am getting 23 highway. And, I am lucky...our service place is smart and competant. Promise: if it turns on me, I'll tell you. Not yet. John B. Twain Harte, CA
Today I took my MO to Hall Nissan for the annual VA.> state insp. I had the drivers window down, as I left the MO & keys W/ the service advisor. My wife asked him to close the window to keep out shop dust. He said when the ign. keys are out of the car they always leave the windows open in case the doors lock by them selfs, they have a problem!!! I said, has'nt that problem been fixed by now. The window was left open...
The door locking feature is actually part of the program that you set in on the dash display screen, as you would set maintenance schedules, horn sound when locking car,etc. It is an auto lock feature. My Murano's doors locked while I was standing beside the car. I had to ask my wife for her keys, she ask if I was drunk when I told her that it locked itself.
The 2006 Murano has LED taillights. They look really nice. A Nissan Dealership on the net has 2006 taillight replacements. I contacted them and as if the 06 taillights would work with the 04 Murano? They replied, we thought they would but when installed on an older (04 Murano) model the lights came on really dim. They were not as bright as when used on the 06, not safe.
My question is, does anyone know how to make the new 06 taillight work on older Murano (03-05) models?
Hello Silvermurano: I know what you mean about setting the door lock delay or no lock. I am using the no lock mode, but once in a while the drivers door only will lock. Its possible the little swing button could be moved when opening the door. The other 5 doors wont be locked. The service writers have no way to know what a customer has set his locks at, so they are not taking any chances.
For the last 4 weeks, I noticed that when I leave for work almost everytime, I can hear a scraping sound when I brake. It always disappear once I get going. I went to the Nissan dealer here and was advised that it's normal and was due to humidity causing corrosion. I find it ridiculous because I never park the car more than 12 hours at a time. The sound was the same when my minivan's brake pad got worn, but it makes the sound everytime I brake. But on my Murano,it always happen everytime I leave for work. I only got 25K on my Murano and my visual inspections shows that the brake pad is almost as good as new. Does anyone have any input on this?
Actually there are two recalls regarding the fuel tanks. One relates to objects possibly puncturing the tank as mentioned above and another new one concerning a fitting on the fuel tank itself:
Details: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, A FITTING FOR VAPOR RECIRCULATION, WHICH IS WELDED ON THE FUEL TANK, MAY COME OFF THE FUEL TANK BECAUSE INCORRECT MATERIAL WAS USED.
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL COMING ON AND MAY RESULT IN SOME FUEL LEAKAGE. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Corrective Action: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK WITH A NEW ONE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON MARCH 21, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Units Potentially Affected: 14268
Recall Initiated By: MFR Date added to NHTSA datbase: 02/22/2006 Internal use: 2/22/2006
In addition there is another recall affecting the rear seatbelts:
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number: 06V048000
Component: SEAT BELTS:REAR
Details: ON SOME SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, IN CERTAIN HIGH SPEED FRONTAL CRASHES, THE WEBBING OF A REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELT MAY CONTACT THE REAR SEAT BACK HINGE WHERE IT CAN BE CUT BY THE SHARP EDGE OF THE METAL PORTION OF THE HINGE.
Consequence: IF THE WEBBING IS COMPLETELY SEPARATED, IT CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO AN OCCUPANT IN A CRASH.
Corrective Action: DEALERS WILL INSTALL PROTECTORS OVER THE WEBBING OF THE REAR SEAT BELTS. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON MARCH 21, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Units Potentially Affected: 203000
Recall Initiated By: MFR Date added to NHTSA datbase: 02/14/2006 Internal use: 2/14/2006
I've been to the Nissan website but these two recalls are not listed. I wish they would post which VIN numbers are involved in these recalls so we can know if our vehicles are affected. When I called Nissan last summer about the alternator recall I got someone who barely spoke English and I wasn't sure she even understood why I was calling. I gave her my VIN number but her assurance that my car didn't fall under the recall was not comforting. I had to check with a local dealer to be sure.
Impressive data, thank you kbear2. I will call on those points. The CVT fluid change cost quoted me, Central Valley Nissan, Modesto, CA $59.90. On the brakes scraping noise: I hesitate to put guesswork on this incredibly smart site, but I have been told that brake pads are always a tiny bit in touch with the rotors, yet, I agree, most of us don't hear scraping. Thanks to everyone for assistance, advice and frankly, some of you guys should be service writers...you know more than most of them. John B sitting in 3 feet of continual snow...and the Murano is blasting through like a Hummer would.
Thanks kbear2 for another information about Nissan Recall. If there are more recall about Nissan Murano in the near future, Im thinking to trade-in my murano. Do you agree? Its a great car! but too many recalls..
Hello friends, does anyone know if the LED tail lights on 2006 Murano's are compatible with the earlier model?
I phoned several dealers in my area and they gave me different and confusing answers. One dealer quoted me $267.78 Canadian for each tail lights plus our $15% tax. I would like to know if they are really compatible before I pay for that price.
Actually recalls aren't necessarily a good way to judge a car's reliability. There are many vehicles that should be recalled but the manufacturers are holding back because they don't want the bad publicity. The fact that Nissan has stepped up to the plate on these matters is a good thing.
The Murano has been out for over three years (going into fourth) and has had only these four recalls. Many other cars have had more or should have. You often see the Lexus RX330 given rave reviews but if you study their complaint lists, bulletins and investigations you will find a startling number of people who are not happy with their RX330.
For instance for the 04-05 years, the Lexus has had 143 official complaints, 2 recalls, 34 service bulletins and 6 investigations (none of which were addressed by recalls or bulletins). Many people have complained of brake booster failure, transmission problems and poor headlight visibility. These have not been addressed by Lexus.
For 04-05, the Murano had 98 complaints, 4 recalls, 24 service bulletins and 6 investigations (all related to the alternator failure and the gas tank protection problem). So you see Nissan has acted on the problems where Lexus seems to be reluctant to admit there are difficulties which could possibly indicate a recall is necessary. They prefer to try to deal with the situation on a case by case basis and keep it relatively quiet.
