NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
69 reportsClear category filter117,000 miles · Jul 30, 2018
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control
IN JUNE 2018, MY CAR STARTED STOPPING SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING. I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC WHO CHANGE MY ALTERNATOR. THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. I CHANGE MY BRAKES, STILL THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER , THEY INFORMED ME THAT MY CAR HAS ABS MODULE RECALLED AND THAT WAS THE PROBLEM. THEY CHANGED IT. THE CAR COULD NOT DR…
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IN JUNE 2018, MY CAR STARTED STOPPING SUDDENLY WHILE DRIVING. I TOOK IT TO THE MECHANIC WHO CHANGE MY ALTERNATOR. THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. I CHANGE MY BRAKES, STILL THE PROBLEM PERSISTS. I TOOK MY CAR TO THE DEALER , THEY INFORMED ME THAT MY CAR HAS ABS MODULE RECALLED AND THAT WAS THE PROBLEM. THEY CHANGED IT. THE CAR COULD NOT DRIVE OUT OF THE PARKING LOT THUS, I RETURNED IT TO THE SERVICE CENTER. THEY DIAGANED TRANSMISSION ISSUES, THEY SAID THEY FIX IT. THE CAR STOP WITHIN THREE BLOCKS AND ON THE HIGHWAY. I RETURNED IT BACK TO NISSAN SERVICE CENTER, NOW, THEY SAID IT'S THE ALTERNATOR. I INFORMED THEM THAT I HAVE THE ALTERNATOR CHANGED LEST THAN 30 DAYS. THE CAR IS A LEMON BECAUSE OF THE ABS MODULE THAT NISSAN CANOT FIX OR UNABLE TO FIX. EVERY TIME THAT CAR IS IN MOTION, THE ABS LIGHT TURN ON AND THE CAR STOPS ABRUTLY. I HAVE TWO TEENAGERS WHO DRIVES MY CAR TO GO TO SCHOOL. IT BECOMES A HAZARD AND UNSAFE DUE TO THE RECALL OF THE ABS MODULE .
NHTSA ODI #11114508
197,000 miles · May 19, 2018
Air BagsEnginePower Train
WELL LETS START WITH THE ENGINE STALLING AND NOT BEING ABLE TO GET ON THE HIGHWAY CAUSE THE ENGINE LACKS THE POWER TO EVEN MOVE. THE RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT KEEPS FLASING NO MATTER WHAT IT DOES'NT GO OFF.THERE IS A RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR RIGHT SIDE UNDER THE CARRIAGE. THE LEFT REAR TIRE IT LOBSIDED AND WH…
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WELL LETS START WITH THE ENGINE STALLING AND NOT BEING ABLE TO GET ON THE HIGHWAY CAUSE THE ENGINE LACKS THE POWER TO EVEN MOVE. THE RIGHT PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAG LIGHT KEEPS FLASING NO MATTER WHAT IT DOES'NT GO OFF.THERE IS A RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR RIGHT SIDE UNDER THE CARRIAGE. THE LEFT REAR TIRE IT LOBSIDED AND WHEN IT RAINS THE REAR OF THE CAR FEELS LIKE ITS ON ICE AND SWAYS SIDE TO SIDE IT'S AN ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN THE TIRE SENSOR LIGHT NEVER GOES OFF EVEN IF YOU INFLATE TO PROPER RANGE AND DONT GET ME STARTED ON THE TRANSMISSION SLIPPING HOPE THAT SOME ONE IN YOUR COMPANY DOES SOMETHING ABOUT THESE ISSUES BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY HURT YOU MAY END UP IN COURT FIX THEM BEFORE SOME ONE GETS HURT....ALL THIS IN MOTION. STREET AND HIGHWAY. DOCUMENTATION YES THE WHOLE CAR IS DOCUMENTATION.
