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Nissan Murano

EPA MPG: 20 mpg

RECALL ALERT:
There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2012 Murano is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

The 2012 Nissan Murano has been recalled 1 time by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2012 Nissan Murano owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Catalytic converter

"One catalytic converter's flange leaked, replacement required. (The other one did not warrant replacement at the same time.)"

Anonymous, NH (2012 Nissan Murano SL 3.5-L V6)
Exhaust leaks

""When we backup the exhaust smell comes into the cabin. Every time, in garage or outside.""

Anonymous, CA (2012 Nissan Murano S 3.5-L V6)

""Murano is making a loud guttural sound, which suggests an issue with the exhaust system. However, the noise is located in the engine. Two repair shops have not been able to diagnose the problem.""

Anonymous A., VA (2012 Nissan Murano LE 3.5-L V6)

"Exhaust pipe welded to one catalytic converter had a flange leak - the entire assembly needed replacement. (The other Cat assembly did not warrant replacement at the same time.)"

Anonymous, NH (2012 Nissan Murano SL 3.5-L V6)
Other/unsure

""I was going downhill and accelerated to get past a truck so I could get out of the way of a runaway semi. The engine lost power, stuttered lost again. I was nearly hit, but the truck beside me realized something was wrong and got out of the way so the runaway could miss me. I limped to a shop. After checking the transmission and every else, they looked at the air intake. The air filter had ruptured and a flap was hanging down near the air sensor, causing the engine to cut the gas injection when covered. The air filter was replaced. The rim in one long side was bent, possibly from being forced into the fitting. Thin metal rim on the filter. But it also might be possible dampness and filtrate had caused the powerful intake suction to pull on the air filter and bent it. Replacing the air filter fixed it completely. I am careful about what filter is put in now. The rectangular filter system has a vulnerability.""

Anonymous A., ID (2012 Nissan Murano Unsure 3.5-L V6)
Pipes

"Replaced leaking pipe in exhaust system (dealer wanted to replace complete exhaust system)"

Anonymous, OH (2012 Nissan Murano SL 3.5-L V6)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

Headlights

"Replaced HID bulbs for both headlights because one had failed."

Anonymous, FL (2012 Nissan Murano SV 3.5-L V6)
Keyless entry

"Door handle is an issue hard to open the door. Door handles broken."

Anonymous, NJ (2012 Nissan Murano Unsure 3.5-L V6)

"Keyless Keyfob works intermittently and sometimes locks me out of my car. Battery replaced does not help. Had to call locksmith 2 times in last 6 months. Nissan wants over $500 to fix the issue."

Anonymous, CT (2012 Nissan Murano SL 3.5-L V6)
Tire pressure monitor

"Indicator light always goes on for the tire pressure"

Anonymous, NJ (2012 Nissan Murano Unsure 3.5-L V6)

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Ball joints

""It started clicking, I had a private mechanic trouble shoot and fix it.""

Anonymous, TN (2012 Nissan Murano LE 3.5-L V6)
Shocks or struts

"STARTED May 2025, PUT NEW SHOCKS ON IN June 2025 Back of cars slide around. Dangerous. Couldn't go over 45 miles or I would lose control of car. Very scary."

Anonymous, (2012 Nissan Murano SL 3.5-L V6)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Oil leaks

"The leak was in a difficult area to access and many parts had to be removed to fix it."

Anonymous, (2012 Nissan Murano SL 3.5-L V6)

"Valve cover gaskets leaking"

Anonymous, OK (2012 Nissan Murano LE 3.5-L V6)

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

What Owners Say

Alternator

"Alternator died about 4000 miles ago"

Anonymous, OK (2012 Nissan Murano LE 3.5-L V6)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Pulsation or vibration

"Between 55 and 70 mph the car shudders some when I brake. New pads about 500 miles ago."

Anonymous, CA (2012 Nissan Murano S 3.5-L V6)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

What Owners Say

Transmission rebuild or replacement

""Should not have to replace CVT for a car with less than 150,000 miles. Nissan seams to know about their CVT issues but do noting to fix the issue. $8,000 repair is not worth it for a car that is only worth $4,000""

Anonymous, CT (2012 Nissan Murano SL 3.5-L V6)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

Refrigerant leaks

""Riding thru Oregon's high desert on one of the hottest days of the year, suddenly starts blowing warm air. Then nothing. Had a refrigerant hose leak and led to blower fail.""

Anonymous A., WA (2012 Nissan Murano LE 3.5-L V6)

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

What Owners Say

Sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor)

"Mass Air Flow sensor was called out by trouble code P0101."

Anonymous A., WI (2012 Nissan Murano SL 3.5-L V6)

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

2012 SUVs Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Nissan vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
TIRES
Feb 22, 2012
A NON-ACTIVE TPMS CANNOT WARN A DRIVER THAT A TIRE IS UNDERINFLATED. UNDERINFLATED TIRES CAN RESULT IN TIRE OVERLOADING AND OVERHEATING, WHICH COULD LEAD TO A BLOWOUT AND POSSIBLE CRASH.
Summary:
NISSAN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 MURANO AND ROGUE VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM NOVEMBER 23, 2011 THROUGH JANUARY 11, 2012. DURING ASSEMBLY, THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) WAS NOT ACTIVATED. THUS, THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 138,¿¿TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM.¿¿
What should you do:
ALL OF THE AFFECTED VEHICLES ARE STILL IN DEALER INVENTORY. DEALERS HAVE BEEN INSTRUCTED TO ACTIVATE ALL OF THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS.
For more information:
CUSTOMERS MAY CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY: 1-800-424-9153); OR GO TO HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 12V068000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 2983
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