Nissan Murano Known Issues New Zealand: What Owners and Buyers Should Know

The Nissan Murano has always been a slightly unusual SUV. It mixes a large, comfortable cabin with a powerful V6 engine, smooth road manners, and styling that has never been shy about standing out. On the New Zealand used-car market, it can also look like surprisingly good value compared with similarly sized SUVs.

But there is a catch.

When we start researching Nissan Murano known issues in New Zealand, one component dominates the conversation: the continuously variable transmission, or CVT. That does not mean every Murano is destined for transmission failure. Far from it. Yet it does mean that maintenance history matters enormously when we are shopping for one.

Older Muranos can also suffer from AWD transfer-case leaks, suspension wear, electrical glitches, oil leaks, wheel-bearing noise, ageing interior electronics, and the normal collection of problems that come with buying a 10-, 15-, or even 20-year-old SUV.

So, is a used Nissan Murano a bargain hiding in plain sight, or a potentially expensive headache?

The answer depends heavily on which Murano we buy and how well its previous owners cared for it.

Are Nissan Muranos Reliable in New Zealand?

Overall, we would describe the Nissan Murano as a vehicle with a generally durable engine wrapped around a drivetrain that deserves careful inspection.

The familiar 3.5-litre V6 used in many Muranos has developed a reputation for being capable of substantial mileage when maintained correctly. The bigger question mark is usually the CVT.

Reports from technicians and owners across several generations frequently identify CVT shuddering, slipping, overheating, delayed acceleration, and eventual transmission failure among the Murano's better-known weaknesses.

That distinction matters.

A Murano with 150,000 km, documented servicing, clean fluids, and a healthy CVT could be a considerably safer purchase than another example showing only 90,000 km but virtually no maintenance records.

Mileage tells us part of the story. Maintenance tells us the rest.

Why New Zealand Buyers Need to Be Particularly Careful

The Murano occupies an interesting corner of the New Zealand market because buyers may encounter both New Zealand-new vehicles and imported examples.

That matters when checking recalls and service campaigns.

Nissan New Zealand provides a VIN-based recall and service campaign checker, but Nissan specifically notes that its main checker covers vehicles supplied through authorised networks and may not include grey imports. Takata-related checks are also handled separately.

Therefore, anyone considering an imported Murano should not assume that an ordinary online VIN lookup tells the entire story.

We should verify the vehicle's history, recall status, servicing, and country of origin independently.

1. Nissan Murano CVT Transmission Problems

Let's tackle the elephant in the garage first.

The Murano's CVT is arguably its most important inspection point.

Unlike a conventional automatic transmission with a sequence of fixed gears, a CVT continuously changes its operating ratio. When everything works correctly, acceleration feels smooth and almost seamless.

Unfortunately, ageing or poorly maintained CVTs can develop troublesome symptoms.

Common Murano CVT Symptoms

Things we should watch for include:

• Shuddering when accelerating
• Hesitation when pulling away
• Engine revs increasing without matching acceleration
• Delayed engagement when selecting Drive or Reverse
• Whining or humming noises
• Surging at steady speeds
• Reduced power after long drives
• Transmission warning lights
• A burnt smell from transmission fluid
• Complete loss of drive in severe cases

Independent repair discussions and technical reports have repeatedly highlighted slipping, shuddering, overheating, and belt or pulley wear as potential Murano CVT concerns.

Why CVT Maintenance Matters So Much

CVT fluid is not immortal.

Heat, contamination, age, and mechanical wear gradually degrade it. Once lubrication and hydraulic performance deteriorate, internal components can suffer accelerated wear.

That's why we should be suspicious of phrases like:

"Transmission fluid has never been changed because it's sealed for life."

On an ageing used SUV, service history is gold.

A seller who can demonstrate appropriate CVT maintenance gives us considerably more confidence than someone who simply says, "Never had a problem."

The Test-Drive Trick

Don't test-drive a Murano for three minutes around the block.

A marginal CVT may behave normally when cold.