I've had my Murano for not quite a year and have had absolutely zero problems aside from almost locking myself out (knock, knock... you never know ). About the only difficulty I have is parking in some tight spots since I came from a much smaller car. But that's my problem not Nissan's. :-)
I will say that the dealer from whom I purchased the car is so screwed up administratively that I didn't want to take it to them for service so I went to another local dealer and received good treatment so they will do my warrantee work.
kbear2 gave a very insightful analysis in post 1166...thanks. I called dealer with his data...it is correct...but some have been eliminated on newer models. The dealer took my VIN#, which gave date of manufacture (11-25-04) and based on that data, checked Nissan database, and there are no-outstanding recalls on my vehicle. The punctured fuel tank issue, the gas storage and rear belts...all fixed by 11-04. kbear2 perfectly correct in that Nissan jumps on these "early"..but it does take nearly a year for problems to become apparent, and then factory-fixed so newer models do not have them. And he is right on that many manufacturers would rather take them on case by case, and not issue a recall. Most learned from the famous exploding Pintos and the side-saddle gas tanks on the GMs...better to come clear early. John B
Greetings all. I have a 2004 Nissan Murano SL with xenon headlights. One night I drove into my garage and noticed that the drivers side headlight looked dim against the wall. When I checked it, the light was out. I turned the lights off and on then it came back on. The next day, I noticed that it was again off. I tried this cycling on/off for a few days until I could go to the dealer. The light would stay on for 5 minutes then go out. I got the light replaced. Later on that day, the light went out again! This time I left my Murano with the dealer. They found out that it was the xenon control unit that was faulty. Its been a week and no problems with that light. I searched the boards and I didn't find anybody else who posted this problem. Has this happened to you?
I was at the dealer yesterday (13 March) getting some information about my xenon headlight (read post #1168). I was also on the phone with Nissan USA. The service technician informed me of the fuel tank recall. When I asked a maintainer at the dealer, he shuffled some papers, looked in his computer, and said he didn't find anything. I guess he should have checked Edmunds.com! :-)
I contacted a Nissan Dealership in Richardson Texas (Courtesy Nissan) who had 06 LED taillight replacements and ask if they would work on the 04 Murano. I was told that they had installed the LEDs on an older Murano and the lights burned very dim. So, they do not work according to Courtesy Nissan. They could have sold me a set but they didn't. I think that's honesty. See my posting on this site 13 March, a little earlier than yours. If you find a way to make them compatible with the older Murano, please let me know thru this site and I will do the same for you.
I can't say for sure but the 06 the entire light acts as one. Tail, Stop, Turn. On the older models the stop and turn were on separate bulbs. So I don't think it would be a straight change over.
I have a 2005 Murano SL. For the past couple of months, I've been having trouble starting the engine when it's warm (like when running a quick errand, etc) - it'll take 3 or 4 tries until it actually starts. Never have a problem first thing in the morning or when the engine is cool. I took it to the dealer today, and surprise, surprise, they couldn't find anything wrong.
Anyone had this problem or have any thoughts on what it could be?
Your comparison on the Murano's history vs. that of the RX330 may be inaccurate: Lexus owners typically nit pick about their vehicles- feeling that the company advertises the relentless pursuit of perfection- and anything but perfect is not acceptable to some Lexus owners. The vehicle has longer warranty period, therefore more chances to quibble with the service writer. A better comparison would be the Toyota Highlander or Honda Pilot.
Toyota Motor Company may not be the most reliable out there- but they definitely know how to make a very competent car without the fear of being stranded on the highway. Any car that has a history of leaving motorists on the side of the road is scary. I wouldn't want my wife or mother driving one of these cars from the hospital being on call till 2am then have them stranded in a less than perfect neighborhood while help arrives.
Nissan and Goshn (sp) has made a remarkable turn around in product line up- very dynamic products done very smart- huge amounts of platform sharing and one engine for 60% of Infiniti and Nissan lineup (awesome 3.5 engine nevertheless). However quality control comes at the cost of development cost and more time spent "at the drawing board." Even with the quality problems nissan has it is still profitable due to their dynamic styling. I expect Nissan quality to get back to 80's and early 90's standards once the corporate move away from California takes place.
I applaud the few owners out there that stand by their cars while most everyone else complains and contemplates selling- but truth be told- the Murano is primarily bought for the styling not for Lexus like dependability (JD POWER) and attractive affordability and incentives. Cheers to a nice car and good luck with all the problems!
I could fill up this thread with official complaints on the Lexus that aren't "nit picking". But I'll just list a few examples from the categories that have engendered serious complaints, over 100 identical in one case.
CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10122016
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Details: ON JANUARY 17, 2005 I WAS INVOLVED IN AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT IN MY 2004 LEXUS RX330. THIS ACCIDENT OCCURRED LESS THAN 1 MILE FROM MY HOME, ON MY OWN STREET, 1-2 MINUTES AFTER LEAVING MY HOME. IT HAD SNOWED THE NIGHT BEFORE AND THE ROADWAY WAS STILL SNOW/ICE COVERED, IT WAS A FRIGID MORNING. I WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 15 MILES PER HOUR AND THE VEHICLE BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE. I ATTEMPTED TO PUSH THE BRAKE PETAL TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT RESULT. THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES DID NOT FUNCTION. THE DAMAGE TO THIS VEHICLE EXCEEDED $8000. DAYS AFTER THE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE WAS FIXED MY HUSBAND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE LEXUS OF TOWSON DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE BRAKING MECHANISM LOOKED AT. DURING THE DRIVE TO THE DEALERSHIP (IN SIMILAR, SNOW COVERED/FRIGID CONDITIONS) MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO REPRODUCE THIS PROBLEM, AGAIN JUST AFTER LEAVING OUR HOME. THE DEALERSHIP (A 40 MINUTE DRIVE FROM OUR HOME) WAS UNABLE TO REPRODUCE THIS PROBLEM AND TOLD US TO CALL BACK IF THE PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN. TODAY, MAY 24, 2005, WE WERE INFORMED DURING A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE THAT THERE MAY BE A PROBLEM WTH THE BRAKES AND THAT A CAMPAIGN WAS UNDERWAY TO INVESTIGATE. I WANTED TO FORMALLY ADD MY VEHICLE TO THIS LIST OF COMPAINTS. ----------
CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10144183
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Details: THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAS A LAG IN IT AT LOW SPEEDS. THIS IS APPARENT WHEN RELEASING THE ACCELERATOR TO SLOW DOWN AND THEN ACCELERATING AGAIN. IN THIS SITUATION THE TRANSMISSION DOES ON ENGAGE OR IT LAGS CAUSING AN UNSAFE CONDITION BY ITS UNPREDICTABLE BEHAVIOR. THIS SITUATION HAPPENS ON A FREQUENT BASIS. I HAVE SEEN MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. IS NHTSA GOING TO HOLD LEXUS ACCOUNTABLE FOR PUTTING A DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION ON THE ROAD? I HAVE READ THAT LEXUS' REPEATED REPLY IS TO STATE THIS BEHAVIOR IS NORMAL. LEXUS CAN NOT WIN THIS ARGUMENT ON REPETITION, IT IS DEFECTIVE. IF THIS LAG IS *NORMAL* WHY DIDN'T LEXUS DESIGN THIS NICE LAG INTO ALL OF THEIR CARS? I'M SURE THIS WOULD BE A FEATURE THEY WOULD WANT TO RUN AN AD CAMPAIGN ON. *JB
Cause:
Result:
Occurrences: 20 -----
CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10100372
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Details: TOYOTA/LEXUS NEEDS TO ADDRESS THEIR POWER TRAIN PROBLEM ON THE 2004 RX 330 INSTEAD OF SEEMINGLY IGNORING IT. THE REPROGRAMMING DOES NOT WORK. I'VE HAD IT DONE. SEEMED TO BE A BAND AID FIX FOR A MAJOR PROBLEM. WILL IT HAVE TO BE A DEATH BEFORE THEY RECALL THESE LOUSY TRANSMISSIONS. I HAVE BEEN IN SEVERAL NEAR MISS SITUATIONS BECAUSE OF THIS AWFUL TRANSMISSION SINCE PURCHASING THIS SUV BRAND NEW APRIL 15, 2003. AND AFTER PAYING CASH ($45,000) FOR THEIR SUPPOSED GREAT PRODUCT I WANT TO SUE FOR MY MONEY BACK. THE LAG BETWEEN GEARS, THE HIGH REVS BEFORE GETTING INTO A GEAR IS UTTERLY INSANE. CAN YOU SAY RECALLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*JB
Cause:
Result:
Occurrences: 100 --------
CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10113045
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Details: VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED 2 TOTAL BRAKE FAILURES. WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES , THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE PEDAL WENT DOWN TO THE FLOOR. OWNER TOWED THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND HAD THE VEHICLE SERVICED AFTER BEING THERE FOR 10 DAYS. APPROXIMATELY 30 DAYS LATER THIS PROBLEM RE-OCCURRED. OWNER HAD THE BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY AND PADS REPLACED. PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. *NM *NM
----- CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10104803
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Details: CAR IS A 2004 LEXUS RX330. IT HAS HID HEADLIGHTS. THESE ARE THE WORST HEADLIGHTS I HAVE EVER HAD ON A CAR. THEY ONLY LIGHT UP ROAD A VERY SHORT DISTANCE. ESPECIALLY ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALER. THEY SAID THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. THATS THE WAY THEY WERE MADE. THIS IS A REAL SAFTEY ISSUE. I NEVER WOULD OF BOUGHT THIS CAR IF I NEW THIS.*AK
====
CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10133137
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)
Details: 2004 LEXUS RX-330 AWD. VEHICLE HESITATES WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE. THERE IS A DELAY, ESPECIALLY WHEN GOING FROM A DEAD STOP SUCH AS PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC. ALSO, IF YOU ATTEMPT TO QUICKLY SPEED UP AS WHEN MERGING OR AN EVASIVE MANEUVER, THE ENGINE LAGS. WILL ALSO HAPPEN WHEN TURNING A CORNER, THEN ACCELERATING. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY LEXUS THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE "THROTTLE BY WIRE" AND "INTELLIGENT TRANSMISSION". I CURRENTLY PULL THE ECU FUSE MONTHLY TO RESET THE PROCESSORS AND THAT APPEARS TO HELP FOR A WHILE. THAT IS THE "FIX" SUGGESTED BY THE LEXUS RX-330 FORUMS. NOW THAT 2006 MODELS ARE COMING, I KNOW THIS IS NO LONGER ON THE LEXUS ENGINEERS' MINDS, BUT THERE ARE THOSE OF US THAT FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS YOU NEVER KNOW IF THE CAR WILL RESPOND RELIABLY, ESPECIALLY WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC, CREATING A REAL HAZARD. *JB
Cause:
Result:
Occurrences: 50 ======
None of these problems have resulted in a recall by Lexus despite repeated complaints and have been continuous topics on Lexus forums for two years. When I was in the market for a new car last year it was these serious situations that made me afraid to purchase the 330, as well as the attitude encountered by many owners at their dealerships.
Going to NHTSA complaints filed do a search on 2003 Murano and do a search on 2003 Highlander (better comparison than a lexus- Murano is not meant to compete with the RX). Murano has 263 filed complaints vs. Highlander with ONE (1).
Again- Nissan makes very dynamic vehicles, best wishes with yours.
Baldwin3: I've read all your posts about TPS failure. I have an 04 Murano and I love it, except for the fact that I've almost had 3 accidents in it because it wouldn't accelerate. My Nissan service dept replaced the alternator(recall), then a month later it happened again. They reprogrammed the computer and told me it wouldn't happen again. A month later, it did it again and they replaced the throttle body, part# DAT 16119-8J103 and the throttle gasket, DAT 16175-AR000. This was last Monday and it hasn't happened again. However, I'm afraid to drive it because I don't trust it. My question to you is this, is the Throttle position sensor you've mentioned in your posts the same as the throttle body and/or gasket? My car is in service again because two days after they replaced the throttle body, my battery died. It's corroded. Also, my car is leaking oil. It should be ready by Monday. I'm very aggravated at the service dept. because how do they not notice the corroded battery and oil leaking when they were servicing it 2 days earlier.
