2016 Nissan Murano: common problems and reliability

The 2016 Nissan Murano has 108 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and service brakes. Owners most often flag 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.

Safety record for the 2016 model year

108
Owner complaints
6
Recalls
3
Crash reports
1
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2016 Nissan Murano vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

power train
15
service brakes
15
engine
12
electrical system
11
air bags
11

Recalls affecting the 2016 Murano

service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip

Campaign 18V601000

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2015-2017 Nissan Murano, 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2017-2018 Nissan Pathfinder, and 2017 Infiniti QX60 vehicles. The Anti-Lock Brake (ABS) actuator pumps may allow

service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip

Campaign 16V636000

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima vehicles manufactured February 10, 2015, to August 19, 2016 and equipped with Intelligent Cruise Control, 2015-2017 Murano vehic

service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip

Campaign 16V193000

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016 Murano vehicles manufactured December 17, 2015, to February 11, 2016, and 2016 Maxima vehicles manufactured November 25, 2015, to February 12, 2016

air bags:sensor:occupant classification

Campaign 16V244000

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain model year 2016-2017 Nissan Maxima, 2013-2016 Nissan Altima, NV200, LEAF, Sentra, and Pathfinder, 2014-2016 Nissan NV200 Taxi, Infiniti QX60, QX60 Hybrid, and Q50

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 to widespread distrus

  • 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.
  • General reliability concerns — Perceived as less reliable and more cheaply constructed than key Japanese competitors (Honda, Toyota). Described as a potential "money pit," particularly older high-mileage examples. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Electrical issues — Isolated reports of unexplained electrical problems that were difficult to diagnose and repair. Frequency: isolated.
  • Alternator failures — Mentioned as a replacement item on higher-mileage vehicles, with a note to avoid certain remanufactured units. Frequency: isolated.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Murano.

Typical used price

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

Other Murano model years