CarBrief

The 2015 Nissan Murano has 204 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, more than any other model year from 2010 on[1][2]. It also has 6 recalls, and most of them involve the ABS brake actuator or the front passenger air bag sensor[3][4][5][6][7][8].

204owner complaints[1]
6recalls[2]
24MPG combined (EPA)[9]
4★NHTSA overall rating[10]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 204 complaints for this model year[1]. Ten mention a crash, 5 a fire and 6 an injury, and no deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name several parts of the car.

The biggest groups are:

Component group Complaints
Power train[11] 53
Air bags[12] 36
Unknown or other[13] 32
Brakes[14] 28
Electrical system[15] 22
Engine[16] 20
Speed control[17] 20
Fuel/propulsion system[18] 9

Power train. This is the largest group, with a median mileage at failure of 39,100 and no crashes, fires or injuries[11]. In a sample of complaints we read, owners describe jerking, shuddering or hesitating when accelerating at low speeds, and a few describe the car not responding to the gas pedal[11].

Air bags. The 36 complaints include 4 crashes and 6 injuries, with a median mileage of 11,750[12]. In the sample we read, 11 of 12 complaints describe the front passenger air bag showing as off while an adult or a smaller passenger sits there[12]. Owners say it comes and goes, and several say dealers found no fault[12]. This matches the occupant sensor recall described below[7].

Brakes. This group has 1 crash, 4 fires and 1 injury in 28 complaints, with a median mileage of 45,000[14]. In the sample we read, owners describe ABS warning lights and brake recall repairs, and several say they were waiting for parts. A few mention a fire or smoke[14]. One owner describes a forward emergency braking warning light that stayed on[14].

Electrical system. The 22 complaints have 1 fire[15]. In the sample we read, owners describe forward collision or emergency braking warning lights and radar messages, and a couple describe a heated or cooled seat control that stopped working[15].

Recalls

NHTSA lists 6 recalls for this model year[2]. Newest first:

Ask a dealer to run the VIN and show you which of these were completed on the exact car.

Fuel economy

EPA rates the front-wheel-drive Murano at 21 city, 28 highway and 24 combined mpg, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,800[9]. The all-wheel-drive version has the same ratings and the same estimated cost[19]. Both use a 3.5L 6-cylinder engine and regular fuel[9][19].

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the all-wheel-drive Murano 4 stars overall, 4 for frontal crash, 5 for side crash and 4 for rollover, with a rollover risk of 15.1%[10]. The front-wheel-drive version has the same star ratings and a rollover risk of 15.9%[20].

Engine and size

The EPA test list shows a 3.5L 6-cylinder engine rated at 260 hp[21]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.

Front-wheel drive All-wheel drive
Length[22][23] 193 in 193 in
Width[22][23] 76 in 76 in
Height[22][23] 67 in 67 in
Wheelbase[22][23] 111 in 111 in
Curb weight[22][23] 3,794 lb 3,940 lb

How 2015 compares with other years

2003: 800 complaints, 6 recalls20032004: 678 complaints, 4 recalls2005: 987 complaints, 6 recalls20052006: 803 complaints, 4 recalls2007: 676 complaints, 2 recalls20072009: 635 complaints, 4 recalls2010: 193 complaints, 0 recalls20102011: 148 complaints, 0 recalls2012: 135 complaints, 1 recalls20122013: 74 complaints, 1 recalls2014: 145 complaints, 1 recalls20142015: 204 complaints, 6 recalls20420152016: 108 complaints, 6 recalls20162017: 107 complaints, 3 recalls2018: 113 complaints, 2 recalls20182019: 43 complaints, 1 recalls2020: 45 complaints, 2 recalls20202021: 17 complaints, 0 recalls2022: 6 complaints, 0 recalls20222023: 8 complaints, 0 recalls2024: 5 complaints, 1 recalls20242025: 25 complaints, 2 recalls2026: 4 complaints, 0 recalls2026
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Murano model year. The 2015 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20038006
20046784
20059876
20068034
20076762
20096354
20101930
20111480
20121351
2013741
20141451
20152046
20161086
20171073
20181132
2019431
2020452
2021170
202260
202380
202451
2025252
202640

Counts are not adjusted for sales, so read them as a rough guide within the Murano only. The 2015 model year has 204 complaints[2]. From 2010 to 2014 the counts were 193, 148, 135, 74 and 145[2]. From 2016 to 2020 they were 108, 107, 113, 43 and 45[2]. So 2015 is the highest of the years from 2010 on. The listed years from 2003 to 2009 are much higher, between 635 and 987 complaints[2].