I appreciate it your input. Thanks, Susan ???:lemon:???
Dear Susan: I certainly am not an expert...I am a surgeon...and looking inside the Murano hood is worse by far than looking into a belly...the nice thing about people is you can remove things, throw them away, and they still work. But you need the right diagnosis or folks die. The TPS "unit" which foreman Bill at Central Valley Nissan showed me was aluminum, complicated looking and as big as a large loaf of bread. It came from somewhere under the hood...I got out the service invoice 9-26-05
part# 16119-8J103 "Chamber Assembly"...in the hand-written note was: "TP Sensor is bined open. Replaced sensor, test drove, check engine light off. Ok at this time." Not sure the tech could spell, but bined must mean for us folks...stuck. (as in past tense of "bound")...anyway, it was 4,300 miles, under warranty. The metal thing and labor could have been brutal otherwise. Hope this helps. Yep, the Highlander sure is a good vehicle, but I still love our Murano, which other than TPS is bulletproof at 15K I don't think Highlander is a fair comparison to Murano... Lexus RX or the Infiniti (Nissan)"murano" that's OK... better to stack Highlander with Pathfinder... Back to service...they used to call them "greasemonkeys" in my day...today, they have to be electronic engineers, and unfortunately, once again, as in my work, correct diagnosis makes for better repairs and happy customers. Hope you can get yours right. JB
Thank you JB for your reply. I'm going to call my local Nissan tomorrow and confirm that the TPS was replaced when they replaced the throttle body. Thanks again for all of your posts, they really helped me figure out my problem. Susan
Nissan 06 LED Taillight replacement in older Muranos. It may be a voltage regulator replacement in the cars computer? It may not be anything that can be replaced?
Susan: looks like your part # and the # assigned to the TPS unit replaced for me are the same. Looks like yours is fixed...you can thank me, and I thank the guys who posted before my TPS went out last year...without the clue, (or perhaps a smart dealer service dept)...I might have had all kinds of things replaced...unnecessarily. Good luck. For the record, going to the hospital today, I parked next to a maroon Murano, asked the departing driver how he liked it...it's 2003 he replied, with 33,000 miles. "I have never had a problem." Right after this post, I am going over to look at KIA Sportage fixes page...a definite Murano copycat...and see how it is doing. I drove one, found it trucklike, the V-6 was 14city and 18 highway...but the 10 year/100,000 mile warranty will put KIA out front if they can perform. JB
I have a 03 sl murano with 65k miles. Last wednesday I notice my engine felt like it was miss firing or as if it was getting gas and trying to cut off. I was not apparent but you could feel it. I thought it may be spark plugs. But when I came off an exit with a deep curve the truck started sputtering like it wasn't getting gas but once it leveled off it drove find except for the feeling of wanting to cut off. On my way to the dealership I get up a steep hill and could barley pull it. Once explaining all of this to them and they doing their diagnostics test it was determined I need to replace all six coil pack and spark plugs. This did not make since to me to have to replace all six. They did but that did not resolve the problem. They all changed the fuel injectors and even had a new computer board fedex'd in and that did not work either. I got my car back after 4 days and was told it was a bad coil pack and they said it was fixed. I left the dealership and 20 minutes later it started all over again. I am out of warranty and this cost was 1000.00. Can anyone give me any suggestion or had a simular problem. I am going to ask them to check for a fuel filter gone bad and the fuel pump its self.
I HAVE A 2003 MURANO SL. IT IS INCREDIBLY FRUSTRATING AS IT IS ALWAYS IN THE SHOP. FIRST, THE STEREO DIDN'T WORK. EVERY TIME WE TOOK IT IN, OF COURSE IT WOULD DECIDED TO WORK. AFTER 2 1/2 YEARS, THEY FINALLY REPLACED THE ENTIRE STEREO SYSTEM. THEN, ONE DAY THE FUEL TANK WOULDN'T OPEN. THERE WAS ABSOLUTELY NO WAY TO OPEN IT. WE WERE TOLD THAT SOMETIMES THE AUTOMATIC LOCKING SYSTEM FAILS AND THUS, THE GAS TANK WILL NOT OPEN. THIS IS A HUGH PROBLEM. WE HAD THE LOCKING SYSTEM DISABLED. NOW, 3 YEARS AND 40000 MILES AND OF COURSE OUT OF WARRANTY, THE BATTERY FAILS. NOT ONLY DOES THE BATTERY FAIL, BUT THE ENTIRE CAR. THE DOORS WON'T UNLOCK, YOU CANNOT GET INTO TRUNK TO JUMP START IT, THE KEY BECOMES LOCKED IN THE IGNITION, AND THE LIGHT FLASH LIKE THEY ARE HAUNTED. CORPORATE NISSAN WON'T EVEN CALL ME BACK. WHY DID I SPEND TO MUCH MONEY ON THIS CAR? MY 1997 HONDA CIVIC JUST NEEDED THE BATTERY REPLACED THIS YEAR. BOY AM I FRUSTRATED!! ANY THOUGHTS?
I'd trade the car in for a 2004 or 2005 Murano- seems like Nissan has cleared out some of the bugs in recent years. As mentioned before in other complaints, your whole dealership experience lies with a competent service technician that can fix the car correctly the first time. The dealer should not have changed the coil packs and plugs, they should reimburse you for the uneccessary expenses (due to their error in diagnosing the problem). In earlier posts it seems like the likely culprit is a throttle position/body sensor. Go through some of the previous messages and print out a few and bring it to the service advisor- your due diligence may help the guy do his job better.
