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Nissan Murano CVT Transmission

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Comments

  • conndriver16conndriver16 Member Posts: 3
    Like many of you, in spite of maintaining my 2003 Murano faithfully, the transmission failed to the tune of $5000. The transmission had been noisy for a while and failed abruptly. I had to fix it as the car was worthless otherwise (not that it's worth much now anyway). Like everybody else in this forum, the dealer claimed that they had not heard of transmission failures with the Murano. Likely story! They replaced the transmission with a rebuilt one, which failed immediately. All together, my car was in the shop for 2 weeks, but at least after the replaced transmission failed, I got a loaner car. The warranty on the replaced transmission is 1 year or 12000 miles.
  • jess5138jess5138 Member Posts: 7
    My 2003 has 53400 miles on it. I had to replace transmission around 45000. It is now in my driveway because I can't afford to fix it again. It needs Valve cover gasket, oil cooler o ring, drive belt bracket w idler pulley and a new thermostate also rear brake pads. Took to my Nissan dealership and got $1819.42. Of course $455. was for the 60000 mile checkup and something called EFI for another $140.00. so without all the extra crap I am still at $1213.32. So can't afford this and trying to decide if i just want to park and buy something cheaper until I get the Murano paid off or keep bumming rides....
  • sman615sman615 Member Posts: 1
    Vanessa have you considered a class action lawsuit instead?
  • jgraminskijgraminski Member Posts: 6
    Can anyone tell me how to turn off the auto lock feature on an 09? I've read the directions and cannot get it to deactive.
  • kardlarkardlar Member Posts: 5
    It happened last year for the first time, in the middle of Death Valley! Accelerated and nothing happened for a few seconds before it eventually lurched forward. Made for a very stressful trip out of the desert, not knowing what was going on. The problem disappeared after stopping for gas, and I persuaded myself that I must have filled the vehicle with the wrong gas. That was around the 100k mark (2003 model). Almost a year later to the day, the problem is back - the car is with the dealer at the moment, and they are quoting $5500 for a new transmission. That's how I ended up here. I've made my complaint on the 'nhtsa' site and will happily work with others to get Nissan to fess up.

    Nissan ate the cost of actually replacing the whole engine on my vehicle at around the 75k mark, so it's been far from troublefree, but I really like the car in principal.
  • wkp0000wkp0000 Member Posts: 6
    My problem was the same as others discussed here about loss of power,rpm dropping , no acceleration.

    My mech. replace the mass air flow sensor last summer and running ok since.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    they are quoting $5500 for a new transmission

    On what basis did they recommend replacing your transmission? What diagnosis did they perform?

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • kardlarkardlar Member Posts: 5
    They said the 'valve body' needed replacing, at $2000, but that doing that was just a 'bandaid' as the transmission would need replacing anyway soon, which includes a valve body anyway, so the $2000 would be wasted. The diagnosis was based on the service code - the service engine light had been on, but had disappeared. They gave me a copy of the 'NTB05-084A' technical services bulletin quoted elsewhere in this thread. I told them I would just live with it for now.
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    $2,000 for a valve body seems VERY expensive - even including labor. I would try to get a second opinion on the matter.

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • moparman44moparman44 Member Posts: 2
    i was a a light and there was no power and it seems to do in the heat any way took it to the Nissan dealer and 1800 for a new valve body. so i call my uncle and he is a mechanic he says to change the trans fluid w/ full synthetic and replace filter and see if the problem is still there. can i get some input on maybe other options or what to do.
  • usedmuranousedmurano Member Posts: 7
    Everyone,

    I too have had the acceleration issue and also agree with moparman44 that it might be a heat related phenomenon. Only reason I believe that is because it seems to happen on hot days (90+ F) in traffic where there is less air flow to help cool off the engine bay.

