FaultScore

FaultScore report

2012 Nissan Murano problems

Owners have filed 169 complaints about the 2012 Nissan Murano with NHTSA between 2012 and 2026. The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain. Across this model's run it ranks 17 of 20 worst.

B

FaultScore 31/100

Higher is worse. Measured against the other years of the Nissan Murano.

How this is worked out

The numbers

169

Complaints

5

Crashes reported

1

Fires reported

4

Injuries reported

62,000 mi

Median mileage at failure

Half of reported failures happened before this

29%

Failed under 36,000 miles

Inside a typical bumper-to-bumper warranty

What kind of bad

The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.

Complaint volume 23 vs 50 Severity 31 vs 50 Early failure 49 vs 50
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 23
Against the median year of the Nissan Murano. 50 means typical for this model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 31
5.9% of these complaints involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of 9.7%.
Early failure — 49
29% of failures with a mileage on record happened under 36,000 miles, against a national rate of 29%.

How 2012 compares with every other Nissan Murano

Click any bar to open that year's report.

Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade: A B C D F ungraded

What breaks on a 2012 Nissan Murano

Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 75,000 mi

Airbags 26 15.4%

2 crashes, 0 fires · median 65,548 mi

Median failure at 75,400 miles

Median failure at 45,000 miles

0 crashes, 1 fires · median 39,500 mi

Brakes 13 7.7%

1 crashes, 0 fires · median 68,000 mi

Median failure at 78,000 miles

Body & Structure 6 3.6%

Median failure at 48,000 miles

Suspension 5 3.0%

Median failure at 31,500 miles

Steering 5 3.0%

Median failure at 40,044 miles

Fuel & Propulsion 4 2.4%

Median failure at 102,104 miles

Seats 3 1.8%

Median failure at 46,246 miles

Equipment & Accessories 2 1.2%

Median failure at 9,000 miles

Wheels 2 1.2%
Doors, Latches & Locks 1 0.6%

Median failure at 3,500 miles

Tires 1 0.6%

Median failure at 90,000 miles

Acceleration & Cruise Control 1 0.6%

Median failure at 40,500 miles

When it fails

Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all complaints include one.

Under 1,000 miles 7 5.9%
1,000 – 9,999 miles 8 6.7%
10,000 – 24,999 miles 13 10.9%
25,000 – 49,999 miles 18 15.1%
50,000 – 74,999 miles 25 21.0%
75,000 – 99,999 miles 21 17.6%
100,000 – 149,999 miles 27 22.7%

When owners complained

A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single owner can see from inside their own car.

Aug 2012 peak 7 Aug 2026

Complaints that involved harm

Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.

Greenville, SC Crash

AIR BAGS

Car had a collision that totaled the car on 1/1/2022 & no air bags deployed. Officers on scene were very concerned that this safety feature did not engage due to the impact. The other vehicle involved air bags deployed but not ours.

NHTSA complaint #11445811 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 75,000 miles Wilmington, DE Crash

POWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN MURANO. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH AND TURNING INTO A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED FORWARD AND THE OIL CONSUMPTION INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER. THE FRONT BUMPER WAS DAMAGE ON BOTH VEHICLES. NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75,000.

NHTSA complaint #11220554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 53,800 miles Hinsdale, IL 1 injured

POWER TRAIN

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 NISSAN MURANO. THE CONTACT PRESSED THE START/STOP BUTTON WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STILL IN DRIVE. THE CONTACT EXITED THE VEHICLE AND IT ROLLED AWAY. WHEN THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO STOP THE VEHICLE, SHE WAS STRUCK BY THE DRIVER SIDE DOOR. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE BACK, FOUR CRACKED RIBS, A BROKEN FINGER, AND A LIVER LACERATION. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE.

NHTSA complaint #10875337 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 16,000 miles Lambertville, MI Crash 2 injured

AIR BAGS

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 NISSAN MURANO. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED AND ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES, THE BRAKE PEDAL SANK TO THE FLOOR AND FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS WORKING UP TO SPECIFICATIONS. THE SECOND TIME THE FAILURE RECURRED, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED FRACTURES TO THE RIBS AND ANKLE. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED BRUISED RIBS AND A FRACTURED ARM. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000. UPDATED 08/03/16

NHTSA complaint #10873199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 16,000 miles Lambertville, MI Crash 2 injured

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 NISSAN MURANO. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED AND ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES, THE BRAKE PEDAL SANK TO THE FLOOR AND FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS WORKING UP TO SPECIFICATIONS. THE SECOND TIME THE FAILURE RECURRED, ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE DRIVER SIDE AIR BAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED FRACTURES TO THE RIBS AND ANKLE. THE PASSENGER SUSTAINED BRUISED RIBS AND A FRACTURED ARM. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS REQUIRED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 16,000. UPDATED 08/03/16

NHTSA complaint #10873199 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 24,092 miles Bradenton, FL Fire

ENGINE

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 NISSAN MURANO. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE. A POLICE OR FIRE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND TOWED TO AN IMPOUND LOT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 24,092. UPDATED 12/30/14*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED A FIRE REPORT WAS FILED. UPDATED 05/28/2015

NHTSA complaint #10640761 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

The most recent complaints

In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.