Instead, get the vehicle fully warmed up. Drive through urban traffic, moderate hills, open-road speeds, and repeated acceleration where safe.

Watch how the transmission behaves once everything is hot.

That is when hidden problems sometimes step out from behind the curtain.

2. CVT Overheating and Loss of Performance

Another Murano issue closely related to transmission condition is heat.

Some CVT complaints involve the transmission performing normally initially but becoming sluggish after sustained driving.

Heat is the enemy of transmission fluid. Think of it like cooking oil: once repeatedly overheated, it no longer performs exactly as it did when fresh.

A Murano that frequently tows, climbs steep roads, carries heavy loads, or spends long periods under demanding conditions can put more thermal stress on its drivetrain.

If acceleration suddenly feels weak after an extended drive, we would want the CVT professionally investigated rather than dismissing the behaviour as normal.

3. AWD Transfer Case Leaks

On AWD Muranos, another area worth inspecting is the transfer case.

Owner and repair reports on earlier Muranos have documented leaks around transfer-case seals and related drivetrain components.

A small leak can look innocent when viewed from above. Underneath the vehicle, however, things may tell a different story.

Signs of a Transfer Case Problem

Look for:

• Gear oil underneath the SUV
• Dampness around the transfer case
• Burning-oil smells
• Drivetrain vibration
• Whining or grinding
• AWD warning lights
• Clunks during acceleration or deceleration

Ignoring lubricant loss is risky because the transfer case contains components that rely on a relatively small quantity of oil.

Losing enough fluid can turn a modest seal repair into a much larger mechanical bill.

4. Engine Oil Leaks

The V6 itself is usually not the first thing that scares us away from a Murano, but older engines can develop leaks.

Common ageing points on V6-powered vehicles may include gasketed joints, seals, oil-cooler areas, or surrounding components.

We should inspect both above and below the engine.

A spotless engine bay is not automatically reassuring either. Sometimes an engine has simply been cleaned before sale.

Look deeper.

Check around seals, underneath covers, along the bottom of the engine, and around the driveway where the vehicle usually sits.

When Is an Oil Leak Serious?

A light "sweat" from an old engine is not necessarily catastrophic.

Fresh oil running down the block is different.

If oil levels are dropping noticeably between services, we should identify the source before purchasing.

What looks like a $100 bargaining chip can quickly become a four-figure repair if accessing the failed seal requires substantial labour.

5. Timing Chain Noise

Many Murano V6 engines use timing chains rather than conventional replacement-interval timing belts.

Nissan Murano VDC Off Light Stays On: Causes, Diagnosis, and Fixes

That sounds fantastic—and generally it is.

But a chain system is not magically maintenance-free.

Oil quality is critical because chains, tensioners, and guides depend heavily on proper lubrication.

Some repair references have identified timing-chain wear or cold-start rattling among potential issues on higher-mileage Murano V6 engines.

What Should We Listen For?

Start the car completely cold.

A persistent metallic rattle from the timing area deserves investigation.

A brief noise lasting a fraction of a second can have several explanations, but pronounced or continuing chain noise should never be ignored.

That is one reason we prefer inspecting used vehicles before the seller has warmed them up.

A preheated engine can hide more secrets than a poker player.

6. Engine Mount Wear

A large V6 engine creates vibration, and engine mounts exist partly to isolate that movement from the cabin.

As mounts deteriorate, we may notice:

• Excessive vibration while idling
• A thump when shifting into Drive
• Clunking when accelerating
• Movement under sudden throttle changes

Engine mounts are not uniquely bad on the Murano, but they become increasingly relevant as examples age.

New Zealand still has plenty of vehicles from the Murano's earlier generations on the used market, so rubber deterioration itself becomes part of the buying equation.

7. Wheel Bearing Noise

Wheel bearings are another wear item worth listening for.

A failing bearing typically produces a humming, droning, or growling noise that increases with road speed.

One useful clue is whether the sound changes while gently turning left or right.

Don't Confuse Tyre Noise With Bearing Noise

SUV tyres can generate surprisingly loud road noise, especially when unevenly worn.

Before condemning a bearing, inspect:

• Tyre tread pattern
• Uneven wear
• Wheel alignment
• Tyre pressure
• Front and rear bearings

A workshop can usually pinpoint the culprit more reliably.

Ignoring a noisy bearing is false economy. The noise rarely fixes itself.

8. Suspension Bush and Control Arm Wear

Muranos are relatively heavy vehicles, and suspension components eventually wear.

Rubber control-arm bushes, ball joints, stabiliser links, strut mounts, and shock absorbers all have finite lives.

On a test drive, listen carefully over speed humps and rough surfaces.

Common Suspension Warning Signs

We may experience:

• Knocking over bumps
• Wandering steering
• Uneven tyre wear
• Vibration through the steering wheel
• Poor wheel alignment
• Excessive body movement
• Clunks during braking

A single worn bush may not be frighteningly expensive.

Several worn suspension components at once are another story.

That's why a pre-purchase inspection becomes so valuable on older Muranos.

9. Steering Problems and Front-End Clunks

A Murano should feel fairly composed and predictable from behind the wheel.

If the steering feels vague or we hear clunks when changing direction, parking, braking, or driving across uneven roads, investigate further.

Potential causes can include suspension bushes, ball joints, tie-rod ends, top mounts, steering components, or wheel bearings.

Never assume a front-end knock is "just an old-car noise."

Cars do not develop random knocking sounds because they have reached middle age.

Something is moving.

The challenge is determining what.

10. Power Steering Leaks on Older Models

Depending on generation and specification, older Muranos may use hydraulic power steering.

Hoses, seals, and pumps can deteriorate with age.

Check for fluid around:

• Power-steering hoses
• Pump connections
• Steering rack
• Reservoir
• Underneath the front of the vehicle

A whining steering pump can also indicate low fluid or a struggling component.

Small leaks should still be addressed before they become larger ones.

11. Electrical and Battery-Related Issues

Modern vehicles can behave dramatically when battery voltage gets low.

The Murano is no exception.

A weak battery can cause strange warning lights, slow starting, intermittent electronics, or modules behaving unpredictably.

Before assuming the vehicle has a serious computer problem, checking the battery and charging system is sensible.

What We Should Test

A basic inspection should include:

• Battery age
• Resting voltage
• Alternator charging voltage
• Battery terminals
• Earth connections
• Starting speed

If the Murano struggles to crank after sitting overnight, don't allow the seller to wave it away as something "these cars all do."

They don't.

12. Alternator Failure

Alternators are another component that can deteriorate as mileage rises.

Symptoms may include:

• Battery warning light
• Dim headlights
• Electrical systems switching off
• Difficulty starting
• Battery repeatedly going flat

Replacing a battery without testing the alternator is like filling a bucket without checking whether there's a hole in the bottom.

The vehicle may run normally for a while and then leave us stranded again.

13. Door Locks, Windows, and Convenience Electronics

Electrical convenience systems can become temperamental on an older premium-ish SUV.

Before buying, test every button.

Yes—every button.

That includes:

• Power windows
• Central locking
• Keyless entry
• Mirrors
• Heated seats where fitted
• Seat adjustment
• Tailgate operation
• Interior lights
• Steering-wheel controls
• Audio controls

One failed switch might be trivial.

Five unrelated failures suggest the car has been neglected or that electrical diagnosis could become part of our ownership experience.

Nissan Murano Not Starting: Causes, Diagnosis, and Fixes

14. Infotainment and Navigation Ageing

One of the Murano's strengths when new was its generous equipment.

Time is less kind to technology than it is to engines.

Older navigation systems can feel ancient compared with modern smartphones, while screens, buttons, cameras, amplifiers, and audio units can develop faults.

This is particularly worth thinking about when buying imported vehicles because navigation software, radio frequencies, or original market-specific features may not integrate perfectly with what we expect in New Zealand.

Sometimes the best solution is simply fitting a modern aftermarket head unit.

15. Air-Conditioning Problems

Air conditioning should blow properly cold.

