Nissan Murano CVT Transmission
I had my 2003 Nissan Murano go int LIMP MODE. The dealer replaced the CVT unit twice. The first replacement transmission lasted one week.Both were rebuilt transmissions. Have Nissan changed the design of the CVT in the newer models? Why does Niassn not admit they have a problem with the design of their CVT and recall the Murano to replace thses CVT units with something dependable?Should we start a class action lawsuit before our Warranty expires. There is a major problem with this vehicle. Only 60,000 miles on it. HELP
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I just bought a used Murano last week and I think I have the same problem. I press the gas pedal and the car doesn't move until the RPM is over 1000 and then it just kinda surges forward a bit. I didn't notice it during the test drive and it just showed up after being stuck in traffic in LA for about 2 hrs. I'm a little disappointed, a little mad, a little confused, and everything else!
Can you please let me know how your experience was with the dealer? When you described the problem, did they know exactly what the problem was? How long did it take to replace the transmission? Please let me know!
I'm currently visiting my parents (6 hrs away from LA) and not sure if I want to drive back or not in this thing.
I know what your problem is! I had a 2003 Murano and drove it for 100,000 miles. For the last 10,000 miles, I would step on the gas after being in stop and go traffic and nothing would happen for a few seconds. Then, it would suddenly go. I found out that if you restart the car, you have instant power again. This problem would happen infrequently, but always when I had been driving the car for a while or while I was in stopped traffic for 10-15 minutes.
Wanna know the problem? It is NOT the CVT. It is a pressure sensor located either on the CVT or inside the CVT. They said that the sensor itself is not all that expensive. But, the labor is intense! They could replace the sensor for $3000, but they knew it would not last. They said the only real fix is a new transmission ($5200!). So, I traded the car for a new one. I called Nissan Consumer Affairs to complain, but I got nowhere. My guess is that anyone with a 2003 Murano (and possibly later models) could experience this problem. I was the first person to reach 100,000 miles. I can imagine a class action suit if this starts happening to enough people.
At first I swore I would never buy another Murano because I was mad. But, after I looked at all the vehicles out there and test drove a few, I came back to the Murano. I just love it's drive. I am sure that they have this issue resolved by now.
Keep in mind that it is NOT the CVT that is a problem. It is the pressure sensor. It is like having to replace your engine because the oil filter is dirty. I love the CVT and bought another Murano because of it.
This post may ring a bell:
susan15, "Nissan Murano Maintenance and Repair" #1180, 19 Mar 2006 12:29 pm
My 03 Murano began to have the exact same problem you your experiencing. If this problem is not solved for both of us maybe we can see if there are more poeple with the same problem and file a claim to Nissan not as indivuduals but as a group, that way they have to address the problem instead of continue to ignore the issue.
Auto Recall Date: 20030331
Vehicle Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
Estimated Vehicles Affected: 128
2003 NISSAN MURANO Defect Summary:
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE NUT THAT ATTACHES THE TRANSMISSION GEAR SELECTOR SHAFT TO THE CONTROL VALVE LEVER IN THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT BE ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE TRANSMISSION NOT ACTUALLY BEING IN THE GEAR INDICATED BY THE GEAR SELECTOR LEVER. IN ADDITION, THE TRANSMISSION POSITION DISPLAY IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL MAY NOT BE ON OR MAY BE INCORRECT.
Defect Consequence:
IF THE GEAR DISPLAYED IS DIFFERENT FROM THE GEAR ENGAGED, THIS COULD RESULT IN UNEXPECTED VEHICLE MOVEMENT AND A CRASH.
Remedy:
DEALERS WILL CHECK THE AFFECTED NUT IN THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER LINKAGE, AND TIGHTEN IT IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 15, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Notes: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC., R3009
This is EXACTLY the problem that I had!!!! Please see my response a few replies up. Bottom line is that it is a pressure sensor that is going bad. The ONLY solution is to replace the transmission to the tune of $5200.00. That is why I traded my car for a new one. In my opinion, this will evolve into a class action suit against Nissan. I have already called the consumer affairs line when this happened to me to get them to help me. But, they would not.
Please inform your technician that it is a pressure sensor! He should be able to pull up the error codes that are stored on your car memory. From there, he can call Nissan technicians and find out that it is the pressure sensor going bad.
I hope this helps!!
As I stated to Jaci, I had the exact same problem! It is a pressure sensor that is going bad. It is a serious design flaw on Nissan's part. I was one of the first to experience this. I called Nissan affairs and they would do nothing. I told them that is it just a matter of time before other people hit the "bell curve" of this part and starting having the same problems.
Please read my entire reponse a couple of replies up. I do imagine a class action suit for this. There is no reason that people should have to replace the entire transmission due to a faulty pressure sensor.
