Free used car buyer guide / Z52 / third generation / 2015-2023

Nissan Murano common problems and best years

Updated 2026-06-12

BYBA Buy Score

6.4/10

Buy with checks

1 walk-away risk, 4 serious faults, 3 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: v6 cvt judder with p17f0/p17f1. Score methodology.

The 2015-2023 Murano is one of the nicer Nissan crossovers to sit in, but the inspection still revolves around the V6 CVT and ABS actuator history. The expensive traps are NTB17-039 CVT judder, 2015-2018 ABS actuator fire recalls, AWD transfer-case and passenger-side axle-seal leaks, early 2015 ABS malfunction recall, OCS passenger-airbag campaigns on 2015-2016 cars, rear-camera recall on 2018-2019 cars, sunroof/drain water leaks, infotainment failures and worn front suspension. The safest buy is a 2019-2023 V6 FWD or dry AWD car with clean TCM data, closed recalls and no transfer-case dampness. Owners should keep CVT service proof and ABS recall proof visible because those two papers do more for trust than luxury trim.

Faults covered

Highest risk

V6 CVT judder with

Best years

2019-2023

Best buys

2019-2023 VQ35DE FWD with smooth hot CVT behavior and no open camera/ABS campaigns.
2020-2023 AWD only if transfer case, axle seals and tires are clean.
2017-2018 after ABS actuator campaign completion and with documented CVT service.

Inspect hard

2015 launch cars for ABS actuator date-code recall, CVT judder and transfer-case leaks.
2015-2016 cars for OCS campaign completion.
2018-2019 cars for rear-view-camera recall software.

Avoid

Murano with P17F0/P17F1, hot shudder or a recent fluid change after symptoms.
AWD cars with passenger-side transfer-case seal leakage and no repair invoice.
Cars with sunroof water staining near the headliner, A-pillars or BCM area.

Next checks

Before you contact the seller

Check the car's history first. Then bring the right tools if it still looks worth viewing.

Primary next step

Check history, title, and recall status

The faults above matter more if the car also has accident history, finance flags, missing service records, or open safety recalls.

carVerticalPaid history report - EU/UK fit VinAuditPaid history report - US fit NHTSA recallsFree recall lookup

Viewing kit

Bring the right tools

Four cheap tools catch most of the faults on this page at a Nissan Murano viewing.

Bluetooth OBD2 scannerRead fault-code history before trusting a clear dashboard.Paint thickness gaugeSpots resprays and hidden accident repair in seconds.Brake fluid testerHigh moisture means neglected maintenance everywhere else too.LED inspection lightEngine bay, sills, and underbody never lie under real light.

Printable workflow

Take the inspection pack

The PDF is the ordered checklist for the viewing: documents, walk-around, test drive, and scan.

Open PDF option

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Engines and trims

Which Nissan Murano should you buy?

On most used cars, the engine and trim choice changes the risk more than the mileage does. Narrow this down before you start viewing cars.

VQ35DE 3.5 V6 with CVT, FWD

2015-2023

BEST Z52 CONFIGURATION

FWD keeps the comfortable Murano formula while deleting AWD seals and transfer hardware. The inspection still needs a TCM scan, but there are fewer expensive leak points.

VQ35DE 3.5 V6 with CVT, AWD

2015-2023

BUY ONLY DRY AND MATCHED

AWD is useful in snow markets, but Z52 owner reports repeatedly point to passenger-side transfer-case/axle-seal leaks. Matched tires and a dry underbody are required.

QR25DER 2.5 supercharged hybrid

2016 limited markets

RARE, CHECK SUPPORT FIRST

The hybrid is uncommon and carries supercharger, battery and inverter risk without the parts depth of the V6. It is not the default smart Murano purchase.

Year notes

Year-by-year buyer advice

Use this to narrow the search before you spend time travelling to view a car.

2015

Z52 launch year with VQ35DE/CVT, new body and early ABS actuator recalls.

Buyer: Inspect CVT, ABS recall status and AWD leaks harder than interior trim.

Owner: Close ABS campaigns and watch the transfer-case area before warranty goodwill disappears.

2016

Hybrid appeared in limited markets; OCS and ABS recall coverage continued.

Buyer: Choose V6 unless you have clear hybrid support. Verify passenger-airbag campaign completion.

Owner: Keep hybrid or OCS paperwork; otherwise a 2016 can look riskier than it is.

2017

Mature early production, still inside expanded ABS actuator recall families.

Buyer: Good value only when ABS actuator campaign and CVT scan are clean.

Owner: Low brake fluid or ABS lights on affected cars need immediate action.

2018

Continued Z52 production; later rear-camera recall population begins around this period.

Buyer: Check camera recall and transfer-case dampness before paying for Platinum trim.

Owner: Save camera software and ABS recall completion records.

2019

Refresh year with updated styling and safety tech.

Buyer: Strong target if the CVT is clean and the rear-camera recall is closed.

Owner: ADAS and camera software records help separate your car from neglected examples.

2020

Post-refresh production with the same V6/CVT core.

Buyer: Do not skip CVT scanning just because the car is newer.

