Owners have filed 60 complaints
about the 2020 Nissan Murano with NHTSA between 2020 and 2026.
The largest single group is the driver assist & collision avoidance.
Across this model's run it ranks 10 of 20 worst.
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.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 8
Against the median year of the Nissan Murano. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 60
11.7% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
88% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Automatic Emergency Braking
1050.0%
Warnings
525.0%
Adaptive Cruise Control
315.0%
Body
210.0%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
423.5%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
741.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
211.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
211.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
15.9%
150,000+ miles
15.9%
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.
Feb 2020peak 6Jul 2026
Recalls on the 2020 Nissan Murano
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
21V402000
SUSPENSION:REAR:AXLE:SPINDLE
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Nissan Murano, INFINITI QX60, 2021 Nissan GT-R, INFINITI QX50, and Q50 vehicles. The front steering knuckle or rear axle housing may have insufficient strength due to improper heat-treatment.
Risk: The steering knuckle or rear axle could deform upon impact, such as from hitting a curb, resulting in a loss of steering control, or possible wheel separation. Both of these conditions can increase the risk of a crash.
21V170000
STEERING:LINKAGES
Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Nissan Murano vehicles. The left and/or right-hand transverse link may not have been manufactured correctly, which could result in it separating from the ball joint.
Risk: Ball joint separation can cause a loss of vehicle control, and increase the risk of a crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202135051 units in Canada
Suspension
Issue: On certain vehicles, the rear axle housings may not have been properly heat-treated. As a result, a strong impact (such as hitting a curb) could cause a rear axle housing to bend or break. If this happens, a wheel could be mis-aligned or there could be a loss of control and a wheel could separate. Safety Risk: A loss of control and/or a wheel separation could increase the risk of a crash. A wheel that separates could also hit another person or vehicle. Corrective Actions: Nissan will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect the production date on the casting stamp of the rear axle housings. Parts that are affected by this problem will be replaced.
Recall 20211441,685 units in Canada
Suspension
Issue: Certain vehicles may have been assembled with defective front lower control arms (transverse links). As a result, the outer ball joint could separate from the arm and cause a loss of vehicle control. Safety Risk: A loss of vehicle control could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: Nissan will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to inspect and, if necessary, replace the defective front transverse links.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Philadelphia, PA1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I've only had the car 3 months and an error code for the forward collision worning light is on. The dealership said it should go off. It never did. It is malfunctioning and it automatically and without notice applied the emergency brake system when it's not needed. It gave me sort of whiplash. It does this often out of no where. This could cause a severe accident.
NHTSA complaint #11531068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Philadelphia, PA1 injured
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
I've only had the car 3 months and an error code for the forward collision worning light is on. The dealership said it should go off. It never did. It is malfunctioning and it automatically and without notice applied the emergency brake system when it's not needed. It gave me sort of whiplash. It does this often out of no where. This could cause a severe accident.
NHTSA complaint #11531068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I've only had the car 3 months and an error code for the forward collision worning light is on. The dealership said it should go off. It never did. It is malfunctioning and it automatically and without notice applied the emergency brake system when it's not needed. It gave me sort of whiplash. It does this often out of no where. This could cause a severe accident.
NHTSA complaint #11531068 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Avon, OHCrash1 injured
POWER TRAIN
While parallel parking, we backed into the space and when we put the car into Drive, it lurched forward at an incredible speed. We hit and pushed the car parked in front of us, hopped up onto the sidewalk, knocked down a street light, and moved a huge concrete planter. The airbags over the windshield and under the dashboard deployed. The bags under the dash exploded with such force that they injured my husband's legs, and he has been seeing a wound doctor for the past five weeks. The car was towed to a repair shop. I reported the incident to Nissan NA; they sent a representative to retrieve information from the EDR. Nissan has advised that no mechanical problems were recorded but we are absolutely certain the car malfunctioned. We think it might have been a problem with the CVT.
