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2009 Nissan Murano

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

More warning signs than most Murano years

Owner complaints for the 2009 Nissan Murano are substantially higher than the model-year median of 110.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

526 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.

  • Service Brakes. Review the 253 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 91 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Electrical System. Review the 83 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

24 crash reports4 fire reports13 injury reports

Steering complaints

34 reports
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70,000 miles · Apr 22, 2015
Steering

THE TELESCOPING FUNCTION ON MY STEERING COLUMN HAS STOPPED WORKING ON MY MURANO. I UNDERSTAND THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN OUT ON THIS SAME ISSUE (NTB-09-073), BUT DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO FIX IT. THE STEERING COLUMN IS NOW STUCK AT A HEIGHT WHERE IT BLOCKS MY VIEW OF THE SPEEDOMETER; I HAVE TO DUCK DOWN EVERY TIME I WANT TO CHECK H…

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THE TELESCOPING FUNCTION ON MY STEERING COLUMN HAS STOPPED WORKING ON MY MURANO. I UNDERSTAND THERE IS A SERVICE BULLETIN OUT ON THIS SAME ISSUE (NTB-09-073), BUT DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO FIX IT. THE STEERING COLUMN IS NOW STUCK AT A HEIGHT WHERE IT BLOCKS MY VIEW OF THE SPEEDOMETER; I HAVE TO DUCK DOWN EVERY TIME I WANT TO CHECK HOW FAST I AM TRAVELING. OBVIOUSLY A SAFETY ISSUE, AND I UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS A CHRONIC PROBLEM FOR MURANO'S AND WOULD HOPE THAT NISSAN WOULD STEP UP TO THE PLATE AND PROVIDE A FIX TO MAKE THEIR CARS SAFER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10712147

69,000 miles · Apr 2, 2015
Steering

AS I WAS DRIVING THE STEERING WHEEL WAS SQEEZING MY STOMACH AND GOING UP AND DOWN WITH NO CONTROL, LUCKILY I WAS DRIVING 35 MPH AND WAS ABLE TO PULL OVER TO AVOID A ACCIDENT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10703274

60,000 miles · Dec 6, 2014
Steering

THE TILT AND TELESCOPING STEERING WHEEL ADJUSTMENT STOPPED WORKING. MOTORS RUNS, BUT THERE IS JUST A GRINDING SOUND. WHEEL SET ITSELF TO THE LOWEST POSITION PINNING MY LEGS TO THE SEAT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10662502

60,000 miles · Nov 13, 2014
Steering

THE TILT STEERING MOTOR HAS STOPPED WORKING. THE IN AND OUT MOTOR WENT OUT SHORTLY AFTER WE PURCHASED THIS PRE-OWNED VEHICLE IN 2012. THEN, A FEW WEEKS AGO, THE TILT MECHANISM SPONTANEOUSLY TILTED TO THE FARTHEST DOWN POSITION POSSIBLE. WE THEN HAD TO HOLD THE CONTROL UP AS WELL AS APPLY SIGNIFICANT PRESSURE UPWARDS TO GET TH…

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THE TILT STEERING MOTOR HAS STOPPED WORKING. THE IN AND OUT MOTOR WENT OUT SHORTLY AFTER WE PURCHASED THIS PRE-OWNED VEHICLE IN 2012. THEN, A FEW WEEKS AGO, THE TILT MECHANISM SPONTANEOUSLY TILTED TO THE FARTHEST DOWN POSITION POSSIBLE. WE THEN HAD TO HOLD THE CONTROL UP AS WELL AS APPLY SIGNIFICANT PRESSURE UPWARDS TO GET THE STEERING WHEEL TO RETURN TO THE DESIRED POSITION. LUCKILY, WE WERE NOT DRIVING AT THE TIME OF THIS INCIDENT, HOWEVER I HAVE READ IN SOME DISCUSSION THREADS REGARDING THIS ISSUE THAT SOME DRIVERS HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS ISSUE WHILE DRIVING. NOW THE TILT MECHANISM DOES NOT WORK ALL TOGETHER (IN, OUT, UP OR DOWN). WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO OUR NEAREST NISSAN DEALER, AND THEY SAID THERE IS NO RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE, AND IT IS NOT COVERED UNDER OUR WARRANTY. I CONTACTED NISSAN OF NORTH AMERICA AND THEY HAVE STATED THAT THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO TO HELP US AT THIS TIME. THERE ARE SEVERAL DISCUSSION THREADS ON THE INTERNET REGARDING THIS ISSUE FOR THE 2009 NISSAN MURANO. IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE THIS CAUSES AN ACCIDENT WITH A POTENTIAL INJURY OR WORSE. NISSAN NEEDS TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE BEFORE IT GETS TO THIS POINT. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10654843

