What goes wrong, what it costs, and what to check before you buy a used Nissan Murano.
The Nissan Murano occupies a niche position on the UK market.
We track 5 known issues across the Nissan Murano range, with 4 classified as significant. Knowing which variants and configurations to approach with caution can save you from expensive surprises after purchase.
Found a Nissan Murano? Enter the reg to see which of our 5 known issues apply to that exact car, plus full MOT history and mileage checks.
Z50 (2004–2008) — Engine options included the 3.5L V6. We track 5 known issues on this generation, with 4 classified as significant. The most significant concern is Front suspension ball joint excessive wear (£400–£600 to address).
Z51 (2009–2020) — Engine options included the 3.5L V6. We track 5 known issues on this generation, with 4 classified as significant. The most significant concern is Front suspension ball joint excessive wear (£400–£600 to address).
The front suspension ball joints on the Murano show abnormally rapid wear, particularly the lower ball joints. MOT data shows this model fails at 12.6 times the fleet average rate for ball joint wear between 40,000-60,000 miles. The joints develop excessive free play that affects steering precision and can lead to complete separation if left unchecked. This appears to be a design weakness affecting both generations, with the rubber boots often splitting early and allowing contamination.
Worn ball joints compromise steering precision and vehicle stability. In extreme cases, complete ball joint failure can cause loss of steering control and wheel separation. The joint typically requires replacement along with the entire lower control arm assembly, increasing repair costs significantly.
During the test drive, check the steering for excessive play, vibration or pulling to one side. Listen for groaning or whining when turning the wheel at low speed. Power steering fluid level and condition should be checked on hydraulic systems.
Multiple suspension bushes and joints throughout the system show accelerated wear on the Murano. MOT data shows failure rates 12.5 times the fleet average, affecting both front and rear suspension components. The rubber bushes in the control arms, anti-roll bar links, and subframe mounts deteriorate prematurely, leading to noise, vibration, and reduced handling precision. This appears to be a systemic issue with the suspension design rather than isolated component failures.
Worn suspension bushes reduce ride comfort, handling precision, and steering response. Multiple bush failures can affect vehicle stability and increase tyre wear. While not immediately dangerous, the cumulative effect significantly degrades the driving experience and can lead to premature wear of other suspension components.
Listen for knocking, clunking or rattling over bumps during the test drive. Inspect the underside for corroded or cracked suspension components. Check the MOT history for suspension-related advisories, which often predict future failures.
The hydraulic power steering system develops leaks and malfunctions at a rate 10.9 times higher than the fleet average, particularly on higher mileage examples. Common failure points include the power steering pump seals, high-pressure hoses, and steering rack seals. The system uses a belt-driven hydraulic pump that is prone to internal seal failure, leading to fluid loss and eventual pump failure.
Power steering failure makes the vehicle difficult to maneuver, particularly at low speeds and during parking. Complete fluid loss can lead to pump seizure, requiring expensive replacement. Loss of power assistance significantly increases driver fatigue and can compromise safety in emergency situations.
During the test drive, check the steering for excessive play, vibration or pulling to one side. Listen for groaning or whining when turning the wheel at low speed. Power steering fluid level and condition should be checked on hydraulic systems.
The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) in the Murano has documented reliability problems including juddering, slipping, complete failure, and erratic shifting behavior. NHTSA data shows 91 specific CVT-related complaints from US owners, with many reporting sudden loss of acceleration or transmission failure requiring complete replacement. The CVT uses a belt and pulley system that is sensitive to fluid condition and operating temperature.
CVT failure can result in complete loss of drive, leaving the vehicle immobile. Replacement CVT units typically cost £3,000-£5,000 fitted, often exceeding the vehicle's value on higher mileage examples. Early symptoms like juddering or slipping indicate internal wear that will progressively worsen.
Test the automatic gearbox extensively in slow traffic, car parks and on hill starts. Feel for any juddering, hesitation or clunking during gear changes. Try repeated low-speed manoeuvres as this is where problems are most apparent.
The constant velocity joint rubber boots deteriorate at 3.5 times the fleet average rate, particularly affecting the outer CV joints. When the boot splits, grease escapes and contaminants enter the joint, leading to accelerated wear and eventual joint failure. This is a common issue on the Murano that requires prompt attention to prevent more expensive driveshaft replacement.
Split CV boots allow grease to escape and contamination to enter the joint, leading to premature wear. If left unrepaired, the CV joint will fail requiring driveshaft replacement at significantly higher cost. The vehicle remains safe to drive with split boots but deterioration accelerates rapidly.
Listen for clunking or vibration from underneath when pulling away or changing direction. Check for play in the driveshafts by rocking the car in gear with the handbrake on. Worn CV boots are a telltale sign — look for grease splatter around the inner wheel arch.
For the full breakdown of all 5 tracked issues with repair costs, see the Nissan Murano common problems page.
Based on 7k real DVSA MOT tests, the Nissan Murano fails more often than average on several items. The biggest outlier is track rod ends worn at 13x the fleet average, followed by anti-roll bar links worn (13x).
When viewing a specific car, check its MOT history for recurring advisories in these categories. See the full Nissan Murano MOT failure breakdown for data at every mileage point.
Routine servicing (oil and filter change every 8k miles) typically costs £80–£120 at an independent garage.
The bigger-ticket items to budget for include cvt transmission fluid (£200–£300).
See the full Nissan Murano service schedule for every interval and cost breakdown.
The Nissan Murano is a solid choice on the used market, though not without its quirks. The issues we track are well-understood and largely avoidable if you know what to look for. A thorough inspection and complete service history go a long way.
Before committing, check the car's full MOT history, verify the service record is complete, and if possible arrange a specialist inspection. Enter any registration into our free report to see the complete picture.
Get Car Wise maintains a database of known mechanical issues for every popular car on UK roads, tracking the faults that owners, specialists and DVSA data reveal.
When you run a report on a specific Nissan Murano, we cross-reference the exact variant, engine and age against our database of 5 known issues. Combined with full MOT history analysis, mileage verification and DVLA data, you get a complete picture before viewing.
Enter the registration for MOT history, mileage verification, known faults for that exact variant, and a Get Car Wise Score.
This guide was compiled from independent expert reviews, DVSA MOT data, specialist workshops and our own database of 5 known Nissan Murano issues. We are not affiliated with any source listed.