NHTSA ODI #11096813
209,000 miles · Mar 15, 2018
Power Train
CVT TRANSMISSION IS SKIPPING. CANNOT DRIVE THE VEHILCE. IT IS BROKEN DOWN MORE THAN I DRIVE IT. ONLY 109,000 MILEAGE
NHTSA ODI #11079510
56,825 miles · Dec 28, 2017
Power TrainService Brakes
I HAVE LESS THAN 57,000 MILES ON MY 2009 MURANO. AT 46,000 MILES, I HAD TO HAVE MY FAILED TRANSMISSION REPLACED AND I'M HAVING ISSUES AGAIN WITH IT SLIPPING INTO LOW GEAR. THE DEALERSHIP COULDN'T REPRODUCE THE ISSUE, SO NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO ADDRESS IT. I HAD TO TAKE MY MURANO IN FOR SERVICE AGAIN BECAUSE I ALMOST GOT INTO AN…
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I HAVE LESS THAN 57,000 MILES ON MY 2009 MURANO. AT 46,000 MILES, I HAD TO HAVE MY FAILED TRANSMISSION REPLACED AND I'M HAVING ISSUES AGAIN WITH IT SLIPPING INTO LOW GEAR. THE DEALERSHIP COULDN'T REPRODUCE THE ISSUE, SO NOTHING HAS BEEN DONE TO ADDRESS IT. I HAD TO TAKE MY MURANO IN FOR SERVICE AGAIN BECAUSE I ALMOST GOT INTO AN ACCIDENT WHEN MY BRAKES DIDN'T WORK AT 30 MPH AND I HAD TO QUICKLY CHANGE LANES TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. THERE WASN'T ANY BRAKE PRESSURE AND I HAD TO PUSH THE BRAKE PEDDLE TO THE FLOOR BEFORE IT STOPPED.
NHTSA ODI #11057210
90,400 miles · Sep 4, 2017
Power Train
TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS CAR WILL JUST SLOW UP FOR NO REASON, LIKE THE TRANSMISSION IS FAILING OR THE ENGINE LOSES POWER, CLIMBS HILLS VERY SLOWLY.
NHTSA ODI #11021351
160,000 miles · Jul 25, 2017
Power Train
I HAVE PULLED INTO TRAFFIC ONLY TO HAVE MY CAR NOT ACCELERATE CAUSING THE CAR BEHIND ME TO SLAM ON THEIR BRAKES. TODAY, THE CAR BEHIND ME HAD TO PULL OVER INTO THE SHOULDER TO AVOID HITTING ME. OVER THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS, I'VE TAKEN MY CAR INTO NISSAN SERVICE COMPLAINING ABOUT A RUMBLING NOISE/FEELING, THE CAR INTERMITTENT…
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I HAVE PULLED INTO TRAFFIC ONLY TO HAVE MY CAR NOT ACCELERATE CAUSING THE CAR BEHIND ME TO SLAM ON THEIR BRAKES. TODAY, THE CAR BEHIND ME HAD TO PULL OVER INTO THE SHOULDER TO AVOID HITTING ME. OVER THE PAST SEVERAL YEARS, I'VE TAKEN MY CAR INTO NISSAN SERVICE COMPLAINING ABOUT A RUMBLING NOISE/FEELING, THE CAR INTERMITTENTLY FAILS TO AND/OR HESITATES WHEN ACCELERATING. THE CAUSE OF THESE SYMPTOMS WERE NEVER DIAGNOSED PROPERLY. NOW THE SYMPTOMS OCCUR MORE FREQUENTLY. THE LOSS OF SPEED AND/OR THE ABILITY OF NOT GAINING SPEED ALONG WITH THE NORMAL FLOW OF TRAFFIC COULD CAUSE SOMEBODY TO HIT AND/OR KILL ME! THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS, TODAY I WAS LUCKY BY NOT GETTING HIT. A FEW WEEKS AGO, BECAUSE THE SYMPTOMS HAPPENS MORE CONSISTENTLY NISSAN DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A TRANSMISSION (CVT) ISSUE. ALTHOUGH THEY HAVE ADMITTED A DEFECT IN THEIR CVT TRANSMISSIONS, THEY REFUSED TO REPAIR IT BECAUSE IT'S OUT OF WARRANTY. I HAVE RECORDS WHICH SHOWS I TOOK MY CAR TO SEVERAL DIFFERENT NISSAN SERVICE DEPTS. COMPLAINING ABOUT THIS ISSUE WHEN THE TRANSMISSION WAS UNDER WARRANTY. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE, JUST DOING A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH, I DISCOVERED NISSAN'S CVT HAS ALLEGEDLY BEEN BLAMED FOR A COUPLE OF DEATHS AND MULTIPLE CAR ACCIDENTS. IT'S A HAZARD TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE, AND NISSAN SHOULD RECALL AND REPLACE ALL OF THESE TRANSMISSIONS. AS I SAID PREVIOUSLY, TODAY I WAS LUCKY, THE NEXT TIME I MAY NOT BE! ATTACHED: UNFORTUNATELY AFTER MY NEAR MISS INCIDENT THIS MORNING THE OTHER DRIVER KEPT GOING SO I DON'T HAVE ANY DOCUMENTATION TO PROVIDE. BUT I DID ATTACHED AN ONGOING EMAIL THREAD I HAVE WITH NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS WHICH BASICALLY CAPTURES THE COMMUNICATION I'VE HAD WITH THEM UP UNTIL THIS POINT. THE ONLY THING MISSING IS ON JULY 5, 2017 I RECEIVED A CALL FROM WADE (NISSAN CONSUMER AFFAIRS) STATING THEY STILL ARE NOT GOING TO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION.
