Ask the Car People.SM


Nissan Murano Maintenance and Repair

2339 messages,  Last post on Apr 21, 2013 at 9:16 AM

You are in the Nissan Murano Forum.

What is this discussion about? Nissan Murano

    
 
Go to NHTSA to file a safety complaint.
 
Or call Monday-Friday (8 am to 8 pm ET) (888) 327-4236 TTY: (800)424-9153

Messages Page 221 of 235

#2195 of 2339 wheel bearings by szamprogno

Feb 26, 2010 (9:28 am)

Two weeks after taking my 2006 Murano to the dealer for the air intake recall, I started to hear a humming noise coming from the front of the car. I took it back to the dealer suspecting that they had caused some other problem and they gave a quote of $1600 to replace the front wheel bearings, a bunch of parts from the front suspension and the drive belt. Then I took it to another dealer further away from home to make sure it was really the wheel bearings and they got to the same conclusion but gave me an estimate of $750 to repair the two front wheel bearings only. I ended up taking it to a small shop that I know and ended up paying $550 for the repair. To have a problem of this magnitude with 40K miles is not a good thing for a car in the Murano class and after finding out through this forum how many other people had similar problems, I’m really disappointed with Nissan.

#2196 of 2339 Re: My 2003 SE [ljette] by mikesmurano

Feb 26, 2010 (10:56 am)

Replying to: ljette (Feb 23, 2010 2:51 pm)
I also experienced the brake issue which ended up being the least of my troubles.
 
I am a mechanical engineer and worked in the auto industry so I feel I carry an astute analysis of this car.
 
My observation is that the original brake design is a little meager when you ocnsider the weight and design of the car. That is usually why the pads wear out so fast. I tried different types and grades and never found anything suitable that lasted long.
 
I did start buying the better Duralast pads from Autozone that have the lifetime warranty. Brake pads are relatively easy to replace for a shade tree mechanic and typically don't require machining the rotors.
 
Mine also started to burn oil. The dealer told me that the PVC (built into the valve covers) could be clogged, etc. I replaced them and saw no improvement. However, the oil burning casued my catalytic converter to clogg up and fail. The dealer estimated ($1200) to fix. This is not a cheap fix either. I did find the mfgr. of the CAT though; bought one direct; took it to a MIDAS shop and they replaced for a total of $300 labor + $250 (CAT & gaskets) = $550.
 
This did not change the fact that the oil still burned. I just sold the car last week.
 
Murano's are still valued and prized as a great car. If you can afford it, I would unload asap.
 
I just bought an '05 ACURA TL & a '99 Toyota 4Runner and feel like I made the bast car decisions in 10 years.
 
Please read all of my other posts.
 
Best of luck. Write me anytime.

#2197 of 2339 Re: wheel bearings [szamprogno] by mikesmurano

Feb 26, 2010 (11:39 am)

Replying to: szamprogno (Feb 26, 2010 9:28 am)
I never had any problems with my wheel bearings.
 
But, I am not surprised. As I mentioned in the previous post, Nissan under-engineered a lot of things in this car.
 
I am surprised that they still were not getting it right as late as 2006 models.
 
I expect we will be seeing Nissan's management in front of congress in the future.
 
They have injury related issues witht he Murano that can be found on the NTSB's website.
 
Also, another topic to keep in mind. The Murano has a drive by wire acclerator. There is no cable. The gas pedal has an encoder that syncs with a small electric motor mounted to the throat of the throttle body. The motor opens the butterfly on the intake/T.B. while the fuel pump receives a signal from the ECM via the encoder.
 
There was one instance where a woman's ECM/encoder went screwy and the car accelerated upto 50 mph before she crashed and flipped on its side. The engine and wheels were still racing. I am waiting to see if a lawsuit is going to be issued.
 
Weird stuff!

#2198 of 2339 Re: My 2003 SE [ljette] by jg2003

Mar 02, 2010 (12:35 pm)

Replying to: ljette (Feb 23, 2010 2:51 pm)
My 2003 Murano just failed the state inspection because of the left ball joint and outer tie rod end. I'm pretty sure I've already replaced the ball joints once. Anyone else having this issue?

#2199 of 2339 Re: My 2003 SE [jg2003] by mikesmurano

Mar 02, 2010 (2:56 pm)

Replying to: jg2003 (Mar 02, 2010 12:35 pm)
I had my struts replaced when getting new tires last year.
 
There was a creaking sound from the front wheel assemblies. The ball joints checked out okay, but I live in the south where the car saw little snow and salt.
 
I have heard and read about a lot of instances of this problem in the Muranos. It's a heavy car prone to suspension issues.
 
If the delaer is proving too expensive, try a quality-reputable tire shop. They may be able to give you a better deal with better parts.
 
