2021 Nissan Murano problems
The Nissan Murano (Japanese: 日産・ムラーノ, Hepburn: Nissan Murāno) is a mid-size crossover SUV manufactured and marketed by Nissan since May 2002 for the 2003 model year, and currently in its third generation.
As Nissan's first crossover SUV for the United States and Canada, the Murano was designed at Nissan America in La Jolla, California, and was based on the Nissan FF-L platform shared with the third generation Altima. The European version of the Murano began sales in 2004.
The Murano was Nissan's only crossover SUV in the United States until September 2007, when the Rogue went on sale. In Canada, the X-Trail had been on sale as Nissan's second car based SUV since 2004 as a model for 2005; it was replaced by the 2008 Rogue at the end of 2007. The Murano is sized between the Pathfinder and the now defunct Xterra (which was replaced by the Rogue as a compact SUV). A convertible variant, the Murano CrossCabriolet, was available for the second-generation model for the model years of 2011 to 2014.
The nameplate Murano derives from the Italian islands of Murano and the namesake Murano art glass for which the islands are widely known.
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Common 2021 Nissan Murano problems
The 2021 Nissan Murano, like many other vehicles, has its share of common problems that owners have reported. These issues are generally similar to those found in other midsize SUVs, leading to average repair costs as the Murano ages.
- Delayed Gear Changes: The most widespread complaint from 2021 Murano owners is delayed gear changes, which are reported to occur around 2,500 miles. These delays are often due to issues with the transmission control module. Dealerships can usually resolve this issue by installing software updates, which may be free or cost around $100.
- Cracked Windshields: Some 2021 Nissan Murano models have experienced cracked windshields, particularly those produced with weaker-than-average windshield glass. These cracks typically occur when the windshield is hit by stones. Replacing the windshield costs around $700, depending on local labor rates.
- Stereo System Issues: Some owners have reported stereo system issues within the first 1,000 miles of driving. These problems are usually due to software issues that can be fixed with updates. Dealerships will typically install these updates for free, while some may charge around $50.
- Failing Engine Mounts: This issue, which affects more than 180 owners, is characterized by a thumping sound coming from the floor of the vehicle. It is caused by excessive engine movement due to failed engine mounts. This problem typically arises around 96,000 miles and requires the replacement of the engine mounts.
- Damaged Seat Adjuster Assembly: Over 140 owners have reported issues with the seat adjuster assembly, which can cause noise, rocking movement, or prevent the seat from adjusting forward, backward, up, or down. This issue generally appears after 84,000 miles.
- Loose Air Intake Tube: Nearly 40 owners have reported that the air intake tube on the air cleaner box becomes loose, which can affect the vehicle's performance. This issue typically arises around 84,000 miles.
It's important to note that the 2021 Nissan Murano has no recalls, which indicates that none of the issues have been widespread or affected the safety of the vehicle.
What is the biggest problem with the Nissan Murano?
Top Nissan Murano Problems
- Failing Engine Mounts Will Cause Thumping in Floor. ...
- Damaged Seat Adjuster Assembly May Cause Noise/Rocking Movement. ...
- Air Intake Tube on Air Cleaner Box May Become Loose. ...
- Timing Chain Rattle and Tapping Noise. ...
- Faulty Fuel Damper May Cause Ticking Noise. ...
- Liftgate Rattles and Cannot Latch.
Does the 2021 Nissan Murano have transmission problems?
If you don't routinely change your fluids at least every 30,000 miles or so, you may find that your 2021 Nissan Murano transmission will slip.
What is wrong with my Nissan Murano?
Some common problems that the Nissan Murano suffers from include damaged seat adjuster assemblies, failing engine mounts, and brake issues.
Is Nissan Murano a reliable car?
The 2024 Nissan Murano has a predicted reliability score of 89 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
2021 Nissan Murano car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Nissan Murano problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Forward collision avoidance problems
- Exterior lighting problems
- Back over prevention problems
- Electrical system problems
- Unknown or other problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2021 Nissan Murano vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2021 Nissan Murano complaints
The NHTSA has received 9 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Nissan Murano.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-09-09
- VIN: 5N1AZ2CJ0MC
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
- Summary: The component of the vehicle is the passenger headlight. The vehicle is available for inspection at any time.I was unable to see at night clearly with the use of only one headlight because the other headlight went out. At the time that the headlight went out I was on a 2 Lane Rd. with no street lights and it became very dark and difficult to see.The defect has been confirmed at a Nissan dealership on September 23. The dealership found separation of the assembly, causing the condensation in the passenger side headlight causing it not to work. The vehicle has not been inspected by any other entity, besides the certified Nissan dealership. The system warning message appeared only when the headlight went out.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-04-06
- VIN: 5N1AZ2AJ7MC
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Nissan Murano. The contact stated while her mother was driving at 6 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floorboard. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to come to a complete stop, after which the vehicle lost power. As a result, the Forward Collision Avoidance warning light, and the Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking systems failed to activate, and the driver lightly tapped the vehicle in front. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 35,000.