NHTSA complaint #11444676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Avon, OHCrash1 injured
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
While parallel parking, we backed into the space and when we put the car into Drive, it lurched forward at an incredible speed. We hit and pushed the car parked in front of us, hopped up onto the sidewalk, knocked down a street light, and moved a huge concrete planter. The airbags over the windshield and under the dashboard deployed. The bags under the dash exploded with such force that they injured my husband's legs, and he has been seeing a wound doctor for the past five weeks. The car was towed to a repair shop. I reported the incident to Nissan NA; they sent a representative to retrieve information from the EDR. Nissan has advised that no mechanical problems were recorded but we are absolutely certain the car malfunctioned. We think it might have been a problem with the CVT.
NHTSA complaint #11444676 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Ankeny, IA
POWER TRAIN
CVT Transmission failed at 82k miles. Diagnosed at Midas, specific Transmission shop and local Nissan dealership as needing full replacement. Notified Nissan Consumer Affairs, they created a case but refused to fully replace it, offered to pay only 50% of approximately $9k.
NHTSA complaint #11750646 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pittsburgh, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY
The sunroof leaks into the car causing a moisture issue. As someone with asthma and allergies this is a potential mold risk.
NHTSA complaint #11740538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 85,960 milesMissouri City, TX
SUSPENSION
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Murano. The contact stated while the vehicle was at Now Auto Care for a service appointment, the contact was informed that the driver's and passenger's side control arms were unusually worn and failing. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The contact referenced an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with a recall related to the failure. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline and report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,960.
NHTSA complaint #11740299 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
It has occurred on a few occasions where the emergency braking system has enabled with no obstructions nearby most commonly while backing up into a parking spot but the recent situation of it automatically breaking on the highway while doing 60 with no other vehicles nearby, my wife attempted the gas pedal to disengage the system but it did not affect the braking.
NHTSA complaint #11732815 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Austell, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On March 4th I was driving my car that I had my daughter and two grand children with me which is a 2020 Nissan Murano. I was driving and as I was driving I heard a loud pop that sounded like a gun shot so i immediately look through the mirror to see if i could see my grandchildren as im looking through the mirror i see two holes in the back window so im scared at this point so i continue to drive until i could get over to make sure that my grandchildren were ok and to take a closer look at the window and to call [XXX] . So i opened the back door to get my grandchildren out the car and their ages are [XXX] old and [XXX] old. My grandson had some glass in his car seat and some glass got on my granddaughter as well so me and my daughter got them both out the car and sat them both in the front seat of the car then i proceeded to walk to the back of the car to look at the window I saw to holes in the window which one hole was on the right side and one hole was on the left side of the window and the middle piece of glass was still in but it had cracked in to small piece so after looking at the window i immediately called the police and the came out and the police said that it looked as if it was some type of defect from the car and what had happened that my back window had exploded and all of the glass was in the back of my car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11724628 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lecanto, FL
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
My 2020 Nissan Murano SV driver side headlight failed. This headlight is suppose to be a “sealed for life” unit. This failure created an immediate driving hazard. There was heavy moisture intrusion on with the driver side, the headlight stopped working, creating a visibility hazard. The moisture intrusion / headlight outage triggered a “Headlight System Error “ on the dash. My 2020 Nissan is garage parked, no accident. My Nissan has 28,800 miles. I have taken pictures, to show that the headlight lense is pristine condition. My Nissan is at the repair shop, getting a new OEM original Nissan Headlamp replaced. The cost of this replacement headlamp is $1851. And a labor charge of approximately $380. $2241.00 repair cost. I instructed my mechanic that I wanted the failed unit for future reference if needed.