This is most definitely a safety issue!! I knew it was only a matter of time before I tried to pull out into traffic only to have the car not go.
This is a major accident waiting to happen.
I'm open to suggestions, because otherwise I have loved my Murano.
I would expect we will get a better response on this if everyone else with the problem makes the same type of call. In my opinion, this is definitely a safety issue. I'm hopeful that Nissan will step up to the plate.
I'll let you know. . . .
Sean
That is where you can help. There are two things that you can do. If they tell you they don't know what it is, you tell them the following: 1. Tell them to check the computer fault codes on your car. I wish I knew what my error codes were so I can tell you. I will see if I can get them from my dealer and post them on my next reply. My dealer not could not duplicate the problem, so they did not know what it was. But, they called Nissan. Nissan told them to check the computer codes. With that, Nissan was able to tell them the problem from the codes that were stored. 2. Tell them that you have read about this problem and it is a pressure sensor!!! Again, the computer fault code will tell that it is the pressure sensor. But, by telling them, at least it will help them narrow in on the problem.
Nissan Consumer Affairs told me that this was a "normal wearing part". While that may be true, the real problem is how they designed the car so that in order to replace this relatively inexpensive part, you have to rebuild or replace the transmission. It is like saying you need a new engine because your oil filter is dirty. I strongly believe this problem was fixed in the newer models. But, Nissan won't admit this problem, at least not yet. I was one of the first. But, by now, they are aware of this issue so I do foresee a class action suit potentially. Keep pressing the issue. DO NOT GIVE UP!
I will post my diagnostic codes within a few days.
What makes you so sure?I have a 07 SL AWD and I hope they have fixed that problem.
Problem started around 55K miles.
Please use this thread to show your dealer. Sounds like a manufacturers defect.
Great news that they are replacing yours! And yes, I do believe it is a manufacturer's defect.
To answer you, Mike1111, I don't have a schematic of the later cars to show you how they fixed the problem. However, I can tell you that when I encountered this problem, I asked my local Nissan mechanic a bunch of questions. I commented that this seems like a design problem. He stated that they have changed the design in "later" models and suggested that I call Nissan Consumer Affairs to complain, which is what I did. This mechanic was somewhat familiar with the problem, which is why he said not to replace the pressure sensor by itself, but to replace the whole transmission. He said replacing just the part would require major labor and would only serve as a "bandaid" to the tune of $3000.
The bottom line is that I don't have anything in writing or concrete proof that they changed the design. I am going off what a knowledgeable mechanic told me. I did end up buying a new 2007. I would not have done that if I thought they had not changed the design. I also know that there will be plenty of people before me with this problem if they had not changed the design!
From what I suspect, this is a big flaw in the 2003. Nissan is not willing to admit it yet in a recall. Otherwise, they would be replacing transmissions left and right in 2003 cars. I think they are handling each case on its own from the consumer affairs hoping that this problem stays under the radar.
Thank you everyone for the information you've provided thusfar. The amunition will be good the next time I have to bring my car back into the shop.
In regard to Nissan Consumer Affairs, they have been of no help at all. The rep handling my claim (Myia) is like a robot with her "I'm sorry, but Nissan is not at liberty.....). It's been a bad year and a half with this car; I've become very good at stearing people away from buying (stopped at least 4 sales based on my experiences) Nissans and can promise that I will never again make this mistake.
It turns out that it is the transmission valve body that goes bad. ~$900 for the part and the rest in labor and odds and ends.
If anyone heards about Nissan doing anything...post on here...
My Murano is out of warranty so of course we ate the $1700. Does anyone think I have a shot fighting it out with Nissan to get the money back?
Thanks in advance.
I did receive a call back this week from them stating that they had been in contact with my local dealer and that they were trying to work something out with him. She said I should expect a call from them within a few days.
Nothing so far, but I'll keep you informed.
I'm wondering what I should do as well, as my warranty just expired and I've been dealing with the problem on and off for about a year. I'd never noticed the problem as you all have mentioned until I've driven in stop and go traffic and on hot days. I figured it was due to the fuel injectors being dirty or old spark plugs.
But for me to find out that this is a common problem in these makes, makes me feel like I was taken. I dont want to have to fork out another $6000 for a car valued at $13K.
And with my extended warranty being out for 3 months, I'm afraid I will be unable to get an extended warranty because of the lapse in time.
Any suggestions? I dont want to pull out in the middle of an intersection and my car stall and I get plummited by an 18 wheeler because my vehicle does not perform due to bad design.
WHAT SHALL I DO?
The best thing you can do is to call Nissan Consumer Affairs 800-NISSAN1. Tell them that you are aware that many are having this problem. Refer them to this forum so they understand that you are not alone so that they cannot tell you that no one is having this problem.