NHTSA ODI #11010495
84,000 miles · Jul 12, 2017
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN MURANO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHEN STARTED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WENT BACKWARDS WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO MOVE FORWARD. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ALTERNATOR DRAINED THE BATTERY. THE VEH…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN MURANO. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHEN STARTED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WENT BACKWARDS WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO MOVE FORWARD. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. ADDITIONALLY, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ALTERNATOR DRAINED THE BATTERY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (NISSAN OF ROSEKIND, LOUISIANA) WHERE THE SOFTWARE WAS UPDATED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 84,000.
NHTSA ODI #11004931
130,000 miles · May 6, 2017
Power Train
AFTER I PURCHASED THE CAR 2-17-17, I BEGAN HAVE DELAYED ACCELERATION WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC FROM A FULL STOP OR AFTER COMING TO A NEAR STOP. THIS HAPPENED OCCASIONALLY AT FIRST, BUT HAS BECOME MORE AND MORE REGULAR. WHILE DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED THE OTHER DAY BEHIND A FEW CARS, I WAS UNABLE TO GET THE CAR TO ACCELERATE FO…
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AFTER I PURCHASED THE CAR 2-17-17, I BEGAN HAVE DELAYED ACCELERATION WHEN PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC FROM A FULL STOP OR AFTER COMING TO A NEAR STOP. THIS HAPPENED OCCASIONALLY AT FIRST, BUT HAS BECOME MORE AND MORE REGULAR. WHILE DRIVING AT A SLOW SPEED THE OTHER DAY BEHIND A FEW CARS, I WAS UNABLE TO GET THE CAR TO ACCELERATE FOR CLOSE TO A MINUTE. ALSO, OCCASIONALLY AFTER REACHING A HIGHER GEAR, THE TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO STICK IN A LOWER GEAR.
NHTSA ODI #10983842
160,000 miles · May 1, 2017
Power Train
TRANSMISSION PROBLEM. CAR WILL NOT ACCELERATE AFTER STOP. WHEN PRESS THE GAS PETAL CAR WILL JERK AND NOT SPEED. SOMETIME RESTARTING WILL WORK. IT HAPPENED IN FREEWAY DURING IDLE TRAFFIC.
NHTSA ODI #10981656
116,716 miles · Oct 22, 2016
Power Train
I HAVE OWNED TWO NISSAN VEHICLES. THE FIRST NISSAN I OWNED WAS AN 08 ALTIMA THAT HAD A TRANSMISSION ISSUE AT 25,000 MILES. MY CURRENT NISSAN IS AN 09 MURANO. THIS VEHICLES TRANSMISSION STARTED TO MAKE NOISE AT 116,000 MILES. AT THE TIME I BROUGHT IT INTO A SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT NISSAN HAS A LOT OF TRANSMISSION ISSUES. BECAUSE I…
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I HAVE OWNED TWO NISSAN VEHICLES. THE FIRST NISSAN I OWNED WAS AN 08 ALTIMA THAT HAD A TRANSMISSION ISSUE AT 25,000 MILES. MY CURRENT NISSAN IS AN 09 MURANO. THIS VEHICLES TRANSMISSION STARTED TO MAKE NOISE AT 116,000 MILES. AT THE TIME I BROUGHT IT INTO A SHOP AND WAS TOLD THAT NISSAN HAS A LOT OF TRANSMISSION ISSUES. BECAUSE I WAS TOLD THAT MY WARRANTY WAS 60,000 MILES, I DID NOT BRING MY VEHICLE TO NISSAN. AFTER A FEW MONTHS WE DECIDED TO LOOK UP IF THERE WERE ANY RECALLS. MY HUSBAND FOUND ON THE NISSAN SITE THAT DUE TO ISSUES THEY HAD WITH THE CVT TRANSMISSION THEY EXTENDED THEIR WARRANTY FROM 60,000 MILES TO 120,000 MILES. WE WERE NEVER NOTIFIED OF THIS. I IMMEDIATELY BROUGHT MY CAR INTO NISSAN AND HAD THEM LOOK AT IT. THEY SAID MY TRANSMISSION WAS BAD AND NEVER MENTIONED THE WARRANTY. I CALLED NISSAN OF NORTH AMERICA'S CUSTOMER SERVICE AND HAD MY CASE REVIEWED. THEY ADVISED ME THAT THERE WASN'T A RECALL BUT ONLY A WARRANTY EXTENSION. THEY OFFERED TO PAY 50% SINCE I WAS NOW AT 123,000 MILES. I LET THEM KNOW I HAD DOCUMENTATION SHOWING I HAD THE ISSUE PRIOR BUT THEY HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING FURTHER.
