Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!

Nissan Murano CVT Transmission

1810121314

Comments

  • robmartinsrobmartins Member Posts: 8
    Donate it: www.kars4kids.org

    And get another brand of car :-)
  • jay163jay163 Member Posts: 1
    Last week my 2006 Murano stopped in the middle of the road. I managed to push it off the road and get it towed to the dealer. I am on 104,000 miles but Nissan customer service confirmed that I was covered for the extended warranty for all CVT issues. It turns out that the problem is the CVT. But now the dealership it telling me that the oil in the CVT is not the "red" "Nissan" oil but some other oil, Well I have no idea what oil is in there as I never change it myself, so of course I am seeking an answer from my previous servicers, but that is not the issue here. The issue is Nissan are not able to tell me that the failure of the CVT was caused by the oil, but they are using it to get out of a warranty repair of a "known" problem. Any ideas??
  • jess5138jess5138 Member Posts: 7
    I have a 2003 Murano which now has about 57 thousand on it. I had an accident in 2007 and transmission went out. Truth be known it was going out before accident. Car was towed from accident and make a long story short got it back from repair shop 2 and a half months later and transmission was gone. It was towed over to Nissan dealer who said someone had put wrong fluid in. Well I pitched a fit and told them other then the accident I had always taken it to Nissan dealer to fix and they finally agreed to fix. Out of the bottom of their hearts they said they decided it wasn't my fault. Keep after them. It's a load of crap...
  • steved6steved6 Member Posts: 10
    Hello All, I believe my Murano is finally fixed. I am not the original owner, but after owning this SUV for a year I know why the previous owner sold it. Nearly all Murano 03-07 will have a CVT issue at some point. Mine happens to be the legend, "4-5 second delayed acceleration after driving in hot weather or stuck in stop & go traffic". I live in Co so during the fall/winter months I didn't have this issue. Summer is here and it was getting annoying. So I decided to research on getting this fixed or trading in.

    I found out that Nissan extended the CVT warranty to 10 years/120k miles. Smart way for Nissan to avoid a Recall, and avoid national news (Bastards!) I took it to my local Nissan, and the gal knew that my problem was CVT related right off the bat. They pull the ECM codes and it came up with P0868. This is related to the valve body inside the transmission. Only the dealer can fix this b/c reprogramming is required after valve body replacement. I was lucky enough to have this covered under warranty b/c it would have been a very large bill!!

    So far after the repair I haven't had a problem. Here's the link to the extended warranty. http://www.nissanassist.com/ProgramDetails.php?menu=2
    :lemon: :lemon: :lemon:
  • steverstever Guest Posts: 52,454
    Good to hear. Did you have to pay a diagnostic fee first?
  • steved6steved6 Member Posts: 10
    No I didn't have to pay anything. I guess they knew it was a CVT issue covered under warranty. Some of you may not be lucky b/c your local dealership are probably jerks about it.

    Spread the word. This is the fix for this cvt issue. :lemon: :lemon: :lemon:
  • smarty666smarty666 Member Posts: 1,503
    The people I have heard so far, who seem to be having trouble getting Nissan to honor the warranty and admit it was a CVT problem, are the poor Murano owners who had to pay out of pocket for all the work BEFORE Nissan enacted the warranty extension! Some people had the work done 2-3 years ago, in some instances, and Nissan is being a pain about having specific paper work, that either the dealer didn't give, or people did not keep or don't have enough of, and Nissan is being anal about them proving it was CVT related!

    I don't see why they are acting that way! I think people have better things to do with their time then to make stuff up about CVT repair work that they put thousands of dollars out on!
  • mikesmuranomikesmurano Member Posts: 118
    Steved6,

    I indeed had the exact same diagnosis on my '03 Murano. The fix lasted ~15k miles before I had the catastrophic failure at 122k miles.

    Nissan has denied any and all of my claims of CVT work that I had done by the dealer. I am out over $7500 in CVT repairs alone. No support and no warranty is the word I have been given.

    I would still ditch the car before you own a more expensive repair. The fix you got was a band aide. The CVT has some serious engineering flaws. I have been criticized a lot in this blog for my strong comments and posture.

    Keep it at your own risk. Good luck.
  • mikev4mikev4 Member Posts: 11
    Of course they will not pay. That is why clear regulations are needed for each crooked rich person. They are trying to scare America that regulations are Socialism so they can do whatever they wish. Unfortunately people believe those brain washers who have no idea what Socialism is. But as long as they can get away with it they will rob and cheat so they can get richer and who cares about others.
  • larry1962larry1962 Member Posts: 1
    edited June 2010
    I have a 2003 Murano and it was acting up in the same way, going very slow before gaining traction after a stop in warm weather. I took it to the dealership and they said I needed my transmission fluid replaced. I did and that seemed to take care of the situation. That was at 50,000 miles. Now I'm at 150,000 miles and it's doing it again. It bearly gets through an intersection after stopping at the red light and doesn't seem to gain traction for at least 20-30 feet. It also has a tendency to rev up and down on the highway after longer drives. Am I looking at a replacement of the CVT or is this something that can be fixed with another transmission fluid replacement? Anyone know?
  • solin12solin12 Member Posts: 1
    I second the recommendation. What a nightmare that CVT problem is on this models.
    The experience I had was by far more frightening than having "Freddy Krueger" as a passanger.

    Nissan is going to have to come clean as did Toyota -BMW and Mazda now. :mad:
  • mikesmuranomikesmurano Member Posts: 118
    edited July 2010
    That's the best suggestion I have read yet!

    However, if you donate the car, some sucker will buy it and inherit those same problems.

    I think the stupid Obama administration should offer a bail out to Murano and or other Nissan model owners.

    The next Nissan experiment is their ridiculous electric car that will be another disaster. They should get their internal combustion powered cars perfected before they go on to another speculative big idea!
  • mikesmuranomikesmurano Member Posts: 118
    Larry1962,

    Read the signs! It is on its way out and it will be VERY expensive.

    SELL! SELL! SELL! For the love of the All mighty, get rid of that Murano!
  • whitestar16whitestar16 Member Posts: 53
    Hi,

    My 2010 Nissan Murano works flawlessly. Mike- your negative experience was frustrating as we are all aware - but you bought a used older version that hasn't been produced in years. Really not relevant to the current 2010 model.
  • mikesmuranomikesmurano Member Posts: 118
    edited July 2010
    Whitestar16,

    I would hope that your 2010 works flawlessly. It should it's a 2010.

    What is relevant is that the basic design has not changed. I could go into a technical/mechanical explanation but U (in all due respect) probably wouldn't understand most of it or you would discard it as not relevant.

    I am posting here because there are a lot of folks out there stuck with the older design and just now encountering the "problems". I am still being emailed questions (daily) about these details which I am happy to share.

    I don't get some of you guys though. If you don't agree you don't want people to post a thread.

    Sorry. Don't read if it does not apply.
  • mikesmuranomikesmurano Member Posts: 118
    p.s. Thanks for sharing though!
  • whitestar16whitestar16 Member Posts: 53
    As you know, there have been several hundred technical service bulletins on the Murano since the 2003 model year. All of the changes have been incorporated into the current design. And the Muranos currently on sale have slight improvements over the one I bought in March of this year. One maybe very significant in fact. The CVT does have a full 10 year warranty as well. Let me be the first to state that the transfer case remains suspect. Therefore I recommend purchasing the 2wd version, which of course has no transfer case, over the AWD versions of this vehicle.

    Buying a used vehicle is a crap shoot, since you don't know how the previous owner treated the vehicle. You opted to buy a used vehicle Mike, and in this instance, that appears to have been a costly error in an attempt to save a little money ( nothing wrong with that of course). A used vehicle is a gamble; sometimes you win, and sometimes you lose. I buy used stuff all of the time. You take your chances.
  • mikesmuranomikesmurano Member Posts: 118
    edited July 2010
    Agreed on all points.

    My Murano was a dealer certified car. It was actually a demo car of the salesman.

    I loved the car early on. The whole experience turned rotten. Back in 2003 Nissan made marketing claims that the CVT was so simple in design that you will never have transmission problems; it will last the life of the car.