Not "sort of cool."

Not "cold when driving quickly."

Cold.

Weak cooling can be caused by something as basic as low refrigerant, but leaks, compressor problems, sensors, condensers, fans, or control-system faults can also be responsible.

How to Test the A/C

Turn the system on while the engine is idling.

Set the temperature low and fan speed high.

Check:

• Cooling speed
• Temperature from different vents
• Compressor noises
• Fan operation
• Climate-control buttons
• Temperature adjustment

Air-conditioning repairs can become surprisingly expensive, so don't postpone checking it until the first hot summer afternoon.

16. Catalytic Converter and Exhaust Concerns

An ageing Murano may eventually develop exhaust-system problems.

Potential warning signs include:

• Check-engine light
• Reduced performance
• Exhaust rattles
• Sulphur-like smells
• Emissions-related diagnostic codes
• Increasing fuel consumption

A catalytic converter is considerably more expensive than an oxygen sensor, so proper diagnosis matters.

Replacing parts based purely on a dashboard code is rarely a smart strategy.

17. Check-Engine Lights and Sensors

A glowing engine light doesn't tell us precisely what has failed.

It simply tells us the engine-management system has detected something outside its expected parameters.

Potential causes range from relatively inexpensive sensor faults to emissions problems or deeper mechanical issues.

Before buying a Murano displaying an engine light, scan it with a proper diagnostic tool.

Don't Accept the Classic Seller Explanation

"It's probably just a sensor."

Maybe.

But if the seller truly knows it's only a cheap sensor, why haven't they replaced it?

Diagnostic uncertainty should reduce the price—or stop the purchase entirely.

18. Brake Wear

The Murano is a sizeable SUV, so brakes work hard.

Check rotor condition, pad thickness, pedal feel, and braking stability.

Vibration when braking can indicate warped or unevenly worn rotors, while scraping or grinding should be addressed immediately.

If the steering wheel shakes under braking from motorway speeds, budget for diagnosis rather than assuming wheel balancing is responsible.

19. Uneven Tyre Wear

Tyres tell stories.

We just need to read them.

Uneven wear can point toward:

• Poor alignment
• Worn suspension bushes
• Incorrect pressures
• Damaged suspension components
• Neglected rotations

A Murano wearing four matching quality tyres inspires more confidence than one sitting on four unrelated bargain tyres with wildly different tread depths.

On AWD vehicles, keeping tyre dimensions and rolling circumferences reasonably consistent is particularly sensible.

20. Interior Wear and Seat Damage

Muranos tend to have comfortable cabins, but seat trim and interior surfaces can reveal how hard the vehicle has lived.

A driver's seat showing extreme wear on a supposedly low-kilometre Murano should make us curious.

Check whether interior condition matches the odometer reading.

We are not saying wear automatically means odometer tampering.

We are saying everything should tell roughly the same story.

Which Nissan Murano Years Have the Most Problems?

There is no single rule covering every Murano because condition varies dramatically between individual cars.

However, earlier Muranos deserve especially careful CVT and AWD-system inspection because transmission and transfer-case concerns appear repeatedly in long-running owner and repair discussions.

Later generations improved in numerous areas, but that does not make their CVTs immune from wear. A newer neglected vehicle can still be a worse purchase than an older meticulously serviced one.

Rather than asking only, "What year should we avoid?" we prefer asking:

"Which individual Murano has the strongest evidence of proper maintenance?"

That question usually leads us closer to the right car.

Is High Mileage a Problem on a Nissan Murano?

Not automatically.

Imagine two Muranos.

One has travelled 110,000 km but received minimal servicing.

The other has travelled 180,000 km with comprehensive receipts, regular fluid servicing, good tyres, recent suspension work, and documented preventative maintenance.

Which would we choose?

Often, the second one.

High mileage increases the probability of wear, but poor servicing accelerates that wear dramatically.

Service records therefore matter almost as much as the odometer.

How to Check a Used Nissan Murano Before Buying in NZ

A careful inspection should be systematic rather than emotional.