NHTSA ODI #10918062
Official recalls
4Dec 19, 2018
Nissan of North America, Inc (Nissan) is recalling certain 2009 Murano vehicles. The valves within the ABS Hydraulic Control Units (HCU) may react with brake fluids containing specific corrosion preventative additives. This reaction may cause the valves to not close properly.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the valves do not properly close, additional brake pedal travel may be required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Nissan has notified owners, and dealers will flush the brake system with DOT 4 fluid. The HCU will then be tested to detect a possible stuck valve condition. If necessary, the HCU will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.
Oct 5, 2009
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WASHINGTON D.C., WEST VIRGINIA AND WISCONSIN. THE MATERIAL IN THE NUT USED TO SECURE THE SENSOR-TRANSMITTER OF THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) MAY CORRODE AND POTENTIALLY CRACK IN AREAS WITH HEAVY CONCENTRATIONS OF ROAD SALT. IF THIS OCCURS, THE NUT MAY COME OUT OF THE SENSOR-TRANSMITTER AND THE TPMS LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE TPMS LAMP IS DISREGARDED AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO BE DRIVEN IN THIS CONDITION, THE TIRE WILL QUICKLY LOSE AIR PRESSURE AT A CONSISTENT RATE RESULTING IN A FLAT TIRE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE TPMS NUT WITH A NEW, MORE ROBUST NUT. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 AND INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.
Oct 7, 2008
NISSAN IS RECALLING 204,361 MY 2007-2008 ALTIMA, ALTIMA HYBRID, 350Z, 350Z ROADSTER, MY 2008 ALTIMA COUPE, ROGUE, MY 2009 MURANO, AND INFINITI MY 2007-2008 G35 SEDAN, MY 2008 G37 COUPE AND EX35 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS' OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) CONTROL UNITS. A VARISTOR IN THE OCS CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT CUSHION MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED OUT OF SPECIFICATION. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THIS COULD CAUSE AN INTERRUPTION OF SIGNAL BETWEEN THE OCS AND THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT (ACU).
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PASSENGER AIR BAG BEING SUPPRESSED WHICH COULD FAIL TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TEST THE SIGNAL BETWEEN THE OCS AND ACU SYSTEMS USING A SPECIAL TOOL TO CHECK THAT IT IS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. IF NECESSARY, THE SEAT CUSHION (CONTAINING OCS HARDWARE) WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE MANUFACTURED TO SPECIFICATION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 4, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Electrical System:software
NISSAN IS RECALLING 204,361 MY 2007-2008 ALTIMA, ALTIMA HYBRID, 350Z, 350Z ROADSTER, MY 2008 ALTIMA COUPE, ROGUE, MY 2009 MURANO, AND INFINITI MY 2007-2008 G35 SEDAN, MY 2008 G37 COUPE AND EX35 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS' OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) CONTROL UNITS. A VARISTOR IN THE OCS CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT CUSHION MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED OUT OF SPECIFICATION. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THIS COULD CAUSE AN INTERRUPTION OF SIGNAL BETWEEN THE OCS AND THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT (ACU).
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PASSENGER AIR BAG BEING SUPPRESSED WHICH COULD FAIL TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TEST THE SIGNAL BETWEEN THE OCS AND ACU SYSTEMS USING A SPECIAL TOOL TO CHECK THAT IT IS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. IF NECESSARY, THE SEAT CUSHION (CONTAINING OCS HARDWARE) WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE MANUFACTURED TO SPECIFICATION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 4, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.
