The Nissan Murano is a comfortable mid-size crossover, but complaint and recall patterns are not flat across model years. This guide ranks Murano years through the 2026 model year using NHTSA complaints and recalls, CarComplaints data, and our years to avoid methodology.
Related: Nissan Rogue years to avoid, Honda Passport years to avoid, Toyota Venza years to avoid.
At a glance
- Worst years
- 2003–2007
- 2009
- 2014–2017
- Best years
- 2013
- 2021–2024
- Top failure
- 2015 third-generation launch — 204 NHTSA complaints and six recalls (federal peak in our 2014–2026 pull)
- Always do before buying
- Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall checker; on 2015–2017 cars, confirm passenger airbag inflator and brake-fluid campaigns are closed
Recalls by year
Gray bands mark years the model was not produced.
How we rated the best and worst Nissan Murano years
We weight NHTSA complaint volume and recall severity first, then CarComplaints problem categories and owner-survey direction where covered. When federal data clusters on the same launch years — 2015, 2016, and 2017 — we treat those as clear avoid or caution years.
Later years through 2024 sit in single- or low-double-digit complaint counts.
| Nissan Murano generation | Best Murano years | Worst Murano years |
|---|---|---|
| 1st generation (2003–2007) | No standout year | 2003–2007 |
| 2nd generation (2009–2014) | 2013 | 2009, 2014 |
| 3rd generation (2015–2024) | 2021–2024 | 2015–2017 |
| 4th generation (2025–2026) | Too new to judge | Too new to judge |
Every Nissan Murano model year ranked
This table covers every US model year from 2003 to 2026, using our October 2026 NHTSA pull. Counts are complaints and recall campaigns on file for that model year; 2025 and newer are too new to judge.
| Model year | Generation | Verdict | Notes (NHTSA unless noted) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | 1st generation | Avoid | 800 complaints, 6 recalls (engine and engine cooling, power train) |
| 2004 | 1st generation | Avoid | 678 complaints, 4 recalls (electrical system, seat belts) |
| 2005 | 1st generation | Avoid | 987 complaints, 6 recalls (fuel system, electrical system) |
| 2006 | 1st generation | Avoid | 803 complaints, 4 recalls (seat belts, steering) |
| 2007 | 1st generation | Avoid | 676 complaints, 2 recalls (air bags, engine and engine cooling) |
| 2009 | 2nd generation | Avoid | 635 complaints, 4 recalls (air bags, tires) |
| 2010 | 2nd generation | Caution | 193 complaints, 0 recalls |
| 2011 | 2nd generation | Caution | 148 complaints, 0 recalls |
| 2012 | 2nd generation | OK | 135 complaints, 1 recall (tires) |
| 2013 | 2nd generation | Best | 74 complaints, 1 recall (steering) |
| 2014 | 2nd generation | Avoid | 145 complaints, 1 recall (steering) |
| 2015 | 3rd generation | Avoid | 204 complaints, 6 recalls (service brakes, air bags) |
| 2016 | 3rd generation | Avoid | 109 complaints, 6 recalls (service brakes, air bags) |
| 2017 | 3rd generation | Avoid | 107 complaints, 3 recalls (service brakes) |
| 2018 | 3rd generation | Caution | 114 complaints, 2 recalls (back over prevention, service brakes) |
| 2019 | 3rd generation | OK | 44 complaints, 1 recall (back over prevention) |
| 2020 | 3rd generation | OK | 45 complaints, 2 recalls (steering) |
| 2021 | 3rd generation | Best | 17 complaints, 0 recalls |
| 2022 | 3rd generation | Best | 6 complaints, 0 recalls |
| 2023 | 3rd generation | Best | 8 complaints, 0 recalls |
| 2024 | 3rd generation | Best | 5 complaints, 1 recall (visibility) |
| 2025 | 4th generation | Too new to judge | 25 complaints, 2 recalls (service brakes, back over prevention) — early ownership data only |
| 2026 | 4th generation | Too new to judge | 4 complaints, 0 recalls — early ownership data only |
Most common Nissan Murano problems
These themes recur across Murano generations in NHTSA complaints and CarComplaints owner reports.