The Murano's comfortable leather seats and strong V6 acceleration can charm us rather quickly. We should enjoy the test drive—but keep our detective hat on.

Nissan Murano Key Fob Not Working: Causes, Fixes, and Troubleshooting

Our Used Murano Inspection Checklist

Before committing, we would check:

1. Cold engine start – listen for rattles, knocks, and rough running.
2. CVT operation – check for shuddering, hesitation, surging, or slipping.
3. CVT service history – look for evidence of appropriate fluid servicing.
4. AWD system – inspect for transfer-case leaks and warning lights.
5. Engine leaks – inspect above and underneath.
6. Suspension – listen for knocks and check bush condition.
7. Wheel bearings – listen for speed-related humming.
8. Brakes – check vibration, rotor condition, and pad life.
9. Tyres – inspect wear patterns and ensure suitable matching tyres.
10. Electronics – operate every switch, screen, seat, window, and lock.
11. Air conditioning – confirm genuinely cold operation.
12. Diagnostic scan – check stored and pending fault codes.
13. Vehicle history – verify ownership and available servicing records.
14. Recall status – check the VIN with the appropriate Nissan/NZ recall resources.
15. Independent inspection – have a competent workshop inspect the vehicle before purchase.

That final point may save more money than almost anything else in this article.

Nissan Murano Recalls in New Zealand

Recall checks should form part of any used-car purchase.

Nissan New Zealand directs owners toward current recall information and states that eligible recall rectification is completed without charge to the vehicle owner.

Nissan also maintains information concerning the Takata airbag recall. The company explains that affected inflators can deteriorate with age and exposure to heat and humidity, creating a risk of the inflator housing rupturing if the airbag deploys.

One important complication for New Zealand buyers is imports.

Nissan's standard VIN campaign checker states that it is intended for Nissan vehicles supplied through authorised networks and does not include grey imports.

So if we're looking at an imported Murano, we should investigate more deeply rather than interpreting a blank result as proof that everything has been completed.

How Expensive Is a Nissan Murano to Maintain in New Zealand?

The Murano is not necessarily ruinously expensive to maintain, but it is not a basic economy hatchback either.

It has:

• A relatively large V6 engine
• Large tyres
• Substantial brakes
• Complex electronics
• A CVT transmission
• AWD hardware on relevant variants
• More suspension weight than a small vehicle

Routine servicing should be manageable.

Major drivetrain repairs are where ownership costs can change rapidly.

In other words, buying the cheapest Murano available is rarely the cleverest strategy.

Paying more for a properly maintained example can be dramatically cheaper over several years.

Should We Buy a Murano With No CVT Service Records?

We would approach it cautiously.

Lack of paperwork does not automatically prove the transmission was never serviced, but it removes one of our strongest pieces of evidence.

If everything else about the car looks excellent, a specialist inspection can still help determine whether it deserves consideration.

However, if we see a combination of:

• No transmission history
• High kilometres
• Shuddering
• Delayed engagement
• Fluid leaks
• Warning lights

we would not rationalise those signs away because the purchase price looks attractive.

Cheap cars can become expensive cars remarkably quickly.

Can Regular Maintenance Prevent Murano Problems?

It can certainly reduce risk.

No maintenance schedule can guarantee that a mechanical component will never fail, but preventative servicing gives engines, transmissions, cooling systems, brakes, and suspension components a much better chance of surviving.

The basics still matter:

Engine Maintenance

Change oil using the correct specification and keep the level monitored.

Cooling-System Maintenance

An overheating engine or transmission can create expensive consequences, so coolant condition and cooling-system performance deserve attention.

CVT Maintenance

Use the correct transmission fluid and follow appropriate service procedures.

Suspension Inspections

Replacing worn components before they cause secondary damage can save money.

Fluid Leak Checks

Small leaks are easier to manage before they become large ones.

Maintenance Is Cheaper Than Rescue

Think of preventative maintenance as fixing a roof while the sun is shining.

It feels optional until the storm arrives.

