2003 Nissan Murano problems
Owners have filed 1,050 complaints about the 2003 Nissan Murano with NHTSA. Power train accounts for 25.8% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of electrical system at 21.6%.
Complaints1,050
Crashes18
Fires6
Injuries9
Deaths1
What owners report breaking
Power train 25.8% · 271
Electrical system 21.6% · 227
Seats 10.6% · 111
Engine and engine cooling 9.3% · 98
Vehicle speed control 5.5% · 58
Engine 4.3% · 45
Visibility 4.1% · 43
Fuel system, gasoline 3.0% · 31
Severity
Of those complaints, 18 describe a crash, 6 describe a fire, 9 report an injury and 1 report a death.
Reading the numbers
Across the 14 model years of the Nissan Murano in this data, 2003 ranks 2nd by complaint volume — 2005 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 26 in the last three years against 56 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 72,000 miles.
In owners' own words
2003 Nissan Murano has a loud "wreeee" sound upon cranking it up; however within about 10 min. Of driving it quiets down. When the car is stopped and you begin to accelerate the car has a 3-5 sec stall and then leaps forward. When I was at an intersection my car did this and threw me into oncoming traffic. I was fortunate that the driver of the other car swerved in time to miss me, but it was a very close call. Power train · reported at 79,000 miles
My Murano has a loss of power after sitting in traffic. After stopped in traffic, I press the gas pedal and the car doesn't move for about 6 or 7 seconds. Then it takes off quickly. This dangerous because someone may hit me from behind when the light turns green and the Murano doesn't go. Nissan dealer says the car doesn't show any failure codes, but thinks the transmission needs replacing. 84,000 Miles. Power train · reported at 84,000 miles
Transmission failure started when the car would experience a loss in power in heavy traffic then will suddenly lunge forward. We lost the transmission last week, the Murano couldn't even make it up to the driveway. We need to turn off the engine then turn it back on again in order to have the transmission working. The car is currently at the dealers waiting for a new transmission estimated at $4800. ~Lb Power train · reported at 138,000 miles
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…