IllustrationTL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 NISSAN MURANO. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE SUNROOF SHATTERED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER; HOWEVER, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 55,000.
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 →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Murano years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
380–25K
5025–50K
13750–75K
12275–100K
127100–150K
52150K+
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
What owners actually said
635 reportsI HAVE LESS THAN 61,000 MILES ON MY 09 MURANO. I NEED TO KNOW WHY WHEN I LIST MY VIN, THERE ARE NO RECALLS, YET IF I SEARCH MAKE,MODEL,AND YR.,WITHOUT VIN, THREE ARE LISTED. THREE WHICH I HAVE HAD ALL HAPPEN AIR BAGS, AIR BAGS AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AND TPMS (TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM), SAYS TPMS WAS IN CERTAIN STATES. …
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I HAVE LESS THAN 61,000 MILES ON MY 09 MURANO. I NEED TO KNOW WHY WHEN I LIST MY VIN, THERE ARE NO RECALLS, YET IF I SEARCH MAKE,MODEL,AND YR.,WITHOUT VIN, THREE ARE LISTED. THREE WHICH I HAVE HAD ALL HAPPEN AIR BAGS, AIR BAGS AND ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, AND TPMS (TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM), SAYS TPMS WAS IN CERTAIN STATES. HOW CAN YOU SPECIFY THIS RECALL TO THOSE STATES? PEOPLE MOVE, TRAVEL TO THOSE STATES, AND YES, WE USE ROAD SALT HERE. MY TPMS CAME ON THIS PAST JULY AND WILL NOT GO OFF. BUT, SEEMS YOUR RECALL MAY NOT APPLY IN THE SOUTH. I ALSO, IN JULY 2014, HAD ALL 4 MOTOR MOUNTS REPLACED. NISSAN SAID ALL 4 WOULD NEED REPLACING SOON AFTER HEARING A KNOCKING WHEN EVER I STARTED OFF (LIKE AT RED LIGHT OR STOP SIGN). MOTOR COULD FALL OUT. NISSAN WAS GOING TO CHARGE ME $800.00 FOR ONE (ALL I COULD AFFORD AT ONE TIME). A FRIEND TOOK IT TO A WELL KNOWN REPUTABLE AUTO STORE AND THEY REPLACED ALL 4 FOR $900.00. NOW NISSAN WOULD NOT BE OVER CHARGING THAT MUCH, WOULD THEY? YEA, RIGHT. AFFECTED PARTS? SEEMS THERE ARE A LOT OF THE 153 COMPLAINTS FILED REFER TO MOTOR MOUNTS. HAVE ANY MOTORS FALLEN OUT TO CAUSE ACCIDENT? *TR
IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, THE AIR CONDITIONER HAD THE SWEET SMELL OF MAPLE SYRUP AND A FEW MINUTES LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WITHIN SECONDS, THE CAR STUTTERED EACH TIME I ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE. ONCE OUT OF TRAFFIC, I LOOKED AND SAW A LARGE AMOUNT OF COOLANT DRIPPING FROM THE CAR. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO C…
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IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC, THE AIR CONDITIONER HAD THE SWEET SMELL OF MAPLE SYRUP AND A FEW MINUTES LATER THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. WITHIN SECONDS, THE CAR STUTTERED EACH TIME I ATTEMPTED TO ACCELERATE. ONCE OUT OF TRAFFIC, I LOOKED AND SAW A LARGE AMOUNT OF COOLANT DRIPPING FROM THE CAR. THE CAR WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO CONFIRMED COOLANT BUILT UP PRESSURE IN RADIATOR, HOSES AND TRANSMISSION. CVT TRANSMISSION IS FLOODED WITH COOLANT AND WATER, RADIATOR AND ALL HOSES WILL NEED REPLACEMENT. *TR
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
WAS DRIVING ALONG, AND HEARD A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND. THOUGHT IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION, SO I TOOK IT IN TO A DEALERSHIP, AND THEY SAID I HAD A CRACKED TRANSFER CASE. NISSAN EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR THERE TRANSMISSIONS, BUT NOT FOR THEIR THERE TRANSFER CASE. MY VEHICLE COULD HAVE SEIZED AT ANY MOMENT WHEN I WAS DRIVING. IT SOUN…
