2008 Nissan Murano: common problems and reliability

The 2008 Nissan Murano has 5 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 1 recall on record. The most-reported areas are power train and steering. Owners most often flag cvt shudder and lag: delayed engagement ("takes a second or two to go"), shuddering at low and high speeds, and general sluggishness. often a precursor to total failure. frequency: recurrent.

Safety record for the 2008 model year

5
Owner complaints
1
Recalls
0
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2008 Nissan Murano vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2008 a good year for the Murano?

Across the 6 Murano model years we track, complaint volume runs from 4 (2024) to 201 (2015). With 5 complaints, the 2008 Murano sits belowthe model's median of 108.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

power train
3
steering
1
air bags
1
exterior lighting
1
structure
1

Recalls affecting the 2008 Murano

air bags

Campaign 08V521000

NISSAN IS RECALLING 204,361 MY 2007-2008 ALTIMA, ALTIMA HYBRID, 350Z, 350Z ROADSTER, MY 2008 ALTIMA COUPE, ROGUE, MY 2009 MURANO, AND INFINITI MY 2007-2008 G35 SEDAN, MY 2008 G37 COUPE AND EX35 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPE…

What owners say across generations

Deeply polarized sentiment with a clear generational divide. Long-term owners of first-generation (2003-2007) and second-generation (2009-2014) models report significant, often catastrophic, issues with the JATCO CVT transmission, leading…

  • CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) failure: Catastrophic, premature failure is the dominant issue. Described as a "time bomb," especially after 100,000 miles (161,000 km). Failure often occurs without warning, with repair/replacement costs cited between $5,000 and $8,000 USD. Linked to class action lawsuits and warranty extensions for specific model years (e.g., 2010, 2015-2018). Frequency: very frequent.
  • CVT shudder and lag: Delayed engagement ("takes a second or two to go"), shuddering at low and high speeds, and general sluggishness. Often a precursor to total failure. Frequency: recurrent.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Murano. See the full Murano owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

Used Murano listings typically run $32,698–$40,200 across 2012 to 2026 model years.

Other Murano model years

Compare every Murano year side by side to see how 2008 ranks against the rest.

2024 Murano2019 Murano2016 Murano2015 Murano2010 Murano

Compare the Murano against its rivals

Murano vs Mitsubishi EndeavorMurano vs Mazda CX-50
Full Nissan Murano owner reportCompare against another car