BACK OVER PREVENTION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-07
- VIN: 5N1AZ2AJ5MC
- Components: BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: Back up system sensors alarms when nothing is behind vehicle and sometimes does not alarm when there is something behind me. I bought the car 5/31/2023 the problem started right away, I took my car to the dealership for repair on 6/7/2023 for the first time. They were unable to reproduce the issue, I have had my car at the dealership 6 times since, they have seen and videoed my car giving false warning lights and sounds like something is behind me even though nothing is behind me. They have replaced all 4 backup sensors and most recently the left blindside warning sensor and tail light, I still have the same issue. I have asked for a loaner car because I am worried I am going to back into something, they tell me this is not a safety issue and I am to drive the car even though there is a problem with the backup system. They have a specialist scheduled for 10/10/2023 to see if he can figure out what is wrong. Both the dealership and Nissan consumer affairs tell me the car is safe to drive with a malfunctioning camera system.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-02-23
- VIN: 5N1AZ2BJ6MC
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: The cruise will not maintain the set speed when going downhill. This does not have to be a steep hill. Any downward slope with cause the speed to increase until I hit the brake pedal. It has gotten up to 13 miles over before I hit the brake. I owned a 2018 Murano and it did not do this. I've also owned many other vehicles with cruise control and none have done this. I have taken this to Town Center Nissan more than once for this problem and they say that it they can't duplicate it and then the answer changed to it is normal when going downhill.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-11-22
- VIN: 5N1AZ2CSXMC
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: The problem we have with the Murano is the cruise control. We live in a mountainous area and the issue we have is the cruise control will not maintain our speed when going downhill. It wasn't until we had bought the car that we learned that because the vehicle is equipped with a CV transmission that the car cannot downshift to slow the car down in a dissent. The first time we hit a downward slope heading home from the dealer the car increased in speed twenty miles over the set speed. The only waring we got was the cruise control set speed display was flashing. Had we known that the Murano was not able to maintain a reasonable speed going downhill we never would have bought it. We raised our concerns about the cruise control issue to the dealer we purchased it from, and they told us that the manual states that the cruise control won't maintain a reasonable speed in a downhill. Never explaining why it doesn't. We finally got the answer from another Nissan dealer. He explained that a CV transmission cannot downshift to slow a vehcle down because it doesn't have gears. I have spoken to our people that own vehicles with a CV transmission and that their cars can hold a set speed by throttling down and apply brakes. We spoke to a Nissan representative and she had us take the car to another dealership for a diagnostic test, which we did, but never got a response from them. Again, let me state that we would have never bought a car that cannot maintain a reasonable speed going downhill had we known.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-07-03
- VIN: 5N1AZ2CJ8MC
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Car stalls and dashboard goes blank or backup warning lights or other warning lights randomly coming on. I don't feel safe. My car could stall and cause accidents. 2 dealership inspected and said they could not find anything wrong.
VISIBILITY PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-04-07
- VIN: 5N1AZ2BS9MC
- Components: VISIBILITY
- Summary: The contact rented a 2021 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that after entering the vehicle, the rear windshield suddenly shattered. The contact indicated that during the failure, no object had struck the windshield to cause it to shatter. The manufacturer was notified but vehicle was a rental and would not discuss the defect. Also, Pennsylvania State Attorney but manufacturer declined to engage about the damage to the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not determined. The approximate failure mileage was 11,000.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-02
- VIN: 5N1AZ2DJ4MC
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: A specific cruise control feature of the 2021 Nissan Murano, in my opinion, is dangerous to operate and may or may have already caused a serious injury/accident. I have brought this concern to the people at the Dealership in Tucson, AZ on several occasions. I have also contact the Nissan North America Consumer Affairs Office in Franklin, TN. Both of these parties have told me the cruise control system is working properly. So what is my concern? The last four cars that I have owned had cruise control systems. Two of the cars were Nissan Muranos. A 2010 Nissan Murano and a 2014 Nissan Murano Platinum. All four the cars' cruise control systems operated the same. Unfortunately, the 2021 Nissan Murano's cruise control does not operate the same as my last four cars, The 2021 Murano has one feature that is very dangerous and needs looking into. Example of the four previous cars: Let's say you set the cruise control at 40mph and decide to increase to 50mph by pressing and holding the RESUME/+ lever. All of the other cars that I owned would allow me to do this and when the speed odometer reached 50mph I would release the RESUME/+ lever and the cruise speed would be 50mph.The 2021 Nissan Murano Platinum does not do this. Example of 2021 Murano: Let's say I set the cruise control speed at 40mph by pressing and holding the RESUME/+ lever to increase to 50mph and I release it when my speed odometer reached 50mph. The 2021 Murano does not stop at 50mph it would go to approximately 80mph unless the driver steps on the brake. FYI, I did drive two other 2021 Nissan loaners neither of which were Muranos, Both of those cars' cruise control operated as my previous four cars' cruise control system. The car's manual and videos' documents that the cruise control should operate differently.