Even though your car is out of warranty, they may still help you. They never helped me at all, but I guess it is because I had 99,000 miles on mine. If you are willing to pay a portion, tell them that you don't mind paying some, but that $6000 is unfair.
Ultimately, you are at their mercy. If it weren't for the fact that I loved my Murano, I would not have bought another one due to their hard core attitude. My solution was to trade mine in on a 2007 model. If they are not willing to help you, I definitely would not spend $6K to fix it. I would take that money and apply it towards a used 2005 or 2006 before I would fix it.
Just my thoughts.....
I told the local service center that I've been speaking with some owners with the same issue and they insist that I take it in and let them drive it to duplicate the issue (driving on a hot day and stop and go traffic).
I plan to take it on this Friday and want to know what I should take to them to help them pinpoint the problem because as the days are going by my vehicle is loosing torque each day.. I almost hate to drive the car is so slow to respond to the pedal.
I will tell them about the TSb: AT05-009a classification and NTB5-084a and hope that they dont try to diagnose the issue as something else to rackup a big bill for me.
I'll keep you all posted!
http://www.mycarstats.com/redir/rdr.asp?src=AF_CN_NHTSA
You can already see that there are almost 200 other complaints about the same issue you all are having.
Rob
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Details: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN MURANO. WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE CONTACT DEPRESSED THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO MOVE. THE VEHICLE WAS PULLED OVER AND TOWED TO THE DEALER, WHO STATED THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 82,000.
Occurrences: 1 Injuries: 0
Fail Date: 07/19/2007 Deaths: 0
Date added to datbase: 7/20/2007
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Create Custom Report CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10196546
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Details: NISSAN MUARANO 2003. WHEN HOT AND STOP AND GO, ACCELERATION CAN LAG BY 10 TO 30 SECONS AFTER STEPPING ON ACCELERATOR PEDAL. VERY DANGEROUS. SEEMS TO BE A PRESSURE SENSOR IN THE TRANSMISSION AND THEY WANT $3000. TO $5000. TO FIX. MANY POSTS ON THE WEB. *AK
Occurrences: 30 Injuries: 0
Fail Date: 07/16/2007 Deaths: 0
Date added to datbase: 7/16/2007
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Create Custom Report CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10195079
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Details: I HAVE A 2003 NISSAN MURANO WITH 71,300 MILES, WHENEVER I GET TO A STOPPING POINT OR MAKING A TURN, IF I TRIED TO RESUME DRIVING THE VEHICLE DOES NOT MOVE. THERE'LL BE NO ACCELERATION POWER. I WILL BE WAITING FOR 5-10 MINUTES BEFORE THE VEHICLE COULD MOVE. I'M AFRAID I MIGHT GET HIT ONE DAY. *TR
Occurrences: 25 Injuries: 0
Fail Date: 06/28/2007 Deaths: 0
Date added to datbase: 7/1/2007
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Create Custom Report CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10188000
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)
Details: THIS IS A COPY OF THE TEXT I SENT NISSAN. TO: INTERESTED PARTIES NISSAN USA REFERENCE # 5652837. I NOW OWN A 2003 MURANO VIN 3 J. I HAVE A PROBLEM THAT I AM NOT RESOLVED ON AND DETAILS ARE AS FOLLOWS: I AM A RESERVE NAVY OFFICER NOW DEPLOYED TO IRAQ, WHICH MAKES THIS ENTIRE EVOLUTION A BIT DIFFICULT. MY SON CHRIS WILSON AGE 22 WAS DRIVING THE MURANO ON MARCH 14, 2007 NEAR HIS COLLEGE IN CULLOWHEE, NORTH CAROLINA WHEN WHILE AT HIGHWAY SPEED NOTICED THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THEN EXPERIENCED AN IMMEDIATE LOSS OF POWER AND ENGINE SHUTDOWN. HE WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE OUT OF ACTIVE TRAFFIC SAFELY WITH NO POWER STEERING OR BRAKE ASSIST. WITNESSES TO THE EVENT CLAIMED HE WAS LUCKY AND SKILLED TO MANEUVER OFF THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT ENDANGERING HIMSELF AND OTHERS IN TRAFFIC. WE THEN SEARCHED FOR LOCAL DEALERSHIPS TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO CONTACTED THEM AND ARRANGED FOR THE VEHICLE TO BE TOWED THERE. AFTER AN ANALYSIS