Mileage unknown · Nov 4, 2014
EngineSteering

2009 NISSAN MURANO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE BELTS AND STEERING WHEEL PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER HE LEFT THE DEALER, HE HEARD A GRINDING SOUND WHEN HE TRIED TO ADJUST THE STEERING WHEEL, WHICH HE HAD NOT EXPERIENCED BEFORE. THE DEALER STATED IT WAS A KNOW PROBLEM, AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO.…

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2009 NISSAN MURANO. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO ENGINE BELTS AND STEERING WHEEL PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER HE LEFT THE DEALER, HE HEARD A GRINDING SOUND WHEN HE TRIED TO ADJUST THE STEERING WHEEL, WHICH HE HAD NOT EXPERIENCED BEFORE. THE DEALER STATED IT WAS A KNOW PROBLEM, AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO. *JB

NHTSA ODI #10651198

47,000 miles · Sep 18, 2014
Steering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN MURANO. AFTER THE CONTACT ADJUSTED THE STEERING WHEEL, IT FAILED TO MOVE FROM THE TILT POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TELESCOPIC MOTOR AND TILT MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED…

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN MURANO. AFTER THE CONTACT ADJUSTED THE STEERING WHEEL, IT FAILED TO MOVE FROM THE TILT POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TELESCOPIC MOTOR AND TILT MOTOR NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 47,000. ..UPDATED 10/15/14 *BF UPDATED 7/22/2015*JS

NHTSA ODI #10637386

69,000 miles · Aug 20, 2014
Steering

STEERING TILT MOTOR LOCKED WITH STEERING WHEEL ALL THE WAY UP, MAKING DRIVING DIFFICULT, GEARS APPEAR TO BE STRIPPED FOR BOTH THE TILT MOTOR AND THE TELESCOPE MOTOR. I HAVE THE VEHICLE IN FOR $1000 IN REPAIRS. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10626655

99,000 miles · Jul 27, 2014
Steering

WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION THE ELECTRIC TILT STEERING WHEEL JUST ELECTRICITY JUST MOTORED TO THE FULLY DOWN POSITION PUTTING EXTREME PRESSURE ON THE TOP OF YOUR KNEE AND THIGHS AND WILL NOT RETURN UP WHEN USING THE JOYSTICK ON THE SIDE OF THE COLUMN. *JS

NHTSA ODI #10616631

77,900 miles · Jul 24, 2014
Steering

UPON PARKING THE SUBJECT VEHICLE, IT WAS OBSERVED THAT THE POWERED TILT MECHANISM IN THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. ONE COULD HEAR THE DRIVE MOTOR OPERATING, BUT THE COLUMN WOULD NOT MOVE TO ITS NORMALLY STOWED POSITION. FURTHER, ANY ATTEMPTS TO ADJUST THE STEERING COLUMN UP OR DOWN VIA THE CONTROL BUTTON RESU…