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-06-04
- VIN: 5N1AZ2DJ7MC
- Components: FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
- Summary: As I was driving up a parking garage ramp, about 1/2 way up the ramp, the vehicle slammed on the breaks like a front end collision was imminent. There were no cars in front of me, and I wasn't close to any required turns in the parking garage. If someone was driving too close, they would have rear-ended my vehicle. The vehicle simply had no reason to stop on its own.
Negative 2021 Nissan Murano car reviews
Positive 2021 Nissan Murano car reviews
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I love everything about them! The look, the ride, and the fuel efficiency are all fantastic. I can't think of anything that I dislike about them.
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The roomy and quiet interior of this vehicle is truly awesome! Not only that, but it also offers great mileage, excellent value, and top-notch safety features all around.
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I love driving this car.
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Our second Murano is just as great as the first one we had for 10 years. The engine is exceptional and never consumed oil. Although we had to replace it after an unfortunate accident with a deer, we confidently purchased another Murano. It is important to note that the towing capacity has decreased to 1500 lbs, compared to our previous 2010 model which had a capacity of 3500 lbs.
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On my retirement day in 2015, I traded in a 2013 Honda Accord Coupe that I wasn't happy with. Most of my past cars have been either sporty or performance, so everyone questioned why I bought an SUV. However, I figured that in retirement, the word 'travel' comes to mind, and with a wife and dog, an SUV seemed logical. I'm happy to report that in 7 years and 80+K miles, not a single problem has occurred. Fast forward to 2020, and we now have the Murano (wife) and I have an Infiniti Q60 Red Sport (in Red) with every option. Unfortunately, the Q60 needed a new wiring harness, new battery, and safety equipment failing in the rain with little help from the dealership. It was time for the little Red Rocket to go away. So, I wanted something with a good track record, and I decided to dump the Infiniti and buy another Murano. I gave the dealership two color schemes, and they happened to get the identical one as the 2015, so we have twins! Both are wonderful. The comfort of the 2020 seems to have been improved, the 20” wheels are smooth and quiet, and you gotta love the panoramic moonroof.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2021 Nissan Murano problems:
2021 Nissan Murano Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
Dec 26, 2023 ... Reliability 8/10 – There are no widespread complaints on the 2021 Murano. Stay away from models from 2015 since they have transmission issues, ...
2021 Nissan Murano Reliability - Consumer Reports
Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.
Nissan Murano Problems and Complaints - 11 Issues
Top Nissan Murano Problems ; Failing Engine Mounts Will Cause Thumping in Floor. 185 people have reported this. 90 ; Damaged Seat Adjuster Assembly May Cause ...
2019 Murano Should I expect CVT Problems | Nissan Murano Forum
Jan 13, 2023 ... I purchased a new Murano in 2021 and I am ... Most of the problems with the Nissan CVT were ... (common issue with this car). Cvt fluid was ...
Other years of Nissan Murano
Are you having problems with your 2021 Nissan Murano?
Wilfredo Hermiston 2024-10-01
Update: Nissan quality seems to be slipping. Unfortunately, this Murano has visited the shop more often than the other two. I have noticed more road noise and the fit and finish is not up to par. Although I have always loved the seats and the engine, I am sadly parting ways with this Murano. This is my third Murano, fifth Nissan, and unfortunately, my last Nissan.
Alexandro Watsica 2024-08-11
The car has a lot of power, but there are some design issues that could be improved. The steering controls have too much going on and lack common sense. It can be distracting to have all the options on the front of the wheel, and it could potentially lead to an accident. Additionally, the font size is too small, and the buttons are difficult to press. It would be better if the volume and tuner were located on the back of the wheel. The 365 camera system is a great idea, but the viewing area is too limited, especially when backing out or pulling in. It would be helpful to have a dash or backup camera black box, or even the option to plug in a thumb drive and record events. A lockable or concealed storage drawer for cash, wallet, and keys would also be a useful addition. The SUV has limited storage, and most of it is in the main center storage compartment, which can be inconvenient. The only issue I have experienced so far is with the USB. Overall, there are some areas for improvement, but the car has a lot of potential.
Reagan Shields 2024-06-05
I recently purchased a 2020 Murano, but unfortunately, I found the middle console to be too big and restrictive for my knee movement. Although I did not notice this during the test drive, it became apparent during a longer drive of 30 minutes. Additionally, I experienced difficulty keeping the vehicle straight as it was wobbling all over the road. Despite this, the vehicle's exterior appearance was sharp and it had some great safety features. The front seat was comfortable for my hiney, but unfortunately, due to the pain in my knee, I could not continue to drive it. I believe that if the console was smaller, I would have had more movement for my knee. In the future, I plan to rent or do an overnight test drive before making a purchase.