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Nissan Murano: JATCO CVT failure (Z50 & Z51)

JATCO CVT failure (Z50 & Z51) is a very common transmission fault on the Nissan Murano on the 2003–2015 cars, and we rate it critical. Putting it right costs $4,000 to $8,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. Below is what goes wrong, the symptoms to notice on a test drive, where to look, and what to ask the seller before you hand over any money. It is one of 21 documented faults on the Nissan Murano.

Vehicle
Nissan Murano
Engine
3.5L
Years
2003–2015
Fuel
petrol
Gearbox
cvt
System
Transmission

This page covers the Nissan Murano as a model. Some faults only affect particular engines or build years — enter a plate below to narrow the list to one car.

All Nissan Murano faults21 documented faults on this model

What you are looking at

No photograph available

We do not hold a verified photograph for this fault yet. We would rather show none than show a picture of something else.

What goes wrong

Both the Z50 and Z51 Murano drive the VQ35DE V6 through a JATCO CVT, and it is the model's biggest liability. The heavy SUV and torquey V6 push the belt and pulleys hard; owners report shudder, whine, overheating and outright failure, and Nissan extended CVT warranties in some markets via a class-action settlement. A replacement is a very large bill. Fluid that was actually changed every 40,000-60,000 km (not left 'for life') is the single best sign of survival.

What you would notice

  • Shudder when accelerating gently
  • Whine or drone rising with speed
  • Hesitation / delayed take-up
  • CVT overheating warning on hills or towing
  • Jerk between gears or loss of drive

How to check it

Where to look. CVT transaxle (front, behind the V6)

  1. Drive from cold and hot, including a hill or firm acceleration, feeling for shudder, slip and any overheat warning.

  2. Listen for a whine.

  3. Ask specifically when the CVT fluid was last changed - 'never' or 'sealed for life' is a red flag on a Murano.

What it costs to put right

$4,000 to $8,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That is for this job on its own, not for the car.

An estimate, in NZD, for the repair as normally carried out. What a specific car costs depends on which part has failed and what it damaged on the way — treat this as the floor for a negotiation, not a quote.

Ask the seller

  • “When was the CVT fluid last changed?”
  • “Has the CVT ever been replaced or overheated?”
  • “Does it shudder or whine?”

Now check the Nissan Murano you are actually looking at

Everything above is true of the model, and it is free. What it does not tell you is whether THIS car has been looked after: its odometer history and whether the reading has ever gone backwards, whether there is still money owing on it, whether it has been reported stolen, how many owners it has had and what it is really worth today. That comes from the official records for that plate. Enter the plate for the free details, or get the full history and a market valuation from $13.49.

Not sure what you would be paying for? See what a full KickTyres check includes.

Where this comes from

The failure described above is documented in the sources below. The inspection instructions and the cost estimate are KickTyres’ own interpretation of them.

  • CarBuzz 'Nissan Murano transmission problems across generations' (class-action / extended warranty)
  • CarsGuide 'Murano CVT failure' Q&A
  • Nissan Murano Forum 'Any specifics on CVT failure rate?' thread

Nissan Murano buyer questions

Is jatco cvt failure (z50 & z51) serious on a Nissan Murano?

We rate it critical and very common on the Nissan Murano. Both the Z50 and Z51 Murano drive the VQ35DE V6 through a JATCO CVT, and it is the model's biggest liability. The heavy SUV and torquey V6 push the belt and pulleys hard; owners report shudder, whine, overheating and outright failure, and Nissan extended CVT warranties in some markets via a class-action settlement. A replacement is a very large bill. Fluid that was actually changed every 40,000-60,000 km (not left 'for life') is the single best sign of survival.

How much does it cost to fix on a Nissan Murano?

$4,000 to $8,000 at New Zealand independent workshop rates. That figure is for this job on its own. A car showing the symptoms on this page is usually worth either walking away from or negotiating down by at least the repair figure.

Which Nissan Murano years are affected?

Our research records this fault on the 2003–2015 Nissan Murano. Build dates move around, especially on imported cars, so treat the range as the years to look hardest at rather than a guarantee either way. The official records tell you the exact build and first registration date for the car in front of you.

How do I check for it before I buy?

Drive from cold and hot, including a hill or firm acceleration, feeling for shudder, slip and any overheat warning. Listen for a whine. Ask specifically when the CVT fluid was last changed - 'never' or 'sealed for life' is a red flag on a Murano. Look here: CVT transaxle (front, behind the V6)