Camden, SC

SUSPENSION

My tire light is on a my 2012 nissian murano. It flashes at startup, with the light on, telling me I have low tire pressure. I put air evenly in all four tires. The light still remains on; how can all four TPMS go bad? I wouldn't know if i have a leak or low pressure due failed TPMS. My check engine light is on due to air/fuel ration on bank 1 sensor 1. This issue is causing poor fuel economy and filing emissions.

NHTSA complaint #11758894 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Camden, SC

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

My tire light is on a my 2012 nissian murano. It flashes at startup, with the light on, telling me I have low tire pressure. I put air evenly in all four tires. The light still remains on; how can all four TPMS go bad? I wouldn't know if i have a leak or low pressure due failed TPMS. My check engine light is on due to air/fuel ration on bank 1 sensor 1. This issue is causing poor fuel economy and filing emissions.

NHTSA complaint #11758894 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 136,161 miles Nashville, IN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that after parking the vehicle, the contact and the front seat passenger attempted to exit the vehicle, but all the doors failed to unlock. Additionally, the steering wheel was locked upside down. The contact stated that the engine started to overheat, and the front seat passenger had a panic attack. The contact called 911. The Fire Department arrived but was unable to forcefully open the doors. The Fire Department broke the rear passenger's side window and was able to unlock the doors. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the main fuse box was blown and melted. The mechanic determined that the Intelligent Power Distribution Module (IPDM) needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred the following morning. The contact was able to open and enter the vehicle; however, the vehicle failed to start. The contact was able to exit the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was able to restart. The dealer determined that a fuse in the steering column might have been blown. The dealer informed the contact that the part was no longer available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 136,161.

NHTSA complaint #11742137 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Holladay, UT

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Vehicles of previous model years, this model year, and future model years have all experienced this issue. Issue was reported on thru a youTube channel in order to let the public know and understand the issue and how to fix/repair the issue. It was then discovered thru view time and the linking of the part to repair that this was a rempent issue of concern for possible recall. Issue of hesitation upon acceleration was noticed for 18 months. Vehicle was taken into dealership for diagnosis - main Nissan dealer and second repair facility diagnosed the need for a new transmission. Transmission was replaced thru the second repair facility for $7500.00. Issue of hesitation upon acceleration was not repaired thru the replacement of the transmission. Owner of the vehicle researched the issue and determined it was caused by holes and degredation of the "Air-Intake-Hose" assembly. This part is a $35.00 part availalbe on Amazon and easily replaced in about 10 minutes time by the owner. The need for recall is that Nissan does not throw an error code in order to diagnose this problem. The only error code thrown is for a NEW TRANSMISSION.

NHTSA complaint #11724430 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Hooksett, NH

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

While driving, vehicle just quits and all dashboard lights flash quickly and then the car stalls out and won't restart. This has happened 4 times now. Had battery replaced, alternator replaced for a 2nd time, sensor replaced. Now, I had the car towed to dealer who wanted to keep it for over the weekend to see if they could repeat the issue. My local mechanic had the same issue and he had to have it towed back to his shop also. This is a very dangerous situation, I've had to call 911 several times to provide safety while on the side of the road. My car has only 72k and is in excellent condition. I have always maintenance the vehicle since purchasing it in 2014.....I need some help with figuring out this issue. I am a disabled senior citizen on social security and that's it! Please look into this as I have run out of solutions.

NHTSA complaint #11702102 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Newark, OH

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

When accelerating from a stop vehicle does not move, with gas pedal to the floor will slowly advance or stall. Has a battery drain somewhere also.

NHTSA complaint #11685503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Newark, OH

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

When accelerating from a stop vehicle does not move, with gas pedal to the floor will slowly advance or stall. Has a battery drain somewhere also.

NHTSA complaint #11685503 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Knoxville, TN

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:IMMOBILIZER/PROXIMITY:SENSOR

The installation of Intoxalock for safety has caused the car to completely lose power while driving and it is safety device. The device drains the battery and causes complete interruption of an operable vehicle. This puts my safety at risk and other motorists. The component has had diagnostics and continues to cause safety issues. There are no warning signs during operation of the vehicle. The devices are often faulty and showed be removed from the market.

NHTSA complaint #11666611 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Shakopee, MN

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

The rear subframe has rusted through due to road salt and made the vehicle unsafe to drive

NHTSA complaint #11655786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Shakopee, MN

SUSPENSION

The rear subframe has rusted through due to road salt and made the vehicle unsafe to drive

NHTSA complaint #11655786 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Springtown, TX

STRUCTURE:BODY

Paint continues to chip and peel. It looks awful and Nissan won't do anything about it. It should be under the same recall as the Nissan Rogue and Infinity. It has overly devalued my car.