The shop I used gave me a life time warranty on the parts and labor.
 
The dealers don't always know best and are usually more expensive.

#2200 of 2339 2006 Murano with strut issues and more by marcianno

Mar 15, 2010 (7:42 pm)

Good evening~
 
I have been working with the Consumer Affairs department at Nissan and have been so disappointed . . .
 
The struts on my 2006 Nissan Murano are toast . . . about an $800.00 repair, I am told. The hatch latch is also locked up, which will be additional $150.00 to diagnose and repair. How can it be that a vehicle that costs upwards to $27,000 can have such issues. Over the years, I have owned a few different vehicles: Toyota, Honda, Jeep, and Chevy to name a few. I have never experienced the repair issues with these other brands, as I have with my Murano. Even though Toyota is experiencing its own difficulties at this time, I will likely go that route in the future. And Nissan, well they haven't heard the last of me.
 
Buyer beware.

#2201 of 2339 Re: 2006 Murano with strut issues and more [marcianno] by mikesmurano

Mar 16, 2010 (9:18 am)

Replying to: marcianno (Mar 15, 2010 7:42 pm)
I feel your pain.
 
I had to replace my struts also along with many other parts. I agree with your assessment about the quality of the car.
 
I recently replaced my '03 Murano with an Acura TL. I also bought a used 4Runner to boot.
 
No more Nissan's for me! If you can afford it I would suggest getting rid of the car as soon as possible before something really expensive happens. Read my other posts that are under my name.
 
I paid $25K for my '03 and spent another $11K in repairs over the years.
 
Good luck.

#2202 of 2339 '03 Murano Lemons... by njmedic

Mar 16, 2010 (1:59 pm)

Against my better judgment I bought a "first model year" Murano in '03. Love the size, etc. but OMG, this vehicle has been a problem since I've owned it! I've had four (4) alternators in six years which Nissan didn't seem to think was unusual...The first one was replaced at no charge since it was defective (a recall) but I've paid for the others. They won't admit that there is some kind of electrical problem which is causing them to fail among other electrical problems.
 
Almost since I purchased the car the "Service Engine Soon" light has been on; the dealership(s) diagnosed various problems - to the tune of several thousands of dollars and the light REMAINS on.
 
There is some kind of shield in the front underside of the vehicle which, if one pulls too close to a cement parking barrier or accidentally bumps hard snow, is easily damaged. The part is $150. PLUS the exorbitant labor rates the dealership charges! I've replaced THREE of them and need to do it again.
 
When I called Nissan corporate and complained about all this their answer was "It's a he said/she said thing. There is nothing we can do." I told them that after owning Nissans since I bought my first Datsun B210 station wagon years ago, NEVER AGAIN would I buy another! What happened to "make the customer happy?" If I could I would get rid of this albatross tomorrow but can't afford a new car until next year.
 
WAKE UP, NISSAN...or you're going to be in Toyota's shoes!!!

#2203 of 2339 Re: Murano Lemons by scheck

Mar 16, 2010 (4:58 pm)

Replying to: njmedic (Mar 16, 2010 1:59 pm)
I'm afraid I got top all that. I bought a beautiful 2006 with low miles on 12/1. Within days and well within the used car dealer's warranty period, it started putting out white smoke. Since then $13,000 dollars worth of work has been done during 82 days in the local dealership and the problem still exists. Every engine part has been replaced except for the heads which have been to a local machine shop twice. At least now I have a free rental, but the used car dealer is threatening to bail out on me. Help!!! Where does Consumer Reports get good data on this vehicle?

#2204 of 2339 Re: 2006 Murano with strut issues and more [mikesmurano] by marcianno

Apr 04, 2010 (7:08 am)

Replying to: mikesmurano (Mar 16, 2010 9:18 am)
Hi Mike,
 
After my last round with a rude and inefficient Consumer Affairs rep, I requested to speak with a Manager. I will say, the gentleman who followed up with me was kind, understanding and took my disgruntled opinion with grace. It turns out that against my normal mode of operation, I had purchased an extended warranty to 100,000 miles 4 years ago . . . this saved my bacon. (Wouldn't it have been nice if the original rep I spoke with researched coverage?) Ultimately, the struts were repaired, a boot that had shredded apart, and the back trunk latch (locked up permanently) was repaired for a $50 deductible. I will take my vehicle in one more time over the next year for a major look-over before I hit 100,000 miles.
 
Hope to drive this car another 80,000 miles . . . not sure that it will make it . . . but I am hoping it will be a vehicle for the sole purposes of work transportation. As for my next car . . . in spite of Toyota's recent repairs, I may return to being their customer.
 
Good luck to you as well, and thanks for the feedback on your experience.
Marcia

Messages Page 221 of 235

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement