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2003 Nissan Murano

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Murano years

Owner complaints for the 2003 Nissan Murano are substantially higher than the model-year median of 110.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

691 reports with mileage · 109 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 265 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 187 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Seats. Review the 111 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

14 crash reports5 fire reports6 injury reports

What owners actually said

800 reports
70,000 miles · Apr 3, 2009
Seats

DRIVER SEAT ON 2003 NISSAN MURANO HAS BREAKING SEAT FRAME. SEAT TILTS TOWARD DRIVER DOOR ON TURNS MAKING IT EXTREMELY HARD TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. NISSAN REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THERE IS A SAFETY OR MANUFACTURING PROBLEM WHEN CONTACTED. HAVE FOUND OVER A THOUSAND REPORTS OF SAME CONDITION ON 2003-2006 MODELS. THIS CONDITION ALMO…

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DRIVER SEAT ON 2003 NISSAN MURANO HAS BREAKING SEAT FRAME. SEAT TILTS TOWARD DRIVER DOOR ON TURNS MAKING IT EXTREMELY HARD TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. NISSAN REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THERE IS A SAFETY OR MANUFACTURING PROBLEM WHEN CONTACTED. HAVE FOUND OVER A THOUSAND REPORTS OF SAME CONDITION ON 2003-2006 MODELS. THIS CONDITION ALMOST CREATED A HEAD-ON COLLISION WHILE I WAS AT THE WHEEL. DEALERSHIP CANNOT REPAIR WITHOUT NISSAN APPROVAL AND AS I STATED NISSAN REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE THERE IS A PROBLEM. IT IS EITHER A DESIGN PROBLEM OR A QUALITY CONTROL ISSUE FOR THE MANUFACTURER NISSAN. IF THIS IS NOT A LEGITIMATE SAFETY ISSUE THEN I GUESS I DON'T KNOW WHAT ONE REALLY LOOKS LIKE. IT APPEARS THAT NISSAN IS HOLDING OUT UNTIL THERE ARE SOME FATALITY ACCIDENTS BEFORE ACTING .. SEEMS LIKE THEN IT WILL BE TOO LATE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10264074

76,000 miles · Apr 3, 2009
Seats

MY 2003 NISSAN MURANO (APPROX 76,000 MILE) HAS A DEFECTIVE DRIVER'S SEAT. ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE SEAT SWINGS DOWN TOWARDS THE LEFT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10264059

138,099 miles · Apr 1, 2009
Seats

DRIVERS SEAT ON 2003 NISSAN MURANO IS BROKEN. IT SHIFTS DURING DRIVING AND LEANS FROM SIDE TO SIDE. VERY DANGEROUS AND BAD ON THE BACK. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10263890

500 miles · Mar 23, 2009
Steering

STEERING RUNS OF BOOST (POWER ASSIST) WHEN TURNING QUICKLY. THIS IS NOTICEABLE WHEN PARALLEL PARKING, BUT ALSO NOTICEABLE WHEN EVASIVE MANEUVERS ARE REQUIRED. I CAN SEE A CRASH OCCURRING BECAUSE OF THIS. MINE HAS ACTED LIKE THIS SINCE NEW, AND I BELIEVE THIS UNRELATED TO A BURST HIGH PRESSURE STEERING HOSE THAT MY MURANO ENCO…

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STEERING RUNS OF BOOST (POWER ASSIST) WHEN TURNING QUICKLY. THIS IS NOTICEABLE WHEN PARALLEL PARKING, BUT ALSO NOTICEABLE WHEN EVASIVE MANEUVERS ARE REQUIRED. I CAN SEE A CRASH OCCURRING BECAUSE OF THIS. MINE HAS ACTED LIKE THIS SINCE NEW, AND I BELIEVE THIS UNRELATED TO A BURST HIGH PRESSURE STEERING HOSE THAT MY MURANO ENCOUNTERED AT 52,600 MILES. CONSUMER REPORTS NOTED THAT 2003-2004 MURANOS ALL EXHIBIT THE LOSS OF STEERING BOOST ISSUE, YET NISSAN WILL NOT ACKNOWLEDGE THAT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. I SEE SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS HERE ON NHTSA FOR THE SAME STEERING BOOST ASSIST ISSUE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10262823

52,600 miles · Mar 23, 2009
Steering

HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE LEAKED AT ONLY 52,600 MILES AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE IS 5.5 YEARS OLD AND OUT OF WARRANTY - NISSAN WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIR DESPITE THE VEHICLE BEING LOW MILEAGE AND ME HAVING HAD THE POWER STEERING FLUID FLUSHED AT THE DEALERSHIP WHEN I HIT 30,000 MILES. THE HIGH PRESSURE HOSE …

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HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE LEAKED AT ONLY 52,600 MILES AND REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. THE VEHICLE IS 5.5 YEARS OLD AND OUT OF WARRANTY - NISSAN WOULD NOT COVER THE REPAIR DESPITE THE VEHICLE BEING LOW MILEAGE AND ME HAVING HAD THE POWER STEERING FLUID FLUSHED AT THE DEALERSHIP WHEN I HIT 30,000 MILES. THE HIGH PRESSURE HOSE AND TOTAL REPAIR COST $650. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE FOR A CAR WITH SUCH LOW MILEAGE AND REGULAR MAINTENANCE. DEALER ADVISED THAT DUE TO THE LEAK, VEHICLE WAS UNSAFE TO DRIVE, REQUIRING ME TO PAY FOR A RENTAL UNTIL THEY COULD ORDER THE PART AND REPAIR THE VEHICLE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10262820

78,000 miles · Mar 20, 2009
Seats

DRIVERS SEAT FAILURE, BRACKET BROKEN AND NISSAN/DEALERSHIP STATES THIS IS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY ISSUE ALTHOUGH IT IS CLEARLY A SAFETY ISSUE AND THERE IS MOVEMENT OF THE SEAT WHEN STARTING AND STOPPING THE CAR AS WELL AS WITH TURNS ETC. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10262585

50,000 miles · Mar 18, 2009
Engine And Engine Cooling

SERVICE ENGINE SOON LIT UP 3X. FIRST 2 WAS COVERED BY WARRANTY. THIRD TIME HAD TO PAY AROUND $100 JUST TO CHECK. TURNS OUT THERE'S COMPUTER IS SENSING GAS VAPOR LEAK BUT WHEN CHECKED, TURNED OUT NO LEAK BUT HAD TO PAY JUST TO CHECK. RIPOFF! *TR

NHTSA ODI #10262214

42,000 miles · Mar 18, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline

WAS RUNNING OUT OF GAS AND WENT TO A GAS STATION. HOWEVER, GAS TANK DOOR WON'T OPEN. CALLED DEALERSHIP BUT SAID CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY. HAD TO BREAK THE LOCK TO PUT IN GAS. HEARD A LOT HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10262213

85,000 miles · Mar 14, 2009
Seats

MY 2003 NISSAN MURANO SE AWD DRIVER SIDE SEAT TRACK BROKE AND CAUSES IT TO ROCK BACK AND FORTH. THIS POOR MANUFACTURED SEAT WILL COST ME $1000.00 PLUS TO REPLACE AND THIS IS A HAZARD OVERLOOKED BY MANY NISSAN MURANO OWNERS, BUYERS AND NHTSA. THERE SHOULD BE A MASSIVE RECALL ON THESE SEATS IMMEDIATELY. SEE CONSUMER COMPLAINTS: …

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MY 2003 NISSAN MURANO SE AWD DRIVER SIDE SEAT TRACK BROKE AND CAUSES IT TO ROCK BACK AND FORTH. THIS POOR MANUFACTURED SEAT WILL COST ME $1000.00 PLUS TO REPLACE AND THIS IS A HAZARD OVERLOOKED BY MANY NISSAN MURANO OWNERS, BUYERS AND NHTSA. THERE SHOULD BE A MASSIVE RECALL ON THESE SEATS IMMEDIATELY. SEE CONSUMER COMPLAINTS: - HTTP://WWW.NISSANMURANO.ORG/FORUMS/SHOWTHREAD.PHP?THREADID=1548 - HTTP://WWW.JUSTANSWER.COM/QUESTIONS/17ERA-2005-NISSAN-MURANO-BROKEN THIS IS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATION FOR ALL MURANO OWNERS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10261815

88,000 miles · Mar 10, 2009
Power Train

DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND BEGAN TO TAKE THE EXIT . STOPPED AT THE LIGHT TO TURN LEFT AND THE CAR HAD NO POWER. THE GAS PEDAL WAS TO THE FLOOR AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I TURNED THE CAR OFF , SAT A FEW MINUTES, STARTED THE CAR UP AND CREPT INTO THE INTERSECTION, TRYING TO CROSS THE HIGHWAY, MADE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TURNED TH…

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DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AND BEGAN TO TAKE THE EXIT . STOPPED AT THE LIGHT TO TURN LEFT AND THE CAR HAD NO POWER. THE GAS PEDAL WAS TO THE FLOOR AND NOTHING HAPPENED. I TURNED THE CAR OFF , SAT A FEW MINUTES, STARTED THE CAR UP AND CREPT INTO THE INTERSECTION, TRYING TO CROSS THE HIGHWAY, MADE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TURNED THE CAR OFF AGAIN, SAT ABOUT 5 MINUTES AND THEN AGAIN STARTED IT UP. IT TRAVELED MAYBE A HALF A BLOCK, STOPPED, TURNED THE KEY OFF, SAT IN THE HIGHWAY (VERY DANGEROUS) AND PRECEDED TO TRAVEL ANOTHER BLOCK TO MY DESTINATION. PARKED THE CAR AND CALLED A TOW TRUCK TO GET IT BACK HOME AND TO THE NISSAN DEALER. HE HAS JUST CALLED AND SAID IT IS THE TRANSMISSION AT A COST OF 4500.00 DOLLARS. I CAN'T BELIEVE IT, THE CAR HAS ONLY 87000 MILES ONE IT. AFTER READING MANY DISCUSSION GROUPS ON THE INTERNET I FIND THAT ALOT OF OWNERS OF THE 2003 MURANO HAVE HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. WE CALLED NISSAN AND THEY WILL NOT DO ANYTHING FOR US. WE NEED TO BAN TOGETHER AND GET SOME ACTION. I DON'T KNOW HOW A COMPANY CAN GET AWAY WITH THIS. TOO MANY INCIDENTS TO IGNORE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10261416

Official recalls

6

09V169000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

May 19, 2009

NISSAN IS RECALLING 362,891 MY 2003-2007 MURANO VEHICLES. THE INTAKE AIR DUCTS, WHICH ARE CONNECTED TO THE INTERMEDIATE RESONATOR IN THE AIR INTAKE SYSTEM OF THE ENGINE, MAY SEPARATE FROM THE RESONATOR WITH ENGINE MOVEMENT. THIS SEPARATION OCCURS DUE TO THE PREMATURE AGING OF THE MATERIAL USED IN THE INTAKE AIR DUCTS WHICH CAUSES EXCESSIVE SHRINKING.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: ENGINE MAY STALL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE/REPAIR THE APPROPRIATE COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

06V048000 · Seat Belts:rear/other

Feb 13, 2006

ON SOME SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, IN CERTAIN HIGH SPEED FRONTAL CRASHES, THE WEBBING OF A REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELT MAY CONTACT THE REAR SEAT BACK HINGE WHERE IT CAN BE CUT BY THE SHARP EDGE OF THE METAL PORTION OF THE HINGE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE WEBBING IS COMPLETELY SEPARATED, IT CAN INCREASE THE RISK OF INJURY TO AN OCCUPANT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL PROTECTORS OVER THE WEBBING OF THE REAR SEAT BELTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

06V003000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

Jan 10, 2006

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, DUE TO THE LOCATION OF THE FORWARD EDGE OF THE FUEL TANK, IN THE EVENT THAT A VEHICLE FRONT TIRE RUNS OVER A SMALL, SHARP OBJECT IN THE ROAD, CATCHES IT AND PROPELS IT TOWARDS THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, IT MAY STRIKE AND PUNCTURE THE FUEL TANK.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A PUNCTURED TANK COULD INCREASE THE RISK OF A FIRE.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL PROTECTORS IN FRONT OF THE TANK FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

05V319000 · Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator

Jul 14, 2005

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT A WIRE BREAKING INSIDE THE ALTERNATOR COULD STOP THE BATTERY FROM CHARGING.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THIS HAPPENS, THE CHARGER WARNING AND BRAKE WARNING LAMPS WILL IMMEDIATELY COME ON AND THE BATTERY WILL BEGIN TO DISCHARGE. AFTER A SHORT TIME, THE ENGINE WILL GO INTO A "FALL SAFE" CONDITION WHICH WILL LIMIT VEHICLE SPEED. THE ENGINE WILL STOP RUNNING WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR WITH A NEW VERSION WHICH HAS BEEN MODIFIED TO PREVENT MOVEMENT OF THE COIL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

03V455000 · Engine And Engine Cooling

Nov 17, 2003

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR OR CAM POSITION SENSOR MAY HAVE AN IMPROPER SOLDER JOINT DUE TO SOLDER DEFORMATION CAUSED BY HEAT STRESS ACCELERATED BY THE EXISTENCE OF FLUX RESIDUE DURING THE SOLDERING PROCESS.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD CAUSE THE "SERVICE ENGINE SOON" WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON, CREATE A NO START CONDITION, CAUSE REDUCED ENGINE POWER, OR CAUSE THE ENGINE TO STOP RUNNING WITHOUT WARNING DURING VEHICLE OPERATION, WHICH COULD RESULT IN A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRANK POSITION SENSORS. CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR(S), AND IN SOME CASES, THE VARIABLE TIMING CONTROL SENSOR(S). VEHICLES INVOLVED IN A PREVIOUS RECALL CAMPAIGN, 01V357, ARE ALSO INCLUDED IN THIS NEW CAMPAIGN. THE REPLACEMENT SENSORS USED IN THAT CAMPAIGN ARE ALSO AFFECTED. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN ON DECEMBER 22, 2003. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.

03V123000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)

Mar 31, 2003

ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE NUT THAT ATTACHES THE TRANSMISSION GEAR SELECTOR SHAFT TO THE CONTROL VALVE LEVER IN THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT BE ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE TRANSMISSION NOT ACTUALLY BEING IN THE GEAR INDICATED BY THE GEAR SELECTOR LEVER. IN ADDITION, THE TRANSMISSION POSITION DISPLAY IN THE INSTRUMENT PANEL MAY NOT BE ON OR MAY BE INCORRECT.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE GEAR DISPLAYED IS DIFFERENT FROM THE GEAR ENGAGED, THIS COULD RESULT IN UNEXPECTED VEHICLE MOVEMENT AND A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL CHECK THE AFFECTED NUT IN THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER LINKAGE, AND TIGHTEN IT IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 15, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER ON AN AGREED UPON SERVICE DATE AND DO NOT RECEIVE THE FREE REMEDY WITHIN A REASONABLE TIME SHOULD CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

4

PE08065 · Driver Seat Anchor Failure

Opened Nov 18, 2008 · Closed Jul 2, 2009

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Seats

THIS INVESTIGATION CONCERNS STRUCTURAL FAILURE OF THE ANCHOR/BRACKET ON THE LEFT REAR SIDE OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT.THE CONCERN IS THAT SUCH FAILURES MAY ALTER THE DRIVER'S SEATED POSITION SO AS TO REDUCE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE OCCUPANT PROTECTION SYSTEM OR POTENTIALLY COMPROMISE VEHICLE CONTROL.FAILURE OF THE SUBJECT ANCHOR BRACKET RESULTS FROM METAL FATIGUE AND CAUSES REARWARD TILTING OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT.THESE FAILURES USUALLY OCCUR DURING DRIVER INGRESS BUT MAY ALSO OCCUR WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING OPERATED.THE SAFETY RELATED CONCERNS DURING ACTUAL VEHICLE USE WERE NOT VALIDATED BY THIS INVESTIGATION.WHILE THE NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS OF THIS PROBLEM IS RELATIVELY HIGH, ONLY THREE VERY MINOR, UNDOCUMENTED INJURIES WERE REPORTED.THE REPORTED INJURIES OCCURRED DURING DRIVER INGRESS, NOT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION.INVESTIGATION DISCLOSED THAT THE APPARENT RISK OF COMPROMISE TO VEHICLE CONTROL HAS NOT BEEN DEMONSTRATED.INVESTIGATION ALSO DISCLOSED THAT THE APPARENT RISK OF COLLAPSE OF THE DRIVER'S SEAT BACK HAS NOT BEEN DEMONSTRATEDA SAFETY RELATED DEFECT TREND WAS NOT IDENTIFIED AND THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN CLOSED.

PE05050 · Fuel Tank Punctures From Road Debris

Opened Sep 13, 2005 · Closed Jan 31, 2006

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly; Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly

ODI OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION BASED ON FOUR VEHICLE OWNER QUESTIONNAIRES (VOQ'S) INDICATING THAT THE FUEL TANKS WEREPUNCTURED BY ROAD DEBRIS UNDER NORMAL, NON OFF-ROAD DRIVING CONDITIONS.AS OF NOVEMBER 30, 2005, THE COMPLAINT TOTAL INCREASED TO 12.NISSAN SUPPLIED ODI WITH 31 COMPLAINTS OF FUEL TANK PUNCTURES, INCLUDING 26 NOT PREVIOUSLY KNOWN TO ODI FROM THE VOQ RECORDS. IN A LETTER DATED JANUARY 9, 2006, NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. NOTIFIED ODI OF ITS PLAN TO RECALL APPROXIMATELY 209,000 MODEL YEAR 2003 - 2006 NISSAN MURANO VEHICLES BUILT FROM APRIL 24, 2002 (START OF PRODUCTION OF MY 2003) THROUGH NOVEMBER 24, 2005 (INCLUDING A PORTION OF MY 2006 VEHICLES) TO CORRECT A DEFICIENCY IN FUEL TANK SHIELDING FROM ROAD DEBRIS.THIS RECALL HAS BEEN DESIGNATED NHTSA NO. 06V-003.RECALLED VEHICLES WILL BE FITTED WITH PROTECTIVE SHIELDING FOR THE FRONTAL PORTION OF THE FUEL TANK TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF PUNCTURE BY PROJECTILES FROM THE FRONT WHEELS.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN CLOSED.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Fuel System, Gasoline:storage:tank Assembly

ODI OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION BASED ON FOUR VEHICLE OWNER QUESTIONNAIRES (VOQ'S) INDICATING THAT THE FUEL TANKS WEREPUNCTURED BY ROAD DEBRIS UNDER NORMAL, NON OFF-ROAD DRIVING CONDITIONS.AS OF NOVEMBER 30, 2005, THE COMPLAINT TOTAL INCREASED TO 12.NISSAN SUPPLIED ODI WITH 31 COMPLAINTS OF FUEL TANK PUNCTURES, INCLUDING 26 NOT PREVIOUSLY KNOWN TO ODI FROM THE VOQ RECORDS. IN A LETTER DATED JANUARY 9, 2006, NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. NOTIFIED ODI OF ITS PLAN TO RECALL APPROXIMATELY 209,000 MODEL YEAR 2003 - 2006 NISSAN MURANO VEHICLES BUILT FROM APRIL 24, 2002 (START OF PRODUCTION OF MY 2003) THROUGH NOVEMBER 24, 2005 (INCLUDING A PORTION OF MY 2006 VEHICLES) TO CORRECT A DEFICIENCY IN FUEL TANK SHIELDING FROM ROAD DEBRIS.THIS RECALL HAS BEEN DESIGNATED NHTSA NO. 06V-003.RECALLED VEHICLES WILL BE FITTED WITH PROTECTIVE SHIELDING FOR THE FRONTAL PORTION OF THE FUEL TANK TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF PUNCTURE BY PROJECTILES FROM THE FRONT WHEELS.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN CLOSED.

Fuel System, Other:storage:tank Assembly

ODI OPENED A PRELIMINARY EVALUATION BASED ON FOUR VEHICLE OWNER QUESTIONNAIRES (VOQ'S) INDICATING THAT THE FUEL TANKS WEREPUNCTURED BY ROAD DEBRIS UNDER NORMAL, NON OFF-ROAD DRIVING CONDITIONS.AS OF NOVEMBER 30, 2005, THE COMPLAINT TOTAL INCREASED TO 12.NISSAN SUPPLIED ODI WITH 31 COMPLAINTS OF FUEL TANK PUNCTURES, INCLUDING 26 NOT PREVIOUSLY KNOWN TO ODI FROM THE VOQ RECORDS. IN A LETTER DATED JANUARY 9, 2006, NISSAN NORTH AMERICA, INC. NOTIFIED ODI OF ITS PLAN TO RECALL APPROXIMATELY 209,000 MODEL YEAR 2003 - 2006 NISSAN MURANO VEHICLES BUILT FROM APRIL 24, 2002 (START OF PRODUCTION OF MY 2003) THROUGH NOVEMBER 24, 2005 (INCLUDING A PORTION OF MY 2006 VEHICLES) TO CORRECT A DEFICIENCY IN FUEL TANK SHIELDING FROM ROAD DEBRIS.THIS RECALL HAS BEEN DESIGNATED NHTSA NO. 06V-003.RECALLED VEHICLES WILL BE FITTED WITH PROTECTIVE SHIELDING FOR THE FRONTAL PORTION OF THE FUEL TANK TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF PUNCTURE BY PROJECTILES FROM THE FRONT WHEELS.ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION HAS BEEN CLOSED.

