Summary
The Nissan Murano has 33 recalls spanning 2003 through 2024, with the most serious recent issue affecting 2020 models where a front lower control arm can separate from its ball joint, causing sudden loss of steering control and raising the risk of a crash. The 2020 model year also has a separate recall where a rear axle housing can bend or break after a strong impact, potentially misaligning a wheel or causing it to detach entirely and strike other vehicles.
On 2024 models, the rear quarter glass panels can detach from the vehicle while driving and become a road hazard for other traffic.
The 2015-2018 model years share a significant ABS fire risk: the ABS actuator pump can leak brake fluid onto an internal circuit board, causing an electrical short that can start a fire even while the vehicle is parked. Prior repair attempts on some of these vehicles did not fully resolve the issue, and the affected population was later expanded to include some 2019 model years. Separately on 2015 models, a defective ABS actuator can delay pressure control when anti-lock brakes activate, causing a loss of stability.
The 2013-2014 model years have a power steering hose that can pull free from its clamp, leak fluid onto hot engine or exhaust components, and start a fire. On 2013-2017 models, the passenger seat sensor can fail, preventing the front passenger airbag from deploying correctly in a crash.
Going back further, the 2009 model has two issues: a reaction between brake fluid and internal anti-corrosion coatings can cause a control valve to stick, increasing brake pedal travel and stopping distances, and a software error in the airbag control unit can prevent the passenger airbag from deploying if the battery has been significantly discharged.
The 2005 model year has a fuel tank vapor recirculation fitting that can separate and allow fuel to leak, along with a steering wheel lock that can engage while the transmission is out of park, potentially locking the wheel mid-turn.
Early production from 2003 covers the heaviest cluster of original issues. Fuel tank recalls affect that year on two fronts: road debris thrown by the front tires can puncture the tank, and a loose transmission gear selector nut can leave the vehicle in a different gear than the one displayed, causing unexpected movement. The alternator wire can break internally and cause the battery to stop charging, and the air intake ducts can shrink and separate from the resonator, stalling the engine. The 2003 rear outboard seat belt webbing can contact a sharp hinge edge during a frontal crash and be cut through, reducing restraint effectiveness.
