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2020 Nissan Murano problems

A 2020 Nissan Murano is now 6 years old, so an average example has covered around 81,000 miles. A mid-run car · most launch faults had been addressed by this point, and wear items are the main risk at this age. Check the state safety inspection and service history alongside the documented faults below, which are sorted by whether a 2020 car has usually reached the mileage where they appear.

Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team

Quick answer

The 2020 Nissan Murano is 6 years old, so an average example has covered roughly 81,000 miles. At that mileage 5 of the documented faults are already due, so check those first. A further 1 typically appear later in the car's life.

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Faults a 2020 example has usually reached

Documented onset mileage is at or below the ~81k miles an average 2020 car has covered.

TransmissionHigh

CVT judder and failure.

Typically appears
70,000+ miles
What to inspect
Feel for shudder on acceleration; ask about fluid service and any replacement.
HVACMedium

AC compressor failure.

Typically appears
80,000+ miles
What to inspect
Confirm cold AC and listen for compressor noise.
BrakesLow

Premature brake wear and pulsation.

Typically appears
60,000+ miles
What to inspect
Feel for pulsation under braking.
DrivetrainHigh

Oil leaks and whining noises from the front transfer box on AWD models.

Typically appears
50,000-80,000 miles
What to inspect
Look under the front subframe behind the engine block for dark gear oil weeping from the transfer box seals. Check for a strong sulphur smell indicating fluid degradation.
SteeringMedium

Heavy steering and pump whine due to high-pressure hose leaks.

Typically appears
40,000-70,000 miles
What to inspect
Open the bonnet and inspect the high-pressure power steering line near the pump for oily residue or active weeping. Turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock and listen for pump whine.

Faults that appear at any mileage

Age, electronics and build-related issues that are not mileage-driven.

ElectricalLow

Infotainment freezes and reboots.

Typically appears
Age-related
What to inspect
Test the touchscreen and navigation.
Body & InteriorMedium

Water ingress into the cabin due to blocked or disconnected panoramic sunroof drains.

Typically appears
4-6 years
What to inspect
Press firmly into the front footwell carpets to check for dampness. Inspect the headliner around the A-pillars and sun visors for discolouration or water tide marks.

Faults still ahead of this car

Typically appear later than this year's average mileage · worth budgeting for rather than inspecting.

Exhaust SystemLow

Metallic rattling noise from the exhaust heat shields or Y-pipe flex joints.

Typically appears
50,000-90,000 miles
What to inspect
Start the engine from cold. Listen underneath the front doors for a tinny, metallic rattle. Blip the throttle slightly to see if engine vibration induces the noise.

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Nissan Murano · frequently asked questions

Is the Murano reliable?

Comfortable but CVT-dependent; test the transmission carefully.

Are Murano CVTs a problem?

They can judder and fail; confirm fluid history and any prior work.

Is the Murano good value used?

Yes if the CVT checks out; otherwise repairs are expensive.

Does the 3.5-litre V6 engine have timing chain issues?

Unlike earlier iterations of the VQ35DE engine, the Z52 Murano utilises updated timing chain guides and tensioners. While timing chain stretch is no longer a widespread defect, regular oil changes remain critical. Neglected servicing can still cause tensioner failure, leading to a distinct rattling noise on cold starts.

What should I look out for regarding the all-wheel-drive system?

The all-wheel-drive system is generally robust, but the transfer box is susceptible to seal degradation. Dealers must inspect for gear oil weeping around the front subframe. If the unit runs dry, internal bearings will fail, necessitating a costly replacement. Ensure the fluid has been replaced according to schedule.

Are there any common suspension issues to check before sale?

The front lower suspension arm bushes are prone to splitting and tearing as the vehicle ages. This results in vague steering feel, uneven tyre wear, and a clunking noise when traversing speed bumps. A quick visual inspection with a torch on full steering lock will reveal severe deterioration.

Other Murano model years

202320182015

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