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Nissan Murano Maintenance and Repair

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

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Messages Page 224 of 234

#2229 of 2339 AGREE WITH JayHawk (rock chalk) by baldwin3

Aug 03, 2010 (9:06 pm)

I have been a reader and contributor to these pages for the 5+ years we have owned an 05Murano (and several Pathfinders and before Murano, 300Zs, and Audi (bad) and BMW5 (bad).) and I will state I am a dumb country surgeon with no Nissan stock or relatives, etc. My Murano had throttle position failure at 7,500 miles, and found the answer on THIS site, and my dealer promptly believed me and fixed it under warranty. Since then, zero problems of any kind...Jiffy Lube does the OLF at 5,000 and the 30, 60 AND upcoming 90K at the dealer...whom I trust, and obviously, many posters do not, which is sad... or would rather not spend money to check. I find complaints like "the seats hurt" and "the visor flops" to be trivial (sorry), but did you break the visor rod, and "something runs after I turn it off" (the electric fan) to be...well, dumb. I take the strut failures seriously and would like to know the real scoop on that. The "original alternator has gone bad" and "you need a new CVT" were, I believe, ignorant service writers at dealerships who could not recognize the TPS failures on earlier models. In addition, people put regular tranny fluid into the CVT which is like poison in your martini. And there was the screw up on the fuel tank protectors when dealers put on plastic "hang downs" which quickly broke off. Now all tanks have steel protection in front.
       In summary, complex cars often...any brand...surf Audi, BMW, Toyota (and by the way, most of the "surges" were Purposeful for $$$) VW, Jeep and Range Rover...among the worst... and you will find "little things" (and BIG things) that were not perfect. A forum like this which concentrates on complaints will exhibit just that...complaints, and so it should. Often however, it exposes big deals, like the TPS, wireless accelerator control failures. Nobody knows really, whether they are widespread or just incidental...0.5% of a model or 5%...but I do know that some people post here with an agenda to disparage (to criticize and destroy) the Nissan Murano, and I for one, will just say...ours, maybe built on a Wednesday...is 79,000, looks brand new, still in style with 2010 Muranos and bulletproof, as is our 2007 Pathfinder pulling a 17 foot 3,500 pound boat. OK? My thoughts...no bias, just the facts. Enjoy your Murano, and YES...my 05 is Noisy in the cabin...more so than the Pathfinder. I hope the newer models have silenced this down. Thanks for listening. No anger intent...just a response.

#2230 of 2339 Re: sorry [jayhawk70] by mikesmurano

Aug 04, 2010 (7:29 am)

Replying to: jayhawk70 (Aug 03, 2010 8:26 pm)
Jayhawk70,
 
I have read your reply and am willing to declare a truce.
 
I started out on this website several years ago seeking advice and technical help when I started to experience problems with my Murano. As the miles rolled on, and the problems became more numerous and expensive, and the dealers gave me different stories on solutions, the experience became incredibly sour.
 
When seeking information in these threads I started to get comments doubting my claims and problems. I retaliated as you have observed.
 
I am also an engineer (mechanical 23 yrs.). I have worked for T1 suppliers. I have also worked in aerospace. I am an auto enthusiast and have intimate knowledge of automobiles and have owned many cars.
 
The Murano, in my experience, is the worst new model car I have ever owned. Through my research I have discovered that Nissan has a lot of problems with other current models as well.
 
Your Nissan may be performing well today. Best of luck.
 
This is my list of real problems that totaled in over $11,500 in repairs:
 
CVT repairs (round 1): $1500 (refused to warrant)
CVT total replacement (10k miles later): $6200 (121k miles - refused any warranty)
Recurring brake and strut problems.
Engine oil leaks (valve covers; seals; gaskets; etc.).
The engine now is burning oil (I have changed it every ~3000 miles).
Catalytic converter system and O2 sensors replaced.
Failed power door lock solenoids (2).
Cup holder ears broke with little pressure.
Bose CD changer experiencing problems (disc player skips; speakers cut out).
Fuel cover door sticks preventing access to fill tank with gas.
AC system coolant leaks repaired and system re-charged.
Visors (both defective).
 
Finally, I will say I loved how the car drove. The interior was well thought out and I also really like the looks. I kept hanging on to the car for these reasons thinking that the current repair would be the last bug I would deal with. NOT!!!
 
I concluded to unload the car and am glad I did. My concern for others, not you of course (since your new Murano will never have problems), is that they don't throw more good money after bad like I did. Pardon my sarcasm.
 
The problems I read about here are signs that things are about to get real expensive. These are real issues. There are also safety concerns about the CVT and the remote accelerator. Serious accidents have already happened. U can read the NTSB reports.
 
I don't want that on my conscience by telling someone that their problems with this car are exaggerated. I heard enough of that denial crap from Nissan's customer (no) service.
 
Peace back to you....

