The 2003 Nissan Murano has 6 safety recalls and 800 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is power train (271 complaints).
Recalls6safety recalls
Complaints800filed by owners
Crashes · fires14 · 5reported in complaints
Injuries · deaths9 · 1reported in complaints
2003 Nissan Murano in an NHTSA crash test
Safety recalls
Engine and engine cooling
NHTSA recall 09V169000 · May 19, 2009 · 362,891 vehicles
Problem: 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.
Risk: ENGINE MAY STALL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE/REPAIR THE APPROPRIATE COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Seat belts › Rear/other
NHTSA recall 06V048000 · Feb 13, 2006 · 203,000 vehicles
Problem: ON SOME SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, IN CERTAIN HIGH SPEED FRONTAL CRASHES, 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.
Risk: IF THE WEBBING IS COMPLETELY SEPARATED, IT CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO AN OCCUPANT IN A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL PROTECTORS OVER THE WEBBING OF THE REAR SEAT BELTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Fuel system, gasoline › Storage › Tank assembly
NHTSA recall 06V003000 · Jan 10, 2006 · 205,000 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, DUE TO THE LOCATION OF THE FORWARD EDGE OF THE FUEL TANK, IN THE EVENT THAT A VEHICLE FRONT TIRE RUNS OVER A SMALL, SHARP OBJECT IN THE ROAD, CATCHES IT AND PROPELS IT TOWARDS THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, IT MAY STRIKE AND PUNCTURE THE FUEL TANK.
Risk: A PUNCTURED TANK COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A FIRE.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSTALL PROTECTORS IN FRONT OF THE TANK FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Electrical system › Alternator/generator/regulator
NHTSA recall 05V319000 · Jul 14, 2005 · 125,466 vehicles · opened after NHTSA action (ODI)
Problem: ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT A WIRE BREAKING INSIDE THE ALTERNATOR COULD STOP THE BATTERY FROM CHARGING.
Risk: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE CHARGER WARNING AND BRAKE WARNING LAMPS WILL IMMEDIATELY COME ON AND THE BATTERY WILL BEGIN TO DISCHARGE. AFTER A SHORT TIME, THE ENGINE WILL GO INTO A "FALL SAFE" CONDITION WHICH WILL LIMIT VEHICLE SPEED. THE ENGINE WILL STOP RUNNING WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR WITH A NEW VERSION WHICH HAS BEEN MODIFIED TO PREVENT MOVEMENT OF THE COIL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Engine and engine cooling
NHTSA recall 03V455000 · Nov 17, 2003 · 630,000 vehicles
Problem: ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR OR CAM POSITION SENSOR MAY HAVE AN IMPROPER SOLDER JOINT DUE TO SOLDER DEFORMATION CAUSED BY HEAT STRESS ACCELERATED BY THE EXISTENCE OF FLUX RESIDUE DURING THE SOLDERING PROCESS.
Risk: THIS COULD CAUSE THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON, CREATE A NO START CONDITION, CAUSE REDUCED ENGINE POWER, OR CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.
Fix: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRANK POSITION SENSORS. CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR(S), AND IN SOME CASES, THE VARIABLE TIMING CONTROL SENSOR(S). VEHICLES INVOLVED IN A PREVIOUS RECALL CAMPAIGN, 01V357, ARE ALSO INCLUDED IN THIS NEW CAMPAIGN. THE REPLACEMENT SENSORS USED IN THAT CAMPAIGN ARE ALSO AFFECTED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.
Power train › Automatic transmission › Gear position indication (prndl)
NHTSA recall 03V123000 · Mar 31, 2003 · 128 vehicles
Problem: 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.
Risk: IF THE GEAR DISPLAYED IS DIFFERENT FROM THE GEAR ENGAGED, THIS COULD RESULT IN UNEXPECTED VEHICLE MOVEMENT AND A CRASH.
Fix: 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.
Recall repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.
Crash test ratings
2003 Nissan Murano 4-DR. w/SAB
Overall
Not Rated
Frontal crash
Not Rated
Side crash
Not Rated
Rollover
★★★★★
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program). Ratings are comparable only between vehicles of similar size and weight, and ratings from 2011 on use tougher tests than earlier years. Photos: NHTSA.
Fuel economy
Murano 2WD
20mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 23 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel
Murano AWD
20mpg combined
City / highway
18 / 23 mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
3.5 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (variable gear ratios) · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive · about $3,350/year to fuel
EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.