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UPON PARKING THE SUBJECT VEHICLE, IT WAS OBSERVED THAT THE POWERED TILT MECHANISM IN THE STEERING COLUMN WOULD NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY. ONE COULD HEAR THE DRIVE MOTOR OPERATING, BUT THE COLUMN WOULD NOT MOVE TO ITS NORMALLY STOWED POSITION. FURTHER, ANY ATTEMPTS TO ADJUST THE STEERING COLUMN UP OR DOWN VIA THE CONTROL BUTTON RESULTED IN AN ELECTRIC DRIVE MOTOR NOISE, BUT NO MOTION OF THE STEERING COLUMN WITHOUT ASSISTING SUCH MOTION BY PUSHING UP OR DOWN ON THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NISSAN AUTONATION ARAPAHOE (10030 EAST ARAPAHOE RD, CENTENNIAL, CO 80112), WHERE BOTH THE STEERING COLUMN TILT AND TELESCOPE DRIVE MOTOR ASSEMBLIES WERE REPLACED AT FULL COST TO THE CAR OWNER, THEREBY REMEDYING THE MALFUNCTION. AFTER FIRST OBSERVATION OF THE MALFUNCTION AND PRIOR TO THE REPAIR, THE DRIVER DID NOT EXPERIENCE ANY UNCOMMANDED CHANGE IN THE STEERING COLUMN POSITION WHILE DRIVING, HOWEVER GIVEN THE FAILURE MECHANISM, THE DRIVER FELT IT IMPORTANT TO REPORT THIS INCIDENT IN THE EVENT SUCH UNCOMMANDED CHANGE IN STEERING COLUMN POSITION MAY BE POSSIBLE WHILE DRIVING. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT NISSAN HAS ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN FOR REPAIR OF THIS MECHANISM, NO. NTB-09-073, WHICH APPEARS TO BE RELATED TO NHTSA #10030573. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10616025

46,500 miles · Apr 17, 2014
Steering

THE AUTOMATED STEERING COLUMN TILT CEASED TO OPERATE. DEALER SAID THE INSTALLATION OF A NEW TILT MOTOR WAS REQUIRED. COST TO INSTALL NEW TILT MOTOR, INCLUDING LABOR AND TAX, WAS $555.36. I PAID THIS AMOUNT TO DEALER FOR REPLACEMENT. NISSAN MOTOR COMPANY HAS A PROBLEM WHEN AN AUTOMATED MECHANISM, AS THIS ON 5 YEAR OLD CAR, FA…

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THE AUTOMATED STEERING COLUMN TILT CEASED TO OPERATE. DEALER SAID THE INSTALLATION OF A NEW TILT MOTOR WAS REQUIRED. COST TO INSTALL NEW TILT MOTOR, INCLUDING LABOR AND TAX, WAS $555.36. I PAID THIS AMOUNT TO DEALER FOR REPLACEMENT. NISSAN MOTOR COMPANY HAS A PROBLEM WHEN AN AUTOMATED MECHANISM, AS THIS ON 5 YEAR OLD CAR, FAILS.

NHTSA ODI #10583249

Official recalls

4

18V916000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

Dec 19, 2018

Nissan of North America, Inc (Nissan) is recalling certain 2009 Murano vehicles. The valves within the ABS Hydraulic Control Units (HCU) may react with brake fluids containing specific corrosion preventative additives. This reaction may cause the valves to not close properly.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the valves do not properly close, additional brake pedal travel may be required to stop the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Nissan has notified owners, and dealers will flush the brake system with DOT 4 fluid. The HCU will then be tested to detect a possible stuck valve condition. If necessary, the HCU will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began February 7, 2019. Owners may contact Nissan customer service at 1-800-867-7669.

09V393000 · Tires:pressure Monitoring And Regulating Systems

Oct 5, 2009

NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2010 VEHICLES ORIGINALLY SOLD IN OR CURRENTLY REGISTERED IN THE STATES OF CONNECTICUT, DELAWARE, IOWA, ILLINOIS, INDIANA, MASSACHUSETTS, MAINE, MARYLAND, MICHIGAN, MINNESOTA, MISSOURI, NEW HAMPSHIRE, NEW JERSEY, NEW YORK, OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA, RHODE ISLAND, VERMONT, WASHINGTON D.C., WEST VIRGINIA AND WISCONSIN. THE MATERIAL IN THE NUT USED TO SECURE THE SENSOR-TRANSMITTER OF THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) MAY CORRODE AND POTENTIALLY CRACK IN AREAS WITH HEAVY CONCENTRATIONS OF ROAD SALT. IF THIS OCCURS, THE NUT MAY COME OUT OF THE SENSOR-TRANSMITTER AND THE TPMS LAMP WILL ILLUMINATE.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IF THE TPMS LAMP IS DISREGARDED AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUES TO BE DRIVEN IN THIS CONDITION, THE TIRE WILL QUICKLY LOSE AIR PRESSURE AT A CONSISTENT RATE RESULTING IN A FLAT TIRE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE TPMS NUT WITH A NEW, MORE ROBUST NUT. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR BEFORE NOVEMBER 9, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 AND INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.