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WAS DRIVING ALONG, AND HEARD A LOUD KNOCKING SOUND. THOUGHT IT WAS THE TRANSMISSION, SO I TOOK IT IN TO A DEALERSHIP, AND THEY SAID I HAD A CRACKED TRANSFER CASE. NISSAN EXTENDED THE WARRANTY FOR THERE TRANSMISSIONS, BUT NOT FOR THEIR THERE TRANSFER CASE. MY VEHICLE COULD HAVE SEIZED AT ANY MOMENT WHEN I WAS DRIVING. IT SOUNDS LIKE THERE ARE ALLOT OF NISSAN MURANOS THAT HAVE THIS SAME ISSUE. *TR
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
MY DASHBOARD IS MELTING. EVERYTHING IS STICKY AND STARTING TO GLARE, WHICH IMPEDES VISIBILITY. WHY CAN'T THERE BE A RECALL TO MAKE THESE AUTO MAKERS STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS? THIS IS THE SAME THING THAT HAPPENED TO OUR 2004 INFINITI. THE DASHBOARD BUBBLED, AND BECAUSE THERE WAS NO RECALL, THEY DIDN'T NOTIFY OWNERS. BUT THEY …
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MY DASHBOARD IS MELTING. EVERYTHING IS STICKY AND STARTING TO GLARE, WHICH IMPEDES VISIBILITY. WHY CAN'T THERE BE A RECALL TO MAKE THESE AUTO MAKERS STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCTS? THIS IS THE SAME THING THAT HAPPENED TO OUR 2004 INFINITI. THE DASHBOARD BUBBLED, AND BECAUSE THERE WAS NO RECALL, THEY DIDN'T NOTIFY OWNERS. BUT THEY DID REPLACE THEM IF YOU BROUGHT IT TO THEIR ATTENTION. IT WAS A SECRET THAT THEY DIDN'T WANT TO LET OWNERS KNOW ABOUT, SO THEY WOULDN'T HAVE TO REPAIR, UNLESS YOU INSISTED ON IT. OUR INFINITI WAS SERVICED REGULARLY AT THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAY THEY DIDN'T NOTICE THE HUGE BUBBLING EFFECT ALL OVER THE DASHBOARD! WHY ISN'T NHTSA DOING SOMETHING FOR THE CONSUMER? ARE THEY ON THE AUTOMAKERS PAYROLL? *TR
AIR BAGS LIGHT KEEP STAY ON, CALL NISSAN MANUFACTURER AND THEY WON'T DO THE RECALL FOR THE AIR BAG. *TR
WAS DRIVING AND WENT TO STOP AT A LIGHT WHEN THE BRAKES WENT TO THE FLOOR. THEY WERE SOFT AND SPONGY. WAS UNABLE TO STOP AND WENT THROUGH THE LIGHT. I PARKED THE CAR AND TURNED IT OFF FOR ABOUT AN HOUR AND THE BRAKES SEEM TO WORK FINE. THE CAR WAS CHECKED OUT AND NO LEAKS WERE FOUND AND FLUID IS AT MAX. BRAKES ARE NEW. AFTER REA…
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WAS DRIVING AND WENT TO STOP AT A LIGHT WHEN THE BRAKES WENT TO THE FLOOR. THEY WERE SOFT AND SPONGY. WAS UNABLE TO STOP AND WENT THROUGH THE LIGHT. I PARKED THE CAR AND TURNED IT OFF FOR ABOUT AN HOUR AND THE BRAKES SEEM TO WORK FINE. THE CAR WAS CHECKED OUT AND NO LEAKS WERE FOUND AND FLUID IS AT MAX. BRAKES ARE NEW. AFTER READING ONLINE I FOUND NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS ON THIS SAME ISSUE. I WAS JUST GLAD THERE WAS NOT TO MUCH TRAFFIC AND THAT MY BABY AND I DIDN'T GET IN AN ACCIDENT. HAS ANYTHING BEEN REPORTED ON THIS? *TR
WHILE DRIVING ON A BUMPY GRAVEL ROAD I TRIED TO APPLY THE BRAKES AND THERE WAS ALMOST NO BRAKE PRESSURE AVAILABLE. PEDAL COULD BE PUSHED TO THE FLOOR. STOPPING DISTANCE WAS GREATLY INCREASED AND HAD THERE BEEN TRAFFIC AT THE INTERSECTION IT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I PUMPED THE BRAKES AND GOT THE VEHICLE TO …
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WHILE DRIVING ON A BUMPY GRAVEL ROAD I TRIED TO APPLY THE BRAKES AND THERE WAS ALMOST NO BRAKE PRESSURE AVAILABLE. PEDAL COULD BE PUSHED TO THE FLOOR. STOPPING DISTANCE WAS GREATLY INCREASED AND HAD THERE BEEN TRAFFIC AT THE INTERSECTION IT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I PUMPED THE BRAKES AND GOT THE VEHICLE TO A LEVEL SPOT ON THE ROAD AND CHECK BRAKE FLUID LEVEL. IT WAS FINE. I DID NOT NOTICE ANY LEAKS. BRAKE PADS AND ROTORS ARE WITHIN ACCEPTABLE LIMITS (PASSED STATE INSPECTION ONE MONTH AGO). MANAGED TO BUILD UP PRESSURE BY PUMPING BRAKES AND GOT VEHICLE HOME. NISSAN DEALER CANNOT FIND ISSUE. I SUSPECT ABS SYSTEM TRIGGERED BY BUMPY GRAVEL ROAD. VERY DANGEROUS! NO WARNING LIGHTS ON DASH AT TIME. THIS NEEDS TO BE INVESTIGATED. *TR
Official recalls
418V916000 · 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
2EA18001 · 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.