Air Bags
NISSAN IS RECALLING 204,361 MY 2007-2008 ALTIMA, ALTIMA HYBRID, 350Z, 350Z ROADSTER, MY 2008 ALTIMA COUPE, ROGUE, MY 2009 MURANO, AND INFINITI MY 2007-2008 G35 SEDAN, MY 2008 G37 COUPE AND EX35 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS' OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) CONTROL UNITS. A VARISTOR IN THE OCS CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT CUSHION MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED OUT OF SPECIFICATION. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THIS COULD CAUSE AN INTERRUPTION OF SIGNAL BETWEEN THE OCS AND THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT (ACU).
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PASSENGER AIR BAG BEING SUPPRESSED WHICH COULD FAIL TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL TEST THE SIGNAL BETWEEN THE OCS AND ACU SYSTEMS USING A SPECIAL TOOL TO CHECK THAT IT IS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. IF NECESSARY, THE SEAT CUSHION (CONTAINING OCS HARDWARE) WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE MANUFACTURED TO SPECIFICATION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 4, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.
Feb 12, 2008
NISSAN IS RECALLING 16,365 MY 2008 INFINITI EX35 AND MY 2009 NISSAN MURANO VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT SOFTWARE PROGRAMMING, THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT (ACU) MAY CAUSE THE PASSENGER AIR BAG NOT TO OPERATE AS DESIGNED IF THE VEHICLE BATTERY BECOMES SIGNIFICANTLY DISCHARGED.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PASSENGER AIR BAG NOT INFLATING IN A CRASH IN WHICH IT WAS DESIGNED TO DO SO, AND INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ACU IN AFFECTED VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 19, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200 OR 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
2EA18001 · Extended Braking Distances
Opened Apr 18, 2018 · Closed Jan 17, 2023
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip
On April 18, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Engineering Analysis (EA) 18-001 to investigate reports of braking concerns in model year (MY) 2009 Nissan Murano vehicles. A failure of the hydraulic control unit (HCU) portion of the antilock brake system (ABS), which involves improper operation of an internal hydraulic control valve(s), can cause extended brake pedal travel and may result in a reduction in overall braking effectiveness. Tier-one supplier Continental manufactured the HCU for Nissan.The corrosion-preventive, zinc coating used on the armatures of the normally closed (NC) valves within ABS HCU may react with brake fluids lacking sufficient corrosion-preventative additives. This reaction can cause the formation of a gelatinous material, which may cause the NC valves to close slowly. Over time, the gel can solidify to an extent such that the spring used to return the valve to the closed position may not be able to overcome the gel buildup, allowing the NC valve to remain open. If any of the four NC valves remains open, fluid will be diverted to one or two accumulator(s). This misdirected fluid has the net effect of causing brake pedal travel to increase, however enough stroke remains in the pedal to generate braking force. Although the hydraulic braking system remains intact and full braking force is maintained once the pedal travels the additional distance, when this condition occurs, the initial increase in brake pedal travel could result in increased stopping distance. An existing Nissan Service Campaign was launched for MY 2009 vehicles built prior to 11/1/2007. After consultation with ODI as part of EA18-001, Nissan decided to expand this population to the full range of MY2009 Murano vehicles. Later Murano vehicles exhibit significantly lower rates of malfunction.During this investigation 156 complaints were identified that related to the braking concern. Within the complainants 2 allege crashes with 4 injuries. The Nissan reports from investigation Information Request letter responses, were similar in content and identified 870 reports with 16 crashes and no injuries.On December 19, 2018, Nissan notified ODI it would conduct a safety recall (18V916) to remedy the ABS modules on certain MY 2009 Nissan Murano vehicles. The remedy procedure involves dealers flushing the brake system with DOT 4 fluid. The HCU will then be tested to detect a possible stuck valve condition. If necessary, the HCU will be replaced. The 2010-14 Murano SUVs outside the recall population and equipped with zinc-coated armatures will be inspected under a service campaign P0A08 using the same procedure as recall 18V916.Continental HCUs with a redesigned armature coating were phased into new vehicle production after December 2014 and do not appear to be experiencing corrosion. The recall action initiated by the manufacturer appears to address the safety risks of concern to ODI. Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exists on other model or MY vehicles outside of the recall scope. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.For a complete summary of this investigation and related consumer complaints, please see attached closing resume document.