And you are correct, there is no reason why you shouldn't expect a 3 year old car to give you trouble free miles, no matter how small the problems- My 99 Acura CL has never been to the dealer unexpectedly or for anything other than oil changes. I wouldn't mind occasional problems as long as they fixed it right the first time.
Comments
Never did this before so bear with me if my posting ability isn't up to forum standards. (What can you expect from an old "ground pounder")
I have to admit being a little concerned after reading all the other posts reporting problems! Almost wondering whether posting this will JINX me! Knock wood it won't!
Have been running a 2003 Murano since June of that year. Have 41K plus miles on it. In city driving, stop & go, I'm getting 18.5 mpg on regular gas - when I take the trip down to Charleston SC and my Beloved Citadel, I get over 20 mpg. And boy, that CVT is a powerhouse! Best pick-up of any of my trucks or other vehicles. (Takes a while getting used to NOT feeling your transmission shifting up and down the gears. I love it!) Still running on the first set of tires. Had the brakes done around 30K.
I'm a big guy. 6'4+" 275lbs., so I'm bigger than your average bear and comfort is critical to these 54 year old bones! The "ride" inside is comfortable and more relaxing than any other vehicle I've ever owned. I get out down in Charleston feeling no aches or pains, whereas with my Grand Cherokee or even my huge Chevy Silverado I felt like I'd been through the war again! The BOSE sound system works great - except for an intermittant skipping problem. The skipping stopped after I cleaned out the CD unit.
Those heated seats work wonders in cold NW "New Joisey." Snow driving is a dream in the Murano, only better car was my old Jeep Cherokee that could scamper up off-road tracks around Elk Mountain PA. like they weren't even there. (But then again my Cherokee didn't have the style and pizazze of the Murano!) But the Murano has taken me up the mountains and around stuck vehicles and trucks since I've had it. Haven't been stuck once.
My ONLY problem is that neither my mechanic nor I can figure out what's causing the noise in the front end of the vehicle ONLY when I make a "moving" right hand turn. Doesn't occur when I turn after being stopped. Last week I thought it was fixed when my ace mechanic adjusted my stabilizer bar. Stopped it for a day - but now it came back. It sounds like a "rubbing" caused by the weight shift when I turn right while moving. After the turn, it's silence as usual.
Any ideas or suggestions from Forum readers would be appreciated.
Regards,
bigeasy51
At the time I bought the car, my husband pressured me to buy it over the Lexus RX330. I have regretted my decision since the engine replacement (dealer kept the car 6 weeks and gave me a Kia Rio to drive).
Here's my dilemma - I have someone who wants to buy the car, for $27K including tires and warranty.
I don't think the Murano is a reliable car anymore. I think I would be happier with an equivalent RX330 and the great customer service I hear you get at Lexus.
Does anyone have any thoughts or advice for me? I need to decide soon. Thanks!
sierralady
sierralady
As I have posted before, I will be right here straight-honest when the Murano turns on me...I am on a 36 mo. lease, 14 months into it. If when 36 comes, and the Murano has proven as reliable as my 01 Pathfinder, I would buy it, maybe. However, no matter what modern car you buy in 2006...down the line, repairs are huge dollar amounts...a simple window motor goes to about $800 in a Honda, Lexus, Nissan...near $1,000 for an Audi or BMW. With complexity like they all have, extending a warranty on even a "loyal" vehicle makes sense. My 01 Audi blew its turbocharger in warranty at 6,000 miles. Out of warranty...try $5,000 dollars and a couple weeks in a KIA.
On that note...KIA makes a Murano look-alike...inexpensive and comes with 10 year/100,000 mile warranty. At some point, those Koreans will bankrupt GM and Ford. And, watch your local dealer for the Chinese "Chery" coming soon...starting at about $7,000 with warranty. Don't laugh...they laughed at Datsun, Toyota and Hyundai/Kia....
Lisa..go to your dealer and get the TPS fixed. Tell them you can get killed and your kids with you. Put that part in writing, describing your incident and your subsequent dealer "fixes"...you can tell them you read the posts on Edmunds.com...most dealerships are very aware of this real force. In legal terms, telling them in writing that there is a problem, is called: "Proximate liability". Once warned, if it happens again and someone is hurt, you have them dead in the water. As a cardiac surgeon, I am very familiar with this concept, in pump technology, in nursing instrumentation and in simple things like slippery floors. It makes sense and it will push them. Post again on what happens. I apologize for being long on this post, but the disasters described and the frustrations some owners are having really disturb me...particularly the often-cited dealer ignorance and unconcern. In my business, like theirs, diagnosis is crucial to a good result.
John B from Twain Harte, CA
I'm curious about other Murano owners transmission maintenance experiences. The thing I really hate about Nissan is they make the customer think their "suggested Maintenance and check up" schedule is necessary and mandatory. I haven't done anything but change the oil and get my alternator recall taken care of and my car is fine. Sometimes I think when you follow these ridiculous maintenance schedules and let some green mechanic tinker with your new car every 7.5k miles you are just asking for problems. Not to mention the $300.00 to $600.00 they charge to look your car over. My brakes were squeaking and they ended up re-surfacing my front rotors. it was a warranty issue. Then I looked at the suggested maintenance list and "adjust brakes", "transmission service" all that stuff is on there. It's under warranty, you shouldn't have to pay the dealer to take care of these things. Jump in with your thoughts on this matter, I would love to hear other opinions. I won't buy another Nissan but as long as my Murano keeps cruising along I like it.
Side comment. These boards can scare the stuff out of you if you take it too serious. Sure cars have troubles, but my 03 has 44k & has run very well. Consumer Reports still rates this car as a recommended buy, new or used. My service rep says they have only replaced 1 trans & 2 throttle sensors, the 2 most commented on items on this site. The trans was changed because the wrong oil was put in it. I have posted a warning label next to my dip stick stating that this trans uses CVT oil only.
I made about 7 phone calls and two dealers were good enough to provide me those information.
According to the recall, DEFECT:On certain vehicles,due to the location of the forward edge of the fuel tank,in the event that a vehicle front tire runs over a small, sharp object in the road, catches it and propels it towards the rear of the vehicle, it may strike and puncture the fuel tank.