For recalls, 2015 has 6[2]. So do 2003, 2005 and 2016, and no listed year has more[2].

Should you buy a used 2015 Murano?

This model year has more complaints than any year from 2010 on and several recalls tied to fire risk and the passenger air bag[2][6][7]. That does not mean every car has these problems, but the recall history matters here. Before buying, have a dealer check the VIN for open recalls, and ask whether the ABS actuator and passenger sensor work was done, since parts for some of these recalls were still to come when the records were written[4][7]. On a test drive, check for hesitation at low speeds and watch the passenger air bag light with an adult in the seat.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2015 Nissan Murano?
Owners filed 204 complaints with NHTSA[1]. The largest groups are power train with 53 and air bags with 36[11][12]. In samples we read, owners describe hesitation or shuddering at low speed and a passenger air bag showing as off with an adult seated[11][12].
Has the 2015 Nissan Murano been recalled?
Yes, NHTSA lists 6 recalls[2]. They cover the ABS actuator brake fluid leak, ABS valve contamination, the passenger occupant sensor, and hybrid control software on the Murano Hybrid[3][4][5][6][7][8].
How many miles per gallon does the 2015 Nissan Murano get?
EPA rates it at 21 city, 28 highway and 24 combined mpg for both front-wheel and all-wheel drive[9][19].
Is the 2015 Nissan Murano safe?
NHTSA rates it 4 stars overall, with 5 stars for side crash[10][20]. It also has recalls involving brake fire risk and the passenger air bag sensor, so check that the work was done[6][7].
Is the 2015 Murano the worst year for complaints?
Among model years from 2010 on it has the most complaints, at 204[2]. The 2003 to 2009 years listed have more, from 635 to 987, and these counts are not adjusted for sales[2].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 204 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Nissan Murano (10 mention a crash, 5 a fire, 6 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every Nissan Murano model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. Recall 21V774, filed October 4, 2021: Engine And Engine Cooling › Engine › Engine Control Module (Ecu / Ecm) › Software. NHTSA recall database
  4. Recall 19V807, filed November 8, 2019: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock / Traction Control / Electronic Limited Slip. NHTSA recall database
  5. Recall 18V601, filed September 7, 2018: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock / Traction Control / Electronic Limited Slip. NHTSA recall database
  6. Recall 16V636, filed September 2, 2016: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock / Traction Control / Electronic Limited Slip. NHTSA recall database
  7. Recall 16V244, filed April 26, 2016: Air Bags › Sensor › Occupant Classification. NHTSA recall database
  8. Recall 15V364, filed June 10, 2015: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock / Traction Control / Electronic Limited Slip › Control Unit / Module . NHTSA recall database
  9. EPA rating for Murano FWD, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (AV-S7), Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  10. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV AWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.1%. NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 53 complaints name the power train component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 39,100). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 36 complaints name the air bags component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 11,750). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 32 complaints name the unknown or other component group (2 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 37,891). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. 28 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 4 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 45,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  15. 22 complaints name the electrical system component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 40,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  16. 20 complaints name the engine component group (0 crashes, 1 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 54,150). NHTSA vehicle records
  17. 20 complaints name the speed control component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 31,070). NHTSA vehicle records
  18. 9 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 20,100). NHTSA vehicle records
  19. EPA rating for Murano AWD, 3.5L 6-cyl, Automatic (AV-S7), Regular, All-Wheel Drive: 21 city / 28 highway / 24 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $2,800. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, SUV FWD: overall 4 stars, frontal 4 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 15.9%. NHTSA vehicle records
  21. EPA Test Car List, 2015 Nissan Murano with 3.5L 6-cylinder: rated 260 hp. www.epa.gov
  22. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MURANO S/SV FWD 4DR SUV: length 193 in, width 76 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 3,794 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  23. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, MURANO SV/SL/PLATINUM 4DR SUV AWD: length 193 in, width 76 in, height 67 in, wheelbase 111 in, curb weight 3,940 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.