Owner: Keep NS-3 service records; modern Muranos still depend on the CVT.

2021

Carryover Z52 with aging but familiar drivetrain.

Buyer: Buy on condition and scan data, not infotainment features.

Owner: Preventive CVT service is easier to defend than waiting for judder.

2022

Late-run Z52; Nissan still used the V6/CVT pairing.

Buyer: A clean 2022 should feel nearly boring. Any drivetrain warning is abnormal.

Owner: Maintain fluid and tire records because late Z52 buyers expect proof.

2023

Final years of the familiar Z52 formula before Murano's next-cycle uncertainty.

Buyer: Best age if priced fairly; still inspect AWD leak points.

Owner: Preserve final-year service history to support resale.

Common problems

Faults to check before buying

What fails, what it looks like, what it costs, and the quick checks you can do at the viewing - ranked by how badly each one can hurt you.

Fault 1

V6 CVT judder with P17F0/P17F1

WALK AWAY / $$$

Affects

2015-2022 Murano explicitly under NTB17-039Q; 2023 should still be scanned.

Symptoms

Shudder, bump, vibration, delayed engagement, limp mode, high rpm with poor acceleration.

Typical repair cost

USD 1,200-2,400 valve body route; USD 4,500-8,000 replacement CVT.

Codes / scan clues

P17F0, P17F1, P0868 and pressure-related codes.

Root cause: V6 CVT belt/pulley wear and hydraulic-control faults; Nissan's bulletin applies to 2015-2022 Murano.

Quick check

Scan TCM before and after a hot road test.
Drive light throttle at city speeds for shudder.
Check NS-3 fluid records.
Reject fresh-fluid-only explanations after a judder complaint.

Buyer note

The Murano is nice enough to tempt you into overlooking the CVT; do not.

Owner note

A clean TCM printout is worth keeping because buyers know this bulletin.

Fault 2

ABS actuator brake-fluid leak and fire recall

SERIOUS / $$

Affects

2015-2018 Murano under Nissan ABS actuator recall population.

Symptoms

ABS light, low brake fluid, burning smell, recall open, brake warning.

Typical repair cost

USD 0 recall; USD 1,200-2,500 actuator customer-pay.

Codes / scan clues

ABS pump/actuator and low-fluid codes.

Root cause: ABS actuator pump seal can allow brake fluid onto an internal circuit board.

Quick check

Run VIN for ABS actuator campaigns.
Check brake-fluid level and warning history.
Inspect actuator area for leakage.
Do not drive with active brake warnings.

Buyer note

An open ABS fire-risk campaign must be resolved before the Murano earns luxury-crossover money.

Owner note

Treat ABS warning and low fluid together; topping up alone misses the recall logic.

Fault 3

AWD transfer-case or passenger-side axle-seal leakage

SERIOUS / $$$

Affects

2015-2023 Murano AWD.

Symptoms

Wet passenger-side axle area, gear-oil smell, vibration, dealer transfer-case quote.

Typical repair cost

USD 600-2,200 seal repair; USD 2,500-4,500+ transfer case.

Codes / scan clues

Usually none.

Root cause: Seal leakage at the AWD transfer/axle interface can lower fluid level and damage the unit.

Quick check

Inspect passenger-side transfer-case area on a lift.
Look for cleaned underbody sections.
Check tire matching and AWD binding.
Listen for driveline whine after a hot drive.

Buyer note

A dry AWD Murano is desirable; a wet one needs repair priced before purchase.

Owner note

Catch seepage early and document the repair with photos.

Fault 4

2015 ABS actuator malfunction can reduce braking assist

SERIOUS / $$

Affects

Certain 2015 Murano vehicles under 15V364 / related ABS date-code inspection.

Symptoms

ABS/VDC warning, brake pedal abnormality, open recall, inconsistent hydraulic brake pressure.

Typical repair cost

USD 0 recall; USD 1,000-2,300 ABS actuator if outside campaign.

Codes / scan clues

ABS actuator and hydraulic pressure codes.

Root cause: Certain ABS actuators could malfunction internally and affect hydraulic brake pressure.

Quick check

Check 2015 VIN for ABS actuator date-code recall.
Verify actuator replacement or inspection result.
Scan ABS module.
Road test brakes only after confirming no warning lights.

Buyer note

Launch-year Muranos need ABS paperwork before any trim-level discussion.

Owner note

Save the inspection result even if the actuator did not require replacement.

Fault 5

OCS passenger-airbag classification faults

SERIOUS / $$

Affects

2015-2016 Murano within Nissan OCS recall population.

Symptoms

Passenger airbag OFF with adult, SRS light, under-seat wiring concern.

Typical repair cost

USD 0 recall; USD 500-1,500 OCS/seat repair.

Codes / scan clues

SRS/OCS codes.

Root cause: OCS software/control hardware can classify an adult passenger incorrectly.

Quick check

Run VIN for OCS campaign.
Test indicator with an adult passenger.
Scan SRS module.
Inspect seat wiring and signs of flood/water intrusion.

Buyer note

A comfortable crossover still fails the family-use test if the passenger airbag cannot be trusted.