    I have a 4Runner that has 235,000 miles with the original engine and transmission.

    I lost faith in Nissan's CVT design. I think they made a risky move by converting a lot of their other models over. Time will tell.

    This thread though I plan to continue to help folks having CVT issues.

    Thanks.
  • smarty666smarty666 Member Posts: 1,503
    I have to agree with others, so far there are far less and fewer problems on the 2nd Gen CVT since 2009 then on the 1st Gen CVT that that all you early 1st Gen Murano owners have. I'm not saying there are not a few people still having problems with the 2nd Gen but I have read only a handful compared to the hundreds on the 1st Gen. Its b/c of the 1st GEN CVT Nissan had to step up and inact the transmission warranty extension to 10yrs/120k miles.
  • rickyqrickyq Member Posts: 3
    :mad: I live in Toronto Canada and have a 04 Murano with 130km took my Murano into the dealership at Morningside Nissan and Scarborough Nissan, the transmission shifts like a regular auto transmission. At 120km the rpms are about 4000. Here is Nissan answer first off we never replace the fluid (CVT) wrong showed the bill from my mechanic, next maybe he used the wrong fluid, showed the bill from there dealership where I purchased the fluid, next my mechanic is not factory trained, that means nothing to me because none of there mechanic has ever set foot in Japan for training, they are only parts replacers and do it quicker then my mechanic, who fixes all Japanese and German cars only and has a racing team. They are all licensed in the province of Ontario.( Including myself licensed mechanic)

    Finally they decided to look at the Murano at a min cost which I agreed too, they kept the Murano for 3days. Here is what they said I needed new front brakes plus rotors (which is new 3months brembo cross drilled), new front tires, right front wheel bearing. Nothing about the transmission, spoke to the service manager who concurred all these contribute to the transmission problem cant see how. I decided to go along with them and told them to fix everything they recommend, but if the problem is still there I except a total refund, they then decided not to fix the problems outlaid it was only a recommendation of future problems. They recommend I drive the Murano for awhile more until the problem gets worse. Call Nissan Canada spoke to a Rep who said it was the dealer’s call as to speak to a technical rep, but was told that none were available at Nissan Canada to answer my questions. :mad: :cry: :sick:
  • stealth878stealth878 Member Posts: 5
    Hey everyone,

    I just put a down payment 2007 certified pre-owned Murano (35,000 miles on it). I did some background on it before I went in there, especially with the CVT. As in this post, it seems the 2007 had fewer problems than earlier years (as expected). Should I be concerned? I have a 4 year 65,000 mile warranty on it. I am waiting for some financing paperwork to go through so there is still time for questions to the dealer.

    Thanks!
  • mikesmuranomikesmurano Member Posts: 118
    Stealth,

    Please read my posts throughout. I have had horrendous problems with my Murano's CVT and Nissan refused any support or help. Beyond that, I have had numerous other problems with the Murano such as: fuel delivery, struts, exhaust system, oil leaks, power door lock solenoids, AC system leaks, power seat problems, etc.

    My car was purchased with 39K miles, dealer certified. The thing turned out to be a demon possessed nightmare.

    Buy an Acura or a Toyota. Runaway !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • stealth878stealth878 Member Posts: 5
    I see that you had problems. I had a Toyota that fell victim to the dreaded Idle Air Control problem that causes it to stall and results in shaky rpms. From what I have read that's a common problem on Toyota's, so I wanted to move away despite that I had it repaired.

    It appears that the CVT problems were early in the first generation Muranos 2003-2005. By 2007 they corrected it for the most part, it seems. Even now with the extended warranty on the CVT, still not a good bet, Mike?

    Anyone else have a say on this, I'm trying to get as much information as I can.

    Thanks for all your time!
  • whitestar16whitestar16 Member Posts: 53
    The website true delta has collected ongoing repair records for Muranos for a long time. The 2007 model year has very few reported problems, even less than the 2009s!