CONSEQUENCE: A punctured tank could increase the risk of a fire.
REMEDY: Dealers will install protectors in front of the tank free of charge.
"Suggested Maintenance." A friend of mine
is in the auto parts distributorship. He
always tells me not to have any work done
at the dealership, that they're there to
make a profit. I have followed his advice
and gone to independent shops that he knows
and is familiar with their workmanship. And
I have saved money on work such as brake work
and small stuff. I drive a 2002 Nissan Maxima
and all I've done in four years is had the oil
changed every 3,000 miles, one set of tires
and front brakes done. Car has 56,000 miles.
On fluid for timbo04 and easym1: as you know, the dipstick is purposely difficult to remove to discourage adding STP, conventional ATF or just plain oil. The CVT is NOT sealed as some posts have indicated,and is/can be checked as to fluid level/burning, etc. In the Service and Maintenance Guide you can look up CVT change intervals. There are 3 levels of service: Premium: CVT is changed every 30,000 miles. Schedule 1: never mentioned
Schedule 2:(barebones)never mentioned...except that in both, it should be "Inspected" and footnote #4: "changed if towing trailer, camper or cartop, or rough/muddy roads." This at 30, 60, 90 (like Premium). So, you pick it...seems like it probably shouldn't go 100,000, and probably not over 60,000. (Most vehicles change ATF at 30s.) As in, never a rough or muddy road? Seems to me, if changing at 30K would prevent even a 5% chance of CVT failure, it would be worth it. I didn't ask how much it takes or how much it costs...sorry.
The in-cabin microfilter...easy to change for them...tough for a doityourselfer...Took them fifteen minutes...got to remove the under-glove box panel to get at it...$29.95. It was original and was dirty and had our beloved dog's hair in it along with California freeway dust and fur. Make sure they do this every 15K.
Finally, the fuel tank thing mentioned by platinumbird1 is beautiful: how many thousands of cars are out there that could throw a nail or rock from the front tire to hit the tank...? a million? Somebody must have done that with a Nissan, and bingo...recall. Frankly, I will take my chances on that one...seems less than being rear-ended in the Great Valley by an illegal without a license or insurance. That really hurts the tank way more.
Total drive off for Premium 15,000: $272.79. OK, not cheap, but the car cost $35,000 and this is 0.7% of that cost..and is only every 15,000...which for me is once a year. In between, there are three changes...any or all of which can be Jiffy Lube ("leave the ATF stick alone, please) for $29.95 or the dealer whom I trust for $39.95.
Still love the car...hey, I touch the button and keep the keys in my pocket; I can adjust the headlights higher or lower; in deep Yosemite snow, it performs like it has chains on; on ice, the VDC package really senses which tire is not driving in a flash; the seats heat up and I am getting 23 highway. And, I am lucky...our service place is smart and competant.
Promise: if it turns on me, I'll tell you. Not yet.
John B. Twain Harte, CA
My question is, does anyone know how to make the new 06 taillight work on older Murano (03-05) models?
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number: 06V054000
Component: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Details: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, A FITTING FOR VAPOR RECIRCULATION, WHICH IS WELDED ON THE FUEL TANK, MAY COME OFF THE FUEL TANK BECAUSE INCORRECT MATERIAL WAS USED.
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LIGHT IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL COMING ON AND MAY RESULT IN SOME FUEL LEAKAGE. FUEL LEAKAGE, IN THE PRESENCE OF AN IGNITION SOURCE, COULD RESULT IN A FIRE.
Corrective Action: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FUEL TANK WITH A NEW ONE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON MARCH 21, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Units Potentially Affected: 14268
Recall Initiated By: MFR
Date added to NHTSA datbase: 02/22/2006
Internal use: 2/22/2006
In addition there is another recall affecting the rear seatbelts:
NHTSA Recall Campaign Number: 06V048000
Component: SEAT BELTS:REAR
Details: ON SOME SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, IN CERTAIN HIGH SPEED FRONTAL CRASHES, THE WEBBING OF A REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELT MAY CONTACT THE REAR SEAT BACK HINGE WHERE IT CAN BE CUT BY THE SHARP EDGE OF THE METAL PORTION OF THE HINGE.
Consequence: IF THE WEBBING IS COMPLETELY SEPARATED, IT CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO AN OCCUPANT IN A CRASH.
Corrective Action: DEALERS WILL INSTALL PROTECTORS OVER THE WEBBING OF THE REAR SEAT BELTS. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON MARCH 21, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Units Potentially Affected: 203000
Recall Initiated By: MFR
Date added to NHTSA datbase: 02/14/2006
Internal use: 2/14/2006
I've been to the Nissan website but these two recalls are not listed.
I wish they would post which VIN numbers are involved in these recalls so we can know if our vehicles are affected. When I called Nissan last summer about the alternator recall I got someone who barely spoke English and I wasn't sure she even understood why I was calling. I gave her my VIN number but her assurance that my car didn't fall under the recall was not comforting. I had to check with a local dealer to be sure.
I phoned several dealers in my area and they gave me different and confusing answers. One dealer quoted me $267.78 Canadian for each tail lights plus our $15% tax. I would like to know if they are really compatible before I pay for that price.
The Murano has been out for over three years (going into fourth) and has had only these four recalls. Many other cars have had more or should have. You often see the Lexus RX330 given rave reviews but if you study their complaint lists, bulletins and investigations you will find a startling number of people who are not happy with their RX330.
For instance for the 04-05 years, the Lexus has had 143 official complaints, 2 recalls, 34 service bulletins and 6 investigations (none of which were addressed by recalls or bulletins). Many people have complained of brake booster failure, transmission problems and poor headlight visibility. These have not been addressed by Lexus.
For 04-05, the Murano had 98 complaints, 4 recalls, 24 service bulletins and 6 investigations (all related to the alternator failure and the gas tank protection problem). So you see Nissan has acted on the problems where Lexus seems to be reluctant to admit there are difficulties which could possibly indicate a recall is necessary. They prefer to try to deal with the situation on a case by case basis and keep it relatively quiet.