    Anyways, there was this recall notice on the Muranos that came out today. This may be the cause of it all, though the description only says, "ENGINE MAY STALL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH." That doesn't completely explain the symptoms that we're all describing, but it's a start, no? Here's the text of the recall:

    Vehicle Make / Model: Model Year(s):
    NISSAN / MURANO 2003-2007
    Manufacturer: NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. Mfr's Report Date: MAY 14, 2009
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 09V169000
    N/A
    NHTSA Action Number: N/A
    Component: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 362891
    Summary:
    NISSAN IS RECALLING 362,891 MY 2003-2007 MURANO VEHICLES. THE INTAKE AIR DUCTS, WHICH ARE CONNECTED TO THE INTERMEDIATE RESONATOR IN THE AIR INTAKE SYSTEM OF THE ENGINE, MAY SEPARATE FROM THE RESONATOR WITH ENGINE MOVEMENT. THIS SEPARATION OCCURS DUE TO THE PREMATURE AGING OF THE MATERIAL USED IN THE INTAKE AIR DUCTS WHICH CAUSES EXCESSIVE SHRINKING.
    Consequence:
    ENGINE MAY STALL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
    Remedy:
    DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE/REPAIR THE APPROPRIATE COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE JULY 6, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
    Notes:
    OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV .
  • kardlarkardlar Member Posts: 5
    Based on the advice in this forum, I put in a call to the Nissan support line. I got the same vibe as you get from telephone banking - you are talking to someone who is reading from a series of prompts, and doesn't really understand what you are saying. We had a bizarre exchange where she was insisting I state exactly what I wanted Nissan to do - I'm guessing that's one of the scripted prompts. I couldn't quite understand what she was getting at though, so she eventually said "well, would you like Nissan to pay for a new transmission for example", so I said sure.

    I assumed that would be the last I heard, but someone else from Nissan rang a couple of days later to say she had been assigned my issue and would have an answer for me by the end of the week. Count me mildly surprised.

    Then, my local dealer rang to say Nissan had contacted them and would be paying for all parts and any labor over $1200. In other words - the new transmission is going to cost me a maximum of $1200.

    This isn't the first time Nissan have done the right thing for me. I love my Murano, but it has given me grief over the years. Every time I get to the point of thinking it's time to dump them, Nissan step up and actually do customer service. I wish the Murano had been problem free, but Nissan have done a good job in keeping me happy.

    The new transmission will be installed next week, once the part arrives.

    Karl
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    That's great! I get really miffed with telephone support in general but once in a while it does work. :)

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • moparman44moparman44 Member Posts: 2
    we got the trans flushed and it seems to be running as good but only time will tell if holds up. that day it had acceleration problems we drove a little way and it could barly make it up the on ramp. so we pull of and poped the hood and it seemed to be very hot or hotter than normal. and it was a 90+ day that day too. so now we are lookin for a reliable car to buy any ideas we look at some audi an a ford edge any ideas or thoughts. :sick:

    and i hope they recall the trans on them too :)
  • tidestertidester Member Posts: 10,059
    You may want to post that question in What's the best vehicle for my needs?

    tidester, host
    SUVs and Smart Shopper
  • aggies01aggies01 Member Posts: 2
    Karl

    This is sooo new to me. I have had my nissan and no problems.Now i feel the transmission problems. How should i address this issue to Nissan so the outcome can be just like yours ...FREE REPAIR?

    Thanks
    soph
  • kardlarkardlar Member Posts: 5
    Hi Soph,

    It came to $710 in the end - that was just the labor, as Nissan picked up the parts costs. As for why Nissan paid? I don't know. The dealer said is was a customer loyalty thing. All I can tell you is the steps I took:

    1) Dealer quoted me $5500 and advised me to just live with it if possible.
    2) I made a complain at the Office of Defects Investigation:

    http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov

    3) I complained to the Nissan Consumer Support line
    4) The person logging my complaint had a script to follow, so couldn't really answer questions, but she did ask me whether I wanted Nissan to pay for a new transmission, and I said 'yes'!
    5) A couple of days later someone else rang (from Nissan) to say my complaint is being investigated and they would have an answer by the end of the week.
    6) Then on Friday the dealer rang to say Nissan and contacted them and would be paying the costs for a new transmission. We had to pay labor up to $1200, but it only came to $700 anyway.