    I report for the 2010s ( have one) - nothing yet to talk about for the 2010s really as far as problems - although on other boards the 2010 LE owners have had a minor problem or two ( not CVT, transfer case, struts, exhaust etc--more like a key fob not working or a remote liftgate issue)
  • mikesmuranomikesmurano Member Posts: 118
    There were no significant design changes to the CVT's that made it better in 2007. Through repeated manfuacturing I expect Nissan's statistical flaw rate improved with time.

    I expect that the 2007 CVT are less problematic right now because there is not enough time and miles on most of them. Most problems are occuring when the car starts to exceed 75K miles. That's why the warranty (as useless as it is) was extended to 120K.

    I am seeing reports surface that 2009 CVT's are also now displaying problems.

    It's your money. I won't gamble on another Nissan experiment again.

    I went back to what is tried and works.
  • stealth878stealth878 Member Posts: 5
    Whitestar, that's exactly what I was speaking of (True Delta) when I noted that the 2007s appear less problematic. Granted, as with any car, I don't care if it's a Ford or a Ferrari, there will be problems with some of them. Yes, perhaps one company/model is more problematic than another.

    Now I am not sure how representative True Delta is, in terms of the Murano population but I think it's a better gauge then looking on forums. It was one forum member who noted that people can repeat problems and it could seem like it's way worse than it really is. Not to diminish the issue but I don't think I am going to pass this up- I hope I don't regret it. I don't do a lot of driving, less than 10K per year, so by the time I even see 75K I may have a new one by then.

    Thanks!
  • basskitcasebasskitcase Member Posts: 11
    I'm having a terrible time w/ my 2010 rogue SL AWD. They had to replace my transmission after two days. No joke, two day after I purchased my car it started vibrating every time I would turn a corner. They replaced the transmission and I'm having the same problem again, only not as often. Please don't get me started with how I was treated by consumer affairs. They came just short of telling me to go kick rocks
  • mikev4mikev4 Member Posts: 11
    I think in order for them to listen, if each American who was planning to buy Nissan car put it away for one month, may be their attitude would change.
  • unhappy34unhappy34 Member Posts: 8
    You have to talk with your wallet. It looks like there are some real bargins on Nissan's right now. Just think how many repeat customers they are losing with problems with CVT"s and poor customer service attitude. I lost a bundle on the whole mess but it's worth to be away from worrying about what will happen next, how long will I be without a vehicle, will they actually fix it right this time and how much will it cost me this time. I don't envy you starting out with problems so soon. Good luck to you.
  • whitestar16whitestar16 Member Posts: 53
    hey Stealth- yes the truedelta sight is interesting, because they have owners reporting on all of the SUVs out there pretty much. The SUVs with the highest problem rates overall are the Chevy Equinox and the Ford Edge. The SUVs with the lowest number of problems are the Toyota Venza and the Honda CRV. Nissan Murano overall falls in the middle. The Honda CRV road noise is too high for me and the Toyota Venza ( or however its spelled) doesn't appeal to me in the least ( subjective obviously on my part).
  • nylifenylife Member Posts: 6
    The CVT maybe a problem on the higher mileage cars, i was leasing 2007 Murano for 39 month, outside of the oil changes and 1 set of brakes i have not done anything else to the car, The CVT worked well for me and i do tend to have a heavy foot from time to time, with that said that does not mean the problem does not exist and nissan should own up to it, but like many others said it all depends how the car was taken care of and how it was driven, also this may not even be a consideration for people like me who are leasing the car and withing the time of the lease due to the car being new most likely will not see any problems.
  • mgiontacamgiontaca Member Posts: 3
    Unfortunately I just learned that there was a Nissan CVT Customer Satisfaction Program today, but it expired 7/31/2010 (6 weeks ago). Of course Nissan never reached out to their customers and informed them of the program. The program included full reimbursement for those of us who already paid $6k to have a transmission replaced if it failed before the new extended warranty duration of 10 yrs/120k miles was reached.

    Has anyone had success since 7/31/2010 (program termination date) on getting a reimbursement? if so, I'd appreciate any advice.

    Thank you.
    Matthew
  • scubadoo777scubadoo777 Member Posts: 6
    I have the FWD version and NO problems with 62k miles. Love it - I just change the oil. Brakes even lasted 60k miles, tires 50k. Nissan service at Robbins in Humble, TX is 1st class.