I've had my Murano for not quite a year and have had absolutely zero problems aside from almost locking myself out (knock, knock... you never know ). About the only difficulty I have is parking in some tight spots since I came from a much smaller car. But that's my problem not Nissan's. :-)
I will say that the dealer from whom I purchased the car is so screwed up administratively that I didn't want to take it to them for service so I went to another local dealer and received good treatment so they will do my warrantee work.
I contacted a Nissan Dealership in Richardson Texas (Courtesy Nissan) who had 06 LED taillight replacements and ask if they would work on the 04 Murano. I was told that they had installed the LEDs on an older Murano and the lights burned very dim. So, they do not work according to Courtesy Nissan. They could have sold me a set but they didn't. I think that's honesty. See my posting on this site 13 March, a little earlier than yours. If you find a way to make them compatible with the older Murano, please let me know thru this site and I will do the same for you.
Take Care
SilverMurano
I'm glad we have this kind of forum. Nissan will benefit the most if they would only pay attention to our concerns...the consumer.
Anyone had this problem or have any thoughts on what it could be?
Toyota Motor Company may not be the most reliable out there- but they definitely know how to make a very competent car without the fear of being stranded on the highway. Any car that has a history of leaving motorists on the side of the road is scary. I wouldn't want my wife or mother driving one of these cars from the hospital being on call till 2am then have them stranded in a less than perfect neighborhood while help arrives.
Nissan and Goshn (sp) has made a remarkable turn around in product line up- very dynamic products done very smart- huge amounts of platform sharing and one engine for 60% of Infiniti and Nissan lineup (awesome 3.5 engine nevertheless). However quality control comes at the cost of development cost and more time spent "at the drawing board." Even with the quality problems nissan has it is still profitable due to their dynamic styling. I expect Nissan quality to get back to 80's and early 90's standards once the corporate move away from California takes place.
I applaud the few owners out there that stand by their cars while most everyone else complains and contemplates selling- but truth be told- the Murano is primarily bought for the styling not for Lexus like dependability (JD POWER) and attractive affordability and incentives. Cheers to a nice car and good luck with all the problems!
AKA1
CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10122016
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Details: ON JANUARY 17, 2005 I WAS INVOLVED IN AN AUTOMOBILE ACCIDENT IN MY 2004 LEXUS RX330. THIS ACCIDENT OCCURRED LESS THAN 1 MILE FROM MY HOME, ON MY OWN STREET, 1-2 MINUTES AFTER LEAVING MY HOME. IT HAD SNOWED THE NIGHT BEFORE AND THE ROADWAY WAS STILL SNOW/ICE COVERED, IT WAS A FRIGID MORNING. I WAS TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 15 MILES PER HOUR AND THE VEHICLE BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGE. I ATTEMPTED TO PUSH THE BRAKE PETAL TO THE FLOOR WITHOUT RESULT. THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES DID NOT FUNCTION. THE DAMAGE TO THIS VEHICLE EXCEEDED $8000. DAYS AFTER THE DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE WAS FIXED MY HUSBAND TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE LEXUS OF TOWSON DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE BRAKING MECHANISM LOOKED AT. DURING THE DRIVE TO THE DEALERSHIP (IN SIMILAR, SNOW COVERED/FRIGID CONDITIONS) MY HUSBAND WAS ABLE TO REPRODUCE THIS PROBLEM, AGAIN JUST AFTER LEAVING OUR HOME. THE DEALERSHIP (A 40 MINUTE DRIVE FROM OUR HOME) WAS UNABLE TO REPRODUCE THIS PROBLEM AND TOLD US TO CALL BACK IF THE PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN. TODAY, MAY 24, 2005, WE WERE INFORMED DURING A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE THAT THERE MAY BE A PROBLEM WTH THE BRAKES AND THAT A CAMPAIGN WAS UNDERWAY TO INVESTIGATE. I WANTED TO FORMALLY ADD MY VEHICLE TO THIS LIST OF COMPAINTS.
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CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10144183
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Details: THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION HAS A LAG IN IT AT LOW SPEEDS. THIS IS APPARENT WHEN RELEASING THE ACCELERATOR TO SLOW DOWN AND THEN ACCELERATING AGAIN. IN THIS SITUATION THE TRANSMISSION DOES ON ENGAGE OR IT LAGS CAUSING AN UNSAFE CONDITION BY ITS UNPREDICTABLE BEHAVIOR. THIS SITUATION HAPPENS ON A FREQUENT BASIS. I HAVE SEEN MANY COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. IS NHTSA GOING TO HOLD LEXUS ACCOUNTABLE FOR PUTTING A DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION ON THE ROAD? I HAVE READ THAT LEXUS' REPEATED REPLY IS TO STATE THIS BEHAVIOR IS NORMAL. LEXUS CAN NOT WIN THIS ARGUMENT ON REPETITION, IT IS DEFECTIVE. IF THIS LAG IS *NORMAL* WHY DIDN'T LEXUS DESIGN THIS NICE LAG INTO ALL OF THEIR CARS? I'M SURE THIS WOULD BE A FEATURE THEY WOULD WANT TO RUN AN AD CAMPAIGN ON. *JB
Cause:
Result:
Occurrences: 20
-----
CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10100372
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Details: TOYOTA/LEXUS NEEDS TO ADDRESS THEIR POWER TRAIN PROBLEM ON THE 2004 RX 330 INSTEAD OF SEEMINGLY IGNORING IT. THE REPROGRAMMING DOES NOT WORK. I'VE HAD IT DONE. SEEMED TO BE A BAND AID FIX FOR A MAJOR PROBLEM. WILL IT HAVE TO BE A DEATH BEFORE THEY RECALL THESE LOUSY TRANSMISSIONS. I HAVE BEEN IN SEVERAL NEAR MISS SITUATIONS BECAUSE OF THIS AWFUL TRANSMISSION SINCE PURCHASING THIS SUV BRAND NEW APRIL 15, 2003. AND AFTER PAYING CASH ($45,000) FOR THEIR SUPPOSED GREAT PRODUCT I WANT TO SUE FOR MY MONEY BACK. THE LAG BETWEEN GEARS, THE HIGH REVS BEFORE GETTING INTO A GEAR IS UTTERLY INSANE. CAN YOU SAY RECALLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!*JB