EA05006 · Alternator Failure / Engine Stalling

Opened Mar 25, 2005 · Closed Aug 17, 2005

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator

ODI RECEIVED 14 REPORTS OF ALLEGED ENGINE STALLING DUE TO ALTERNATOR FAILURE ON MY 2003-2004 MURANO (SUBJECT) VEHICLES.ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS REPORTED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE RESTARTED AFTER THE STALL OCCURRED.BASED ON THESE COMPLAINTS, ODI OPENED PE04-077 AND LATER UPGRADED TO EA05-006 FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.DURING EA05-006, ADDITIONAL FAILURE DATA WERE IDENTIFIED AS NOTED IN THE FAILURE REPORT SUMMARY ABOVE.ON JULY 12, 2005, NISSAN NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A SAFETY DEFECT ON MY 2003-2005 MURANO VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM APRIL 8, 2002 AND SEPTEMBER 24, 2004 (RECALL 05V-319).THE NOTIFICATION STATED THAT AN OPEN CIRCUIT IN THE ALTERNATOR CAN OCCUR DUE TO WIRE FATIGUE CAUSED BY MOVEMENT OF THE ROTOR COIL DURING RAPID CHANGES IN ENGINE SPEED IN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION (CVT).HIGHER ENGINE COMPARTMENT TEMPERATURE IN THE MURANO COMPARED TO OTHER NISSAN MODELS MAY ALSO BE A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR TO THE WIRE FATIGUE.NISSAN ALSO REPORTED THAT WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE CHARGE WARNING AND BRAKE WARNING LAMPS WILL ILLUMINATE AND THE BATTERY WILL BEGIN TO DISCHARGE.AFTER A SHORT TIME, THE ENGINE WILL THEN ENTER A FAIL SAFE MODE THAT LIMITS VEHICLE SPEED.VERY SHORTLY AFTER REACHING THIS CONDITION, THE ENGINE WILL STOP.NHTSA'S TESTING, HOWEVER, SHOWED THAT ALTHOUGH THE WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATE, THE VEHICLE SPEED IS LIMITED TO ONLY 4-7 MPH RATHER THAN WHAT NHTSA CONSIDERS A FAIL SAFE MODE. NISSAN WILL INSTRUCT OWNERS TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO ANY NISSAN DEALER FOR AN ALTERNATOR INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT, IF REQUIRED.NOTE:SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE HAD THE NEWLY DESIGNED ALTERNATOR PREVIOUSLY INSTALLED UNDER WARRANTY.CONSEQUENTLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.ODI WILL MONITOR THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE REMEDY AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator

ODI RECEIVED 14 REPORTS OF ALLEGED ENGINE STALLING DUE TO ALTERNATOR FAILURE ON MY 2003-2004 MURANO (SUBJECT) VEHICLES.ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS REPORTED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE RESTARTED AFTER THE STALL OCCURRED.BASED ON THESE COMPLAINTS, ODI OPENED PE04-077 AND LATER UPGRADED TO EA05-006 FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.DURING EA05-006, ADDITIONAL FAILURE DATA WERE IDENTIFIED AS NOTED IN THE FAILURE REPORT SUMMARY ABOVE.ON JULY 12, 2005, NISSAN NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A SAFETY DEFECT ON MY 2003-2005 MURANO VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM APRIL 8, 2002 AND SEPTEMBER 24, 2004 (RECALL 05V-319).THE NOTIFICATION STATED THAT AN OPEN CIRCUIT IN THE ALTERNATOR CAN OCCUR DUE TO WIRE FATIGUE CAUSED BY MOVEMENT OF THE ROTOR COIL DURING RAPID CHANGES IN ENGINE SPEED IN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION (CVT).HIGHER ENGINE COMPARTMENT TEMPERATURE IN THE MURANO COMPARED TO OTHER NISSAN MODELS MAY ALSO BE A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR TO THE WIRE FATIGUE.NISSAN ALSO REPORTED THAT WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE CHARGE WARNING AND BRAKE WARNING LAMPS WILL ILLUMINATE AND THE BATTERY WILL BEGIN TO DISCHARGE.AFTER A SHORT TIME, THE ENGINE WILL THEN ENTER A FAIL SAFE MODE THAT LIMITS VEHICLE SPEED.VERY SHORTLY AFTER REACHING THIS CONDITION, THE ENGINE WILL STOP.NHTSA'S TESTING, HOWEVER, SHOWED THAT ALTHOUGH THE WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATE, THE VEHICLE SPEED IS LIMITED TO ONLY 4-7 MPH RATHER THAN WHAT NHTSA CONSIDERS A FAIL SAFE MODE. NISSAN WILL INSTRUCT OWNERS TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO ANY NISSAN DEALER FOR AN ALTERNATOR INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT, IF REQUIRED.NOTE:SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE HAD THE NEWLY DESIGNED ALTERNATOR PREVIOUSLY INSTALLED UNDER WARRANTY.CONSEQUENTLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.ODI WILL MONITOR THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE REMEDY AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED.