08V521000 · Air Bags; Electrical System:software

Oct 7, 2008

NISSAN IS RECALLING 204,361 MY 2007-2008 ALTIMA, ALTIMA HYBRID, 350Z, 350Z ROADSTER, MY 2008 ALTIMA COUPE, ROGUE, MY 2009 MURANO, AND INFINITI MY 2007-2008 G35 SEDAN, MY 2008 G37 COUPE AND EX35 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS' OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) CONTROL UNITS. A VARISTOR IN THE OCS CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT CUSHION MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED OUT OF SPECIFICATION. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THIS COULD CAUSE AN INTERRUPTION OF SIGNAL BETWEEN THE OCS AND THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT (ACU).

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PASSENGER AIR BAG BEING SUPPRESSED WHICH COULD FAIL TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL TEST THE SIGNAL BETWEEN THE OCS AND ACU SYSTEMS USING A SPECIAL TOOL TO CHECK THAT IT IS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. IF NECESSARY, THE SEAT CUSHION (CONTAINING OCS HARDWARE) WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE MANUFACTURED TO SPECIFICATION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 4, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:software

NISSAN IS RECALLING 204,361 MY 2007-2008 ALTIMA, ALTIMA HYBRID, 350Z, 350Z ROADSTER, MY 2008 ALTIMA COUPE, ROGUE, MY 2009 MURANO, AND INFINITI MY 2007-2008 G35 SEDAN, MY 2008 G37 COUPE AND EX35 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS' OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) CONTROL UNITS. A VARISTOR IN THE OCS CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT CUSHION MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED OUT OF SPECIFICATION. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THIS COULD CAUSE AN INTERRUPTION OF SIGNAL BETWEEN THE OCS AND THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT (ACU).

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PASSENGER AIR BAG BEING SUPPRESSED WHICH COULD FAIL TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL TEST THE SIGNAL BETWEEN THE OCS AND ACU SYSTEMS USING A SPECIAL TOOL TO CHECK THAT IT IS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. IF NECESSARY, THE SEAT CUSHION (CONTAINING OCS HARDWARE) WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE MANUFACTURED TO SPECIFICATION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 4, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.

Air Bags

NISSAN IS RECALLING 204,361 MY 2007-2008 ALTIMA, ALTIMA HYBRID, 350Z, 350Z ROADSTER, MY 2008 ALTIMA COUPE, ROGUE, MY 2009 MURANO, AND INFINITI MY 2007-2008 G35 SEDAN, MY 2008 G37 COUPE AND EX35 PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CONTINENTAL AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS' OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM (OCS) CONTROL UNITS. A VARISTOR IN THE OCS CONTROL UNIT LOCATED IN THE PASSENGER SEAT CUSHION MAY HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED OUT OF SPECIFICATION. UNDER CERTAIN CONDITIONS, THIS COULD CAUSE AN INTERRUPTION OF SIGNAL BETWEEN THE OCS AND THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT (ACU).

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PASSENGER AIR BAG BEING SUPPRESSED WHICH COULD FAIL TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE PROTECTION IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL TEST THE SIGNAL BETWEEN THE OCS AND ACU SYSTEMS USING A SPECIAL TOOL TO CHECK THAT IT IS FUNCTIONING AS DESIGNED. IF NECESSARY, THE SEAT CUSHION (CONTAINING OCS HARDWARE) WILL BE REPLACED WITH A NEW ONE MANUFACTURED TO SPECIFICATION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 4, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261 OR INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200.