PE17002 · Extended Braking Distances
Opened May 3, 2017 · Closed May 4, 2018
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes; Service Brakes, Air:antilock; Service Brakes, Air:antilock:control Unit/module
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is closing this Preliminary Evaluation and upgrading to an Engineering Analysis (EA) 18-001.During the PE, ODI requested and reviewed information provided by Nissan including consumer complaints and other field and technical data related to failures of the hydraulic control unit (HCU), an electro-mechanical brake system component that provides antilock braking and other functionality in the subject model year (MY) 2009 Murano.The subject failure of the HCU, which involves improper operation of an internal hydraulic control valve, can cause extended brake pedal travel and may result in a reduction in overall braking effectiveness.Tier-one supplier Continental manufactured the HCU for Nissan.ODI currently recognizes 484 subject vehicle complaints that appear related to the alleged defect.Fourteen crash allegations, with three non-life threatening injuries are under evaluation also.ODI has been monitoring consumer complaints received, and in some cases has obtained suspect HCUs from complainants' vehicles.Recovered HCUs sent to NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) in East Liberty, Ohio are under evaluation, and VRTC has conducted limited vehicle testing also.In a July 28, 2017 submission, Nissan acknowledged that a failure of the HCU can result in increased brake pedal travel during braking.Nissan's analysis of returned parts revealed that a zinc coating used on the normally closed valve assemblies inside the HCU may react with certain brake fluid constituents.The reaction results in the formation of a gelatinous material that can harden with time and prevent the valve from closing after opening in an ABS event.When this occurs, Nissan maintains that the hydraulic brake system remains intact and that full braking is available once the pedal travels an additional distance, about 36 mm according to Nissan.Although still under investigation, Nissan states it has not determined the condition represents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety, citing low rate and vehicle age as additional factors.In March 2018, Nissan began conducting a customer satisfaction campaign on certain MY 2009 Murano to service (flush and replace the brake fluid), and then test and replace the HCU as needed.The campaign is being conducted free of charge to customers.During the EA, ODI will request VRTC continue to evaluate the cause and consequence of HCU failures, including the affects of multi-valve failures.ODI will further study the potential scope of the alleged defect as it understands similar HCUs and brake fluid is used in other MY Muranos, and potentially in other Nissan models as well.ODI notes that improved valve coatings were introduced on Nissan HCUs at some subsequent stage.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Service Brakes, Air:antilock:control Unit/module
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is closing this Preliminary Evaluation and upgrading to an Engineering Analysis (EA) 18-001.During the PE, ODI requested and reviewed information provided by Nissan including consumer complaints and other field and technical data related to failures of the hydraulic control unit (HCU), an electro-mechanical brake system component that provides antilock braking and other functionality in the subject model year (MY) 2009 Murano.The subject failure of the HCU, which involves improper operation of an internal hydraulic control valve, can cause extended brake pedal travel and may result in a reduction in overall braking effectiveness.Tier-one supplier Continental manufactured the HCU for Nissan.ODI currently recognizes 484 subject vehicle complaints that appear related to the alleged defect.Fourteen crash allegations, with three non-life threatening injuries are under evaluation also.ODI has been monitoring consumer complaints received, and in some cases has obtained suspect HCUs from complainants' vehicles.Recovered HCUs sent to NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) in East Liberty, Ohio are under evaluation, and VRTC has conducted limited vehicle testing also.In a July 28, 2017 submission, Nissan acknowledged that a failure of the HCU can result in increased brake pedal travel during braking.Nissan's analysis of returned parts revealed that a zinc coating used on the normally closed valve assemblies inside the HCU may react with certain brake fluid constituents.The reaction results in the formation of a gelatinous material that can harden with time and prevent the valve from closing after opening in an ABS event.When this occurs, Nissan maintains that the hydraulic brake system remains intact and that full braking is available once the pedal travels an additional distance, about 36 mm according to Nissan.Although still under investigation, Nissan states it has not determined the condition represents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety, citing low rate and vehicle age as additional factors.In March 2018, Nissan began conducting a customer satisfaction campaign on certain MY 2009 Murano to service (flush and replace the brake fluid), and then test and replace the HCU as needed.The campaign is being conducted free of charge to customers.During the EA, ODI will request VRTC continue to evaluate the cause and consequence of HCU failures, including the affects of multi-valve failures.ODI will further study the potential scope of the alleged defect as it understands similar HCUs and brake fluid is used in other MY Muranos, and potentially in other Nissan models as well.ODI notes that improved valve coatings were introduced on Nissan HCUs at some subsequent stage.
