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2003 Nissan Murano

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Murano years

Owner complaints for the 2003 Nissan Murano are substantially higher than the model-year median of 110.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

691 reports with mileage · 109 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 265 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 187 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Seats. Review the 111 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

14 crash reports5 fire reports6 injury reports

Power Train complaints

265 reports
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Mileage unknown · Dec 18, 2015
Power Train

I HAVE A 2003 NISSAN MURANO WITH 88,000 MILES. THE CAR FOR THE MOST PART HAS BEEN RELIABLE. RECENTLY IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A BAD CVT TRANSMISSION. NISSAN SAID IT IS TO OLD TO BE CONSIDERED FOR WARRANTY REPAIRED, I HAVE NOTICED ON VARIOUS WEBSITES THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS CVT TRANSMISSION. DESPITE…

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I HAVE A 2003 NISSAN MURANO WITH 88,000 MILES. THE CAR FOR THE MOST PART HAS BEEN RELIABLE. RECENTLY IT WAS DIAGNOSED WITH A BAD CVT TRANSMISSION. NISSAN SAID IT IS TO OLD TO BE CONSIDERED FOR WARRANTY REPAIRED, I HAVE NOTICED ON VARIOUS WEBSITES THAT THIS VEHICLE HAS NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS CVT TRANSMISSION. DESPITE A WARRANTY EXTENSION BY NISSAN TO ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM, IT SEEMS THAT THIS PROBLEM OCCURS AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS EXCEEDED ANY WARRANTY CONSIDERATION. THIS IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE AND I FEEL THAT NISSAN SHOULD BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR CORRECTING THIS PROBLEM ON ALL AFFECTED VEHICLES; THIS SHOULD INCLUDE FREE TRANSMISSION FLUID CHANGES THEY CLAIM MAY CAUSE CVT FAILURES. AT THIS POINT I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THE PURCHASE OF NISSAN PRODUCTS UNTIL THEY LIVE UP TO THEIR RESPONSIBILITY. IF THE GOVERNMENT CAN MAKE GM, CHRYSLER AND FORD RECALL THAT ARE OVER TEN-YEARS OLD ; WHY CAN'T THEY REQUIRE NISSAN TO DO THE SAME THING?

NHTSA ODI #10811108

113,000 miles · Oct 9, 2015
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN MURANO. WHILE DRIVIBG AT 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. TH…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN MURANO. WHILE DRIVIBG AT 60 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 113,000.

NHTSA ODI #10781162

120,000 miles · Apr 28, 2015
Power Train

TRANSMISSION HOUSING IS CRACKED. VEHICLE MADE LOUD NOISES AND SHUDDERING. SEVERAL SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10713387

154,000 miles · Jan 15, 2015
Power TrainSuspension

THE REAR SUSPENSION MEMBER LINK WHICH HOLDS THE SUSPENSION TO THE CAR ROTTED OFF AND CAUSED THE SUSPENSION TO FAIL. THE REMAINING METAL IS SEVERELY ROOTED OR PERFORATED. THERE ARE SEVERAL 2003 MURANOS ON THE ROAD. MINE IS ALWAYS GARAGED AND I HAVE KEPT IT WELL MAINTAINED SINCE NEW. NISSANUSA WAS CALLED AND THEY WILL DO NOTHING T…

