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Nissan Murano, 2003-2007

Everyone likes a good news story, and Nissan’s got one in its Murano crossover. When it was introduced in 2003, it was a pretty daring design. Not only did its styling stand out,
but it was also the first Nissan vehicle to use a continuously variable transmission (CVT), a technology the company has since fully embraced. While Nissan wasn’t the first to sell a vehicle fitted with a CVT, it was arguably the first to do so successfully.

The other half the Murano’s drive-train was a 3.5-litre V6 shared with numerous other Nissan and Infiniti vehicles. Paired with the CVT, this motor made for a smooth-driving vehicle. In its first year (2003), the Murano was sold only with all-wheel drive, but lower-priced front-drive versions were added in 2004.

Opting for front-wheel drive didn’t affect fuel consumption much: all-wheel drive Muranos are rated at just over 12 L/100 km in the city and about 9 L/100 km on the highway; a front-drive model is rated at just under 12 L/100 km in city driving and about 8.5 L/100 km on the highway.

Many enthusiasts (myself included) had doubts about CVTs when Nissan began using them more widely. My original misgiving had to do with the lack of the gear change sensation that drivers have become accustomed to, but this turned into more of a concern about their long-term reliability. Past experiments with the technology have yielded less than reassuring results, but it seems as though Nissan has got things mostly figured out where the CVT is concerned.

2003 Nissan Murano; photo by Laurance Yap; Click image to enlarge

A user poll about transmission failures in the forums at NissanMurano.org gives the impression that this is a serious issue in the Murano. But a closer look reveals that out of almost 10,000 forum members, only 70 have responded to the poll (indicating failed transmissions after varying numbers of kilometres driven). Then, there’s the fact that Consumer Reports shows the Murano’s transmission as being quite reliable.

About 80 members have responded to a similar poll about the all-wheel drive system transfer case; a little less than half of the respondents say that they have experienced a leaking transfer case. It appears that in some Muranos, the transfer case housing cracks, causing the leak. There are a few reports of outright failures, too, though mostly in older (2003 and 2004, mostly, going by Consumer Reports’ data) Muranos. According to one post in the NissanMurano.org forums, Nissan is telling its dealers to recalibrate the all-wheel drive system to take some stress off of the transfer case.

2004 Nissan Murano; photo by Haney Louka; Click image to enlarge

Nissan North America recalled alternators in 2003-2005 Muranos to correct a fault in the original part. Make sure any used example from these model years has had this fix performed before you buy. If the alternator is about to fail, both the battery and brake warning lights will come on; this indicates you’ve got a few minutes of driving left before the engine quits. My guess is this is why the Murano’s electrical system got Consumer Reports’ dreaded black dot in 2003 and 2004.

Something called the “fuel damper” fails frequently enough and costs a few hundred bucks to replace. As per this thread, a bad part can be identified by a sound noticeable from the passenger cabin, more so than under the hood. This issue probably accounts for Consumer Reports’ so-so fuel system ratings.

2006 Nissan Murano; photo by Chris Chase; Click image to enlarge

Other things Consumer Reports notes are brake issues in newer models, particularly 2006 and 2007 models.

This page in the forums at NissanMurano.org is a decent list of the issues - mostly minor - you’ll want to look into if considering buying a used Murano.

Safety-wise, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has given the Murano at least four stars in every category (frontal and side impact tests) since its introduction; 2006 and 2007 models scored five stars all around. Also, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave the Murano its “good” rating in frontal offset crash testing.

2006 Nissan Murano; photo by Jil McIntosh; Click image to enlarge

According to the IIHS website, Nissan made some changes part way through the 2003 model year to improve crash test performance.

Murano resale values are strong: according to Canadian Red Book, a used example holds its value almost as well as a Toyota Highlander. Red Book pegs used Murano prices as ranging from $18,375 for a 2003 SL model, to $42,050 for a 2007 SL AWD version. A 2005 model looks attractive, at about $24,000 for a front-drive SL, or just under $26,000 for the all-wheel drive SL.

All together, the Murano is a pretty reliable, reasonably affordable and attractive crossover. Don’t you love it when the news is good?

2003: Certain vehicles may have received an incorrect replacement Body Control Module (BCM). Specifically, if, during service, the BCM was replaced with P/N 284B1-CA508 or P/N 284B1-CA509, the Daytime Running Lights (DRL) could become inoperative. As a result, these vehicles would no longer comply with CMVSS 108. Since this action deals with replacement parts, it is a deemed a Service Campaign and is not being conducted under the Safety Act. Correction: Dealers will replace affected BCMs.

Transport Canada Recall Number: 2006039; Units affected: 19,300

2003-2006: On certain vehicles, the webbing of a rear outboard seat belt may contact the rear seat back hinge where it can be cut by the sharp edge of the metal portion of the hinge during a frontal crash. As a result, the seat belt may not properly restrain seat occupants, increasing the risk of personal injury. Correction: Dealers will install a plastic cover over the lower part of the webbing and the floor anchor.

Transport Canada Recall Number: 2005208; Units affected: 15,030

2003-2005: On certain vehicles equipped with a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT), an open circuit in the alternator can occur due to wire fatigue caused by movement of the rotor coil during rapid changes in engine speed. Higher engine compartment temperature in the Murano compared to other Nissan models may also be a contributing factor to the wire fatigue. When an open circuit occurs in the alternator, the charge warning and brake warning lamps come on. If the driver does not seek immediate assistance and continues to drive the vehicle in this condition, the vehicle will operate normally for about one hour. After this time, the battery voltage will drop to a level that causes the engine control module to go into a fail safe mode. During fail safe mode, which lasts about ten minutes, vehicle speed will be reduced due to the throttle plate being held in a fixed position. After this time period, the engine will stop running. Correction: Dealers will replace the alternator with an updated version.

Transport Canada Recall Number: 2006004; Units affected: 20,926

2003-2006: On certain vehicles, the fuel tank may be punctured by road debris that has been picked up and thrown by the front tires. A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire. Correction: Dealers will install a shield in front of the fuel tank.

Transport Canada Recall Number: 2006272; Units affected: 3,378

2005-2006: Certain vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of CMVSS 114 - Locking and Immobilization Systems. The steering wheel lock may engage with the ignition in the “OFF” position, even if the transmission is out of the “PARK” position. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if required, replace the steering wheel lock assembly.

Transport Canada Recall Number: 2006044; Units affected: 1,176

2005: On certain vehicles, an inadequate vapour recirculation fitting, which is welded to the fuel tank, may separate from the tank. This will allow some fuel leakage and cause the malfunction indicator light (MIL) in the instrument panel to illuminate. A fuel leak, in the presence of an ignition source, could result in a fire. Correction: Dealers will replace the fuel tank.

Used vehicle prices vary depending on factors such as general condition, odometer reading, usage history and options fitted. Always have a used vehicle checked by an experienced auto technician before you buy.

For information on recalls, see Transport Canada’s web-site, www.tc.gc.ca, or the U.S. National Highway Transportation Administration (NHTSA)web-site, www.nhtsa.dot.gov.

For information on vehicle service bulletins issued by the manufacturer, visit www.nhtsa.dot.gov.

For information on consumer complaints about specific models, see www.lemonaidcars.com.