Credov's researched list of the 6 faults the Nissan Murano is known for (2008–2015), 6 of them serious or costly. Each one says what to look for when you check the car, so you can spot it before you buy. Not every car has these faults: they are the ones worth checking on this model.
What to look for: Hold firm brake pressure at a stop and check the pedal does not slowly sink toward the floor.
Why it matters: Reports average about 150,000 km, from as low as 25,000 km. The fix is a new or used ABS actuator.
What to look for: Lying beside the car, check the front transfer case for an oil film or wet patch underneath.
Why it matters: Australian owners call the weep a common complaint; US owners report seal leaks from about 60,000 km and failures at 75,000-160,000 km, sometimes repeating after a seal-only fix. The transfer case has its own small oil supply that is easy to forget.
What to look for: Drive it warm and listen for a rising whine, and feel for slip, flare or hesitation on acceleration.
Why it matters: In the US Nissan extended CVT warranty cover to 10 years on these. A replacement often costs more than the car is worth.
What to look for: Lock and unlock the car several times, starting it each time, and check for a steering-lock warning.
Why it matters: The fix is a new ESCL unit. The same part failed on many 2009-era Nissans.
What to look for: Pull away from a stop several times and feel for a hard jerk, shudder or slip.
Why it matters: Australian owners report CVT failures too. Replacement is A$/NZ$ thousands.
What to look for: Drive at low speed in traffic and feel for a judder or jerking that worsens over the drive.
Why it matters: Owners report violent judder and jerking between about 25 and 65 km/h at low revs, sometimes from 15,000-40,000 km, with codes like P17F1. Fixes were gearbox software, a valve body or a complete CVT (US$6,000-7,600), and some replacement units juddered again.
Got a question about a Nissan Murano? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
On top of the faults above, every Credov inspection covers the basics: fuel smell, leaks or filler rust, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leak, drive belt cracks or squeal, rust underneath: chassis and mounts, engine mounts, engine oil level and colour, coolant level, colour and leaks, head gasket failure signs, cold start: rattle, knock or smoke, rough or hunting idle, engine running hot on gauge, gearbox or diff oil leak, swapped gearbox without lvv and more.
Researched by Credov from manufacturer recalls and service bulletins, owner reports and workshop sources. Repair prices are typical ranges, not quotes. See also fault codes and repair costs.