    Hope that helps,

    Karl
  • eleratorelerator Member Posts: 7
    I had a "no power" issue with my '03 Murano once where it wouldn't accelerate no matter how far I pushed the accelerator pedal. It turned out to be a battery issue. The ground on the battery wasn't tight and caused the transmission electronics not to work properly. Once that was tightened, there were no more problems. Given that a lot of you are talking about the heat under the hood on these hot days (I live just north of the Florida line), the battery may be a culprit worth looking into.
  • kaizen2kaizen2 Member Posts: 1
    Living in Charlotte, took my 03 Murano to the dealer and was told they had no idea. They didn't charge me, but informed me that I would be okay to drive it! Thanks for posting, I will email my write up to you as to add to your case. I am curious, when they replaced the value body did that make a difference? I am a single school teacher and I am without vehicle. I wanted to do more research before I made a decision to replace the transmission for $5K. I can afford to pay for the valve body replacement and then fight this case afterwards. My main concern right now is getting my car up and running. Thank you for your post and for fighting this issue.
  • wkp0000wkp0000 Member Posts: 6
    Since the valve body replacement everything has been back to normal with no problems for almost 12 months and 18,000 miles.
    Do still get concerned when I continue to hear of transmission problems from other owners.
    Will not buy another Nissan.
    I have ywt to get any notice of recall for anything from Nissan.

    Good Luck
  • aggies01aggies01 Member Posts: 2
    Hey Karl

    Thanks again. I call the consumer line. You are right.. its a script!! I complained about the acceleration. She told me that needed the truck to be taken in for a diagnositc check. If i'm not satisfied i shoud call them back. I will schedule it for next week. I do have a file number.

    Also i saw the recall but my car is not on the list. Is that normal? I have the 04. Im very concern about my safety.

    Thanks again. I will keep you posted.

    soph
  • michaelscaimichaelscai Member Posts: 75
    Today in hot weather 100+ here in phoenix, my 03 murano would hesitate a few seconds before moving forward in traffic, and running sluggishly overall. About a year ago, it would fail to accelerate at traffic lights like i'm on neural gear, then suddenly move forward in a dangerous manner. This seems to happen more often in hot weather. and I really think nissan should recall this, as it seems to be some design flaw with the number of people experiencing this.
  • angrymanangryman Member Posts: 1
    My transfer case is broken like an eggshell and undriveable. These idiots want me to take it to a dealer for diagnosis. I told them it didn't take an expert to diagnose a part that was broken in half and leaking oil. They suggested I "make arrangements" to get it to the dealer. I suggested that they make the arrangements and pay for the tow and pay for the part and stand behind their crappy products. I suggested that they would find themselves in a class action suit and that they, the "help line", was doing a terrible job.

    No more Nissans, ever, or their uppity cousins, Infiniti.
  • 03victim03victim Member Posts: 3
    It's really unfortunate that we had to find out the hard way. Nissan isn't taking responsibility for their defective product (Nissan Murano). My advice, from experience, is if the vehicle is still drivable..take it to a dealership and trade it in for a different car. That's what I had to do. Nissan wasn't even going to think about taking responsibility for selling me a car with a crappy transmission. Getting rid of it was the best decision I ever made. No more Nissan vehicles for this consumer - Nissan vehicles are a thing of the past!!
  • ihatenissanihatenissan Member Posts: 10
    Nissan is the pits, they do not stand behind their products. I had a 1994.5 Nissan Sentra Limited Edition none the less, and at 60,100 miles (100 miles over warranty) oil started to leak, it was the head gasket, which meant most likely a cracked motor, they did agree to pay parts, but only for the head gasket, my fear was the motor was a total loss, so I traded it in on a honda in 1997 and called it a day.

    Husband got a 2004 Nissan Murano in 2006 against my better judgement. Guess what, cracked transfer case, guess what, Nissan told me they could not help me "financially at this time." "Mark" kept repeating this, I felt like saying I'm not asking you to make my mortgage payment, I'm asking you to stand behind your defective product. Unbelievable, we owe $7,000 on the car, we put down $10, and paid around $24 when we purchased it used at 24,000 miles. Basically it appears they (NOT NISSAN) will give us $7 on a trade but we are somewhat out $10K. I was really hoping the Nissan would last beyond 72,000 miles, even a Dodge lasts 100,000 miles for Pete's Sake. My parents had a dodge rampage that lasted 120,000 miles before it caught on fire! At least then you get insurance money!