Owner note

Avoid seat modifications and close the campaign before selling.

Fault 6

Rear-view camera software recall

LOW / $

Affects

2018-2019 Murano.

Symptoms

Camera disabled by setting, blank or retained image, recall open.

Typical repair cost

USD 0 recall; USD 150-500 infotainment diagnosis if modified.

Codes / scan clues

Usually none.

Root cause: Display software could allow a rear-camera setting that fails rear-visibility requirements.

Quick check

Run VIN for 19V654.
Shift into Reverse repeatedly.
Change display brightness/settings and confirm operation.
Check for aftermarket audio modifications.

Buyer note

The recall is simple when the head unit is stock.

Owner note

Complete the software update and keep proof with infotainment records.

Fault 7

Sunroof drain leaks and interior water damage

LOW / $$

Affects

2015-2023 Murano with panoramic roof.

Symptoms

Wet headliner, A-pillar staining, damp carpets, musty smell, electrical oddities after rain.

Typical repair cost

USD 150-500 drain cleaning; USD 800-2,500+ headliner/module repair if water entered electronics.

Codes / scan clues

BCM, low-voltage and communication codes if water reaches modules.

Root cause: Clogged or disconnected roof drains allow water into trim and wiring areas.

Quick check

Inspect headliner corners and A-pillars.
Feel carpets after rain or wash.
Check sunroof drains with care.
Scan BCM if the car smells damp.

Buyer note

Water staining in a Murano is a bigger issue than dirty upholstery.

Owner note

Clean drains before rainy seasons and investigate damp smell immediately.

Fault 8

Infotainment, Bluetooth and display failures

LOW / $$

Affects

2015-2023 Murano, especially high-trim cars with navigation.

Symptoms

Frozen screen, rebooting, failed camera display, Bluetooth dropouts, unresponsive controls.

Typical repair cost

USD 150-400 software/diagnosis; USD 700-1,800 head unit replacement.

Codes / scan clues

AV control unit communication codes.

Root cause: Aging head units, software bugs and previous aftermarket wiring can destabilize the AV system.

Quick check

Pair a phone and make a call.
Use navigation, camera and audio for the whole test drive.
Check USB ports and steering controls.
Inspect for non-factory wiring behind trim.

Buyer note

Infotainment is not drivetrain money, but it affects daily use on a luxury-leaning Murano.

Owner note

Keep software updates current and avoid cheap wiring taps.

Inspection pack

Printable checklist for the viewing

The free page helps you decide whether the car is worth seeing. The paid guide is the ordered, printable checklist you use at the car.

Documents

Recall printout for ABS actuator, OCS and rear-camera campaigns.
CVT fluid invoices with Nissan NS-3 fluid.
AWD seal or transfer-case repair invoices.
Sunroof/water-leak repair records if panoramic roof equipped.

Walk around

Inspect passenger-side AWD transfer/axle area for fluid.
Check all tire sizes and tread depths.
Look for water staining at headliner and A-pillars.
Inspect front suspension and tires for uneven wear.

In the car

Test infotainment, Bluetooth, camera and navigation.
Check passenger-airbag indicator with an adult.
Verify ABS/brake warnings prove out and clear.
Smell for damp carpet or mildew.

Test drive

Hot CVT shudder test at light throttle.
Tight-turn AWD bind check.
Brake from speed and listen for ABS/brake warnings.
Let the screen run long enough to catch rebooting.

Scan tool

Read TCM P17F0/P17F1 history.
Scan ABS actuator module.
Scan SRS/OCS.
Check AV/BCM communication codes if electronics act up.

Bottom line

Buy: Pick a 2019-2023 FWD Murano or a dry AWD car with closed campaigns, smooth hot CVT behavior and no water traces.

Avoid: Skip judder-code cars, ABS-warning cars in the recall population, and AWD examples with unexplained passenger-side driveline leaks.

Quick answers

Nissan Murano buyer questions

The short versions of what this page answers in full.

What are the most common Nissan Murano 2015-2023 problems?

The highest-impact documented faults are: V6 CVT judder with P17F0/P17F1; ABS actuator brake-fluid leak and fire recall; AWD transfer-case or passenger-side axle-seal leakage. This guide covers 8 faults in total, each with symptoms, typical repair costs, and checks you can do at a viewing.

Which Nissan Murano years are the best to buy?

2019-2023 stand out in this generation. Pick a 2019-2023 FWD Murano or a dry AWD car with closed campaigns, smooth hot CVT behavior and no water traces.

Which Nissan Murano should I avoid?

Skip judder-code cars, ABS-warning cars in the recall population, and AWD examples with unexplained passenger-side driveline leaks.

Is the Nissan Murano 2015-2023 a reliable used buy?

BYBA scores it 6.4/10 (buy with checks). 1 walk-away risk, 4 serious faults, 3 minor faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: v6 cvt judder with p17f0/p17f1.

Get updates when this guide changes

Recalls get added, repair costs shift, and new fault patterns show up in the data. Leave an email and we'll tell you when the Nissan Murano guide gets a meaningful revision. Nothing else, no selling your address.

Research basis

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