AND THE PART NUMBER OF A TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE TCM. I WENT TO THE NISSAN USA WEB SITE AND RESEARCHED RECALLS THAT HAD BEEN ISSUED FOR 2003 MURANOS. I WAS VERY INTERESTED TO FIND ONE FOR VIN NUMBERSJN8AZ08T*3W 100007-100032,JN8AZ08W* 200005-200071. I REALIZE THAT MY VIN NUMBER IS NOT ONE OF THESE AND THE NICE FOLKS AT THE CALL CENTER AND THE SERVICE FOLKS AT THE DEALERSHIPS ARE POWERLESS TO DO ANYTHING UNLESS THERE IS A VIN MATCH. THE RECALL QUOTES: ⿿ON SOME 2003 MURANOS THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE ENGINE MIGHT STOP RUNNING WHILE BEING DRIVEN IF THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR FAILS. THIS MAY ALSO RESULT IN THE ⿿SERVICE ENGINE SOON⿝ LIGHT COMING ON OR REDUCED ENGINE POWER. IT IS THE SAME RESULT AS WHAT HAPPENED TO MY CAR. I AM A PROFESSIONAL MECHANICAL ENGINEER AND I FEEL ETHICALLY SOUND IN MAKING THE REQUEST AND MAINTAINING AN UNRESOLVED POSITION ON THIS MATTER. *AK
Occurrences: 1 Injuries: 0
Fail Date: 03/14/2007 Deaths: 0
Date added to datbase: 4/16/2007
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Create Custom Report CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10183830
Component: POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
Details: MY VEHICLE IS ALL WHEEL DRIVE. WHEN I TOOK IT IN FOR NORMAL MAINTENANCE I WAS ADVISED THE TRANSFER CASE WAS LOCKED IN ALL WHEEL DRIVE. THERE IS NO WARNING LIGHT TO ADVISE THAT THIS HAS HAPPENED. I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY MILES THE CAR WAS DRIVEN IN THIS CONDITION. IT SO HAPPENS THAT I HAD RECENTLY PASSED MY WARRANTY PERIOD AND HAD TO PAY A VERY LARGE AMOUNT TO REPAIR IT. IF A WARNING LIGHT HAD GONE ON I WOULD HAVE BEEN ABLE TO REPAIR THIS SOONER UNDER WARRANTY. PLUS, I HAD RECENTLY RETURNED FROM A LONG TWO WEEK DRIVE IN HOT DESERT COUNTRY. I WOULD IMAGINE IT WAS NOT WISE OR SAFE TO BE IN ALL WHEEL DRIVE UNDER HOT ROAD DRIVING CONDITIONS. I ASKED THE MANUFACTURER TO INFORM ME HOW OFTEN THEIR VEHICLES HAVE THIS PROBLEM BUT I HAD NO RESPONSE FROM THEM. I DID ASK MY DEALERSHIP AND THEY TOLD ME AT LEAST ONE OTHER VEHICLE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM LOCALLY. *JB
Occurrences: 1 Injuries: 0
Fail Date: 08/29/2006 Deaths: 0
Date added to datbase: 2/28/2007
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Create Custom Report CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10183312
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Details: I OWN A 2003 NISSAN MURANO, THAT IS NO LONGER OPERATIONAL DUE TO A FAULTY TRANSMISSION. ON THE 26TH OF NOVEMBER 2006, THE TRANSMISSION SEIZED AND STOPPED OPERATING, AS I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. NOW I HAVE A 3 YEAR OLD, $35,000 DOLLAR VEHICLE, WHICH MAY AS WELL BE A PAPERWEIGHT. THE VEHICLE IS SITTING IN MY DRIVEWAY, AWAITING REPAIRS. I TAKE CARE OF THIS VEHICLE AS IF IT WERE MY OWN CHILD. I ENSURE THAT THE OIL IS REPLACED EVERY 3,000 MILES RELIGIOUSLY,AND I HAVE SPENT HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS FOR ROUTINE SCHEDULED SERVICES. TO SUSTAIN A NISSAN MURANO IS NOT A CHEAP TASK. THE LAST SCHEDULED SERVICE WAS A 60,000 MILE MAINTENANCE AND IT COST ME WELL OVER $500 DOLLARS. I ENSURE THAT THE MAINTENANCE IS BEING COMPLETED, BECAUSE I UNDERSTAND THE IMPORTANCE OF ROUTINE SERVICES. WHEN I PURCHASED THIS NISSAN MURANO, I HAD NO IDEA IT WOULD GIVE ME SO MANY HEADACHES. I HAVE BEEN TO THE NISSAN DEALERS FOR UNSCHEDULED WARRANTY REPAIR AT LEAST 5 TIMES A YEAR, SINCE I PURCHASED IT. SOME OF THE ISSUES I HAVE HAD WITH THE SUV ARE, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNING ON, UNEXPLAINED VEHICLE VIBRATIONS WHEN DRIVING, CAR SEIZING IN THE MIDDLE OF ROAD, BAD BRAKES, ALTERNATOR HAD TO BE EXCHANGED, BATTERY WENT BAD, AND MY TRANSMISSION WOULD NOT FALL INTO GEAR. I CALLED THE NISSAN CONSUMER TOLL FREE NUMBER AND THE
Occurrences: 5 Injuries: 0
Fail Date: 11/26/2006 Deaths: 0
Date added to datbase: 2/23/2007
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Create Custom Report CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10173318
Component: POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)