    The car is only worth $10 - $12 and to incur a $4,300 repair bill is ridiculous.

    I am so angry, I will never buy Nissan again. Only Honda and Toyota. BTW I love my Acura.
  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    The real issue is not that you need a new transmission at 89k - it happens- but that it costs over 5k to fix. I would get a bid from at least one/two reliable independent transmission shops and one/ two national transmission shops. Since nissan is washing their hands of you - you don't need to patronize them. Buying the first year model year of any make is risky. If you are happy with your car in every other way -- bite the bullet and keep it another 89k miles. The only transmission I ever replaced was a 96 chev lumina sedan at 63k miles. It cost $1950 rebuilt. Still strong at 140k when I donated it to salvation army.
  • bigeasy51bigeasy51 Member Posts: 7
    Hi Vanessa & Others!
    I too am a NJ resident, up in Long Valley. Have owned an '03 Murano since June of that year. Currently have 89,000 miles on it. More than a month ago I started having accelleration problems while in stop-and-go traffic - after 30 minutes or so when stepping on the accelerator I would get nothing for 3-4 seconds and then it would lurch forward. Next morning all would be fine. But then after a few weeks of this, the "CHECK ENGINE" light came on. At my (Nissan trained) mechanic's shop the computer code displayed was DTC P1778 Step Motor function. He said it appearred the trans was going. Once reset the trans worked perfectly at all other times except when in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
    I notified Nissan and started a file with a Customer Service Specialist. My file number was 6516386. I indicated to her that one of the reasons we had purchased the Murano was because the sales folks told us the CVT was a sealed system and NEVER needed service! She was very helpful & very personable to start with. She showed empathy and seemed genuinely eager "to see how Nissan could help you!" (Her words not mine!) She seemed very anxious to help us. She had me go to a Nissan dealership (Lynnes in Stanhope,NJ ) who repeated the computer test and had their master mechanic look the trans over. They confirmed that the trans needed replacement. Cost would be $3450 for CVT Assembly; $1501.50 for labor (14.3hours); $300 misc for fluids. Total $5251.50 The Service Man even made a comment that while the 60 month portion of my extended warrantee had expired in May 2008, the milage portion (100,000 miles) hadn't still been reached - but that it was unfortunate that I wasn't still covered!! (His comment actually gave me hope that this might be the "reason" Nissan would help me out on replacing the transmission!)
    I reported the results of the Dealership inspection to my Customer Service Rep at Nissan. She indicated she would review the report and advise me in a couple of days. A few days later another woman from the same office called me and said she was calling for my original Rep. She said she would be dealing with our file from now on. She said that Nissan had decided that "at this time they would be doing nothing to help us." I was shocked! I asked why there had been such an abrupt change? I also asked if Nissan understood that I was a three time Nissan purchaser and they ran the risk of alienating me by not assisting in any way? She just kept on saying "Sorry - we're not in a position to do a thing for you."
    After hanging up the phone I sat there stunned for a minute. I was actually amazed. Nissan had just blown me off after I'd spent nearly $100,000 on 3 vehicles with them since 2003!! What a crocK!
    What do you suggest I do Counsellor?
    Thanks for letting me vent!
    Best regards,
    Ken Johnson -bigeasy@comcast.net
  • bigeasy51bigeasy51 Member Posts: 7
    Thanks Jayrider,
    I appreciate your input - and I truley understand the logic. Of course you are absolutely correct....since I do love the Murano except for this reason, I should simply replace the transmission. Yours is the unemotional response of an uninvolved outside observer.
    Unfortunately, for me and hundreds of other respondants to this Forum, we are not unemotional and not uninvolved! And while speaking for only my own financial situation, at $14.00 an hour I'm looking at over 2 months wages to pay for the replacement!
    When do the HUNDREDS
    of us - from this forum alone - who spent generally over $30,000 for a 2003 Nissan Murano, get Nissan to admit that they bear at least some financial repsonsibility for the ONLY model year the CVT has been independently judged to be a failure? Do we need to wait until people are killed like they were in the Pinto case, for Nissan to admit it screwed the pooch in this instance?
    Don't get me wrong jayrider, I'm not angry at you, but you start to sound like a rich politician who tells the rest of us that "we need to do the patriotic thing" and spread our wealth around!.
    Speaking again personally - I don't have $5000 or even $3000 to give a Nissan. I'll probably have to "park" the vehicle until I can come up with the dough! So it really isn't as simple as you put it for all of us! "Biting the bullet" as you put it, means the "bullet" may be all I have to eat for a couple months!
    bigeasy
  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    I absolutely agree that my comments are objective and made without all the feelings of outrage you have in this regard. But as you said -- you have several choices. Only you can decide what's best for you -- good luck. I would still check other repair options -- costs you nothing to get estimates. Just because nissan said you need a new transmission doesn't mean it's true. They don't want to do anything but a full replacement. Maybe it's just a sensor or other part that will allow you to put it back on the road. An independent shop can also look at finding a used transmission from a wrecked murano -- not a very likely option but worth consideration. I would also bet that if you spent some time you could trade your murano for a decent ride. I'm talking about a used vehicle. But you will have to decide -- parking the car while you save up the money may be the best option for you. One thing for sure --venting against nissan will get you nowhere. They won't pay and they don't care. Taking action to revolve your problem will get you moving in the right direction.
  • krpaplhamkrpaplham Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2004; had the same issue around 70,000. It would hesitate in stop and go then suddenly take off, even had some slowing and then accelerate on freeway.