NHTSA complaint #11595014 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Longmeadow, MA

AIR BAGS

I purchased 2012 Nissan Murano in Jul 2012. Recently the Airbag light is on and keeps flashing when start the car. It happened since 6 months ago. I sent my car to the local Nissan Dealer, they charged me $149 diagnostic fee + $1500 to replace the Airbag DIAG unit under the center console. After the replacement, the airbag light is still on and flashing. My car cannot pass the annual inspection because of the airbag light. It's a big safety concern. The dealer told me I need to get the passenger seat bottom sensor replaced, the pars has been discontinued. I am very surprised the airbag is related safety issue, Why Nissan discontinued the parts? And I google this issue, many Nissan car owners have the same airbag light issue. This is the most common issue and related to the customer safety. Nissan should recall it. I paid more than $1500 dollar, cannot get my problem fixed. It's unacceptable!

NHTSA complaint #11583188 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 90,000 miles Lumberton, TX

AIR BAGS

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the air bag warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the air bag control module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. Also, while operating the vehicle, the tire pressure monitoring system warning light activated although the tire air pressures were normal. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.

NHTSA complaint #11571694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 90,000 miles Lumberton, TX

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the air bag warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was examined by an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the air bag control module was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. Also, while operating the vehicle, the tire pressure monitoring system warning light activated although the tire air pressures were normal. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 90,000.

NHTSA complaint #11571694 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lavon, TX

AIR BAGS

Airbags have malfunctioned. I was told the whole passenger seat needed to be replaced which costs more than the car is worth. No safety recall for this year. I know I’m not the only one with this issue.

NHTSA complaint #11546583 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Las Vegas, NV

POWER TRAIN

This car I purchased two months ago has the Cvt transmission in it and has proven unsafe for regular traffic let alone highway driving. It randomly “lurches” , has a loss of power and hesitates when accelerating or lane changing .

NHTSA complaint #11534342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Las Vegas, NV

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

This car I purchased two months ago has the Cvt transmission in it and has proven unsafe for regular traffic let alone highway driving. It randomly “lurches” , has a loss of power and hesitates when accelerating or lane changing .

NHTSA complaint #11534342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Memphis, TN

WHEELS

The tire light stay on even after I put air in it. I don’t think my tire air pressure is being monitored correctly; this is not due to an accident. This light come on all the time… before and after I put air in my tires

NHTSA complaint #11529970 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 130,000 miles Milford, NH

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

The contact owns a 2012 Nissan Murano. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the contact heard a knocking sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the rear subframe was rusted. The contact was advised to contact the local dealer for assistance. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and stated that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 130,000.

NHTSA complaint #11527939 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Annapolis, MD

SEATS

2012 Nissan Murano. Airbag red light always blinking plus passenger seat airbag says it’s “off”. Loads of similar complaints on web sites. Took to Annapolis Nilsson on Riva Road today. They were very aware of issue but said there is no recall. So both airbags will not inflate, not just passenger seat. Web complaints confirm this with actual accidents and there is no recall? Dealership said NONE of the parts including seat are available any more(I would guess because they all failed) but were told if we found the parts and seat at a used parts place then the dealership would put in for a cost but there would NOT be any warranty! Really? There should be a recall on this issue, how can we get this?

NHTSA complaint #11504958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Annapolis, MD

AIR BAGS

2012 Nissan Murano. Airbag red light always blinking plus passenger seat airbag says it’s “off”. Loads of similar complaints on web sites. Took to Annapolis Nilsson on Riva Road today. They were very aware of issue but said there is no recall. So both airbags will not inflate, not just passenger seat. Web complaints confirm this with actual accidents and there is no recall? Dealership said NONE of the parts including seat are available any more(I would guess because they all failed) but were told if we found the parts and seat at a used parts place then the dealership would put in for a cost but there would NOT be any warranty! Really? There should be a recall on this issue, how can we get this?

NHTSA complaint #11504958 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Conestoga, PA

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

Driver sunroof exploded while driving. Nothing impacted the glass to my knowledge. Occurred on 1/21/23, 54xxx miles on the vehicle, no previous accidents. Gloomy day approx 30F, heat on and drivers window opened about an inch. No injuries.

NHTSA complaint #11503122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Conestoga, PA

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Driver sunroof exploded while driving. Nothing impacted the glass to my knowledge. Occurred on 1/21/23, 54xxx miles on the vehicle, no previous accidents. Gloomy day approx 30F, heat on and drivers window opened about an inch. No injuries.

NHTSA complaint #11503122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Jerseyville, IL

WHEELS

The progressive rattling/ shaking from the steering wheel has led to some close calls driving on multi lane roads the curve to the left at all. I've never had a single service light turn on even though steering and wheel issues were apparent. Every bump and cranny on the road is felt causing disturbance in ability to steer especially during in town driving.

NHTSA complaint #11501584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Jerseyville, IL

STEERING

The progressive rattling/ shaking from the steering wheel has led to some close calls driving on multi lane roads the curve to the left at all. I've never had a single service light turn on even though steering and wheel issues were apparent. Every bump and cranny on the road is felt causing disturbance in ability to steer especially during in town driving.

NHTSA complaint #11501584 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.