08V066000 · Air Bags

Feb 12, 2008

NISSAN IS RECALLING 16,365 MY 2008 INFINITI EX35 AND MY 2009 NISSAN MURANO VEHICLES. DUE TO INCORRECT SOFTWARE PROGRAMMING, THE AIR BAG CONTROL UNIT (ACU) MAY CAUSE THE PASSENGER AIR BAG NOT TO OPERATE AS DESIGNED IF THE VEHICLE BATTERY BECOMES SIGNIFICANTLY DISCHARGED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THIS COULD RESULT IN THE PASSENGER AIR BAG NOT INFLATING IN A CRASH IN WHICH IT WAS DESIGNED TO DO SO, AND INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE ACU IN AFFECTED VEHICLES. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 19, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT INFINITI AT 1-800-662-6200 OR 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

2

EA18001 · Extended Braking Distances

Opened Apr 18, 2018 · Closed Jan 17, 2023

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip

On April 18, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Engineering Analysis (EA) 18-001 to investigate reports of braking concerns in model year (MY) 2009 Nissan Murano vehicles. A failure of the hydraulic control unit (HCU) portion of the antilock brake system (ABS), which involves improper operation of an internal hydraulic control valve(s), can cause extended brake pedal travel and may result in a reduction in overall braking effectiveness. Tier-one supplier Continental manufactured the HCU for Nissan.The corrosion-preventive, zinc coating used on the armatures of the normally closed (NC) valves within ABS HCU may react with brake fluids lacking sufficient corrosion-preventative additives. This reaction can cause the formation of a gelatinous material, which may cause the NC valves to close slowly. Over time, the gel can solidify to an extent such that the spring used to return the valve to the closed position may not be able to overcome the gel buildup, allowing the NC valve to remain open. If any of the four NC valves remains open, fluid will be diverted to one or two accumulator(s). This misdirected fluid has the net effect of causing brake pedal travel to increase, however enough stroke remains in the pedal to generate braking force. Although the hydraulic braking system remains intact and full braking force is maintained once the pedal travels the additional distance, when this condition occurs, the initial increase in brake pedal travel could result in increased stopping distance. An existing Nissan Service Campaign was launched for MY 2009 vehicles built prior to 11/1/2007. After consultation with ODI as part of EA18-001, Nissan decided to expand this population to the full range of MY2009 Murano vehicles. Later Murano vehicles exhibit significantly lower rates of malfunction.During this investigation 156 complaints were identified that related to the braking concern. Within the complainants 2 allege crashes with 4 injuries. The Nissan reports from investigation Information Request letter responses, were similar in content and identified 870 reports with 16 crashes and no injuries.On December 19, 2018, Nissan notified ODI it would conduct a safety recall (18V916) to remedy the ABS modules on certain MY 2009 Nissan Murano vehicles. The remedy procedure involves dealers flushing the brake system with DOT 4 fluid. The HCU will then be tested to detect a possible stuck valve condition. If necessary, the HCU will be replaced. The 2010-14 Murano SUVs outside the recall population and equipped with zinc-coated armatures will be inspected under a service campaign P0A08 using the same procedure as recall 18V916.Continental HCUs with a redesigned armature coating were phased into new vehicle production after December 2014 and do not appear to be experiencing corrosion. The recall action initiated by the manufacturer appears to address the safety risks of concern to ODI. Accordingly, the investigation is closed.The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exists on other model or MY vehicles outside of the recall scope. The agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances.For a complete summary of this investigation and related consumer complaints, please see attached closing resume document.

PE17002 · Extended Braking Distances

Opened May 3, 2017 · Closed May 4, 2018

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Service Brakes; Service Brakes, Air:antilock; Service Brakes, Air:antilock:control Unit/module