Details: ON MONDAY, 11/13/06 I TOOK MY 2003 NISSAN MURANO IN FOR WINTERIZING & TO HAVE THEM CHECK OUT A HUMMING NOISE TO THE NISSAN DEALER. LATER THAT DAY I WAS CALLED AND TOLD THE NOISE WAS RELATED TO THE TRANSFER CASE WHICH NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT MY COST, OVER $4000 TO REPAIR. THIS VEHICLE HAS ONLY 89,000 MILES. DECIDED TO GET A SECOND OPINION AND HAD THE VEHICLE MOVED TO ANOTHER NISSAN DEALER. THIS NISSAN DEALER HAS REPAIRED ANOTHER MURANO WITH THE SAME SITUATION AND SO WAS ABLE TO DIAGNOSE THAT IT IS NOT THE TRANSFER CASE, BUT IT IS THE TRANSMISSION. UNFORTUNATELY THE COST IS EVEN MORE - OVER $6000. BEING I DID NOT PURCHASE AN EXTENDED WARRANTY, I'M RESPONSIBLE FOR THE COSTS. WHAT I DON'T UNDERSTAND IS THE "WHY" FOR THE FAILURE. THERE WAS NO INDICATION THAT EITHER THE TRANSFER CASE OR TRANSMISSION WERE FAILING WHEN THE CAR WAS BEING DRIVEN. I CALLED MY SALESPERSON ABOUT THE SITUATION AND HE INFORMED ME HE HAD A FRIEND THAT HAD HIS TRANSFER CASE FAIL AT APPROXIMATELY THE SAME MILES. IN MY OPINION, MAJOR COMPONENTS - TRANSMISSIONS OR TRANSFER CASES SHOULD NOT BE FAILING AT THIS MILEAGE AND WOULD LIKE FOR SOMEONE TO PURSUE TO DETERMINE IF THERE IS A RECALL SITUATION.*JB
Occurrences: 1 Injuries: 0
Fail Date: 11/13/2006 Deaths: 0
Date added to datbase: 11/13/2006
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Create Custom Report CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10171578
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Details: AFTER DRIVING ON A HIGHWAY AT 55+MPH, FOR MORE THAN A HALF HOUR, IF YOU THEN GET INTO STOP AND GO OR CITY TRAFFIC, AND YOU ARE STOPPED, IF YOU PRESS ON THE ACCELERATOR, THE CAR WILL NOT RESPOND FOR 5-10 SECONDS, THEN WILL LUNGE FORWARD. THIS IS NOT ONLY ANNOYING, IT IS SO DANGEROUS. NOW THAT I AM AWARE OF IT, I TRY TO LEAVE LOTS OF SPACE BETWEEN ME AND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME (NOT ALWAYS POSSIBLE IN THE CITY). IT ONLY SEEMS TO HAPPEN UNDER THE CONDITIONS DESCRIBED ABOVE. I NOTICED THIS HAPPENING A LITTLE OVER A YEAR AFTER PURCHASING MY MURANO. *NM
Occurrences: 10 Injuries: 0
Fail Date: 08/16/2004 Deaths: 0
Date added to datbase: 10/23/2006
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Create Custom Report CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10170466
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Details: 03 NISSAN MURANO---TRANSMISSION WENT OUT WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEED AND CAR ONLY HAS 46,000 MILES. IT IS IN THE SHOP BEING REPAIRED BUT IT WILL TAKE UP 2 TWO WEEKS SINCE TRANSMISSION IS COMING FROM CALIFORNIA. THIS IS AN ISSUE BECAUSE IT IS HAPPENING TO TOO MANY MURANO'S AT LOW MILEAGE. NISSAN MUST LOOK INTO THIS AND DO SOMETHING SOON. I DID NOT GET HURT SINCE I WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER ON THE SHOULDER WITH THE HELP OF A TRACTOR TRAILER STOPPING TRAFFIC. SOMEONE ELSE MAY NOT BE AS LUCKY. PLEASE DO SOMETHING NOW!!!! *JB
Occurrences: 1 Injuries: 0
Fail Date: 10/09/2006 Deaths: 0
Date added to datbase: 10/11/2006
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Create Custom Report CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10160648
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Details: WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY AND THEN IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC I PRESSED ON THE GAS AND MY MURANO MOVED SLOWLY, THEN PICKED UP SPEED. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER WHILE UNDER WARRANTY, 57,898 MILES, BUT THEY SAID THE COMPUTER ONLY NEEDED TO BE RESET. THEY DID NOT DOCUMENT THIS PROBLEM. THE PROBLEM DIDN'T HAPPEN AGAIN UNTIL AROUND 66,000 MILES. I TOOK IT BACK THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING. THE PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN AT AROUND 68,000 BUT MORE AND MORE DURING STOP AND GO TRAFFIC AND NOW THEY SAY I NEED A VALVE BODY AND MORE THAN LIKELY A NEW TRANSMISSION AT $6000. NISSAN BUT OUT A SERVICE BULLETIN TELLING THE REPAIR SHOPS TO LOOK FOR THIS PROBLEM BECAUSE THEY KNOW ITS A PROBLEM. I CALLED NISSAN AND THEY SAID ITS MY PROBLEM. THEY WON'T FIX IT NOR WILL THEY HELP TO FIX IT. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS PROBLEM IF YOU NEED THE POWER AND SUDDENLY YOU DON'T HAVE IT. *JB
Occurrences: 10 Injuries: 0
Fail Date: 03/10/2006 Deaths: 0
Date added to datbase: 6/24/2006
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Create Custom Report CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10159588