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THE REAR SUSPENSION MEMBER LINK WHICH HOLDS THE SUSPENSION TO THE CAR ROTTED OFF AND CAUSED THE SUSPENSION TO FAIL. THE REMAINING METAL IS SEVERELY ROOTED OR PERFORATED. THERE ARE SEVERAL 2003 MURANOS ON THE ROAD. MINE IS ALWAYS GARAGED AND I HAVE KEPT IT WELL MAINTAINED SINCE NEW. NISSANUSA WAS CALLED AND THEY WILL DO NOTHING TO FIX OR PAY TO FIX THE PROBLEM. I SURELY WOULD THINK THIS CAR COULD GO FOR SEVERAL MORE YEARS BEFORE ANY PROBLEMS WITH IT. THE ENTIRE CAR HAS NO RUST ANYWHERE ON IT, SO WHY DID THE REAR SUSPENSION FAIL? I AM WONDERING IF IN THE EARLY 2000'S IF THIS METAL THAT WAS USED WAS SOME OF THE BATCH THAT MADE THEM RECALL AND REPLACE A LARGE NUMBER OF PICKUP TRUCKS TOO. I AM WONDERING HOW MANY OTHER MURANO'S HAVE THIS PROBLEM OR WILL. THIS IS SURELY A SAFETY ISSUE FOR ANYONE WHO IS DRIVING A VEHICLE LIKE THIS.. PLEASE HELP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10672808

85,000 miles · Jan 1, 2015
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control

COMING OFF EXIT RAMP, STOPPED AND TURNED LEFT, WAS GOING AROUND 25 MPH WHEN THE CAR SURGED FORWARD, ACCELERATED, RPM SHOT UP. I HAD TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES AND PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL. THE CAR THEN SLOWED AND BEGAN DRIVING NORMALLY. A WEEK LATER, MY WIFE AND I WERE ON THE INTERSTATE GOING AROUND 60 MPH WHEN THE CAR SLOWED DOWN …

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COMING OFF EXIT RAMP, STOPPED AND TURNED LEFT, WAS GOING AROUND 25 MPH WHEN THE CAR SURGED FORWARD, ACCELERATED, RPM SHOT UP. I HAD TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES AND PUT THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL. THE CAR THEN SLOWED AND BEGAN DRIVING NORMALLY. A WEEK LATER, MY WIFE AND I WERE ON THE INTERSTATE GOING AROUND 60 MPH WHEN THE CAR SLOWED DOWN AS THOUGH IT WAS PUT INTO A LOW GEAR. WE COULD ONLY GET IT TO GO NO MORE THAT 35 MPH. WE PULLED OFF ON THE SHOULDER AND PARKED. THE CAR WOULD NOT START AGAIN. HAD TO TOW IT. ABOUT A MONTH LATER, I WAS ON THE INTERSTATE GOING AROUND 65 WHEN THE SAME THING HAPPENED AS BEFORE, IT WENT INTO A LOWER GEAR, LOWERING MY SPEED TO AROUND 30 MPH WHICH CAUSED ME TO ALMOST GET HIT FROM BEHIND. HAD IT BEEN A LARGE TRUCK IT MOST LIKELY WOULD HAVE HIT ME. I PUT IT IN NEUTRAL AND PULLED OFF TO THE SHOULDER. WHEN I PULLED OUT AGAIN, IT DROVE AT A NORMAL RATE OF SPEED. I'VE TAKEN IT TO THE NISSAN DEALERSHIP AND THEY CLAIMED THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. THE INTERNET IS FULL OF COMPLAINTS FROM MURANO OWNERS WITH THE SAME PROBLEMS AND STATING THAT LOCAL NISSAN DEALERSHIPS CANNOT FIND THE PROBLEM AND IF THEY DO ANYTHING, THEY CHANGE OUT THE TRANSMISSION AT A COST TO THE OWNER. I JUST PURCHASED MY MURANO A FEW MONTHS AGO IN SEPTEMBER OF 2014 FROM A SMALL LOT. THIS IS VERY FRUSTRATING FOR ME AND MY FAMILY. TWICE WE COULD HAVE VERY EASILY BEEN HIT FROM BEHIND. SINCE THIS IS A PROBLEM THAT'S BEEN GOING ON SINCE THE FIRST 2003 MURANOS, I FEEL NISSAN SHOULD ORDER A RECALL AND FIX THIS SAFETY ISSUE BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10669514

110,000 miles · Nov 11, 2014
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control

