Is a used Nissan Murano reliable?

[Diego]

Yes, a well-maintained used Nissan Murano can be reliable, but its dependability is highly dependent on the model year and transmission care. Models from 2018 onward are widely considered the safer bet. The primary risk lies with the Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) in older models, which has a history of problems. With proper maintenance, a Murano can typically last 180,000 to 200,000 miles.

The key to evaluating a used Murano is understanding its split reputation. Models from the 2003-2015 periods, particularly those around 2005-2009, are notorious for CVT failures. This can lead to costly repairs upwards of $3,500. In contrast, Nissan made significant improvements to the CVT in later years. Industry reliability ratings and consumer complaint databases show a marked drop in transmission-related issues for the 2018 and newer model years, making them more recommended.

Beyond the transmission, other known issues are manageable. Front wheel hub bearings may wear out prematurely, often around 60,000-70,000 miles, with replacement costs between $300-$500 per side. Some owners report minor electrical gremlins, like window switch failures, and suspension components (like struts and bushings) may need attention as mileage climbs beyond 100,000 miles.

Regarding ownership costs, the Murano fares reasonably well. It holds an average reliability rating of 3.5 out of 5.0, and the average annual repair cost is approximately $507, which is lower than many midsize SUV competitors. This suggests that while some issues are known, they are not constant or overwhelmingly expensive on average.

Reliability Factor	Details & Data
Core Risk (Older Models)	CVT transmission failure in 2003-2015 models, especially 2005-2009. Repair can exceed $3,500.
Recommended Model Years	2018 and newer for improved CVT reliability and fewer overall complaints.
Average Annual Repair Cost	~$507 (lower than segment average).
Typical Lifespan	180,000 - 200,000 miles with consistent, proper maintenance.
Other Common Issues	Premature front hub bearing wear (~60k-70k miles), suspension wear, minor electrical faults.

Your inspection should be unforgiving. A comprehensive pre-purchase inspection by a trusted mechanic is non-negotiable. They must check the CVT fluid’s condition and color and scan for any stored transmission codes. A complete service history is a major asset, with records of regular CVT fluid changes every 60,000 miles being a critical positive sign. For the best balance of value and reliability, focusing your search on 2018+ models is the most prudent strategy.

[McMia]

As a mechanic who sees these come into the shop, here’s my straight talk. The newer ones, 2018 and up, are decent cars. The older ones, you’re basically gambling on the transmission. That CVT is the whole story. I’ve replaced too many in the 2005 to 2010 Muranos.

If a customer brings one in thinking about buying it, I put it on the lift, check the CVT fluid like it’s a crime scene. Burnt smell? Gritty? It’s a red flag. I also shake the front wheels hard to check those hub bearings—they go bad early. My advice is always to spend a bit more for a 2018 or later. It saves a huge headache down the road.

[DiCalvin]

I’ve owned my 2019 Murano for three years now, bought it with 30,000 miles. I was really nervous because of all the stories, but I did my homework. I specifically looked for a post-2018 model because the forums and reliability surveys showed a clear turning point that year.

My experience has been smooth. It’s comfortable, the V6 has great power, and I’ve had zero issues with the transmission. The key for me was finding a one-owner car with full dealership service records. I saw the CVT fluid was changed right on schedule. I just follow the maintenance manual to the letter, especially for that transmission fluid. So far, so good. It feels like a solid, reliable family car for me.

[HopeRose]

Shopping for a used SUV, the Murano’s value caught my eye. After researching, I see it’s a “year-dependent” buy. The rule is simple: avoid 2003-2015, especially 2005-2009. The transmission risk is too high and too expensive.

Target 2018 or newer. The reliability is significantly better. Your mission is to verify maintenance. No service history? Walk away. A clean CarFax isn’t enough; you need receipts showing oil and, crucially, CVT fluid changes.

Budget for a pre-purchase inspection focusing on the transmission test drive and a scan for codes. It’s a $150 insurance policy against a $3,500 repair. This approach turns a risky model into a smart value purchase.

[Marley]

Let’s break down the reliability question from a technical and market perspective. The Murano’s Achilles’ heel is its Jatco CVT transmission in earlier generations. These units were prone to overheating and failure, leading to a class-action lawsuit that extended warranties. This is a documented engineering flaw, not just anecdotal.

Market data reflects this. Depreciation is steeper for pre-2015 models, signaling buyer caution. Residual values stabilize for post-2018 vehicles, indicating improved market confidence. The reported average annual repair cost of around $507 is a composite figure; it’s pulled down by newer models with minimal issues and inflated by older ones with major repairs.

Therefore, “reliability” isn’t uniform across all used Muranos. It’s a spectrum. A 2008 model is a high-risk asset with a known defect profile. A 2020 model is a modern vehicle with failure rates comparable to its peers. The intelligent buyer uses model year as the primary filter, separating the problematic design era from the refined one. Always corroborate with a vehicle-specific history and a mechanical inspection.