    Took it in and Nissan said needs a new trans; took it to another dealer and had the trans fluid flushed/changed for about $160 total and it ran fine. (Someone suggested in e-mail on edmunds a couple of years ago) Spoke to a mechanic off site and he said there is a "sensor"(?) in the CVT and when it gets dirty it causes the delay in rpm response. Ran it to 103,000 and started to feel it hesitate a little again, had it flushed and it is working fine; been about 5,000 since last flush. (Nissan won't power flush CVT so mor like a drain and replace)
  • mediawizmediawiz Member Posts: 2
    My 03 Murano has a recurring problem with hesitation. It only seems to hesitate after the car has been running for at least 30 mins, and on only seems to happen in warm weather.

    Anyone know what the cause is, or how I might fix it?
  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    Great post -- hope it works for anyone with a similar problem. A good start before replacing the transmission.
  • bigeasy51bigeasy51 Member Posts: 7
    Hey krpaplham & jayrider,
    Thanks so much for the input from both of you...jayrider is right - sometimes the frustration with a company just makes you want to lash out! And boy do I feel like lashing! Especially since our saleperson in 2003 used the CVT as a selling point because it was a "sealed system and never needed servicing!"
    I'm definitely going to go the route of a "flush and clean" before doing a full replacement. Seems I remember another forum respondent indicate there was an additive that Nissan was mixing into their trans fluid that helped clean and stabilize the trans. krpaplham - Do you remember the name of the actual "sensor" in the CVT that gets dirty?
    Thanks again folks - I'll keep the forum posted on developments!
    Bigeasy
  • usedmuranousedmurano Member Posts: 7
    Bigeasy51,

    I had Nissan flush my tranny with my scheduled service and it did not help my vehicle. The delayed acceleration problem came back in about 2-3 months. I took it back to Nissan and they changed my throttle bottle chamber. Again, after a while, the problem came back. I hope you will have better luck than me.

    I've also posted a recall notice from NHTSA for the Muranos for an engine stall issue. Is this issue the same issue as the "delayed acceleration" that some of us are experiencing? It's unclear from the description of the recall, BUT, anything is better than nothing from Nissan. The company was suppose to start notifying owners on July 6th. I have yet to hear from them about my Murano.