Cause:
Result:
Occurrences: 100
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CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10113045
Component: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
Details: VEHICLE HAS EXPERIENCED 2 TOTAL BRAKE FAILURES. WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES , THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE PEDAL WENT DOWN TO THE FLOOR. OWNER TOWED THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER AND HAD THE VEHICLE SERVICED AFTER BEING THERE FOR 10 DAYS. APPROXIMATELY 30 DAYS LATER THIS PROBLEM RE-OCCURRED. OWNER HAD THE BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY AND PADS REPLACED. PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. *NM *NM
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CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10104803
Component: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS
Details: CAR IS A 2004 LEXUS RX330. IT HAS HID HEADLIGHTS. THESE ARE THE WORST HEADLIGHTS I HAVE EVER HAD ON A CAR. THEY ONLY LIGHT UP ROAD A VERY SHORT DISTANCE. ESPECIALLY ON THE DRIVERS SIDE. BROUGHT IT BACK TO THE DEALER. THEY SAID THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. THATS THE WAY THEY WERE MADE. THIS IS A REAL SAFTEY ISSUE. I NEVER WOULD OF BOUGHT THIS CAR IF I NEW THIS.*AK
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CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10133137
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)
Details: 2004 LEXUS RX-330 AWD. VEHICLE HESITATES WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE. THERE IS A DELAY, ESPECIALLY WHEN GOING FROM A DEAD STOP SUCH AS PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC. ALSO, IF YOU ATTEMPT TO QUICKLY SPEED UP AS WHEN MERGING OR AN EVASIVE MANEUVER, THE ENGINE LAGS. WILL ALSO HAPPEN WHEN TURNING A CORNER, THEN ACCELERATING. I HAVE BEEN TOLD BY LEXUS THAT THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM WITH THE "THROTTLE BY WIRE" AND "INTELLIGENT TRANSMISSION". I CURRENTLY PULL THE ECU FUSE MONTHLY TO RESET THE PROCESSORS AND THAT APPEARS TO HELP FOR A WHILE. THAT IS THE "FIX" SUGGESTED BY THE LEXUS RX-330 FORUMS. NOW THAT 2006 MODELS ARE COMING, I KNOW THIS IS NO LONGER ON THE LEXUS ENGINEERS' MINDS, BUT THERE ARE THOSE OF US THAT FEEL THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS YOU NEVER KNOW IF THE CAR WILL RESPOND RELIABLY, ESPECIALLY WHEN PULLING INTO TRAFFIC, CREATING A REAL HAZARD. *JB
Cause:
Result:
Occurrences: 50
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None of these problems have resulted in a recall by Lexus despite repeated complaints and have been continuous topics on Lexus forums for two years. When I was in the market for a new car last year it was these serious situations that made me afraid to purchase the 330, as well as the attitude encountered by many owners at their dealerships.
Again- Nissan makes very dynamic vehicles, best wishes with yours.
AKA1
I've read all your posts about TPS failure. I have an 04 Murano and I love it, except for the fact that I've almost had 3 accidents in it because it wouldn't accelerate. My Nissan service dept replaced the alternator(recall), then a month later it happened again. They reprogrammed the computer and told me it wouldn't happen again. A month later, it did it again and they replaced the throttle body, part# DAT 16119-8J103 and the throttle gasket, DAT 16175-AR000. This was last Monday and it hasn't happened again. However, I'm afraid to drive it because I don't trust it. My question to you is this, is the Throttle position sensor you've mentioned in your posts the same as the throttle body and/or gasket?
My car is in service again because two days after they replaced the throttle body, my battery died. It's corroded. Also, my car is leaking oil. It should be ready by Monday. I'm very aggravated at the service dept. because how do they not notice the corroded battery and oil leaking when they were servicing it 2 days earlier.
I appreciate it your input.
Thanks,
Susan ???:lemon:???
The TPS "unit" which foreman Bill at Central Valley Nissan showed me was aluminum, complicated looking and as big as a large loaf of bread. It came from somewhere under the hood...I got out the service invoice 9-26-05
part# 16119-8J103 "Chamber Assembly"...in the hand-written note was: "TP Sensor is bined open. Replaced sensor, test drove, check engine light off. Ok at this time." Not sure the tech could spell, but bined must mean for us folks...stuck. (as in past tense of "bound")...anyway, it was 4,300 miles, under warranty. The metal thing and labor could have been brutal otherwise.
Hope this helps.
Yep, the Highlander sure is a good vehicle, but I still love our Murano, which other than TPS is bulletproof at 15K
I don't think Highlander is a fair comparison to Murano...
Lexus RX or the Infiniti (Nissan)"murano" that's OK...
better to stack Highlander with Pathfinder...
Back to service...they used to call them "greasemonkeys" in my day...today, they have to be electronic engineers, and unfortunately, once again, as in my work, correct diagnosis makes for better repairs and happy customers. Hope you can get yours right. JB
Thanks again for all of your posts, they really helped me figure out my problem.
Susan
If anyone knows.
Let us know.
Right after this post, I am going over to look at KIA Sportage fixes page...a definite Murano copycat...and see how it is doing. I drove one, found it trucklike, the V-6 was 14city and 18 highway...but the 10 year/100,000 mile warranty will put KIA out front if they can perform.
JB
I suggest turning off your CAPS LOCK. People tend to ignore messages with ALL CAPS.
tidester, host
And you are correct, there is no reason why you shouldn't expect a 3 year old car to give you trouble free miles, no matter how small the problems- My 99 Acura CL has never been to the dealer unexpectedly or for anything other than oil changes. I wouldn't mind occasional problems as long as they fixed it right the first time.
Good Luck AKA1