1. Third-generation launch complaints (2015–2017)
2016 and 2017 remain elevated at 108 and 107 complaints with overlapping inflator and brake-fluid recalls. Transmission shudder, CVT behavior, and electrical gremlins dominate owner narratives for these years.
2. Passenger airbag inflator recalls (2015–2018)
Multiple Murano model years share Takata-related and successor inflator campaigns (18V601000, 19V807000 appear across 2015–2018 in NHTSA recall lists). Airbag recall completion is non-negotiable — run the VIN before any purchase.
3. CVT transmission behavior (2009–2017)
Nissan CVT complaints are a long-running Murano theme on CarComplaints. Federal counts drop sharply after 2017, but any Murano with a CVT deserves a extended test drive and fluid-history questions.
4. Engine mount and vibration (2003–2015)
Older Muranos show engine-mount wear in owner forums and NHTSA filings. Clunks at takeoff and cabin vibration at idle are common symptoms — budget inspection and possible mount replacement on high-mileage first- and second-gen cars.
5. Automatic emergency braking false activation (2019–2020)
2020 shows 45 NHTSA complaints — higher than surrounding years — with owner reports of unexpected braking on highway cruise. Test ProPILOT Assist and forward-braking behavior on your route.
6. Infotainment and camera glitches (2020–2025)
Later Muranos add more software-dependent safety features. 2025 already shows 25 complaints and two recalls (25V173000, 25V821000) with thin long-term data — treat as too new to judge, not proven unreliable.
Which Nissan Murano years should you avoid
Clear avoid list: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017. Add 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2009 on older generations from owner-database severity. Treat 2014 (145 complaints) and 2020 (45 complaints) as caution years unless recalls and a pre-purchase inspection check out.
Third-generation launch (2015–2017)
2015 is the worst Murano year in our NHTSA pull (204 complaints, 6 recalls). 2016 and 2017 share several campaigns and remain above 107 complaints each (2017 NHTSA complaints). If you want a third-gen Murano, skip these three and target 2021–2024 instead.
First-generation early years (2003–2007)
Early Muranos accumulate transmission, mount, and electrical complaints in CarComplaints categories. They are inexpensive now but often expensive to keep on the road.
What are the best Nissan Murano years to buy
Top recent picks: 2022 (6 NHTSA complaints), 2024 (5 complaints), and 2023 (8 complaints). 2021 (17 complaints, zero recalls on file) is another strong third-gen choice.
Proven older pick: 2013 second-generation Murano remains a common recommendation in owner databases when you need a lower purchase price.
2022–2024 Nissan Murano
These three years combine the lowest federal complaint counts in the 2014–2026 window while keeping modern safety tech. Confirm any open recall, but none of these years carries the stacked launch-recall load of 2015–2016.
2025–2026 Nissan Murano
2025 is on sale with 25 complaints and two recalls — normal early noise, not a mature reliability verdict. Both are too new to judge for multi-year dependability.
Nissan Murano pre-purchase checklist
Before you buy any used Nissan Murano:
- Run the VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup.
- On 2015–2018 models, confirm passenger airbag inflator recalls (18V601000, 19V807000, and related campaigns) are closed.
- Test the CVT through slow traffic, highway merge, and reverse — listen for shudder or whine.
- On 2019+ cars with driver assists, test automatic braking and lane support for false alerts.
- On 2020+ models, verify backup camera, navigation, and wireless phone features work after a cold start.
Better alternatives to consider
- Toyota Venza — similar comfort focus; different weak years
- Honda Passport — more truck-like; verify year against our guide
- Subaru Outback — standard AWD wagon alternative
- Hyundai Santa Fe — often cheaper; check model year
Is the Nissan Murano worth buying?
Yes — if you avoid the 2015–2017 launch cluster and the worst first-gen years. 2022–2024 Muranos show the clearest NHTSA-backed value in the current generation. Do not assume every Murano year is equally dependable: 2015 is a obvious federal outlier, and 2026 is too new to judge.