    I'd recommend that you, and anyone else out there with the same problems, file a complaint at the NHTSA website. The more complaints we get, the better chance we have of Nissan doing something about their negligence.

    Usedmurano (and never Nissan again)
  • jerad77jerad77 Member Posts: 2
    I noticed the transmission was not responding as it did for the past few months. Accelerating from a full stop, the engine RPM would climb to 2500-3000 just to get to a normal city driving speed. Normally it would stay around 1500 to get what you want unless you really pushed it for more. A day later the service light came on and I took it into Autozone to have them run the code. It came up with a code of P0840. According to the online repair manual on their site it is the tranny fluid pressure solenoid circuit-A. I believe he also said that I have a second code of P0845 which is the B solenoid. The repair manual says it can be anything from the solenoid failing or the Transmission Control Module (TCM). I am crossing my fingers in hopes that any of these parts can be changed individually and not the whole tranny just for a tiny part. The symptoms of stop-and-go driving that I see in most of the forum postings could be related to these parts. The solenoids control the pressure to the pulleys in the tranny to adjust the torque you want. I will keep this updated in hopes we can find a definite solution as well as a cheaper one.
  • agajagaj Member Posts: 1
    jerad77 I am having the same problem just got the code P0840 today. A few months ago I had the hesitation problem and did a fluid change and flush. it was working great and now the hesitation has come back and now I have the P0840 code. Did you ever find the tranny fluid pressure solenoid circuit-A and how to install it? I called many dealers and they want me to bring the Murano in and will not help me. Please help I was going to trade my Murano in Dec but would like to fix it before then. thanks!
  • jerad77jerad77 Member Posts: 2
    I did send it into the dealer to have them take care of it. The problem that was found is the solenoid wasn't working properly. Unfortunately the only way to replace the solenoid is to replace the whole valve body inside the tranny. I would recommend that a Nissan dealer take care of it since they should know what they are doing. It is running well now but it burnt $1600 out of my pocket.
  • jauerjauer Member Posts: 1
    I've been happy with my '03 Murano but in thelast month experienced accelration problems from a direct stop once the car had warmed up. Foot to the floor, no movement for about 10 seconds and then the RPM's would begin to rev above 1100 RPM and suddenly thecar would move. Engine runs fine once engaged.

    It needed a State inspection so I asked the tech to check the codes- his response- TRANMISSON ERRORS

    Took it to my mechanic for a second opinion - his readings identified TRANSMISSON CODES

    Took it to Nissan- they told me it was the ECM module (about $1400) and because of this, error codes were leading it to transmission codes. Picked up the car on Friday- by Saturday the same lack of acceleration existed.

    Took it back to Nissan- there claim this time? Throttle Valve body ($1800+)
    Searched the web to see that I am not the only one having similar problems..........

    Printed the information and sent it to Nissan asking how they could just make assumptions to repairing THEIR vehicles, and that throwing money at "could be" problems was not a resolve.

    Their response? A quote for $6556.00 to replace the transmisson.

    To all reading I say be careful, and wise...........
  • lmsmanplmsmanp Member Posts: 3
    I just experienced my second transmission failure. They seem to last about 130,000 miles.I beliieve that our useage (80% 75mph with cruse) has something to do with it. The snowmobile mechanic in me says that the constant belt position wears a grove in the driven pully, the belt hangs up, the driving pully won't engage, and engine rpm is limited by the engine control module.

    Nissan knows about this and has refused to offer any compensation. If they do see their engineering falure and decide to make good please let me know.
    the car is going tor the scrap yard, and I'm never going to a Nisan dealer!
  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    They should refund your money for the wrong part installed in your murano. Have them put the old one back in -- hope you saved it. They misdiagnosed big time. The total trans replacement is about 50% of the cars worth. Get it running and trade it in -- good luck.
  • nastacionastacio Member Posts: 370
    I own a 2004 Murano with 40K miles, haven't noticed anything close. From the other reports, it seems I would be 30K miles from the failure zone, though I wonder if this problem is exclusive to 03 and early 04 models?