Service Brakes, Air:antilock
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is closing this Preliminary Evaluation and upgrading to an Engineering Analysis (EA) 18-001.During the PE, ODI requested and reviewed information provided by Nissan including consumer complaints and other field and technical data related to failures of the hydraulic control unit (HCU), an electro-mechanical brake system component that provides antilock braking and other functionality in the subject model year (MY) 2009 Murano.The subject failure of the HCU, which involves improper operation of an internal hydraulic control valve, can cause extended brake pedal travel and may result in a reduction in overall braking effectiveness.Tier-one supplier Continental manufactured the HCU for Nissan.ODI currently recognizes 484 subject vehicle complaints that appear related to the alleged defect.Fourteen crash allegations, with three non-life threatening injuries are under evaluation also.ODI has been monitoring consumer complaints received, and in some cases has obtained suspect HCUs from complainants' vehicles.Recovered HCUs sent to NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) in East Liberty, Ohio are under evaluation, and VRTC has conducted limited vehicle testing also.In a July 28, 2017 submission, Nissan acknowledged that a failure of the HCU can result in increased brake pedal travel during braking.Nissan's analysis of returned parts revealed that a zinc coating used on the normally closed valve assemblies inside the HCU may react with certain brake fluid constituents.The reaction results in the formation of a gelatinous material that can harden with time and prevent the valve from closing after opening in an ABS event.When this occurs, Nissan maintains that the hydraulic brake system remains intact and that full braking is available once the pedal travels an additional distance, about 36 mm according to Nissan.Although still under investigation, Nissan states it has not determined the condition represents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety, citing low rate and vehicle age as additional factors.In March 2018, Nissan began conducting a customer satisfaction campaign on certain MY 2009 Murano to service (flush and replace the brake fluid), and then test and replace the HCU as needed.The campaign is being conducted free of charge to customers.During the EA, ODI will request VRTC continue to evaluate the cause and consequence of HCU failures, including the affects of multi-valve failures.ODI will further study the potential scope of the alleged defect as it understands similar HCUs and brake fluid is used in other MY Muranos, and potentially in other Nissan models as well.ODI notes that improved valve coatings were introduced on Nissan HCUs at some subsequent stage.
Service Brakes
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is closing this Preliminary Evaluation and upgrading to an Engineering Analysis (EA) 18-001.During the PE, ODI requested and reviewed information provided by Nissan including consumer complaints and other field and technical data related to failures of the hydraulic control unit (HCU), an electro-mechanical brake system component that provides antilock braking and other functionality in the subject model year (MY) 2009 Murano.The subject failure of the HCU, which involves improper operation of an internal hydraulic control valve, can cause extended brake pedal travel and may result in a reduction in overall braking effectiveness.Tier-one supplier Continental manufactured the HCU for Nissan.ODI currently recognizes 484 subject vehicle complaints that appear related to the alleged defect.Fourteen crash allegations, with three non-life threatening injuries are under evaluation also.ODI has been monitoring consumer complaints received, and in some cases has obtained suspect HCUs from complainants' vehicles.Recovered HCUs sent to NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) in East Liberty, Ohio are under evaluation, and VRTC has conducted limited vehicle testing also.In a July 28, 2017 submission, Nissan acknowledged that a failure of the HCU can result in increased brake pedal travel during braking.Nissan's analysis of returned parts revealed that a zinc coating used on the normally closed valve assemblies inside the HCU may react with certain brake fluid constituents.The reaction results in the formation of a gelatinous material that can harden with time and prevent the valve from closing after opening in an ABS event.When this occurs, Nissan maintains that the hydraulic brake system remains intact and that full braking is available once the pedal travels an additional distance, about 36 mm according to Nissan.Although still under investigation, Nissan states it has not determined the condition represents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety, citing low rate and vehicle age as additional factors.In March 2018, Nissan began conducting a customer satisfaction campaign on certain MY 2009 Murano to service (flush and replace the brake fluid), and then test and replace the HCU as needed.The campaign is being conducted free of charge to customers.During the EA, ODI will request VRTC continue to evaluate the cause and consequence of HCU failures, including the affects of multi-valve failures.ODI will further study the potential scope of the alleged defect as it understands similar HCUs and brake fluid is used in other MY Muranos, and potentially in other Nissan models as well.ODI notes that improved valve coatings were introduced on Nissan HCUs at some subsequent stage.
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