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is closing this Preliminary Evaluation and upgrading to an Engineering Analysis (EA) 18-001.During the PE, ODI requested and reviewed information provided by Nissan including consumer complaints and other field and technical data related to failures of the hydraulic control unit (HCU), an electro-mechanical brake system component that provides antilock braking and other functionality in the subject model year (MY) 2009 Murano.The subject failure of the HCU, which involves improper operation of an internal hydraulic control valve, can cause extended brake pedal travel and may result in a reduction in overall braking effectiveness.Tier-one supplier Continental manufactured the HCU for Nissan.ODI currently recognizes 484 subject vehicle complaints that appear related to the alleged defect.Fourteen crash allegations, with three non-life threatening injuries are under evaluation also.ODI has been monitoring consumer complaints received, and in some cases has obtained suspect HCUs from complainants' vehicles.Recovered HCUs sent to NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) in East Liberty, Ohio are under evaluation, and VRTC has conducted limited vehicle testing also.In a July 28, 2017 submission, Nissan acknowledged that a failure of the HCU can result in increased brake pedal travel during braking.Nissan's analysis of returned parts revealed that a zinc coating used on the normally closed valve assemblies inside the HCU may react with certain brake fluid constituents.The reaction results in the formation of a gelatinous material that can harden with time and prevent the valve from closing after opening in an ABS event.When this occurs, Nissan maintains that the hydraulic brake system remains intact and that full braking is available once the pedal travels an additional distance, about 36 mm according to Nissan.Although still under investigation, Nissan states it has not determined the condition represents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety, citing low rate and vehicle age as additional factors.In March 2018, Nissan began conducting a customer satisfaction campaign on certain MY 2009 Murano to service (flush and replace the brake fluid), and then test and replace the HCU as needed.The campaign is being conducted free of charge to customers.During the EA, ODI will request VRTC continue to evaluate the cause and consequence of HCU failures, including the affects of multi-valve failures.ODI will further study the potential scope of the alleged defect as it understands similar HCUs and brake fluid is used in other MY Muranos, and potentially in other Nissan models as well.ODI notes that improved valve coatings were introduced on Nissan HCUs at some subsequent stage.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Service Brakes, Air:antilock:control Unit/module

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is closing this Preliminary Evaluation and upgrading to an Engineering Analysis (EA) 18-001.During the PE, ODI requested and reviewed information provided by Nissan including consumer complaints and other field and technical data related to failures of the hydraulic control unit (HCU), an electro-mechanical brake system component that provides antilock braking and other functionality in the subject model year (MY) 2009 Murano.The subject failure of the HCU, which involves improper operation of an internal hydraulic control valve, can cause extended brake pedal travel and may result in a reduction in overall braking effectiveness.Tier-one supplier Continental manufactured the HCU for Nissan.ODI currently recognizes 484 subject vehicle complaints that appear related to the alleged defect.Fourteen crash allegations, with three non-life threatening injuries are under evaluation also.ODI has been monitoring consumer complaints received, and in some cases has obtained suspect HCUs from complainants' vehicles.Recovered HCUs sent to NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) in East Liberty, Ohio are under evaluation, and VRTC has conducted limited vehicle testing also.In a July 28, 2017 submission, Nissan acknowledged that a failure of the HCU can result in increased brake pedal travel during braking.Nissan's analysis of returned parts revealed that a zinc coating used on the normally closed valve assemblies inside the HCU may react with certain brake fluid constituents.The reaction results in the formation of a gelatinous material that can harden with time and prevent the valve from closing after opening in an ABS event.When this occurs, Nissan maintains that the hydraulic brake system remains intact and that full braking is available once the pedal travels an additional distance, about 36 mm according to Nissan.Although still under investigation, Nissan states it has not determined the condition represents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety, citing low rate and vehicle age as additional factors.In March 2018, Nissan began conducting a customer satisfaction campaign on certain MY 2009 Murano to service (flush and replace the brake fluid), and then test and replace the HCU as needed.The campaign is being conducted free of charge to customers.During the EA, ODI will request VRTC continue to evaluate the cause and consequence of HCU failures, including the affects of multi-valve failures.ODI will further study the potential scope of the alleged defect as it understands similar HCUs and brake fluid is used in other MY Muranos, and potentially in other Nissan models as well.ODI notes that improved valve coatings were introduced on Nissan HCUs at some subsequent stage.