    Of course, the newer models are likely to have less miles on them, but I suspect Nissan must have at some point fixed whatever the problem is, otherwise they would not be expanding CVT to its passenger-car line-up.

    Even if people believe they are crooks, most crooks, specially the more dishonest ones, are not that stupid.
  • mediawizmediawiz Member Posts: 2
    I cleaned the intake (aircleaner box and butterfly valve), and that didn't seem to help. I tried changing the mass air flow sensor, and the problem didn't happen for a few days. It has only happened a couple of times since (over a few weeks), and now doesn't seem as bad. Problem is not completly gone though. Thinking this might be some combination of error codes in the system.

    I have not seen anything that struck me as a transmission related symptom, but perhaps there is a bad sensor there too.

    Still open to suggestions.
  • nastacionastacio Member Posts: 370
    How many miles did you have on it when the problem started?
  • lmsmanplmsmanp Member Posts: 3
    125,000 when it developed a sligfht surge a highway speeds, about a thousand later when it started to fail to engage after a stop, another thousand to total failure. 270,000 slight serge, 271,000 now and I quit driving it.
  • bigeasy51bigeasy51 Member Posts: 7
    Many of you have written to me concerning my "03 Murano CVT problems - and I have read all your emails, but didn't want to respond until there was a definitive solution. Now I have a solution.
    ----- First a summary, 6 months ago with approx. 88.5 K miles I started experiencing a 4-6 second hesitation when stepping on the accelerator in bumper-to-bumper traffic after the car was warmed up. There was never any problem when the car was first started, and if you could drive without stopping and going everything was fine. Once in rush hour traffic however you were in a dangerous situation because the lurch forward once the car engaged could easily throw you into the cars ahead of you!
    ----- After going to my mechanic a number of times and getting a "computer code" of P1778 CVT Stepper Motor failure I started writting and calling the Customer Service Group of Nissan North America. The first two customer service reps I spoke with (a month each-numerous conversations) were polite, but in the end said that "Nissan was not in a position at this time to offer me any assistance." This pretty much made me crazy since my family had purchased 3 new Nissan vehicles during the previous 10 years and even though my Murano's "extended warranty" time period of 60 months had expired the milage portion hadn't! And at 89,000 miles I thought Nissan should at least bear responsibility for the 100,000 miles the extended warranty specified. So when the 2 customer service reps. said "no" I wrote directly to Carlos Ghosn CEO of Nissan North America and sent the letters to his offices in Tennessee, and in Japan. In my letter to the Chairman I wondered why a company as successful as Nissan would run the risk of alienating a long-time customer without even trying to reach an agreeable accomodation
    ----- Luckily for me a Nissan Vice President and an Executuve Specialist from Corporate Headquarters read my letter and recognized that "customer satisfaction" for a "dedicated Nissan family" meant honoring the remaining milage portion of the extended warranty. This past week, Lynne's Nissan in Stanhope NJ replaced the CVT transmission in my Murano!! Nissan "provided/paid for" the new transmission and a beautiful Altima loaner car for two days - and I paid for the labor costs and the CVT trans fluid. Driving the Murano again is wonderful and the car performs like new. (I'll keep my fingers crossed!)
    ----- To close, I guess my suggestion to anyone having a problem with a manufacturer, is you have to stick with it and find the person who can say "yes" to your request or problem. I believe you should always propose what you believe to be a fair & equitable solution - give the company something to "save face" with. Finally, I also believe I got lucky in that a Vice President and an Executive Specialist understood the point of my letter and said, "Let's help this guy."
    ----- Thanks to all of you who wrote to me with questions, I'll always be a loyal Edmunds follower!
    bigeasy
  • balanceokbalanceok Member Posts: 11
    There is still a problem for most owners. I suspect that you were helped only because you had an "extended warranty" and therefore the legal obligation of Nissan was very clear.