What owners report
Problem area
Complaints
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Typical mileage*
Power train Automatic transmission; Transfer case (4-wheel drive)
271
6
2
0
86,250 mi
Electrical system Alternator/generator/regulator; 12v/24v/48v battery
227
0
1
0
32,591 mi
Seats Front assembly › Power adjust; Front assembly › Recliner
111
0
0
0
70,678 mi
Engine and engine cooling Engine; Cooling system › Radiator assembly
Fuel system, gasoline Storage › Tank assembly; Storage › Tank assembly › Filler pipe and cap
31
0
1
0
73,000 mi
Latches/locks/linkages Doors › Latch
24
0
0
0
75,500 mi
Structure Body; Body › Door
21
0
0
0
77,260 mi
Suspension Front; Rear
17
0
0
0
60,000 mi
Steering Hydraulic power assist system; Hydraulic power assist › Pump
17
1
0
3
12,000 mi
*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Recent owner complaints
Jun 21, 2021 · 162,000 milesEngine The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Murano. The contact stated while driving 45 mph, the vehicle loss motive power and stalled without warning. The vehicle was shifted into PARK and restarted however, after driving for several miles, the failure recurred. The contact pulled over to side of the roadway and waited for several minutes before restarting the vehicle and slowly drove to the residence. The contact stated that the ABS and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 162,000.
Jun 21, 2021Structure › Body Rusting excessively
Jun 20, 2021Structure › Body REAR SUBFRAME COMPLETELY RUSTED CANT BELIEVE NISSAN USED SUCH CHEAP STEEL
Jun 20, 2021Vehicle speed control ABS STAYS ON THEN THE (BRAKE WARNING LAMPS WILL IMMEDIATELY COME AFTER A SHORT TIME, THE ENGINE WILL GO INTO A "FALL SAFE" CONDITION WHICH WILL LIMIT VEHICLE SPEED. THE ENGINE WILL STOP RUNNING AND TURN OFF ON ME. ALSO MY SUBFRAME IS ROTTEN AND IS NOW DISCONNECTED THE MECHANIC QUOTED ME $2,600 TO REPAIR JUS THE SUBFREAME.
Jul 24, 2020Vehicle speed control While driving down the highway with my infant child the vehicle lost power I could not accelerate went from 75mph to a struggling 5mph. No matter how far I pressed the gas pedal there was no acceleration no revving of engine just complete nothing just pure panic. I was able to pull off to the side of the freeway in a not so safe place however I had no choice. I out hazard lights on and turned off the car. After waiting approx 5 min. I attempted to start car to no avail. The battery light as well as abs light stayed on. I again waited for another 5 -10 min and tried again nothing but same warning lights. I eventually had to wait for approx 45-_60 min when it finally started however I was…
Feb 2, 2021Electrical system WHILE DRIVING I LOST ALL POWER FOR THE MOTOR AND HAD TO HAVE TO BATTERY REPLACED CUZ LOST ALL POWER
Mar 2, 2021 · 7 milesElectrical system WHILE DRIVING THE MURANO IT SLOWED DOWN AND WOULDN'T GO ABOVE 20MPH. AFTER ABOUT A MILE IT JUST STOPPED RUNNING & WOULDN'T CRANK BACK UP. ALL THE FLUIDS WERE AT THE RIGHT LEVELS. TOOK IT TO A JOHNNY'S MECHANIC SHOP & THEY SAID IT WAS THE ENGINE.