NHTSA complaint #11713967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lansdowne, PA
WHEELS
Claim #11682497 follow up I’ll be attaching documents below
NHTSA complaint #11683631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lansdowne, PA
STEERING
Claim #11682497 follow up I’ll be attaching documents below
NHTSA complaint #11683631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lansdowne, PA
SUSPENSION
Claim #11682497 follow up I’ll be attaching documents below
NHTSA complaint #11683631 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lansdowne, PA
WHEELS
Subject: Vehicle Safety Complaint – 2020 Nissan Murano, VIN [XXX] Dear NHTSA, I am submitting a formal Vehicle Safety Complaint regarding my 2020 Nissan Murano (VIN: [XXX] ) due to unresolved safety defects that match existing recalls. I have been notified of two recall campaigns affecting my vehicle model: 1. NHTSA Campaign 21V402000 (Steering knuckle/rear axle housing defect). 2. NHTSA Campaign 21V170000 (Transverse link/ball joint defect). Despite these active recalls being published in NHTSA’s database, Nissan Consumer Affairs has denied that my VIN is included, even though my vehicle is exhibiting the exact safety defects described: [insert brief description of your issues, e.g., steering instability, noises, or loss of control symptoms]. I have already provided Nissan with: - NHTSA campaign numbers - Recall notifications received through the Kelley Blue Book app - Documentation of my safety concerns Nissan has failed to provide a resolution. I request that NHTSA investigate whether additional VINs should be included in these recalls and ensure Nissan fulfills its obligations to correct these safety defects. I am prepared to supply copies of all recall notifications, correspondence with Nissan and, documentation of my vehicles defects upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11682497 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lansdowne, PA
STEERING
Subject: Vehicle Safety Complaint – 2020 Nissan Murano, VIN [XXX] Dear NHTSA, I am submitting a formal Vehicle Safety Complaint regarding my 2020 Nissan Murano (VIN: [XXX] ) due to unresolved safety defects that match existing recalls. I have been notified of two recall campaigns affecting my vehicle model: 1. NHTSA Campaign 21V402000 (Steering knuckle/rear axle housing defect). 2. NHTSA Campaign 21V170000 (Transverse link/ball joint defect). Despite these active recalls being published in NHTSA’s database, Nissan Consumer Affairs has denied that my VIN is included, even though my vehicle is exhibiting the exact safety defects described: [insert brief description of your issues, e.g., steering instability, noises, or loss of control symptoms]. I have already provided Nissan with: - NHTSA campaign numbers - Recall notifications received through the Kelley Blue Book app - Documentation of my safety concerns Nissan has failed to provide a resolution. I request that NHTSA investigate whether additional VINs should be included in these recalls and ensure Nissan fulfills its obligations to correct these safety defects. I am prepared to supply copies of all recall notifications, correspondence with Nissan and, documentation of my vehicles defects upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11682497 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lansdowne, PA
SUSPENSION
Subject: Vehicle Safety Complaint – 2020 Nissan Murano, VIN [XXX] Dear NHTSA, I am submitting a formal Vehicle Safety Complaint regarding my 2020 Nissan Murano (VIN: [XXX] ) due to unresolved safety defects that match existing recalls. I have been notified of two recall campaigns affecting my vehicle model: 1. NHTSA Campaign 21V402000 (Steering knuckle/rear axle housing defect). 2. NHTSA Campaign 21V170000 (Transverse link/ball joint defect). Despite these active recalls being published in NHTSA’s database, Nissan Consumer Affairs has denied that my VIN is included, even though my vehicle is exhibiting the exact safety defects described: [insert brief description of your issues, e.g., steering instability, noises, or loss of control symptoms]. I have already provided Nissan with: - NHTSA campaign numbers - Recall notifications received through the Kelley Blue Book app - Documentation of my safety concerns Nissan has failed to provide a resolution. I request that NHTSA investigate whether additional VINs should be included in these recalls and ensure Nissan fulfills its obligations to correct these safety defects. I am prepared to supply copies of all recall notifications, correspondence with Nissan and, documentation of my vehicles defects upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11682497 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Jacksonville, FL
SEAT BELTS
The seatbelts are starting to stick so it makes it hard to try and pull it to latch.
NHTSA complaint #11671350 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
SUSPENSION
My 2020 Nissan Murano sl has 35k miles and the rear shocks are defective. The defect has already ruin a new set of tires with humps. This should be a manufactured recall.
NHTSA complaint #11646576 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Starlight, PA
STEERING
Slowly over time it is becoming harder to turn the wheel, making a loud clumping voice when I turn the wheel a certain direction.