    Have owned several 4WD vehicles in the past with the following experience:

    4WD Mazda minivan - replaced transmission at 39k miles, $3600, out of warranty. So much for Japanese reliability

    4WD Plymouth minivan - serviced and rebuilt trans under warranty twice, then at 60k or so miles, it died out of warranty

    4WD Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, which never had a problem during our 3 yr, 40k mile lease.

    The lesson I learned: Unload a 4WD vehicle before it is out of warranty.
  • ewminatewminat Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2003 Murano; I loved the car. For most part, the shape design, interior, and the advanced Trans., the tires were always problematic, never lasting more than 25,000 miles. Few months ago I started to have strange problems. That was if I have made many stops the car would have a hard time engaging to another gear is if it were stuck. On my annual visit to the dealer, to change all the belts, I have informed him of the recurring problem. After leaving the car for a day, I was told that there is nothing wrong with the car. This just made my day. However, just a few days ago, while entering the HWY, it happened again. This time we would have almost lost our lives; it was a close one. After a day of diagnosis the dealer informed me that it is a possible valve body in transmission that needs to be replaced. I have contacted corporate headquarters and began the case file. After reading all testimonies, looks that this is a common problem with this car, and Nissan is downplaying most of the complains. Any suggestions?
    :confuse:
  • mikev4mikev4 Member Posts: 11
    Nissan cars used to look good and last long. Todays Nissan still maybe looks good but is not a good car. Probably Hynday is better at least you get 100,000 miles warranty.
  • nastacionastacio Member Posts: 370
    Annual belt replacement?

    Either you are driving 40-100K miles an year or your dealer has been ripping you off all along.
  • ritafchritafch Member Posts: 1
    My daughter turned 16 so we gave her my 03 altima which we bought new. It's been a great car no bad problems except replacing the alternator twice. 1st time in 08 then last in 10. I decided that I really liked the Murano's and was looking to buy a used one. I've been looking and test driving for only a week and was just about to drive about 3 hours away to look and possibly buy a 05. Through many conversations and video's with the owner I just knew this one was for me. A salesman with the Nissan dealership in Huntsville had called me many times wanting me to stop by and take a look at a couple of Murano's so I did just last night. While he went in to get the keys I was looking and admiring the 370 Z's and another salesman walked up and we started talking about the Z's, altima's and then Murano's. He told me that Nissan had extended the warranty on all makes of the Murano's and why. We went on talking until I think he realized that was probably to much information. I was very disappointed to hear what I was told caused I loved those SUV'S. I thanked him for bringing that to my intention cause no one else had. I even went to consumer reports and all I had found was reports on brake pads having to be replaced. I went ahead and test drove the 07 Murano and while we where driving I asked many questions and was told over and over what great cars these where. So either he didn't know or was just trying to make a sale. I would have considered another Altima if only I could trust I was being told the truth. I came home and researched and found all these issues with different customers and now I know I will continue looking into the Toyota 4 runners like my husband wanted to do to begin with. I will still admire the Murano's when I see them; for their looks only, and I thank God for he did answer my prayer.
  • nails2nails2 Member Posts: 3
    I have a 2004 Murano AWD. I'd like to swap the CVT with a later model. Can anyone tell me what's compatible?
    I need to pull the motor &etc (rear main seal and other problems). The CVT has been doing that surge thing, and I'm sure it's on borrowed time. I'm hoping for some bolt-up pnp swap from a junkyard front clip. Does anyone know what years will cross?
    Sorry if this is already posted somewhere -- I swear I tried to find it.
    Thnaks.
    --
    Neal
  • coconinococonino Member Posts: 3
    I have a 2004 Murano w/186k mi. Transmission has displayed the usual hesitation in hot weather, fixed momentarily by restarting car. Currently, the car has an undiagnosable overheating problem and I've been recommended to rebuild/replace the engine and replace the transmission. Trading in, getting another car is not an option. We'd like to do this ourselves (SO fixes all his vehicles incl Range Rover), but I haven't been able to find replacement engines/transmissions online. Has anyone else been able to find engines/transmissions for purchase? Any suggestions? :sick:
  • coconinococonino Member Posts: 3
    Great minds think alike, nails2. I hope we get replies to our posts. ;)
  • mgiontacamgiontaca Member Posts: 3
    Follow-up: I contacted Nissan Consumer affairs and after several calls and paperwork submissions, they reimbursed me fully for my faulty CVT replaced in 2008. My hat's off to Nissan for this show of integrity. My faith in Nissan is restored. Since the program had officially ended before I called them, they didn't have to do "the right thing", but they did.
  • drtazidrtazi Member Posts: 1
    Is it possible to get the info in the trasfer case and the transmissions as I am now in the same boat and they they want to charge me $6000.00 for the work. And if nissan has a extended warranty or they realized that they have a problem I would like to contact them about the repairs. Thanks
  • mikesmuranomikesmurano Member Posts: 118
    edited November 2010
    You're lucky. I had made numerous attempts to get the same problem rectified only to be constantly turned away.