I PURCHASED THIS CAR FROM A DEALER AS A USED VEHICLE IN SEPTEMBER 2013. AFTER SEVERAL MONTHS I BEGAN TO NOTICE A VERY SERIOUS TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. ALL OF THE SUDDEN WHEN DRIVING THE CAR DOES NOT RESPOND TO THE GAS PEDAL AND THEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE VEHICLE WILL LURCH FORWARD. THIS HAS BEEN SCARY AND UNSAFE WHEN DRIVING IN …

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I PURCHASED THIS CAR FROM A DEALER AS A USED VEHICLE IN SEPTEMBER 2013. AFTER SEVERAL MONTHS I BEGAN TO NOTICE A VERY SERIOUS TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. ALL OF THE SUDDEN WHEN DRIVING THE CAR DOES NOT RESPOND TO THE GAS PEDAL AND THEN ALL OF THE SUDDEN THE VEHICLE WILL LURCH FORWARD. THIS HAS BEEN SCARY AND UNSAFE WHEN DRIVING IN HIGH TRAFFIC AREAS AND I HAVE RUN THE RISK OF REAR ENDING ANOTHER VEHICLE. OTHER TIMES IT HAS BEEN AN EXTREME SAFETY HAZARD WHEN ENTERING TRAFFIC THAT IS TRAVELING AT A HIGHER SPEED AND YOU HAVE TO SPEED UP TO MERGE. IF YOUR CAR DOES NOT MOVE WHEN YOU PRESS ON THE GAS PEDAL OTHERS CAN CRASH INTO YOU. I HAVE READ THAT OTHER NISSAN MURANOS THAT ARE THE SAME YEAR AS MINE HAVE EXPERIENCED THE SAME SAFETY ISSUES AND NISSAN HAS RECEIVED A SIGNIFICANT NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS WITH REGARD TO CVT AND FRONT TRANSFER CASE (CRACKS/FRACTURES) ISSUES BUT THAT NISSAN HAS NOT HAD A RECALL TO CORRECT THIS SERIOUS PROBLEM. I HAVE A THREE YEAR OLD GRAND DAUGHTER THAT I HAVE IN MY CAR WITH ME ON A DAILY BASIS AND I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR! I ALSO PURCHASED THIS CAR AFTER ANOTHER SERIOUS ACCIDENT THAT TOTALED MY OTHER VEHICLE AND NOW I HAVE A CAR THAT HAS MAJOR SAFETY ISSUES THAT I AM EXTREMELY CONCERNED ABOUT!! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10654155

122,000 miles · Oct 24, 2014
EnginePower Train

TRANSMISSION , TRANSFER CASE, IT WOULDN'T SHIFT GEARS. IT DIDN'T GO OVER 40 30 MPH I ACCELERATED AND WON'T DO MORE THEN 30, 40 MPH AND THE VEHICLE SHUT DOWN ON ME. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10649706

101,000 miles · Sep 17, 2014
Power Train

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN MURANO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING UP A HILL AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND MADE A GRINDING NOISE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND THERE WAS A SUDDEN INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN MURANO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING UP A HILL AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER AND MADE A GRINDING NOISE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE AND THERE WAS A SUDDEN INCREASE IN ENGINE RPMS. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE VEHICLE WOULD SUDDENLY ENGAGE INDEPENDENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,000.

NHTSA ODI #10637007

91,750 miles · Jul 17, 2014
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control

I JUST PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ON 7/15/14, DROVE IT HOME AND IT WOULD NOT START 7/16/14. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE STARTED, BUT THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON AND IT SHUT OFF 2 MORE TIMES WHILE PARKED. I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO GET IT STARTED AND RUNNING TO GO ABOUT MY ERRANDS. I STOPPED TO PICK SOMEONE UP FROM THE HOSP…

