Nissan murano Problems Common Issues and Repair Costs
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Nissan Murano Problems: Common Issues and Repair Costs

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The Nissan Murano is a large, smooth-riding SUV with bold styling and a comfortable cabin. While not a massive seller in the UK, many used examples and grey imports still turn up on the roads. The Murano offers a lot of equipment for the money, but it also comes with its fair share of faults. This guide explains the most common Nissan Murano problems and what you can expect to pay for repairs in the UK.

Book inspection

1. CVT Gearbox Failure

What to look for:

  • Jerky or delayed acceleration
  • High revs but low speed
  • Whining noise or gearbox warning light

Cause:
All models use a CVT gearbox, which is prone to wear and overheating if not serviced regularly. Over time, the internal belt and pulleys can fail.

Repair cost:

  • Fluid change and reset: £200 to £300
  • Full rebuild or replacement: £1,200 to £2,800
  • Reconditioned gearbox: £1,000 to £1,600

2. Transfer Case and All-Wheel Drive Issues

What to look for:

  • Grinding or clicking when turning
  • Vibrations at speed
  • 4WD or AWD warning light

Cause:
Transfer case failure is common on high-mileage or heavily used models. Leaks or worn internal gears are the usual cause.

Repair cost:

  • Fluid top-up and seal replacement: £150 to £250
  • Full transfer case rebuild or swap: £800 to £1,400
  • Driveshaft or CV joint repair: £300 to £600

3. Suspension Wear

What to look for:

  • Clunking when driving over bumps
  • Poor handling
  • Uneven tyre wear

Cause:
Worn shock absorbers, anti-roll bar links, or bushes are common due to the car’s weight and age.

Repair cost:

  • Drop links or bushes: £80 to £150
  • New shock absorber: £180 to £250 per wheel
  • Full suspension check and alignment: £120 to £200

4. Power Steering Problems

What to look for:

  • Heavy steering
  • Fluid leak under the bonnet
  • Whining when turning the wheel

Cause:
Older Muranos can suffer from worn power steering pumps and leaking hoses.

Repair cost:

  • New power steering pump: £300 to £500
  • Hose repair or replacement: £100 to £250
  • Fluid flush: £60 to £100

5. Electrical Faults

What to look for:

  • Windows or central locking not working
  • Airbag or ABS warning lights
  • Screen or dash glitches

Cause:
Ageing wiring looms or control modules can cause various electrical faults. Water damage or corroded connectors are also common.

Repair cost:

  • Window motor or switch: £80 to £180
  • Airbag module or sensor: £150 to £400
  • Diagnostic scan: £80 to £150
  • Infotainment screen repair: £300 to £500

6. Exhaust and Emissions Problems

What to look for:

  • Loud exhaust noise
  • Failed MOT on emissions
  • Engine warning light

Cause:
Rust on joints or silencers, failed lambda sensors or blocked catalytic converters.

Repair cost:

  • Lambda sensor: £100 to £180
  • Exhaust pipe or silencer: £200 to £500
  • New catalytic converter: £400 to £800

7. Interior Trim and Seat Faults

What to look for:

  • Squeaky dashboard
  • Electric seat not working
  • Leather cracking or peeling

Cause:
Age and wear, especially on imported US models. Seat motors and trim pieces may fail or loosen.

Repair cost:

  • Seat motor: £100 to £250
  • Interior trim or panel repair: £60 to £150
  • Leather reconditioning: £150 to £400

Nissan Murano Common Problems and UK Repair Cost Summary

ProblemSigns to Watch ForEstimated UK Repair Cost
CVT gearbox failureJerking, slipping, warning light£200 to £2,800
AWD or transfer case faultsGrinding, vibration, warning light£150 to £1,400
Suspension wearClunks, poor handling£80 to £800
Power steering faultsHeavy wheel, whining noise£60 to £500
Electrical problemsFaulty windows, warning lights£80 to £500
Exhaust issuesLoud sound, MOT emissions fail£100 to £800
Interior wearSeat faults, leather damage£60 to £400

Which Murano Models Are Most Affected?

  • 2003 to 2007 models often suffer CVT and transfer case issues
  • 2008 to 2014 versions have more electronics and are prone to electrical faults
  • All models with CVT need regular fluid changes or gearbox wear becomes costly
  • US-imported models may cause MOT headaches due to non-compliant emissions

Buying Tip for Used Nissan Murano in the UK

Before buying any Murano, especially one with more than 80,000 miles or a US import, always book a full pre-purchase inspection. A trusted service like CAREXAMER can check the CVT, suspension, electronics and emissions systems on-site, anywhere in the UK. This protects you from hidden costs after purchase.

Final Thoughts

The Nissan Murano offers big SUV comfort and a solid V6 engine, but its age, CVT transmission and all-wheel-drive components can cause expensive problems. With the right maintenance and inspections, it can still be a good value SUV, but buyers should go in with eyes wide open.

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