    I sold my Murano and will never return to a Nissan product again.

    Nissan builds "JUNK !!!"
  • mikev4mikev4 Member Posts: 11
    Yes there is extended warranty. Nissan Dealership should know about it.
  • rpearl1rpearl1 Member Posts: 1
    edited December 2010
    Started having transmission problems about two weeks ago. Took it to the dealership - they said it's not transmission. When I am at stop light and push the gas it hesitates (like it's not getting any gas) and then takes off. From reading some of these posts, it appears it may be the transmission. Unfortunately, I have 139,545 miles. Really disappointing because I have always been a fan of Nissan, but I feel I should be able to get alot more miles out of the car.
  • mikesmuranomikesmurano Member Posts: 118
    edited December 2010
    rpearl1,

    My sympathies go out to you. If you have time go back and read all of my threads on the transmission problems I have had.

    I started having trouble at 96,000 miles up through 120k. Then at 121,000 I experienced a total failure to the tune of $6500.

    I had the dealer put in the new tranny and sold the piece of "$&?!" (use your own word)!

    I strongly recommend that you just get rid of the car; otherwise you will probably sink more money into it than it's worth.

    My Murano was the first Nissan product I have ever owned and it is the last.

    I get criticized a lot for making such a suggestion, but I stand by my statements. End the nightmare about to ensue.

    Save yourself! Get out before it's too late!

    Regards.
  • kbiancullikbianculli Member Posts: 3
    Don't jump to the worst possible (and most expensive) conclusion. If you step on the gas and the engine RPMs don't go up, that is not the transmission. There is no physical way for the transmission to keep the engine from responding to the gas. Remember the transmission is only the connection from the engine to the wheels. So if it fails and you step on the gas the engine RPMs will still go up but the car wont go.

    It sounds to me like you said the engine RPMs don't go up in response to the gas which is more likely a throttle position sensor problem which is WAY cheaper to fix. If search around you will find that the TPS is a common problem for these cars.
  • Kirstie_HKirstie_H Administrator Posts: 11,142
    http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-autos-complaints-20101225,0,7649400.story

    Thought this might be of interest, since some of the material for the story was based on complaints found in these forums.

    MODERATOR /ADMINISTRATOR
    Need help navigating? [email protected] - or send a private message by clicking on my name.
    Share your vehicle reviews

  • eleratorelerator Member Posts: 7
    Take your Murano back to the Nissan Dealership to see if the mods to the air intake piping has been performed (free - recall). What happens, I've found, is the main breather hose gets loose - what you and I would call tight isn't tight enough. You really have to crank down on the hose clamp to keep an air tight seal. This is probably causing your difficulty.
  • boomer30boomer30 Member Posts: 1
    My 2007 Nissan Murano has 80,000 km. I am getting a low rumbling noise and minor vibration of relatively high frequency at 70 km/hr which feels like it is coming from the transmission. It only occurs when the gas peddle is depressed and the engine is required to do a bit of work. The first time to the dealership with the issue at 74,000 km, I was told it was "normal". I'm not convinced. Is this the start of something more major?

    Boomer30
Sign In or Register to comment.