Service Brakes, Air:antilock

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is closing this Preliminary Evaluation and upgrading to an Engineering Analysis (EA) 18-001.During the PE, ODI requested and reviewed information provided by Nissan including consumer complaints and other field and technical data related to failures of the hydraulic control unit (HCU), an electro-mechanical brake system component that provides antilock braking and other functionality in the subject model year (MY) 2009 Murano.The subject failure of the HCU, which involves improper operation of an internal hydraulic control valve, can cause extended brake pedal travel and may result in a reduction in overall braking effectiveness.Tier-one supplier Continental manufactured the HCU for Nissan.ODI currently recognizes 484 subject vehicle complaints that appear related to the alleged defect.Fourteen crash allegations, with three non-life threatening injuries are under evaluation also.ODI has been monitoring consumer complaints received, and in some cases has obtained suspect HCUs from complainants' vehicles.Recovered HCUs sent to NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) in East Liberty, Ohio are under evaluation, and VRTC has conducted limited vehicle testing also.In a July 28, 2017 submission, Nissan acknowledged that a failure of the HCU can result in increased brake pedal travel during braking.Nissan's analysis of returned parts revealed that a zinc coating used on the normally closed valve assemblies inside the HCU may react with certain brake fluid constituents.The reaction results in the formation of a gelatinous material that can harden with time and prevent the valve from closing after opening in an ABS event.When this occurs, Nissan maintains that the hydraulic brake system remains intact and that full braking is available once the pedal travels an additional distance, about 36 mm according to Nissan.Although still under investigation, Nissan states it has not determined the condition represents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety, citing low rate and vehicle age as additional factors.In March 2018, Nissan began conducting a customer satisfaction campaign on certain MY 2009 Murano to service (flush and replace the brake fluid), and then test and replace the HCU as needed.The campaign is being conducted free of charge to customers.During the EA, ODI will request VRTC continue to evaluate the cause and consequence of HCU failures, including the affects of multi-valve failures.ODI will further study the potential scope of the alleged defect as it understands similar HCUs and brake fluid is used in other MY Muranos, and potentially in other Nissan models as well.ODI notes that improved valve coatings were introduced on Nissan HCUs at some subsequent stage.

Service Brakes

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is closing this Preliminary Evaluation and upgrading to an Engineering Analysis (EA) 18-001.During the PE, ODI requested and reviewed information provided by Nissan including consumer complaints and other field and technical data related to failures of the hydraulic control unit (HCU), an electro-mechanical brake system component that provides antilock braking and other functionality in the subject model year (MY) 2009 Murano.The subject failure of the HCU, which involves improper operation of an internal hydraulic control valve, can cause extended brake pedal travel and may result in a reduction in overall braking effectiveness.Tier-one supplier Continental manufactured the HCU for Nissan.ODI currently recognizes 484 subject vehicle complaints that appear related to the alleged defect.Fourteen crash allegations, with three non-life threatening injuries are under evaluation also.ODI has been monitoring consumer complaints received, and in some cases has obtained suspect HCUs from complainants' vehicles.Recovered HCUs sent to NHTSA's Vehicle Research and Test Center (VRTC) in East Liberty, Ohio are under evaluation, and VRTC has conducted limited vehicle testing also.In a July 28, 2017 submission, Nissan acknowledged that a failure of the HCU can result in increased brake pedal travel during braking.Nissan's analysis of returned parts revealed that a zinc coating used on the normally closed valve assemblies inside the HCU may react with certain brake fluid constituents.The reaction results in the formation of a gelatinous material that can harden with time and prevent the valve from closing after opening in an ABS event.When this occurs, Nissan maintains that the hydraulic brake system remains intact and that full braking is available once the pedal travels an additional distance, about 36 mm according to Nissan.Although still under investigation, Nissan states it has not determined the condition represents an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety, citing low rate and vehicle age as additional factors.In March 2018, Nissan began conducting a customer satisfaction campaign on certain MY 2009 Murano to service (flush and replace the brake fluid), and then test and replace the HCU as needed.The campaign is being conducted free of charge to customers.During the EA, ODI will request VRTC continue to evaluate the cause and consequence of HCU failures, including the affects of multi-valve failures.ODI will further study the potential scope of the alleged defect as it understands similar HCUs and brake fluid is used in other MY Muranos, and potentially in other Nissan models as well.ODI notes that improved valve coatings were introduced on Nissan HCUs at some subsequent stage.