NHTSA complaint #11628043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Starlight, PA
SUSPENSION
Slowly over time it is becoming harder to turn the wheel, making a loud clumping voice when I turn the wheel a certain direction.
NHTSA complaint #11628043 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yorkville, OH
SEAT BELTS
Driver seat belt latch starting to stick and not latch properly
NHTSA complaint #11621436 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lafayette, CO
VISIBILITY/WIPER
My sunroof exploded but I don't know why. There was no warning. Might have been a rock but I didn't see one. I had the sunroof closed but the fabric cover was open for light. I heard an explosive noise and then glass started raining in. I closed the fabric cover to keep the glass out of the passenger compartment. No real injuries other than a couple of glass shards being sharp. Mostly just got some skin irritation. Some areas on my car have scratched paint and plastic parts. I had my Nissan dealer look at it. They will clean up the glass and replace the sunroof for about $2000. I feel like it should be replaced for free as a warranty item. I also got an estimate from a collision shop for about $7500. There is scratched paint and plastic as well as the headliner certainly has glass in it. Their estimate was much more detailed. Filed an insurance claim today, so hope to have it all fixed up soon.
NHTSA complaint #11620490 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Owensboro, KY
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
The car keeps braking like I've been in an accident when I travel under an overpass. It doesn't do it every time, just sometimes. I've had it at the dealer, Don Moore in Owensboro, Ky. and since it doesn't show any codes they can't/won't do anything about it. I don't feel safe driving this car for fear it will slam on the brakes at any time. It has happened 3 times so far. It also did it almost, once, when driving down the main street in town. It all of the sudden showed the cameras and the lights came up on the dash but luckily it didn't brake. Thank you. [XXX] . [XXX] or [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11574062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The car keeps braking like I've been in an accident when I travel under an overpass. It doesn't do it every time, just sometimes. I've had it at the dealer, Don Moore in Owensboro, Ky. and since it doesn't show any codes they can't/won't do anything about it. I don't feel safe driving this car for fear it will slam on the brakes at any time. It has happened 3 times so far. It also did it almost, once, when driving down the main street in town. It all of the sudden showed the cameras and the lights came up on the dash but luckily it didn't brake. Thank you. [XXX] . [XXX] or [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11574062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Arlington, WA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was driving my vehicle on the freeway at a speed of 60 mph when all of a sudden the sun roof part of my panoramic roof shattered all over my interior of my car and myself. It blew up all over me and was quite disturbing let alone could of caused an accident or glass could of cut my eyes. I was quite shaken up. I contacted my insurance and working a claim to have it replaced. Then I find out this has been common in Nissan vehicles for a long time and law suits because of it, too. These sunroofs allegedly exploded because of their design. Instead of laminating the glass in the sunroofs, the lawsuits claimed, Nissan used thin pieces of tempered glass instead of thicker pieces. The reason why Nissan allegedly did this, according to the suits, is so that the sunroof could be lighter and, thus, the vehicle could get better fuel economy. The lawsuits also alleged the Japanese automaker applied ceramic enamel around the edges of the sunroofs, weakening the strength of the glass. I also sent an email to Nissan but doubt if I will hear from them. What is being done by the Safety Commission in regard to this matter so this doesn't happen to other customers of these vehicles?
NHTSA complaint #11553966 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wendell, NC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The hood of my car flew open while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11547459 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Wendell, NC
VISIBILITY/WIPER
The hood of my car flew open while driving.
NHTSA complaint #11547459 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rockwood, PA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Suv failed to start, nothing happened when pts button pushed. Googled it found brake pedal swithch problems on nissan, some recalls on other models. Snapped switch couple of times, vehicle started. Called dealer, explained what happened, working now, they said they will order part and made appt for 1 week later. At dealer waited for 1 1/2, then they said could not replace part because it was working now and if failed again would have to have towed in. All this for a part that is around 20 dollars
NHTSA complaint #11543216 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,000 milesGreensburg, KY
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that while driving with adaptive cruise control mode engaged and set at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle accelerated independently as he was approaching a hill. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened; however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 34,000.
NHTSA complaint #11536283 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.