10.0

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
142,500 miles
Total Complaints:
2 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (1 reports)
  2. replace engine (1 reports)
2003 Nissan Murano engine problems

engine problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2003 Nissan Murano:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2003 Nissan Murano Owner Comments

problem #2

Jun 182019

Murano SL 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 145,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

This car is absolute trash - the worst, most regretful car purchase of my life. I bought my car two years ago with 75,000 miles on it and it has been a nightmare vehicle starting 4 months after I got it. I am complaining about the imminent engine failure because it is the final blow. In spite of regular maintenance (oil changes every 3000 miles with regular top-offs, recommended factory service, recommended engine conditioners/cleaners, etc...) the internal seals in my engine are at the stage of imminent failure (there is metal shedding into my oil). Now at 145,000 miles, I am faced with paying potentially $9000 for a new engine or replacing the vehicle. Considering it's worth less than half that, my best options are to junk it or sell it for parts. This car has made me a AAA roadside assistance frequent caller, thank God for AAA plus since they tow 100 miles!

Other work I've had done in the last 2 years: new radiator, replaced the timing chain, 2 new alternators, valve cover gaskets, replaced front and rear rotors and calipers twice, replaced both front wheel bearings (the right one twice), new front axles, replaced all the belts twice, replaced the cam position sensors, all new dash back-light bulbs, and new headlights (this car requires high output xenon bulbs that run $125 each and are nearly impossible to change without taking the front end apart). My husband and I have tried to do some of this work ourselves, but they way this car is put together makes everything very labor intensive if not downright impossible without a lift and special tools. Yes, I drive a ton for work and put lots of miles on my cars. I understand that some of these things are regular maintenance - sometimes I drive so much that I have to get my 3000 mile oil changes monthly.

My last two cars were a 1998 Subaru Outback that I sold with 289k miles and a 2002 Subaru WRX that I sold with 263k miles. To have the engine in my Nissan Murano completely fail at 145k miles despite doing my best to take care of it is ridiculous. After hearing Nissan horror stories from many other people, I will never buy any Nissan again. EVER. They are garbage. If you are considering any early 2000s Nissan with the 3.5L V6, be aware that this is a known issue (these engines are in Xterras, Pathfinders, Altimas, and Muranos) and consider yourself warned.

I know that I can pick up a well kept late 90s or early 2000s Subaru Outback or Toyota RAV4 for a few grand and it will run to +300k miles. At this point, that is a far better option than keeping the Nissan zombie nightmare alive. As I see it: good bye and good riddance! I hope to never have to call AAA again.

- Jena C., Rockaway Beach, OR, US

problem #1

May 152013

Murano SL V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,000 miles

First incident: At a stop light the car shut off as the light turn green. Second incident: While turning into a parking lot car shut off all warning lights on dash lit up. Since no power to car I was not able to turn or use my brakes effectively.

took car to Nissan Dealer and was told there was no code reading. This is not a first time for this complaint. Nissan knows about it.

Lake Mary, FL

- Elbert W., Lake Mary, FL, US

Not what you are looking for?