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KLUNK
KLUNK

2003 Nissan Murano

The Verdict

8 Total Klunk

The 2003 Nissan Murano has 799 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. The most reported issues are transmission (234 complaints) and body (229 complaints). With a Klunk Score of 8/100, it earns a "Total Klunk" rating. If you're shopping for a Nissan Murano, consider the 2024 model year which has 99% fewer complaints.

Safe Bet

The 2024 has 99% fewer complaints

View the 2024 Nissan Murano dashboard →

8

Klunk Score: Total Klunk

Among the most complained-about vehicle years on record. Strongly consider alternatives.

How is this calculated?

The Klunk Score ranks this vehicle year against all others in our database based on total owner complaints filed with NHTSA. 100 = fewest complaints (top tier), 0 = most complained-about. Scores above 60 are better than average; below 40 means more problems than most.

Recalls 5

Active safety recalls from NHTSA for this vehicle year.

03V123000 POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)

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 T...

Risk

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 AUTHORIZ...

Reported Apr 11, 2026

05V319000 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR

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

Risk

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 W...

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-...

Reported Apr 11, 2026

06V048000 SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER

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 MET...

Risk

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.

Reported Apr 11, 2026

09V169000 ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

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 RESO...

Risk

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.

Reported Apr 11, 2026

06V003000 FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY

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 PROPE...

Risk

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.

Reported Oct 1, 2006

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Under the Hood

Each number is a complaint. Darker = bigger problem.

YearBodyBrakesElectricalEngineTransmission
200322910154172234
20043261396112130
200572691297844
20066538357334
200746216568853
20091272611355260
20106254291133
20114638181234
20124511351627
201336215910
2014813181229
20155823472943
20164715181413
2017551319812
201892121
2019274820
2020324413
2021120310
202240100
202333000
202430010
202571552

By Category

Transmission
234
Body
229
Engine
172
Electrical
154
Brakes
10

By Severity

1
385
2
395
3
1
4
17
5
1

Worst Problems

Complaints

Engine 2

The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Murano. The contact stated while driving 45 mph, the vehicle loss motive power and stalled without warning. The vehicle was shifted into PARK and restarted however, after driving for several miles, the failure recurred. The contact pulled over to side of the roadway and waited for several minutes before restarting the vehicle and slowly drove to the residence. The contact stated that the ABS and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 162,000.

61mo ago
Body 1

Rusting excessively

61mo ago
Body 1

REAR SUBFRAME COMPLETELY RUSTED CANT BELIEVE NISSAN USED SUCH CHEAP STEEL

61mo ago
Engine 2

ABS STAYS ON THEN THE (BRAKE WARNING LAMPS WILL IMMEDIATELY COME AFTER A SHORT TIME, THE ENGINE WILL GO INTO A "FALL SAFE" CONDITION WHICH WILL LIMIT VEHICLE SPEED. THE ENGINE WILL STOP RUNNING AND TURN OFF ON ME. ALSO MY SUBFRAME IS ROTTEN AND IS NOW DISCONNECTED THE MECHANIC QUOTED ME $2,600 TO REPAIR JUS THE SUBFREAME.

61mo ago
Engine 1

While driving down the highway with my infant child the vehicle lost power I could not accelerate went from 75mph to a struggling 5mph. No matter how far I pressed the gas pedal there was no acceleration no revving of engine just complete nothing just pure panic. I was able to pull off to the side of the freeway in a not so safe place however I had no choice. I out hazard lights on and turned off the car. After waiting approx 5 min. I attempted to start car to no avail. The battery light as well as abs light stayed on. I again waited for another 5 -10 min and tried again nothing but same warning lights. I eventually had to wait for approx 45-_60 min when it finally started however I was only allowed to go no fastethan 5 mph. I was able to exit freeway where I parked car for several hours and walked home. Upon retrieving vehicle it still had same results. I drove home @ 5mph. I took car in for repairs and was told I needed a new battery wiring harness. I had that ordered a d repaired. Car drove home just fine however the following day the same incident occurred. Took car back in and was told I needed a new alternator which I replaced. However the following day the same thing occurred. Upon driving car back to a major dealership to notify them of the same problem, however once in their parking lot the mechanic attempted to drive car into the service bay and car wouldn't start. Immediately the mechanic said " oh you hear that clicking sound?" " That's the starter you need a new one". I once again had them service my car and put in a new starter.Yet once again the following day the same problem. In all these occurrences the car had just out of no where with no warning lost power leaving my children and I in a potentially dangerous situation multiple times. The vehicle has been parked in my garage. I can't afford replacing parts just to have the same incident. As far as dates go there were multiple dates that the vehicle stalled on me and had no acceleration.