Electrical System

ODI RECEIVED 14 REPORTS OF ALLEGED ENGINE STALLING DUE TO ALTERNATOR FAILURE ON MY 2003-2004 MURANO (SUBJECT) VEHICLES.ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS REPORTED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE RESTARTED AFTER THE STALL OCCURRED.BASED ON THESE COMPLAINTS, ODI OPENED PE04-077 AND LATER UPGRADED TO EA05-006 FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.DURING EA05-006, ADDITIONAL FAILURE DATA WERE IDENTIFIED AS NOTED IN THE FAILURE REPORT SUMMARY ABOVE.ON JULY 12, 2005, NISSAN NOTIFIED NHTSA OF A SAFETY DEFECT ON MY 2003-2005 MURANO VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM APRIL 8, 2002 AND SEPTEMBER 24, 2004 (RECALL 05V-319).THE NOTIFICATION STATED THAT AN OPEN CIRCUIT IN THE ALTERNATOR CAN OCCUR DUE TO WIRE FATIGUE CAUSED BY MOVEMENT OF THE ROTOR COIL DURING RAPID CHANGES IN ENGINE SPEED IN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION (CVT).HIGHER ENGINE COMPARTMENT TEMPERATURE IN THE MURANO COMPARED TO OTHER NISSAN MODELS MAY ALSO BE A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR TO THE WIRE FATIGUE.NISSAN ALSO REPORTED THAT WHEN THIS HAPPENS, THE CHARGE WARNING AND BRAKE WARNING LAMPS WILL ILLUMINATE AND THE BATTERY WILL BEGIN TO DISCHARGE.AFTER A SHORT TIME, THE ENGINE WILL THEN ENTER A FAIL SAFE MODE THAT LIMITS VEHICLE SPEED.VERY SHORTLY AFTER REACHING THIS CONDITION, THE ENGINE WILL STOP.NHTSA'S TESTING, HOWEVER, SHOWED THAT ALTHOUGH THE WARNING LAMPS ILLUMINATE, THE VEHICLE SPEED IS LIMITED TO ONLY 4-7 MPH RATHER THAN WHAT NHTSA CONSIDERS A FAIL SAFE MODE. NISSAN WILL INSTRUCT OWNERS TO RETURN THEIR VEHICLES TO ANY NISSAN DEALER FOR AN ALTERNATOR INSPECTION AND REPLACEMENT, IF REQUIRED.NOTE:SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE HAD THE NEWLY DESIGNED ALTERNATOR PREVIOUSLY INSTALLED UNDER WARRANTY.CONSEQUENTLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.ODI WILL MONITOR THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE REMEDY AND TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED.