When Should We Walk Away From a Used Nissan Murano?

Sometimes the best buying decision is simply leaving.

We would be reluctant to purchase a Murano showing several major warning signs simultaneously.

Particularly concerning combinations include obvious CVT shuddering, drivetrain warning lights, major fluid leaks, overheating, unexplained engine noises, missing maintenance history, and sellers unwilling to permit independent inspection.

One problem might be repairable.

Five problems suggest we are not buying a used SUV—we're adopting somebody else's unfinished project.

Is the Nissan Murano Still Worth Buying in New Zealand?

Yes, under the right conditions.

The Murano has several qualities that remain appealing even as examples age.

We get a spacious cabin, strong V6 performance, comfortable seating, distinctive styling, and generally pleasant road manners.

For the money, a well-kept Murano can feel impressively luxurious.

But we would never shop for one purely on price.

The difference between a good Murano and a neglected Murano can be enormous.

Who Should Consider One?

A Murano makes sense if we:

• Want a comfortable petrol SUV
• Prefer strong naturally aspirated V6 performance
• Don't need diesel-like fuel economy
• Can verify the car's maintenance history
• Are willing to inspect the CVT carefully
• Plan to maintain the vehicle properly

Who Might Want Something Else?

We might look elsewhere if our priority is:

• Minimal fuel consumption
• Ultra-low maintenance costs
• Simple drivetrain design
• Maximum towing ability
• Cheap replacement tyres and brakes
• Buying solely on the lowest possible purchase price

The Murano rewards informed ownership more than bargain hunting.

The Bottom Line on Nissan Murano Known Issues in New Zealand

The Nissan Murano known issues New Zealand buyers should care about most revolve around the CVT, AWD transfer-case condition on applicable models, age-related suspension wear, fluid leaks, wheel bearings, electrical accessories, and general maintenance history.

The CVT deserves the greatest attention.

That doesn't make every Murano a bad vehicle. It simply means we should treat the transmission like the foundation of a house: if it is healthy, everything else becomes easier to evaluate.

A well-maintained Murano with a smooth transmission, dry drivetrain, healthy suspension, working electronics, and comprehensive service records can still offer plenty of comfortable motoring.

A suspiciously cheap Murano that shudders, leaks, knocks, and comes with no paperwork?

That bargain may have teeth.

Before buying, check the vehicle cold, drive it long enough to warm the CVT properly, inspect underneath, scan the electronics, investigate recall status, and spend the money on an independent pre-purchase inspection.

Sometimes the best way to save thousands of dollars on a used car is spending a few hundred before we own it.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the most common Nissan Murano problem?

CVT-related trouble is among the most frequently discussed Murano problems. Symptoms can include shuddering, slipping, hesitation, whining, or delayed acceleration. Transmission condition and maintenance history should therefore be major priorities when evaluating a used Murano.

2. Is a Nissan Murano reliable after 150,000 km?

It can be. Kilometres alone do not determine reliability. A Murano with documented engine, transmission, cooling-system, brake, and suspension maintenance can remain usable well beyond 150,000 km. A neglected lower-mileage vehicle may present considerably more risk.

3. How can we tell if a Murano CVT is failing?

Watch for shuddering, delayed engagement, slipping, surging, whining noises, poor acceleration, or behaviour that deteriorates once the vehicle warms up. Any suspicious symptoms deserve a diagnostic scan and professional inspection before purchase.

4. Should we buy an imported Nissan Murano in New Zealand?

An imported Murano can still be a worthwhile vehicle, but history and recall verification deserve extra attention. Nissan New Zealand notes that its normal VIN campaign checker does not cover grey imports, so imported vehicles may require additional verification.

Ford Ranger Issues: Common Problems, Warning Signs, and Practical Solutions

5. Are Nissan Murano recalls repaired for free in New Zealand?

Where a vehicle is covered by an applicable Nissan recall campaign, Nissan New Zealand says recall and service-campaign rectification is performed at no cost for parts and labour. Owners should confirm eligibility by VIN and pay particular attention to separate Takata recall information.