Ready to reveal the stars and duds in the Nissan Murano lineup?
Buckle up for an exhaustive dive into every generation of this popular crossover SUV.
This no-nonsense guide reveals the best and worst Murano years, backed by solid data from NHTSA, Consumer Reports, and Kelley Blue Book.
We’re dishing out Murano reliability, safety ratings, common problems, recall history, and resale values.
Ready to become a Murano expert?
Let’s roll!
Table of ContentsShow
Nissan Murano Generations
The Nissan Murano burst onto the scene in 2002, turning heads with its sleek design and impressive feature set. This mid-size crossover SUV quickly carved out its niche, offering a perfect blend of style and substance.
But like a fine wine, the Murano has only gotten better with age. Each generation has brought new tricks to the table, pushing the envelope in design and technology.
Want a bird’s-eye view of the Murano’s evolution?
Check out this detailed breakdown of generations since 2003:
| Generation | Years |
|---|---|
| 1st generation (Z50) | 2003-2007 |
| 2nd generation (Z51) | 2009-2014 |
| 3rd generation (Z52) | 2015-Present |
Trust me, the distinctions between generations are more than just a facelift. They could be the determining factor in which model year is your perfect match.
Nissan Murano Best, Neutral, and Worst Years
How do we separate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to Murano model years? We don’t mess around. Our rankings are based on a smorgasbord of crucial factors:
- Owner-reported reliability (straight from the horse’s mouth)
- Annual maintenance costs (because nobody likes surprise bills)
- Safety ratings (because life’s too short to compromise on safety)
- Consumer Reports reliability scores (they know their stuff)
- Consumer Reports owner satisfaction scores (happy drivers tell no lies)
- NHTSA recalls, investigations, and complaints (the official word)
- Edmunds owner ratings (real-world experiences)
- JD Power owner ratings (another trusted voice)
- Kelley’s Blue Book (KBB) owner ratings (because resale value matters)
- VehicleHistory owner ratings (for the full picture)
- Cars.com owner ratings (leaving no stone unturned)
Want to see how the Murano stacks up over the years? Here’s a visual feast:
Based on this data goldmine, we’ve sorted each Murano model year into three categories: the crème de la crème, the middle-of-the-road, and the ones to steer clear of.
| Generation | Best Years | Neutral Years | Worst Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st generation (Z50) | 2007 | N/A | 2003 2004 2005 2006 |
| 2nd generation (Z51) | 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 | N/A | 2009 |
| 3rd generation (Z52) | 2018 2019 2021 2022 2023 2024 | 2017 2020 | 2015 2016 |
What about the “Neutral Years,” you ask? These are the Goldilocks of Muranos – not too hot, not too cold. They’re solid choices that won’t knock your socks off but won’t let you down either.
Here’s a pro tip: keep an eye on those NHTSA recalls. A long list of recalls is about as welcome as a flat tire on a road trip. More complaints and recalls usually spell trouble in the reliability department.
Ready to dive into the nitty-gritty of each Murano generation?
Let’s roll!
Best & Worst Years for Nissan Murano 1st Generation (2003-2007)
The Nissan Murano made its grand entrance in 2003, blazing a trail in the crossover SUV world. It was like the SUV and sedan had a baby, combining the best of both worlds.
Want the best of the best for this generation? Look no further than 2007. As for the years to steer clear of? That’d be 2003-2006.
Let’s break it down.
The Best Years: 2007
The 2007 Murano is the prized offspring of the first generation. Here’s why it’s the one to beat:
- Power to spare: The 3.5L V6 engine cranks out a respectable 240 hp. Not too shabby, right?
- Efficiency meets performance: You’re looking at 17-23 mpg on average. Not bad for an SUV of its time.
- Tech savvy: Navigation system? Check. Rearview camera? You got it. Welcome to the future, folks.
- Something for everyone: With S, SL, and SE trims, there’s a flavor for every taste and budget.
Now, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Some folks reported subframe corrosion issues. But overall, the 2007 Murano was a reliable ride with fewer mechanical hiccups than its predecessors.
The Worst Years: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
Now, let’s talk about the problem children of the Murano family. The 2003-2006 models? They’re the ones you might want to skip. Here’s the lowdown:
2003 Murano:
- Engine stalling: Not fun when you’re cruising down the highway.
- Door actuator malfunctions: Hope you like manually locking your doors!
- Unintended acceleration: Scary stuff, folks.
- Broken driver seat metal supports: Talk about a pain in the… back.
But wait, there’s more! The 2003 model faced a lengthy list of recalls:
- Wire breaking in the alternator (hello, dead battery)
- Intake air ducts separating from the resonator (engine stalling, anyone?)
- Broken cam position sensor attachments (more engine stalling)
- Fuel tank issues (punctures are never good news)
- Seat belt problems (safety first, people!)
