Thinking about buying a used Nissan Murano (2002–2015) in New Zealand? We've documented 28 known faults for this model spanning transmission, cooling, engine, and suspension. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
28
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$900–$3,800
Typical repair
8
Systems covered
Known Nissan Murano faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
The RE0F09A (JF010E) Jatco CVT used in the Z50 Murano was the first large SUV application of a CVT and its oil pump and cooling capacity were insufficient for sustained V6 torque loads. Internal radial needle bearings overheat and score under stress, generating metallic debris that circulates through the valve body and destroys the transmission internally. Nissan acknowledged the issue through multiple warranty extensions (ultimately to 10 years or 120,000 miles in the US) and a class-action settlement but never issued a formal safety recall. Full CVT replacement is typically the only viable repair once internal contamination has occurred.
Symptoms to notice
Transmission jerks, shudders, or slips during light acceleration from a standstill
Whining or grinding noise from the transmission that rises and falls with vehicle speed
Sudden engagement of limp mode with the transmission locked in a single gear ratio
CVT fluid that is dark brown or black with a burnt odour and metallic glitter visible on the dipstick
What to check
Healthy fluid is green or light pink and odourless. Dark brown or black fluid with a burnt smell indicates internal friction material breakdown. Run the fluid between fingers and feel for grit or metallic particles. With the vehicle stationary and warmed up, apply light throttle and feel for jerking, slipping, or hesitation on take-up. Check the underside of the transmission casing for cracks or seepage caused by overpressure events. Remove the CVT fluid dipstick or drain plug and inspect fluid colour and smell.
Where to look: Transaxle housing forward of the firewall on the driver's side of the engine bay
Ask the seller
“Has the CVT ever been replaced or rebuilt, and is there documentation?”
“When was the CVT fluid last changed and what colour was it?”
“Does the transmission jerk, slip, or make any whining noises under acceleration?”
“What is the odometer reading and was the vehicle used for towing?”
02Air Conditioning Compressor Clutch Failure
MinorCommonElectrical $480–$1,600 to fix
The air conditioning compressor clutch on both Z50 and Z51 Muranos is a documented high-frequency failure. The clutch electromagnetic coil, clutch plate, and pulley bearing are subject to wear and heat damage. Clutch failure appears across multiple model years in NHTSA complaints and is a recurring topic on nissanmurano.org. The failure mechanism involves the clutch plate wearing or the electromagnetic coil losing sufficient magnetic draw to engage the clutch against the compressor pulley. Low refrigerant charge also prevents clutch engagement through the low-pressure protection switch, which can mask an underlying refrigerant leak as an apparent clutch fault. Once the clutch fails to engage, the air conditioning system produces no cooling regardless of system pressure.
Symptoms to notice
Air conditioning blows ambient temperature air with the compressor clutch visibly not engaging despite correct refrigerant pressures
Intermittent air conditioning operation where the system cools for a period then suddenly stops and the clutch disengages
Squealing or rattling noise from the compressor area when the air conditioning is switched on
Burning electrical smell from the engine bay caused by a shorted or overheating clutch electromagnetic coil
What to check
With the engine running and the air conditioning switched on, visually inspect the front of the compressor. The outer belt pulley spins continuously; the inner clutch plate and hub should also be rotating when the system is engaged. If the pulley spins but the clutch plate remains stationary, the clutch is not engaging. Use a manifold gauge set to verify refrigerant pressures are within the normal operating range before condemning the clutch, as a pressure fault prevents engagement. Listen for a loud rattling or squealing from the compressor area when the system is commanded on, which indicates a bearing or clutch plate fault. If a workshop inspection is possible: Check the gap between the clutch plate and the pulley face with a feeler gauge; it should be 0.35–0.65 mm and if excessive the clutch plate shims can be adjusted.
Where to look: Front face of the air conditioning compressor, mounted on the driver's side lower engine block, driven by the accessory belt
Ask the seller
“Does the air conditioning blow cold air consistently, including on hot days?”
“Has the air conditioning compressor or clutch ever been replaced?”
“Has the refrigerant ever been recharged and approximately when?”
“Is there any rattling or squealing from the engine bay when the air conditioning is switched on?”
TransmissionCritical
TransmissionCritical
CoolingCritical
TransmissionCritical
TransmissionCritical
TransmissionCritical
EngineCritical
SuspensionCritical
TransmissionMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
ElectricalMajor
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
SuspensionMajor
EngineMajor
ElectricalMajor
SuspensionMajor
ElectricalMajor
BrakesMajor
Fluid LeaksMinor
SuspensionMinor
EngineMinor
ElectricalMinor
Body & RustMinor
ElectricalMinor
26 more documented faults on the Nissan Murano
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 28 documented faults for the Nissan Murano, the recurring problem areas are transmission, cooling, and engine. A Nissan Murano with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Nissan Murano?
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We've catalogued 28 known faults for the Nissan Murano, covering transmission, cooling, and engine. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Nissan Murano?
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Most single repairs on the Nissan Murano fall between $900–$3,800 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 28 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Nissan Murano?
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Yes. A Nissan Murano inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.