10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
3 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
95,786 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2003 Nissan Murano engine problems

engine problem

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2003 Nissan Murano Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #55

Jun 202021

Murano

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

ABS stays on then the (brake warning lamps will immediately come after a short time, the engine will go into a "fall safe" condition which will limit vehicle speed. The engine will stop running and turn off on me. Also my subframe is rotten and is now disconnected the mechanic quoted me $2,600 to repair jus the subfreame.

- The Plains, VA, USA

problem #54

Jul 242020

Murano

  • miles
While driving down the highway with my infant child the vehicle lost power I could not accelerate went from 75mph to a struggling 5mph. No matter how far I pressed the gas pedal there was no acceleration no revving of engine just complete nothing just pure panic. I was able to pull off to the side of the freeway in a not so safe place however I had no choice. I out hazard lights on and turned off the car. After waiting approx 5 min. I attempted to start car to no avail. The battery light as well as abs light stayed on. I again waited for another 5 -10 min and tried again nothing but same warning lights. I eventually had to wait for approx 45-_60 min when it finally started however I was only allowed to go no fastethan 5 mph. I was able to exit freeway where I parked car for several hours and walked home. Upon retrieving vehicle it still had same results. I drove home @ 5mph. I took car in for repairs and was told I needed a new battery wiring harness. I had that ordered a d repaired. Car drove home just fine however the following day the same incident occurred. Took car back in and was told I needed a new alternator which I replaced. However the following day the same thing occurred. Upon driving car back to a major dealership to notify them of the same problem, however once in their parking lot the mechanic attempted to drive car into the service bay and car wouldn't start. Immediately the mechanic said " oh you hear that clicking sound?" " That's the starter you need a new one". I once again had them service my car and put in a new starter.Yet once again the following day the same problem. In all these occurrences the car had just out of no where with no warning lost power leaving my children and I in a potentially dangerous situation multiple times. The vehicle has been parked in my garage. I can't afford replacing parts just to have the same incident. As far as dates go there were multiple dates that the vehicle stalled on me and had no acceleration.

- Salt Lake City, UT, USA

problem #53

Mar 022021

Murano

  • 7 miles
While driving the Murano it slowed down and wouldn't go above 20mph. After about a mile it just stopped running & wouldn't crank back up. All the fluids were at the right levels. Took it to a johnny's mechanic shop & they said it was the engine.

- West Monroe, LA, USA

problem #52

Jul 272019

Murano

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The car is stalling when I stop whining real bad

- Baldwyn, MS, USA

problem #51

May 012019

Murano

  • 166,000 miles
The car slowed all the way down on the freeway. Almost causing me to crash. It did it suddenly I was unable to pull over.I was going about 65 mph while the A/C was blowing it completely malfunctioned

- Dallas, TX, USA

problem #50

Oct 222018

Murano 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 107,000 miles
The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Murano. While driving various low speeds, the contact's vehicle independently accelerated in reverse and crashed into a parked vehicle. The contact shifted into park to avoid a potential crash, but the vehicle failed to stop. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was able to be driven from the scene. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent and first occurred two years ago. An independent mechanic was notified, but the failure could not be duplicated. A dealer was not made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000. Consumer stated failure happened several times. Updated 12/11/18

- Playa Del Ray, CA, USA

problem #49

Aug 262018

Murano

  • 134,876 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving on a city street car lost charge would drive very slowly about 1 mile per hour. Brake and battery light came on. Have already replaced battery and alternator about a year ago but when same thing happened today. Per the VIN my car has not been recalled. I'll have to get invoice from tire choice to show what I paid for alternator and battery. Thank you.

- Venice, FL, USA

problem #48

Jun 072018

Murano

  • 106,000 miles
My 2003 Nissan Murano stalls out on me while driving, and multiple times just today 06/07/18 while driving at a normal speed limit, vehicle just slows down causing me to put my hazards. I was not able to accelerate. This is a hazard for myself and more important my children who ride in this vehicle with me. My VIN# does not have a recall, but reading other consumer's comments there is a major issue. It's my hope that this can be recalled so that we the consumer's will have a piece of mind and be safe while driving on the roads.

- Middletown, DE, USA

problem #47

Apr 012018

Murano

  • 5 miles
Driving came to a stop at a light car died. Restarted it, drove home. Car wouldn't start, replaced the fuel pump. Vehicle started was driving got on the freeway had no acceleration control, loud knocking noise all of a sudden, turned around went back home and before I got to my front door the radiator exploded! the whole top of it cracked open.