The 2004-2006 models didn’t fare much better:
- 2004: Transmission and alternator failures became the new normal.
- 2005-2006: Broken driver seat frames and lock actuator failures joined the party.
- 2006: Subframe corrosion reared its ugly head, compromising vehicle safety.
Want to view the receipts?
Check out the NHTSA recalls and complaints for 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006 Nissan Murano models. It’s not attractive, folks.
Best & Worst Years for Nissan Murano 2nd Generation (2009-2014)
The second-gen Murano hit the scene in 2009, aiming to build on its predecessor’s success with a trendy look and improved features.
But here’s the deal: 2009 turned out to be the black sheep of this generation. The genuine stars? They shine from 2010 to 2014. Let’s plunge in.
The Best Years: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014
The 2010-2014 Muranos? They’re the fashionable kids of the second generation. Here’s why:
- Consistent powerhouse: 3.5L V6 paired with Xtronic CVT, dishing out a solid 260 hp.
- Fuel efficiency: 18-24 mpg on average. Not too shabby for an SUV, right?
- Safety first: Curtain airbags and stability control come standard. IIHS gave these models a thumbs up.
- Tech-savvy: Bluetooth, navigation, rearview camera – all the goodies you’d expect.
- Trim options galore: S, SV, SL, and LE. From basic to bougie, there’s something for everyone.
The best part? These models kept the mechanics happy with minimal issues and left owners grinning from ear to ear.
The Worst Years: 2009
Now, about that 2009 model. It’s the problem child of this generation. Here’s the scoop:
- CVT transmission woes: Jerking and hard shifting were common complaints. Not exactly the smooth ride you’re after, right?
- Electrical gremlins: Stalling and power loss. Talk about a buzzkill.
- Brake troubles: Unresponsive braking. That’s a big no-no in my book.
- Recall central: Issues with the Occupant Classification System (OCS) and ABS valve problems. Yikes.
All these hiccups add up to make the 2009 Murano the least reliable of the bunch. Want to observe for yourself?
Check out the NHTSA recalls and complaints for the 2009 Nissan Murano. It’s not pretty.
Best & Worst Years for Nissan Murano 3rd Generation (2015-Present)
The third-gen Murano rolled out in 2015, bringing a fresh look and some serious tech upgrades to the table.
But here’s the deal: 2015 and 2016? They’re the ones you might want to steer clear of. The real MVPs? They start showing up from 2018 onwards.
Let’s break it down.
The Best Years: 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
Looking for the cream of the crop? The 2018, 2019, and 2021-2024 models are where it’s at. Here’s why:
- Power to spare: 3.5L V6 engine cranking out about 260 hp. Paired with that CVT transmission? Smooth sailing.
- Fuel sipper: We’re talking 20-28 mpg on average. Not too shabby for an SUV, right?
- Safety first: Automated emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring – all standard. IIHS gave these models two thumbs up.
- Trim options galore: S, SV, SL, and Platinum. From basic to bougie, there’s something for everyone.
- Tech-savvy: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration? Check. Panoramic sunroof? You got it.
The best part? These models keep the mechanics happy and owners grinning from ear to ear. Reliability scores? Through the roof.
The Neutral Years: 2017, 2020
The 2017 and 2020 models? They’re the Goldilocks of Muranos – not too hot, not too cold. Here’s the scoop:
- Consistent performance: Same 3.5L V6 engine and CVT transmission. No surprises here.
- Safety first: Rearview cameras and automatic emergency braking come standard.
- A few hiccups: The 2017 model had some brake fluid leak recalls. The 2020 model? Some steering knuckle and rear axle housing issues.
Not perfect, but not deal-breakers either. Solid choices if the price is right.
The Worst Years: 2015, 2016
Now, about those 2015 and 2016 models. They’re the troublesome offspring of this generation. Here’s why:
- Transmission troubles: That Xtronic CVT? Not so fantastic in these years.
- Brake blues: Emergency braking system malfunctions causing adaptive cruise control to throw in the towel.
- Recall central: Brake fluid leaks were a common headache.
Sure, they look pretty and pack plenty of features. But those reliability issues? They’re enough to make you think twice.
Want to observe for yourself?
Check out the NHTSA recalls and complaints for the 2015 and 2016 Nissan Murano models. It’s not a pretty picture.
Nissan Murano Resale Values
Curious about how well Muranos hold their value? Take a gander at this:
Conclusion
So, there you have it – the good, the bad, and the ugly of the Nissan Murano lineup. The verdict? The 2010-2014 and 2018-2024 models are your best bets for reliability and features. Want to know which years to avoid like the plague? That’d be 2003-2006, 2009, 2015, and 2016.
But here’s the million-dollar question:
Which of these years hits the sweet spot for you? Is it the tech-packed recent models or the tried-and-true earlier generations?
Don’t be shy – drop your thoughts or experiences in the comments below. Let’s get this Murano party started!