62mo ago
Electrical 2

WHILE DRIVING I LOST ALL POWER FOR THE MOTOR AND HAD TO HAVE TO BATTERY REPLACED CUZ LOST ALL POWER

63mo ago
Engine 1

WHILE DRIVING THE MURANO IT SLOWED DOWN AND WOULDN'T GO ABOVE 20MPH. AFTER ABOUT A MILE IT JUST STOPPED RUNNING & WOULDN'T CRANK BACK UP. ALL THE FLUIDS WERE AT THE RIGHT LEVELS. TOOK IT TO A JOHNNY'S MECHANIC SHOP & THEY SAID IT WAS THE ENGINE.

64mo ago
Engine 2

THE CAR KEEPS ON SHUTTING OFF ON ME THE MOTOR AND WAS CAUSED A BIG ACCIDENT

75mo ago
Body 2

WE ARE ORIGINAL OWNERS OF 2003 NISSAN MURANO; IT HAS ONLY 92K MILES, IT HAS ALWAYS BEEN GARAGED AND WELL MAINTAINED. THE REAR WHEELS JUST STARTED TILTING INWARD AT THE TOP; A MECHANIC IDENTIFIED THE REAR SUBFRAME AND SUSPENSION WAS ROTTING, AND ADVISED THAT IT WILL CONTINUE TO WORSEN UNTIL THE BACK END OF THE VEHICLE JUST COLLAPSES. IT IS AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR. NISSAN IS IGNORING IT IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT (THEY USED CRAPPY STEEL), THAT IT IS A VERY DANGEROUS SAFETY HAZARD, AND IT SHOULD BE FIXED BY THEM. SEARCHING ONLINE REVEALS MANY COMPLAINTS OF THIS SAME ISSUE, MANY JUST RECENTLY MADE, AND AS A CONSUMER IT IS VERY UNFAIR TO SPEND A LOT OF MONEY ON A NEW VEHICLE AND KEEP IT NICE AND FULLY FUNCTIONAL, EXPECTING IT TO LAST FOR A FEW MORE YEARS TO COME, TO SURPRISINGLY HAVE THE SUBFRAME FAIL ESPECIALLY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS LESS THAN TWENTY YEARS OLD AND NOT EVEN AT 100,000 MILES.

78mo ago
Engine 2

DURING THE HOT SUMMER MONTHS IN THE PHOENIX ARIZONA AREA I'VE EXPERIENCED HESITATION (ESPECIALLY IN TRAFFIC) WHEN EITHER MOVING SLOWLY ALONG OR TRAFFIC PICKS UP OR TURNING AND I HAVE TO MASH HARDER ON THE ACCELERATOR, SOMETIMES 2-4 TIMES!!! THIS IS FRIGHTENING !! WHAT IS THE PROBLEM AS I'VE CHECKED FILTERS, GAS, INTAKE? AND ASKED MECHANIC ???

79mo ago
Electrical 1

THE CAR IS STALLING WHEN I STOP WHINING REAL BAD

84mo ago
Body 2

DRIVER SEAT REAR METAL SUPPORT FRAME BROKEN. I NOTICED WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN THAT THE SEAT WAS SHIFTING. UPON INSPECTION I NOTICE THAT THE DRIVER SEAT LEFT REAR SEAT SUPPORT FRAME BROKEN.

85mo ago
Engine 2

THE CAR SLOWED ALL THE WAY DOWN ON THE FREEWAY . ALMOST CAUSING ME TO CRASH . IT DID IT SUDDENLY I WAS UNABLE TO PULL OVER .I WAS GOING ABOUT 65 MPH WHILE THE A/C WAS BLOWING IT COMPLETELY MALFUNCTIONED

87mo ago
Transmission 2

DRIVER SIDE SEAT GOES SIDEWAYS/I HAVE I HAVE REPLACED THE OUTPUT SHAFT SEAL 4 TIMES IN 3 MONTHS [KEEPS LEAKING]