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I JUST PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE ON 7/15/14, DROVE IT HOME AND IT WOULD NOT START 7/16/14. I WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE STARTED, BUT THE SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIGHT CAME ON AND IT SHUT OFF 2 MORE TIMES WHILE PARKED. I WAS FINALLY ABLE TO GET IT STARTED AND RUNNING TO GO ABOUT MY ERRANDS. I STOPPED TO PICK SOMEONE UP FROM THE HOSPITAL AND IT STARTED UP, BUT IMMEDIATELY SHUT OFF AGAIN. EVENTUALLY, IT STARTED BUCKING AND SHUDDERING WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND SEEMED AS IF IT WAS GOING TO SHUT OFF. I WAS ABLE TO GET IT TO THE DEALER I PURCHASED IT FROM AND HE IS TAKING RESPONSIBILITY OF GETTING IT SERVICED. THE DIAGNOSIS WAS THE REAR CAM POSITION SENSOR WENT BAD. I CALLED HALDEMANN NISSAN IN HAMILTON, NJ TO INQUIRE ABOUT RECALLS, AS I KNEW THIS WAS A RECALL ISSUE AND WAS TOLD THAT MY VIN NUMBER HAD NO RECALLS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10611281

73,000 miles · May 27, 2014
Fuel System, GasolinePower TrainVehicle Speed Control

WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE THE VEHICLE LOST ACCELERATION COMPLETELY. . IT HAD TO BE RE-STARTED IN ORDER TO CONTINUE DRIVING. ONCE IN ,OPTION AGAIN, THE ENGINE WAS IDLING EXTREMELY HIGH AND CONTINUED THAT WAY UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND SAT FOR OVER AN HOUR. STARTED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10594387

Official recalls

6

09V169000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

May 19, 2009

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: ENGINE MAY STALL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: 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.

06V048000 · Seat Belts:rear/other

Feb 13, 2006

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE WEBBING IS COMPLETELY SEPARATED, IT CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO AN OCCUPANT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: 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.

06V003000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

Jan 10, 2006

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A PUNCTURED TANK COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A FIRE.

Remedy: 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.

05V319000 · Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator

Jul 14, 2005

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT A WIRE BREAKING INSIDE THE ALTERNATOR COULD STOP THE BATTERY FROM CHARGING.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

03V455000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Nov 17, 2003

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Remedy: 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.

03V123000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)

Mar 31, 2003

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE GEAR DISPLAYED IS DIFFERENT FROM THE GEAR ENGAGED, THIS COULD RESULT IN UNEXPECTED VEHICLE MOVEMENT AND A CRASH.

Remedy: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

4

PE08065 · Driver Seat Anchor Failure

Opened Nov 18, 2008 · Closed Jul 2, 2009

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seats

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 CONTROL HAS NOT BEEN DEMONSTRATED.INVESTIGATION ALSO DISCLOSED THAT THE APPARENT RISK OF COLLAPSE OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK HAS NOT BEEN DEMONSTRATEDA SAFETY RELATED DEFECT TREND WAS NOT IDENTIFIED AND THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN CLOSED.

PE05050 · Fuel Tank Punctures From Road Debris

Opened Sep 13, 2005 · Closed Jan 31, 2006

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly; Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly

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 POSSIBILITY OF PUNCTURE BY PROJECTILES FROM THE FRONT WHEELS.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN CLOSED.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

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 POSSIBILITY OF PUNCTURE BY PROJECTILES FROM THE FRONT WHEELS.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN CLOSED.

Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly

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 POSSIBILITY OF PUNCTURE BY PROJECTILES FROM THE FRONT WHEELS.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN CLOSED.

