--- title: "Are Nissan Muranos Good Cars? 2026 Reliability, CVT Transmission & Issues" description: "Are Nissan Muranos dependable or expensive money pits? Read our brutally honest 2026 guide on CVT transmission longevity, common repair problems, and resale value." canonical: "https://www.capitalmotorcars.com/are-nissan-murano-good-cars" author: "Christopher Amico" published: "2026-07-30T11:12:46.338+00:00" updated: "2026-09-14T19:50:04.355+00:00" --- # Are Nissan Muranos Good Cars? 2026 Reliability, CVT Transmission & Issues > **Quick Summary & Key Takeaways:** Are Nissan Muranos dependable or expensive money pits? Read our brutally honest 2026 guide on CVT transmission longevity, common repair problems, and resale value. ## Are Nissan Muranos Good Cars? A Brutally Honest Reliability Review When the Nissan Murano first debuted in the early 2000s, it was a revolutionary vehicle. It was one of the very first crossover SUVs to prioritize sleek, futuristic styling and car-like driving dynamics over rugged, boxy off-road capability. It was a massive success, paving the way for almost every modern crossover on the market today. Fast forward to the present day, and the Murano occupies a strange space in Nissan's lineup. It is slightly larger and more premium than the best-selling Rogue, but lacks the third-row seating of the Pathfinder. It is often cross-shopped with vehicles like the Ford Edge and the Chevy Blazer. But how does it hold up mechanically? If you are looking at a used model on a dealership lot, you might be tempted by its aggressive styling and plush interior. But are Nissan Muranos actually good cars? In this comprehensive reliability guide, we will break down its legendary V6 engine, analyze the infamous Jatco CVT transmission, and tell you exactly which model years you need to avoid. ## The Engine: The Legendary 3.5L VQ-Series V6 If there is one thing Nissan knows how to build, it is a V6 engine. The Murano is powered by Nissan's famous VQ-series 3.5-liter naturally aspirated V6. This is fundamentally the exact same engine architecture that powers the Nissan 350Z sports car, the Infiniti G35, and the Nissan Maxima. From a reliability standpoint, **this engine is an absolute masterpiece.** It produces 260 horsepower and is incredibly smooth. Because it does not rely on complex turbochargers, it operates with lower internal pressures and temperatures than many of its modern rivals. The timing chain is robust, and catastrophic engine failures are exceedingly rare. As long as you change the oil every 5,000 miles, the VQ V6 in the Murano is easily capable of surpassing 200,000 miles with zero major issues. It is, without question, the strongest mechanical component of the vehicle. ## The Transmission: The Jatco CVT Nightmare Unfortunately, the brilliance of the VQ V6 engine is severely handicapped by what it is attached to: the Jatco Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). Just like the Nissan Rogue and the Nissan Altima, the Murano utilizes a CVT to improve fuel economy. Instead of traditional gears, a CVT uses a steel push-belt system to seamlessly adjust the gear ratio. In theory, it is a great idea. In execution, it has been a financial disaster for thousands of Nissan owners. ### The Problem Years (2009 to 2014) The second-generation Murano (specifically models from 2009 to 2014) suffered from horrific transmission failure rates. The internal steel belt was incredibly prone to overheating and snapping under the torque of the V6 engine. Symptoms of a failing CVT include severe juddering, a loud whining noise when accelerating, and the vehicle suddenly going into "limp mode" on the highway. Replacing a blown CVT in a Murano often costs over \$4, 500. **We strongly advise against buying a used Murano from this era unless you have explicit paperwork proving the transmission was recently replaced.