PE04077 · Alternator Failure/ Engine Stalling

Opened Nov 19, 2004 · Closed Mar 25, 2005

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator

ODI OPENED PE04-077 BASED ON 14 REPORTS OF ALLEGED ENGINE STALLING DUE TO ALTERNATOR FAILURE.ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS REPORTED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE RESTARTED AFTER THE STALL OCCURRED.DURING PE04-077, ADDITIONAL FAILURE DATA WAS IDENTIFIED AS NOTED IN THE FAILURE REPORT SUMMARY ABOVE . DURING THE INVESTIGATION, NISSAN IDENTIFIED THAT THERE HAD BEEN ALTERNATOR WARRANTY REPLACEMENTS DUE TO AN OPEN CIRCUIT IN THE ROTOR COIL CAUSED BY WIRE FATIGUE. ODI?S ANALYSIS SHOWS FAILURE RATES THAT ARE OF CONCERN TO ODI AND INDICATES THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT IS CONTINUING TO OCCUR IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ODI'S ANALYSIS ALSO SHOWS THAT NEARLY ALL OF THE ALTERNATOR WARRANTY CLAIMS SUBMITTED RESULTED IN ENGINE STALLS AND AT LEAST 25% OF THE ENGINE STALLS RESULTED IN A NO RESTART CONDITION.HOWEVER, IN 71% OF THE WARRANTY DATA SUBMITTED, ODI HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DETERMINE IF THE CONSUMER COULD RESTART THE VEHICLE.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THIS CONCERN, TO ASSESS THE POTENTIAL SAFETY-RELATED CONSEQUENCES, AND TO DETERMINE THE SCOPE OF THE AFFECTED POPULATION.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:alternator/generator/regulator

ODI OPENED PE04-077 BASED ON 14 REPORTS OF ALLEGED ENGINE STALLING DUE TO ALTERNATOR FAILURE.ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS REPORTED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE RESTARTED AFTER THE STALL OCCURRED.DURING PE04-077, ADDITIONAL FAILURE DATA WAS IDENTIFIED AS NOTED IN THE FAILURE REPORT SUMMARY ABOVE . DURING THE INVESTIGATION, NISSAN IDENTIFIED THAT THERE HAD BEEN ALTERNATOR WARRANTY REPLACEMENTS DUE TO AN OPEN CIRCUIT IN THE ROTOR COIL CAUSED BY WIRE FATIGUE. ODI?S ANALYSIS SHOWS FAILURE RATES THAT ARE OF CONCERN TO ODI AND INDICATES THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT IS CONTINUING TO OCCUR IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ODI'S ANALYSIS ALSO SHOWS THAT NEARLY ALL OF THE ALTERNATOR WARRANTY CLAIMS SUBMITTED RESULTED IN ENGINE STALLS AND AT LEAST 25% OF THE ENGINE STALLS RESULTED IN A NO RESTART CONDITION.HOWEVER, IN 71% OF THE WARRANTY DATA SUBMITTED, ODI HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DETERMINE IF THE CONSUMER COULD RESTART THE VEHICLE.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THIS CONCERN, TO ASSESS THE POTENTIAL SAFETY-RELATED CONSEQUENCES, AND TO DETERMINE THE SCOPE OF THE AFFECTED POPULATION.

Electrical System

ODI OPENED PE04-077 BASED ON 14 REPORTS OF ALLEGED ENGINE STALLING DUE TO ALTERNATOR FAILURE.ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS REPORTED THAT THE VEHICLE COULD NOT BE RESTARTED AFTER THE STALL OCCURRED.DURING PE04-077, ADDITIONAL FAILURE DATA WAS IDENTIFIED AS NOTED IN THE FAILURE REPORT SUMMARY ABOVE . DURING THE INVESTIGATION, NISSAN IDENTIFIED THAT THERE HAD BEEN ALTERNATOR WARRANTY REPLACEMENTS DUE TO AN OPEN CIRCUIT IN THE ROTOR COIL CAUSED BY WIRE FATIGUE. ODI?S ANALYSIS SHOWS FAILURE RATES THAT ARE OF CONCERN TO ODI AND INDICATES THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT IS CONTINUING TO OCCUR IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.ODI'S ANALYSIS ALSO SHOWS THAT NEARLY ALL OF THE ALTERNATOR WARRANTY CLAIMS SUBMITTED RESULTED IN ENGINE STALLS AND AT LEAST 25% OF THE ENGINE STALLS RESULTED IN A NO RESTART CONDITION.HOWEVER, IN 71% OF THE WARRANTY DATA SUBMITTED, ODI HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO DETERMINE IF THE CONSUMER COULD RESTART THE VEHICLE.THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THIS CONCERN, TO ASSESS THE POTENTIAL SAFETY-RELATED CONSEQUENCES, AND TO DETERMINE THE SCOPE OF THE AFFECTED POPULATION.