88mo ago
Engine 1

MY 2003 MURANO SE/SL AAWHEN I FIRST START THE ENGINE IT MAKES A SOUND LIKE IT HAS NO OIL OR ENGINE IS CHOKING BUT ITS STARTS BUT IF ENGINE IS IDLING FOR 5 MINS OR SO ITS SHUT OFF BUT I CAN START IT AGAIN BUT AFTER WHEN IM DRIVING ENGINE JUST DIES OFF AMD WONT START AGAIN FOR ABOUT 5 MINS. THAT PROBLEMS HAS BEEN GOING ON CONSTANTLY WHEN IM ON THE ROAD WITH MY CHILDREN OR BY MYSELF LAST WEEK I WAS DRIVING MY SON TO SCHOOL AND I WAS WAITING TO TURN LEFT AND ONCE I WAS TURNING MY MURANO DIED OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD LUCKILY THE ON COMING TRAFFIC HAD A RED LIGHT SO I HAD A CHANCE TO PUSH IT OF THE INTERSECTION, ONE OTHER TIME I WAS PICKING UP DINNER AMD ENGINE JUST DIED OFF ON ME WHILE I WAS MAKING A RIGHT TURN AND GEAR COULDNT BE RELEASED OF DRIVE AND KEY WOULDN'T TURN EITHER SOME HOW WHILE I WAS JERKING THE KEY I WAS ABLE TO SHIFT TO PARK AND KEY WAS RELEASED THAT TIME I WAS LUCKY ANOTHER VEHICLE STOPPED NEXT TO ME AND TURN THEIR EMERGENCY HAZARD LIGHT BECAUSE MY CAR SEEMED LIKE THE VEHICLE WASNT RESPONDING AT ALL NOT EVEN JUMP STARTING WORKED AND AFTER 20 25 MIMS IT JUST STARTED AGAING . IVE ALREADY FIXED THE FAULTY CODE BUT IT STILL DOES IT AND NOW THE CAM AND CRANK SHAFT CODES APPEARED

93mo ago
Engine 1

IN THE MIDDLE OF DRIVING TO WORK, VEHICLE JUST SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNING. NEW BATTERY AND CAM SENSOR REPLACED VERY RECENTLY. NO SERVICE ENGINE LIGHT ON, NOTHING...IT JUST SHUT OFF. AFTER 2 TRIES IT STARTED RIGHT BACK UP. VERY SCARY!!!

94mo ago
Transmission 4

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN MURANO. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS LOW SPEEDS, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED IN REVERSE AND CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THE CONTACT SHIFTED INTO PARK TO AVOID A POTENTIAL CRASH, BUT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO STOP. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES SUSTAINED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO BE DRIVEN FROM THE SCENE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT AND FIRST OCCURRED TWO YEARS AGO. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS NOTIFIED, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. A DEALER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 107,000. *LN CONSUMER STATED FAILURE HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. UPDATED 12/11/18*JB

94mo ago
Transmission 2

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN MURANO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A COMPLETE STOP, IT DID NOT MOVE WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO BE DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 110,000.

94mo ago
Body 2

WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET CAR LOST CHARGE WOULD DRIVE VERY SLOWLY ABOUT 1 MILE PER HOUR. BRAKE AND BATTERY LIGHT CAME ON. HAVE ALREADY REPLACED BATTERY AND ALTERNATOR ABOUT A YEAR AGO BUT WHEN SAME THING HAPPENED TODAY. PER THE VIN MY CAR HAS NOT BEEN RECALLED. I'LL HAVE TO GET INVOICE FROM TIRE CHOICE TO SHOW WHAT I PAID FOR ALTERNATOR AND BATTERY. THANK YOU.

96mo ago
Engine 2

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN MURANO. WHILE DRIVING OUT OF A PARKING LOT AT 10 MPH AND MAKING A LEFT TURN, THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DEPRESSING THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO RESTART THE VEHICLE NUMEROUS TIMES, BUT WAS UNSUCCESSFUL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE CONTACT CALLED MTN VIEW NISSAN AT (423) 756-1500 (LOCATED AT 2100 SOUTH MARKET STREET, CHATTANOOGA, TN 37408) AND WAS AWAITING A CALL BACK TO SCHEDULE A DIAGNOSTIC APPOINTMENT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SAME FAILURE OCCURRED IN 2014. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 96,000.

98mo ago

799 total

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