** ### Is the Third Generation (2015 - Present) Better? For the third generation, Nissan completely redesigned the Murano and updated the Jatco CVT software to simulate artificial "shifts" (preventing the engine from droning at a high RPM) and improved the thermal management system. While the failure rate dropped significantly compared to the older models, the CVT remains the weakest link. If you purchase a 2015+ Murano, you absolutely must drain and fill the CVT fluid every 30,000 miles. Do not wait for the 60,000-mile mark recommended by the manual. Clean fluid is the only way to keep the CVT alive. ## Interior Quality and "Zero Gravity" Comfort If you can look past the transmission concerns, the interior of the Nissan Murano is genuinely fantastic. Nissan positioned the Murano as a near-luxury vehicle, and it shows. The Murano features Nissan's famous "Zero Gravity" seats, which were developed using posture research from NASA to reduce fatigue on long road trips. They are widely considered some of the most comfortable seats in the entire automotive industry. The interior materials are soft to the touch, the cabin is whisper-quiet on the highway, and the ride quality is incredibly smooth. It is a phenomenal road-trip vehicle. However, the infotainment system is severely outdated. Even on brand-new models, the screen resolution is poor, and the backup camera looks like it is from 2010. While it does support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, the native software is incredibly slow. ## Conclusion: Should You Buy a Nissan Murano? The Nissan Murano is a study in contrasts. It possesses one of the most reliable V6 engines ever built, paired with one of the most failure-prone transmissions on the market. If you are looking at a **used model between 2009 and 2014**, run away. The risk of a \$4,500 transmission failure is simply too high. If you are looking at a **newer model (2015+)**, it can be a fantastic, highly comfortable cruiser - provided you are militant about changing the transmission fluid every 30,000 miles. However, because the Murano's technology is so outdated compared to rivals like the Hyundai Santa Fe or the Honda Passport, we highly recommend **leasing** a new Murano rather than buying it. You get to enjoy the incredible seats and the buttery-smooth V6 for three years, and you hand the keys back before you ever have to worry about the CVT failing out of warranty. ## Frequently Asked Questions About the Nissan Murano ### How does the Murano AWD system work in the snow? The Nissan Murano utilizes an intelligent All-Wheel Drive (AWD) system that is primarily front-wheel drive under normal driving conditions to save fuel. When the system detects a loss of traction (like slipping on snow or ice), it automatically routes power to the rear wheels. While it is incredibly capable for standard winter commuting and light snow, it is not a dedicated 4x4 system like you would find in a Jeep Wrangler or a Toyota 4Runner. It lacks a true locking differential and low-range gearing, meaning it is not suitable for serious off-roading or deep mud. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is the Nissan Murano expensive to fix? Routine maintenance is very affordable because it shares parts with other Nissans. However, if the Jatco CVT transmission fails (a common issue in 2009-2014 models), the replacement cost frequently exceeds \$4,500, making it very expensive to repair out of warranty. ## Financial Comparison: Factory Warranted Lease vs. Out-of-Warranty Purchase | Financial Parameter | Out-of-Warranty Pre-Owned | Factory Warranted New Lease | |---|---|---| | **Repair Liability** | 100% Owner Expense | 100% Covered under Factory Warranty | | **Depreciation Risk** | Market Value Fluctuations | Guaranteed Residual Value | | **Technology Generation** | Outdated Infotainment / Sensors | Latest Active Safety Features | | **Upfront Capital** | High Down Payment | Minimal Upfront Outlay | | **Monthly Budgeting** | Unpredictable (Surge Repairs) | Fixed Monthly Payment | > **Looking for a hassle-free upgrade?** Explore the [best car lease deals in New Jersey](/car-lease-deals-new-jersey) with $0 down options and free doorstep delivery. > **Tired of repair bills?** Check your [vehicle trade-in equity appraisal](/trade-in-value) and roll your current vehicle value into a brand-new lease. > Commuting into the city? Learn how working with a [licensed car lease broker in NYC](/cars-for-lease-broker-nyc) helps you avoid dealership markups. --- *Published by [Capital Motor Cars](https://www.capitalmotorcars.com) - 251 Morris Ave, Springfield Township, NJ 07081. Phone: (201) 509-5555*