NHTSA (USA)Critical
At a glance
What can fail
The hybrid powertrain control module software may shut down the hybrid system and engine under certain conditions, cutting off drive power.
This page covers 6 recalls, 107 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2016 Nissan Murano.
24–29 mpg combined
8.1–9.8 L/100km
Midsize Station Wagons
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 4 tested variants for this model year.
The 2011 to 2016 Nissan Murano received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program for US-market vehicles. In frontal crash testing, it earned four stars. Side crash protection was rated at five stars, as was side pole crash performance. Rollover resistance received a four-star rating. NHTSA applies these ratings across model years until a significant redesign occurs, so this assessment covers the entire 2011 to 2016 range.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints filed for the 2016 Nissan Murano spread across several systems, with airbags, seating, and the powertrain drawing the most reports. On the powertrain side, owners frequently describe CVT problems, loss of power while driving, belt wear, and pulley issues diagnosed after the vehicle was already in motion on the highway, sometimes without any warning lights appearing beforehand. Airbag and seat complaints make up the next largest clusters, though the narratives across those categories don't point to a single dominant symptom. A handful of owners also mention electrical glitches, windows dropping on their own after shutting off the engine and the radio becoming unresponsive, requiring a full restart to restore normal function. Paint peeling and a sunroof shattering spontaneously appear in isolated reports. One recent report notes cracked front control arms discovered at around 64,000 miles on a vehicle bought new.
107
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
3
With Injuries
By System
The 2016 Nissan Murano has 6 recalls, the most serious being a brake system fire risk where fluid leaking onto the anti-lock brake unit's internal circuit board can cause an electrical short and ignite a fire.
This brake fluid leak issue has been the subject of prior repair attempts that did not fully resolve the problem for all affected vehicles, and the recall population has been expanded over time to capture vehicles that were previously inspected or repaired under earlier campaigns. Separately from the fire risk, certain Muranos with anti-lock brakes and Vehicle Dynamic Control can develop insufficient brake fluid pressure, which extends stopping distances and raises the risk of a collision. The Murano Hybrid carries an additional brake-adjacent concern: the hybrid powertrain control module software can shut down both the hybrid system and the engine under certain driving conditions, cutting drive power entirely while the vehicle is in motion. This recall only affects hybrid models. Rounding out the list, the passenger seat occupant classification sensor can misread who or what is in the front passenger seat, causing the frontal airbag to not deploy as intended in a crash and leaving the occupant with less protection.
At a glance
What can fail
The hybrid powertrain control module software may shut down the hybrid system and engine under certain conditions, cutting off drive power.
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the hybrid powertrain control module software at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Anti-lock Brake System actuator pump may leak brake fluid onto an internal circuit board.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the ABS actuator at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The anti-lock brake actuator pump may leak brake fluid onto an internal circuit board, causing the ABS system to malfunction.
What the fix does
Dealers will check the actuator serial number and replace the actuator if needed, at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The ABS actuator pump may leak brake fluid onto an internal electrical circuit board, causing the ABS system to malfunction.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the ABS actuator as needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger seat's occupant detection system may incorrectly identify an adult as a child or miss an occupied seat. This can cause the passenger airbag to stay off during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram or replace the occupant detection and airbag control units to ensure proper airbag operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The antilock braking system actuator may have a damaged O-ring, which can cause brake fluid pressure to be lost.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the ABS actuator and replace it if needed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.