EA05006 · Alternator Failure / Engine Stalling

Opened Mar 25, 2005 · Closed Aug 17, 2005

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator

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 MAY ALSO BE A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR TO THE WIRE FATIGUE.NISSAN ALSO REPORTED THAT WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE CHARGE WARNING AND BRAKE WARNING LAMPS WILL ILLUMINATE AND THE BATTERY WILL BEGIN TO DISCHARGE.AFTER A SHORT TIME, THE ENGINE WILL THEN ENTER A FAIL SAFE MODE THAT LIMITS VEHICLE SPEED.VERY SHORTLY AFTER REACHING THIS CONDITION, THE ENGINE WILL STOP.NHTSA'S TESTING, HOWEVER, SHOWED THAT ALTHOUGH THE WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATE, THE VEHICLE SPEED IS LIMITED TO ONLY 4-7 MPH RATHER THAN WHAT NHTSA CONSIDERS A FAIL SAFE MODE. NISSAN WILL INSTRUCT OWNERS TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO ANY NISSAN DEALER FOR AN ALTERNATOR INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT, IF REQUIRED.NOTE:SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE HAD THE NEWLY DESIGNED ALTERNATOR PREVIOUSLY INSTALLED UNDER WARRANTY.CONSEQUENTLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.ODI WILL MONITOR THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE REMEDY AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator

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 MAY ALSO BE A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR TO THE WIRE FATIGUE.NISSAN ALSO REPORTED THAT WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE CHARGE WARNING AND BRAKE WARNING LAMPS WILL ILLUMINATE AND THE BATTERY WILL BEGIN TO DISCHARGE.AFTER A SHORT TIME, THE ENGINE WILL THEN ENTER A FAIL SAFE MODE THAT LIMITS VEHICLE SPEED.VERY SHORTLY AFTER REACHING THIS CONDITION, THE ENGINE WILL STOP.NHTSA'S TESTING, HOWEVER, SHOWED THAT ALTHOUGH THE WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATE, THE VEHICLE SPEED IS LIMITED TO ONLY 4-7 MPH RATHER THAN WHAT NHTSA CONSIDERS A FAIL SAFE MODE. NISSAN WILL INSTRUCT OWNERS TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO ANY NISSAN DEALER FOR AN ALTERNATOR INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT, IF REQUIRED.NOTE:SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE HAD THE NEWLY DESIGNED ALTERNATOR PREVIOUSLY INSTALLED UNDER WARRANTY.CONSEQUENTLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.ODI WILL MONITOR THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE REMEDY AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED.

Electrical System

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 MAY ALSO BE A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR TO THE WIRE FATIGUE.NISSAN ALSO REPORTED THAT WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE CHARGE WARNING AND BRAKE WARNING LAMPS WILL ILLUMINATE AND THE BATTERY WILL BEGIN TO DISCHARGE.AFTER A SHORT TIME, THE ENGINE WILL THEN ENTER A FAIL SAFE MODE THAT LIMITS VEHICLE SPEED.VERY SHORTLY AFTER REACHING THIS CONDITION, THE ENGINE WILL STOP.NHTSA'S TESTING, HOWEVER, SHOWED THAT ALTHOUGH THE WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATE, THE VEHICLE SPEED IS LIMITED TO ONLY 4-7 MPH RATHER THAN WHAT NHTSA CONSIDERS A FAIL SAFE MODE. NISSAN WILL INSTRUCT OWNERS TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO ANY NISSAN DEALER FOR AN ALTERNATOR INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT, IF REQUIRED.NOTE:SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE HAD THE NEWLY DESIGNED ALTERNATOR PREVIOUSLY INSTALLED UNDER WARRANTY.CONSEQUENTLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.ODI WILL MONITOR THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE REMEDY AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED.

PE04077 · Alternator Failure/ Engine Stalling

Opened Nov 19, 2004 · Closed Mar 25, 2005

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator

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 THE VEHICLE.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THIS CONCERN, TO ASSESS THE POTENTIAL SAFETY-RELATED CONSEQUENCES, AND TO DETERMINE THE SCOPE OF THE AFFECTED POPULATION.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator

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 THE VEHICLE.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THIS CONCERN, TO ASSESS THE POTENTIAL SAFETY-RELATED CONSEQUENCES, AND TO DETERMINE THE SCOPE OF THE AFFECTED POPULATION.

Electrical System

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 THE VEHICLE.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THIS CONCERN, TO ASSESS THE POTENTIAL SAFETY-RELATED CONSEQUENCES, AND TO DETERMINE THE SCOPE OF THE AFFECTED POPULATION.