- Plumas Lake, CA, USA

problem #46

Mar 242017

Murano

  • 92,400 miles
Driving on a highway with children 65mph coming from airport, starting losing speed quickly, brake light and charging(battery) light came luckily made it side of highway despite, honking horns and screaming kids, someone could have been killed. This is on top of the acceleration problem where all of a sudden you will press on gas pedal and the car doesn't go and then suddenly lunges forward, I have almost been rear- ended on several occasions due to this. I have purchased new battery, alternator, etc. I have had the throttle sensor replaced. This car is so unsafe and has been a money pit. Many mechanics including Nissan mechanics say they test drive the vehicle and don't see the acceleration problem.

- Westminster, CO, USA

problem #45

Oct 102012

Murano

  • 108,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Purchased this vehicle in 2012, used- bag an having issues immediately, including, no heat, stalling, windows rolling down on their own in winter- returned it to the dealer and they kept for 1 week, said there was nothing wrong except the fuel pump. We replaced it and trouble continued. Contacted Nissan and they said to take to dealer for diagnostic, a certified Nissan mechanic now looking it over and claims there is nothing wrong, we have thrown so much money into trying to get it to work. Overheats and can not climb even the smallest of incline without overheating, the Nissan company wants us yo pay for all the testing they require, we have been paying for a vehicle that is not drivable or reliable in any way- after 4 years there is still no answers as to why it will not run properly, so disappointing yo purchase a vehicle that looks good and is comfortable, and has become a lawn ornament that still has a large balance to pay- does Nissan produce things they walk away from laughing at the consumers for purchasing a non reputable vehicle. So aggravating to be told it is our problem, feel as though I could have gone to the junkyard and purchased a wrecked vehicle and had better results, we just want to be able to depend on a vehicle we purchased without the run around. Sounds like they made a problem car from the other comments on how others have experienced the same issues, without any answers. The unexpected stalling and overheating and no production of heat in the vehicle has been issue since purchasing in 2012 to now 2016, just would like some sort of answers.

- Buhl, ID, USA

problem #44

Jun 042015

Murano

  • 110,000 miles
On June 18th 2015 my car felt as if was losing power and then my brake light and battery came on. I came to a slow moving pace, like 10 mph. Very dangerous I was on the highway. Lost all power. Would not crank. Replaced battery and worked for about 2 weeks and then again same thing. Could have really caused a bad accident.... did some research and had alternator tested. Bad alternator. Replaced it. And again today same thing. This is so dangerous and getting to be very expensive. I see there was a recall about this issue but not my car. Very upset. Something needs to be done to correct this issue before someone causes an accident that could very well take someone's life. I have replaced the censor, battery and now two alternator's within 2 months.

- Macon, GA, USA

problem #43

Nov 252014

Murano 6-cyl

  • 85,000 miles
Coming off exit ramp, stopped and turned left, was going around 25 mph when the car surged forward, accelerated, RPM shot up. I had to slam on the brakes and put the car into neutral. The car then slowed and began driving normally. A week later, my wife and I were on the interstate going around 60 mph when the car slowed down as though it was put into a low gear. We could only get it to go no more that 35 mph. We pulled off on the shoulder and parked. The car would not start again. Had to tow it. About a month later, I was on the interstate going around 65 when the same thing happened as before, it went into a lower gear, lowering my speed to around 30 mph which caused me to almost get hit from behind. Had it been a large truck it most likely would have hit me. I put it in neutral and pulled off to the shoulder. When I pulled out again, it drove at a normal rate of speed. I've taken it to the Nissan dealership and they claimed they couldn't find anything wrong. The internet is full of complaints from Murano owners with the same problems and stating that local Nissan dealerships cannot find the problem and if they do anything, they change out the transmission at a cost to the owner. I just purchased my Murano a few months ago in September of 2014 from a small lot. This is very frustrating for me and my family. Twice we could have very easily been hit from behind. Since this is a problem that's been going on since the first 2003 Muranos, I feel Nissan should order a recall and fix this safety issue before someone is killed.

- Gahanna, OH, USA

problem #42

Dec 292014

Murano 6-cyl

  • 158,000 miles
As I was coming out of a tunnel driving normally at 55 mph, my Murano jolted and surged it's RPM into the red. This was very dangerous as I was driving with my 3 year old daughter. After going online and seeing that many others have had the same problem but Nissan has not conducted a recall on the cvt transmission. I called Nissan Canada today and got no where. They extended the warranty to 10 years or 200 km. Which my car now at 158K and 2014 do not apply. This is completely ridiculous as Nissan is aware of this faulty problem and is just waiting for someone to get killed. She said it wasn't Nissan who makes the rules on recalls but the NHTSA. Which to me is just a cop-out! what company produces a faulty product and refuses to take responsibility for it!