Apr 25, 2020Engine THE CAR KEEPS ON SHUTTING OFF ON ME THE MOTOR AND WAS CAUSED A BIG ACCIDENT
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
NHTSA defect investigations
PE08065 · opened Nov 18, 2008 · closed Jul 2, 2009DRIVER SEAT ANCHOR FAILURE THIS INVESTIGATION CONCERNS STRUCTURAL FAILURE OF THE ANCHOR/BRACKET ON THE LEFT REAR SIDE OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT.THE CONCERN IS THAT SUCH FAILURES MAY ALTER THE DRIVER'S SEATED POSITION SO AS TO REDUCE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE OCCUPANT PROTECTION SYSTEM OR POTENTIALLY COMPROMISE VEHICLE CONTROL.FAILURE OF THE SUBJECT ANCHOR BRACKET RESULTS FROM METAL FATIGUE AND CAUSES REARWARD TILTING OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT.THESE FAILURES USUALLY OCCUR DURING DRIVER INGRESS BUT MAY ALSO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED.THE SAFETY RELATED CONCERNS DURING ACTUAL VEHICLE USE WERE NOT VALIDATED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.WHILE THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS OF THIS PROBLEM IS RELATIVELY HIGH, ONLY THREE VERY MINOR, UNDOCUMENTED INJURIES WERE REPORTED.THE REPORTED INJURIES OCCURRED DURING DRIVER INGRESS, NOT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION.INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED THAT THE APPARENT RISK OF COMPROMISE TO VEHICLE…
PE05050 · opened Sep 13, 2005 · closed Jan 31, 2006 · led to recall 06V003000FUEL TANK PUNCTURES FROM ROAD DEBRIS ODI OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION BASED ON FOUR VEHICLE OWNER QUESTIONNAIRES (VOQ'S) INDICATING THAT THE FUEL TANKS WEREPUNCTURED BY ROAD DEBRIS UNDER NORMAL, NON OFF-ROAD DRIVING CONDITIONS.AS OF NOVEMBER 30, 2005, THE COMPLAINT TOTAL INCREASED TO 12.NISSAN SUPPLIED ODI WITH 31 COMPLAINTS OF FUEL TANK PUNCTURES, INCLUDING 26 NOT PREVIOUSLY KNOWN TO ODI FROM THE VOQ RECORDS. IN A LETTER DATED JANUARY 9, 2006, NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. NOTIFIED ODI OF ITS PLAN TO RECALL APPROXIMATELY 209,000 MODEL YEAR 2003 - 2006 NISSAN MURANO VEHICLES BUILT FROM APRIL 24, 2002 (START OF PRODUCTION OF MY 2003) THROUGH NOVEMBER 24, 2005 (INCLUDING A PORTION OF MY 2006 VEHICLES) TO CORRECT A DEFICIENCY IN FUEL TANK SHIELDING FROM ROAD DEBRIS.THIS RECALL HAS BEEN DESIGNATED NHTSA NO. 06V-003.RECALLED VEHICLES WILL BE FITTED WITH PROTECTIVE SHIELDING FOR THE FRONTAL PORTION OF THE FUEL TANK TO REDUCE THE…
EA05006 · opened Mar 25, 2005 · closed Aug 17, 2005 · led to recall 05V319000ALTERNATOR FAILURE / ENGINE STALLING ODI RECEIVED 14 REPORTS OF ALLEGED ENGINE STALLING DUE TO ALTERNATOR FAILURE ON MY 2003-2004 MURANO (SUBJECT) VEHICLES.ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS REPORTED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE RESTARTED AFTER THE STALL OCCURRED.BASED ON THESE COMPLAINTS, ODI OPENED PE04-077 AND LATER UPGRADED TO EA05-006 FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.DURING EA05-006, ADDITIONAL FAILURE DATA WERE IDENTIFIED AS NOTED IN THE FAILURE REPORT SUMMARY ABOVE.ON JULY 12, 2005, NISSAN NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A SAFETY DEFECT ON MY 2003-2005 MURANO VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM APRIL 8, 2002 AND SEPTEMBER 24, 2004 (RECALL 05V-319).THE NOTIFICATION STATED THAT 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 IN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION (CVT).HIGHER ENGINE COMPARTMENT TEMPERATURE IN THE MURANO COMPARED TO OTHER NISSAN MODELS…
PE04077 · opened Nov 19, 2004 · closed Mar 25, 2005ALTERNATOR FAILURE/ ENGINE STALLING ODI OPENED PE04-077 BASED ON 14 REPORTS OF ALLEGED ENGINE STALLING DUE TO ALTERNATOR FAILURE.ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS REPORTED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE RESTARTED AFTER THE STALL OCCURRED.DURING PE04-077, ADDITIONAL FAILURE DATA WAS IDENTIFIED AS NOTED IN THE FAILURE REPORT SUMMARY ABOVE . DURING THE INVESTIGATION, NISSAN IDENTIFIED THAT THERE HAD BEEN ALTERNATOR WARRANTY REPLACEMENTS DUE TO AN OPEN CIRCUIT IN THE ROTOR COIL CAUSED BY WIRE FATIGUE. ODI?S ANALYSIS SHOWS FAILURE RATES THAT ARE OF CONCERN TO ODI AND INDICATES THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT IS CONTINUING TO OCCUR IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ODI'S ANALYSIS ALSO SHOWS THAT NEARLY ALL OF THE ALTERNATOR WARRANTY CLAIMS SUBMITTED RESULTED IN ENGINE STALLS AND AT LEAST 25% OF THE ENGINE STALLS RESULTED IN A NO RESTART CONDITION.HOWEVER, IN 71% OF THE WARRANTY DATA SUBMITTED, ODI HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DETERMINE IF THE CONSUMER COULD RESTART…