#2231 of 2339 CVT Problems FYI by mikesmurano

Aug 04, 2010 (7:51 am)

It should also be noted that there are (500+) posts in the Murano CVT thread highlighting some type of problem.
 
Quite numerous compared to other manufacturers and models.

#2232 of 2339 Re: CVT Problems FYI [mikesmurano] by whitestar16

Aug 04, 2010 (12:40 pm)

Replying to: mikesmurano (Aug 04, 2010 7:51 am)
Ya know Mikesmurano, it's a funny thing. You see, every car made has someone in the same position as yourself with the same dramatic warnings about car X being the worst ever and please avoid.
 
My other vehicle for instance, is a Honda Civic hybrid. After about 5 years and 65K, it's been pretty darn flawless for me. But there are the same vehement complaints about the car here at Edmunds. To be exact, 366 complaints on the hybrid battery pack and software.
 
Here its the CVT mainly, with the transfer case and head gasket coming in second and third.
 
The prius has battery leaks, the Rav 4 transfer case failures and on and on.
 
The reality is that most folks have no problems or only a minor one or two with all cars made today. And many learn how to handle the problems, or they are handled competently.
 
--------------------------
 
A new Murano 2wd version bought right now isn't going to have any major problems because all the stuff has been fixed - the head gasket, the CVT, the PVC valve etc. The AWD version still has the transfer case potential for an issue...so don't buy an AWD version.
 
Any thanks to Jayhawk and the rest for providing a little clarity.

#2233 of 2339 Re: CVT Problems FYI [whitestar16] by mikesmurano

Aug 04, 2010 (1:15 pm)

Replying to: whitestar16 (Aug 04, 2010 12:40 pm)
A rather flawed perspective/statement.

#2234 of 2339 Re: sorry [mikesmurano] by howlinpups

Aug 04, 2010 (2:41 pm)

Replying to: mikesmurano (Aug 04, 2010 7:29 am)
mikesmurano,
 
This was really helpful to hear of the extensive difficulties you have had with your Murano. It is just a great reminder for us to always do our homework AND cross our fingers before buying a car !
 
I have almost 90K miles on my 2004 Murano and I don't recall anything out of the ordinary other than the same problem you mentioned about the fuel cover door and my driver's door spontaneously re-locking itself. I had the fuel cover door fixed by Nissan, but they could not replicate the problem with the door lock. I *think* if you want to fix the fuel door yourself, you can just remove the pin/bolt that locks it, but then it will no longer be lockable.
 
bj

#2235 of 2339 Re: CVT Problems FYI [mikesmurano] by whitestar16

Aug 04, 2010 (8:50 pm)

Replying to: mikesmurano (Aug 04, 2010 1:15 pm)
OK - how bout this one- buying a used car with a bunch of miles 1st generation first year for model increases the probability of significant problems that won't be fully serviced by a car company.

#2236 of 2339 Re: CVT Problems FYI [whitestar16] by mikesmurano

Aug 06, 2010 (6:26 am)

Replying to: whitestar16 (Aug 04, 2010 8:50 pm)
As you continue to laud the great experience you have with your '09 Murano, I am still not quite understanding how your comments (directed to me) are helping those folks figure out how to resolve the "real" maintenance & repair problems they are dealing with.
 
I think you are the one who needs to find a new place to post your banter.
 
We will allow you to return when your '09 starts to fall apart.
 
BTW, your last last post (#2235) I don't see how that relieves Nissan from standing behind their product.

#2237 of 2339 Mysterious Locking Doors by mikesmurano

Aug 06, 2010 (6:42 am)

Replying to: howlinpups (Aug 04, 2010 2:41 pm)
Howlinpups,
 
I had the spontaneously locking doors as well. This was a huge annoyance. I asked the dealer about it. They told me at the time they did not know what was up with that. This also happened once when I stepped out of the car (still running) to get the mail. The door closed and locked. My house key and garage door opener were on the inside of the car. With no one home, I had to wait an hour for my wife to get home while the car sat at the end of the drive way running with my stuff on the inside.
 
Then they came back and said it could be fixed by re flashing the car's E PROM with the newest updates in the software. This would only cost $750.
 
I thought what a deal! Another expensive fix! I didn't bother at that point.
 
I kept a spare key tied to the undercarriage.
 
Now, I am sure whitestar16, and the others, who refuse to believe my shared experiences are valid, will tell you how I made this up and people like me just don't understand the car or the company or how to astutely purchase a vehicle.
 
I can now look back and laugh since I replaced the Murano with a Toyota 4Runner and an Acura TL.
 
Did I tell you how I liked the drive of the Murano?

#2238 of 2339 Re: CVT Problems FYI [mikesmurano] by whitestar16

Aug 06, 2010 (7:34 am)

Replying to: mikesmurano (Aug 06, 2010 6:26 am)
That's fine Mikes Murano - except I think in good faith, ya need to let everyone know you bought a used 2003 Murano that was already problematic before you acquired the vehicle.

Messages Page 224 of 234

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