- Burnaby, WA, USA

problem #41

Jun 102014

Murano 6-cyl

  • 110,000 miles
I purchased this car from a dealer as a used vehicle in September 2013. After several months I began to notice a very serious transmission problem. All of the sudden when driving the car does not respond to the gas pedal and then all of the sudden the vehicle will lurch forward. This has been scary and unsafe when driving in high traffic areas and I have run the risk of rear ending another vehicle. Other times it has been an extreme safety hazard when entering traffic that is traveling at a higher speed and you have to speed up to merge. If your car does not move when you press on the gas pedal others can crash into you. I have read that other Nissan Muranos that are the same year as mine have experienced the same safety issues and Nissan has received a significant number of complaints with regard to cvt and front transfer case (cracks/fractures) issues but that Nissan has not had a recall to correct this serious problem. I have a three year old grand daughter that I have in my car with me on a daily basis and I am afraid to drive the car! I also purchased this car after another serious accident that totaled my other vehicle and now I have a car that has major safety issues that I am extremely concerned about!!

- Louisville, KY, USA

problem #40

Oct 072014

Murano 6-cyl

  • 94,548 miles
I am driving the car and it wont accelerate in traffic. A warning light goes on then goes off. This vehicle is not safe. I bought this car for my daughter and am scared to let her drive it.,I am a widow and money is very tight. I bought this car thinking it would be safe. This started happening so I goggled it to see if anyone else has or had these issues. There are a lot of complaints like this. There is a recall for the car but only certain VIN#'s. how can you rule out the other ones that are having the same issue. They are all saying that they wont going in traffic on the highway.is it going to take someone dying before Nissan will do something about this car and it's problem. My husband died in a car accident. I have post traumatic stress disorder where this is concerned and it is taking everything I can do to not to start having panic attacks where this is concerned. Nissan needs to do something and so does the government regarding the safety of this car.

- Katy, TX, USA

problem #39

Dec 202013

Murano

  • 89 miles
I was driving my Nissan Murano going 45mph when suddenly the engine light flashed, the air went out, and the car shut off. I was pressing the gas but it wouldn't do anything and it suddenly shut off. I've been to several shops that can't find a problem so they told me about the recall on the 2003 Nissan Murano. They think it's maybe electrical or engine cooling.

- Chalmette, LA, USA

problem #38

Sep 122011

Murano 6-cyl

  • 210,000 miles
I bought this car years 3 years ago in miami and in the beginning I noticed about this problem but I thought that it was a minor problem that I could fix whit the time but I was wrong. If I'm sending this complaint now, is because on my effort to fix the acceleration problem I find this information on the web where it looks that I'm not the only one who has the same problem. The worst part of this began a couple mouths ago when I was getting back from Pennsylvania with my family on the highway driven around 65 miles and unexpectedly this horrible problem came "the deceleration"from 65 it was getting to 30 miles, it scared me a lot but I considered myself that I'm a good driver and my first reaction was to let the motor work by itself I didn't touch the speed and the brake and I pull over the car with the emergency lights I turn it off and I waited 20 minutes and then I turn it on the car again, fortunately it worked after this without any problem I thought. I live in New York city and honestly I don't need the car if I bought is just for pleasure to go out the city to vacation and here I find other problem; when you are driving short distances like here in the city you didn't notice about this but the problem it comes when you are driving long distances over 50 miles and then the motor loose power. This problem is getting worse every time when I do the ignition then 5 minutes latter the motor loose power. I change several auto parts on the engine system and the electrical too, I thought that may be the electrical system could be the problem a sensor a fusible or something but however I still without fix this problem I don't want drive any more this car because I don't know how could be the reaction of the car again on a highway, even I don't want even try to sell it because obviously will be badness to sell at somebody on that condition. Thank you

- Astoria, NY, USA

problem #37

Jul 162014

Murano 6-cyl

  • 91,750 miles
I just purchased this vehicle on 7/15/14, drove it home and it would not start 7/16/14. I was able to get the vehicle started, but the service engine soon light came on and it shut off 2 more times while parked. I was finally able to get it started and running to go about my errands. I stopped to pick someone up from the hospital and it started up, but immediately shut off again. Eventually, it started bucking and shuddering while I was driving and seemed as if it was going to shut off. I was able to get it to the dealer I purchased it from and he is taking responsibility of getting it serviced. The diagnosis was the rear cam position sensor went bad. I called haldemann Nissan in hamilton, NJ to inquire about recalls, as I knew this was a recall issue and was told that my VIN number had no recalls.

- Bristol, PA, USA

problem #36

May 032014

Murano 6-cyl

  • 73,000 miles
While driving on the interstate the vehicle lost acceleration completely.. it had to be re-started in order to continue driving. Once in, option again, the engine was idling extremely high and continued that way until the vehicle was turned off and sat for over an hour. Started.

- Norfolk, VA, USA

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