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Details: DT*: THE CONTACT STATED WHILE ATTEMPTING TO APPLY PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD. AFTER THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SLOWLY MOVE, IT WAS TAKEN TO A LOCAL DEALERSHIP. THE MECHANIC DETERMINED THE VALVE BODY OF THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN ALERTED. UPDATED 08/24/06. *JB
Occurrences: 1 Injuries: 0
Fail Date: 06/12/2006 Deaths: 0
Date added to datbase: 6/12/2006
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Create Custom Report CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10158967
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Details: 2003 NISSAN MURANO AWD WOULD ACCELERATE AND SKIP GEARS. IF YOU ARE IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC AND YOU TAKE YOUR FOOT OFF THE GAS THE CAR WILL LUNGE FORWARD AND TRY TO GO INTO A HIGHER GEAR THEN FIRST. THIS STARTED HAPPENING INTERMITTENTLY THEN IT HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES IN ONE DAY THE FRIDAY BEFORE MEMORIAL DAY 2006. ON SATURDAY WHEN WE STARTED THE CAR IT MADE A HORRIBLE CLUNKING NOISE. WE DROVE THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND SEVERAL DAYS LATER WE WERE TOLD WE
Occurrences: 1 Injuries: 0
Fail Date: 05/20/2006 Deaths: 0
Date added to datbase: 6/5/2006
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Create Custom Report CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10158838
Component: POWER TRAIN
Details: 2003 MURANO WAS STOPPED. DRIVER HAD FOOT ON BRAKE. VEHICLE WAS STRUCK IN REAR. BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO FLOOR AND VEHICLE ROLLED THROUGH INTERSECTION. HAD TO PUMP BRAKE PEDAL TWICE BEFORE BRAKES WOULD HOLD AGAIN. EVER SINCE, VEHICLE LABORS AS IF PULLING A HEAVY LOAD OR AS IF PARKING BRAKE WAS PARTIALLY ENGAGED. NISSAN DEALER STATES THAT BRAKES SEEM TO WORK, THEREFORE THEY WILL NOT ATTEMPT TO FIND CAUSE OF PEDAL-TO-THE FLOOR INCIDENT OR CAUSE OF VEHICLE "LABORING". *JB
Occurrences: 1 Injuries: 0
Fail Date: 04/18/2006 Deaths: 0
Date added to datbase: 6/2/2006
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Create Custom Report CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10155470
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Details: AFTER DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, THEN STUCK IN STOP & GO TRAFFIC, CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE. HAS HAPPENED 5 TIMES, AND IS VERY DANGEROUS. IT TAKES AT LEAST 10 SECONDS FOR THE CAR THE ACCELERATE. WAS TOLD CAN'T BE FIXED UNLESS PROBLEM CAN BE RECREATED. I WAS UNABLE TO MOVE OUT OF THE WAY FOR POLICE WHEN THIS LAST HAPPENED. *NM
Occurrences: 5 Injuries: 0
Fail Date: 04/15/2006 Deaths: 0
Date added to datbase: 4/17/2006
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Create Custom Report CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10148497
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Details: OVERALL THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN VERY GOOD. AT APPROXIMATELY 65,000 MILES THE TRANSMISSION FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DAY BEFORE IT FAILED I HEARD A NOISE BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE WHERE IT WAS COMING FROM. ON THE DAY IT FAILED THE NOISE SEEMED NOT TO BE PRESENT. I EXITED A HIGHWAY AFTER A 1 1/2 DRIVE AND THE TRANSMISSION MADE A BUMP SOUND THAT MADE THE CAR SHAKE FOR AN INSTANT. THEN, THE TRANSMISSION SEEMED NOT TO ENGAGE. THE CAR APPEARED TO GO INTO LIMP MODE. I TRAVELED FOR A FEW MILES TO A SMALL TOWN. AFTER BEING PARKED FOR A FEW MINUTES THE TRANSMISSION AGAIN ENGAGED. I CALLED THE DEALER, AND HE SAID TO GET VEHICLE TO THEM , AND THEY WOULD TAKE A LOOK. A FEW TIMES ALONG THE WAY THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPED. I WAS INFORMED THE FOLLOWING DAY THAT THE TRANSMISSION NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AT A COST OF OVER $5,000. NISSAN REFUSED TO HELP IN ANYWAY. THEY WERE SIMPLY TURNING THEIR BACK ON ME BECAUSE THE WARRANTY EXPIRED AT 60,000 MILES. I REQUESTED ANY CONTRIBUTION FOR REPAIRS AND THEY REFUSED. IT WAS A VERY SAD CORPORATE POLICY.*AK
Occurrences: 1 Injuries: 0
Fail Date: 01/19/2006 Deaths: 0
Date added to datbase: 1/24/2006
[FILE] your own complaint on this model car.
Yes, include on Custom Report
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Create Custom Report CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10131510
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Details: 3/7/2005WHILE DRIVING TO LAS VEGAS FROM DOLAN SPRINGS, WHEN STOPPED AT STOP LIGHT IN BOULDER CITY, NV- HEARD A LOUD CLUNK AND THE TRANSMISSION LOCKED UP. CALLED NISSAN ROADSIDE SERVICE AND THEY TOWED TO DOUGLAS NISSAN IN HENDERSON, NV. 3/11/2005PICKED UP CAR AT DOUGLAS NISSAN. ON THE WAY BACK TO DOLAN SPRINGS, AZ.WE SMELLED A LOT OF HOT BURNING AND WHEN WE STOPPED, WE SAW SOME SMOKE. THE NEXT DAY, WE CALLED DOUGLAS NISSAN AND THEY SAID WAIT FOR ABOUT 2 WEEKS TO SEE IF IT CONTINUES, IT IS PROBABLY RESIDUE. 3/19/2005WHILE IN LAS VEGAS, WE STOPPED AT DOUGLAS NISSAN TO CHECK WE STILL HAD HOT, BURNING SMELL. THEY DISCOVERED THAT THE SEAL(S) WERE LEAKING. 3/23//2005WE PICKED UP THE CAR AND BEGAN DRIVE BACK TO DOLAN SPRINGS, AZ. WHEN WE GOT TO ABOUT 15 MILES (BOULDER CITY, NV), WE AGAIN GOT THE HOT BURNING SMELL. WE CALLED DOUGLAS THEY FOUND THAT THE CAR WAS NOT FIXED AND WAS STILL LEAKING. WE LEFT CAR AND THEY SAID WOULD BE DONE ON 3/25. 3/24/2005MADE CALL TO NISSAN NISSAN REP ASSURED US CAR WOULD BE READY ON 3/25. 3/26/2005WE STOPPED BACK- CAR WAS STILL NOT FIXED. THEY WERE NOT SURE WHEN IT WOULD BE FIXED. 3/29/2005CAR STILL AT DOUGLAS NISSAN AND NO IDEA WHEN IT WILL BE FIXED. THEY SAID THEY NOW THOUGHT IT MIGHT HAVE SOMETHING TO DO WITH ALL-WHEEL DRIVE SEAL. 4/30/2005CAR STILL NOT FIXED. PARTS ORDERED- MAY BE ON BACK ORDER. NO IDEA WHEN IT WOULD BE DONE. NO EXPLANATION WHY CAR HAS BEEN IN DEALERSHIP SINCE 3/11- STILL NOT FIXED. BASICALLY, ALTHOUGH WE HAVE HAD 2 MONTHS OF FRUSTRATION AND STRESS, WE STILL HAVE ENOUGH CONFIDENCE IN NISSAN AND THE MURANO TO PURCHASE A NEW MURANO. *NM
Occurrences: 3 Injuries: 0
Fail Date: 03/07/2005 Deaths: 0
Date added to datbase: 8/4/2005
[FILE] your own complaint on this model car.
Yes, include on Custom Report
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Create Custom Report CONSUMER COMPLAINT: ODI Case Number: 10127592
Component: POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
Details: I HAVE HAD MY MURANO 1 YEAR AND HAD NO PROBLEMS UNTIL NOW. IT IS A 2003 AND HAS 22,000 MILES ON IT. WE WERE ON VACATION ABOUT 350 MILES FROM HOME AND I NOTICED WHAT I THOUGHT WAS THE TRANSMISSION ACTING UP. IT JUST CONTINUED TO GET WORSE. I WOULD STOP AT A RED LIGHT AND DEPRESS THE ACCELATOR AND NOTHING WOULD HAPPEN UNTIL ABOUT 1 MINUTE LATER. LUCKILY WE MADE IT IN TO A NISSAN DEALER AND THEY CHECKED IT OUT AND GOT WITH NISSAN TECH SUPPORT. THEY VERIFIED IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION. THEY ARE GOING TO REPLACE THE ENTIRE TRANSMISSION WITH A NEW ONE. THANK GOODNESS IT IS UNDER WARRANTY! THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP RENTED ME A CAR TO GET BACK HOME FROM VACATION AND WE WILL HAVE TO DRIVE 350 MILES BACK TO PICK UP MY MURANO IN ABOUT 3 TO 4 DAYS.
Occurrences: 1 Injuries: 0
Fail Date: 07/05/2005 Deaths: 0
Date added to datbase: 7/6/2005
[FILE] your own complaint on this model car.
Yes, include on Custom Report
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I brought the car into the shop again (9th time for this same issue). This time the check engine light came on. Since they claimed they couldn't duplicate the problem, I've been driving with a video camera in my car to catch these issues when they happen. They got a computer code that indicated a ground problem with the transmission. They fixed the ground (for free because I am there so often). I went to drive my car and the same issue. Car bucks and jumps then no acceleration. I planned to drive it home and back to the dealership first thing in the morning. Never made it to the dealership in the morning, because my transmission failed part way there.. embarrassing & scary situation where the police had to stop traffic and push me off the highway.
The car got towed & Nissan finally acknowledged the problem. They ordered a new transmission and I should have the car back in about a weeks time. A new trans at 50k miles.. crazy. They wasted so much, since they rebuilt it already once.
In any case. Anyone having this problem has to protect themselves. Buy the extended service plan!!!! Cost is about $1,500 but well worth it.
Document all the problems and mileage. let them know you are aware of the issues out there with the transmissions.
And dont give up!!.....
I hope this is the end of my Murano problems.
I first spoke with them in mid-July and while they are very friendly on the phone, the follow-up was pretty weak. They apparently were talking to a local dealer to see if they could work out some deal to repair the transmission. I'm guessing the dealer didn't bite, because they called today and send "the final decision is that Nissan cannot offer financial assistance with this issue."
Of course they act as though I'm the only one having the problem and needless to say I'm not very happy with the outcome. I suppose I was naive to think this could have turned out any other way.
In my opinion, this is clearly a safety design flaw but Nissan will apparently not recognize it as such until something very serious happens or a lawsuit is filed.
Too bad. This is otherwise a great car, but Nissan has lost another customer. I guess I should have stayed with Honda. All our other cars have always been Honda, but I loved the ride of the Murano. I'll see what I can get to trade it in on an Acura MDX.
Hope the rest of you have better luck than I did.
I was driving back home and all of sudden the murano won't accelerate when I hit the gas pedal, and when it does after hesitation, it accelerates in a jerky motion, like suddenly start then slow down, this will repeat a few times, until I get up to speed, then it seem to be a bit normal until I get to the next traffic light. It has a very rough time to accelerate when I come to a complete stop or at low speed, it would hesitate, then goes, then slows down like it's losing power. (when I get up to speed, seems to be relatively normal, but still hear noise)
also hearing a clunking sound from underneath the car. If I don't accelerate much, don't hear it much, as soon as I try to accelerate, there is a persistent clunking/clicking sound.
Is my transmission failing? also had one engine mount replaced a few months ago, coud they have messed up something?
I'm so mad and so upset at Murano's quality or non-existence of. If I will have to shell out $6000 to replace the transmission, I will be so mad I will have to start or join a class action against Nissan!!!
In July, I was offered $16,000 in trade. I wasn't ready to buy and this seemed low, so I kept shopping.
In early September I went to a Toyota dealer as was offered $13,500 in trade. They said the market was not good for Muranos. Needless to say, I passed.
Then last week I went to another Toyota dealer in another city and they offered $9,000 in trade. This in spite of Edmunds trade-in value of $15,789. The dealers comment was: "Six 2003 Muranos were at auction earlier in the week and no one bid on them."
Unfortunately, I should have made the jump in July when I was offered $16,000. But the bottom line is it looks like the dealers all know about this problem and don't want it.
What now?
Another Murano owner who had to shell out 6K for a new transmission. Keep me posted if you decided to file a class action suit. I am game.
Kevin
Anthony
It is clear to me that this was a defect in the design of the transmission that has apparently been corrected on later models.
Nissan has not owned up on this, in my opinion. I'm glad to hear that some of you have found a suitable remedy.
In the meantime, I continue to drive mine and hope for the best. I'm assuming that continued driving doesn't necessarily make the situation any worse.