    The problem is that the CVT Transmission is intrinsically defective and Nissan should be acknowledging this by fixing the problem whether you are under warranty or not. Easily, the most frustrating element of this problem is Nissan´s continued refusal to acknowledge that there is anything wrong, let alone their obligation to make it right.
  • juslostacustmrjuslostacustmr Member Posts: 2
    WOW ! I dont know whether to smile or cry after reading all the posting about the nissan murano problems (tranny, accleration problems, recalls, customer service etc.etc)

    I just found a beautiful preowned 2004 Nissan Murano (excellent condition) I was going to finalize a purchase on tommorrow right after work. ( due to the dealer closing soon on Saturday ) My husband and I test drove the vehicle and we loved everything about it ( they are only asking $18,500 with apprx 49xxx miles on it ) GOOD DEAL ! SO WE THOUGHT
    we thought that was a great deal until I decided to do more research on this vehicle and nissan company as a whole ( this would be our first nissan purchase )

    I am so SHOCKED right now Im at a lost for words. Does anyone have anything good or positive to say about the Nissan Murano ?

    ( Please note I havent had the opportunity to read ALL POST )
    and this is my first time ever sending a post ( so be gentle :)
    however, It seems as if this vehicle is a WOLF in sheeps clothing ( for lack of better reference ) but you get my point.

    I guess we will lean back towards the Lexus RX330 or
    another midsize SUV for a family vehicle ...

    one last point I recently had a Horribly bad experience as a BMW owner so I recognize the emotions of frustration to angry to disbelief ( spending so much money and effort into finding a reliable car is not easy ) I recently sold my BMW took a lost, but the headaches are over ( that another post all together )

    any car buying suggestions would be wonderful ... for a family of 3 1/2
    ( one on the way :)
  • jayriderjayrider Member Posts: 3,602
    If you can afford 19k for a used car, I would seriously look at new cars in the 25k range. Your payments will be the same for 3 years -- just two more years to pay after that. That 04 murano still has issues. Best buy would be the vw routan -- 9-10k off sticker -- read reviews and test drive. The base model can be had for about 20k -- free maintenance for 3 years. Have seen a few 09 subaru tribeca's discounted into the mid-20's new. The forester is also a player. The outback is all new. Can be pricy loaded but if you can handle cloth seats -- pretty reasonable. Honda crv exl-awd- new about 25k. Other models much less. If you are not concerned about resale than saturn has lots of choices. You can always get service at gm dealers. The astra/ vue wagons might be worth a look. The new chevy equinox may be a player. I sat in a nissan versa in the dealership and was very impressed -- lots of room -- didn't drive it but would give it close look.[check out prices paid thread--loaded with abs-17-18k otd]
    Bottom line -- 19k for used makes no sense in this market -- especially a 50k mile 6 year old murano. The rogue is smaller and lots cheaper -- still roomy enough. Too many new choices -- used cars are overpriced across the board now.
  • light9light9 Member Posts: 5
    I was planning on buying a used Murano in 2008. I looked at '04 thru '06's. After reading on Edmonds about all the problems people had/are having with Nissan (products and customer service) I decided not to buy a Murano. I really loved the vehicle; but in the end, you should be able to depend on your vehicle for safe transportation. After reading everything, I concluded that I can't depend on Murano. I bought a brand new '08 Highlander. I am very happy with it; EXCELLENT. I hope someone at Nissan will realize that Product reliability and customer satisfaction are very important for a company to survive; especially in these days of "informed customer".
    I do agree with jayrider - it doesn't make sense to pay $19K for a used '04 with about 50K miles. You have better choices out there.
  • nastacionastacio Member Posts: 370
    18K for a 2004 Murano is no good deal at all, CVT or no CVT issues. Back in 2007, I was considering trading loaded SL 2004, then with 28K miles, to a Mazda and a Nissan dealer. They both offered $15K on it, and that was two years ago. I don't think I could get more than $11-12 on it today.

    In short, anything more than $14K does not sound like a great deal.

    With all the postings here, I think I would not buy one used and maybe would have sprung up for extended warranty, don't know.

    What I do know is that I don't plan on trading for a new car anytime soon. For one I have not experienced the problem. Number 2, at that level of luxury, power, and roominess, it would have to be a $30K purchase, where I would lose at least $12K in depreciation within 3 years.
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