2003 Nissan Murano
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 800 |
| 2004 | 678 |
| 2005 | 986 |
| 2006 | 803 |
| 2007 | 676 |
| 2008 | 5 |
| 2009 | 635 |
| 2010 | 188 |
| 2011 | 148 |
| 2012 | 134 |
| 2013 | 72 |
| 2014 | 143 |
| 2015 | 201 |
| 2016 | 107 |
| 2017 | 107 |
| 2018 | 113 |
| 2019 | 41 |
| 2020 | 44 |
| 2021 | 16 |
| 2022 | 5 |
| 2023 | 6 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2025 | 20 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
20% of complaints: power train — 157 distinct reports on file.
15% of complaints: electrical system — 120 distinct reports on file.
13% of complaints: seats — 102 distinct reports on file.
11% of complaints: power train — 89 distinct reports on file.
CRASHShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2003 NISSAN MURANO. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS LOW SPEEDS, THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE INDEPENDENTLY ACCELERATED IN REVERSE AND CRASHED INTO A PARKED VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20181024
I WAS DRIVING DOWN A HILL ROAD, I DECIDED TO TURN BACK, I PERFORMED A LEGAL U TURN AND WHEN I TRIED TO REVERSE THE ACCELERATOR WOULD NOT PERFORM ITS DUTY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130423
I AM PULLING INTO THE FREEWAY IN DALY CITY AND THE VEHICLE WILL NOT ENGAGE TRANSMISSION. I CRUISED GOING 10MPH FOR A MILE BEFORE I HAD TO PULL OVER ON THE FREEWAY. I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND SAT THERE THINKING ON HOW TO GET HOME.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130323
11% of complaints: electrical system — 88 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
THIS CAR HAS HAD A LOT OF ELECTRICAL ISSUES. THE CAM SHAFT POSITION SENSORS HAVE HAD TO BE REPLACED THREE TIMES AND THE ECU HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE SUNROOF IS ALSO DEAD. THE BOSE STEREO IS ALWAYS GOING OUT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171113
SAFETY TIMELINE
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE NUT THAT ATTACHES THE TRANSMISSION GEAR SELECTOR SHAFT TO THE CONTROL VALVE LEVER IN THE TRANSMISSION MAY NOT BE ADEQUATELY TIGHTENED. THIS COULD RESULT IN THE
Remedy: DEALERS WILL CHECK THE AFFECTED NUT IN THE TRANSMISSION SHIFT LEVER LINKAGE, AND TIGHTEN IT IF NECESSARY. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN APRIL 15, 2003. OWNERS WHO TAKE THEIR VEHICLES TO AN AUTHORIZED
Campaign 03V123000 — check if this car was fixed
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE CRANK POSITION SENSOR OR CAM POSITION SENSOR MAY HAVE AN IMPROPER SOLDER JOINT DUE TO SOLDER DEFORMATION CAUSED BY HEAT STRESS ACCELERATED BY T
Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE CRANK POSITION SENSORS. CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR(S), AND IN SOME CASES, THE VARIABLE TIMING CONTROL SENSOR(S). VEHICLES INVOLVED IN A PREVIOUS RECALL CAMPAIGN, 01V357, ARE A
Campaign 03V455000 — check if this car was fixed
ALTERNATOR FAILURE/ ENGINE STALLING
ALTERNATOR FAILURE / ENGINE STALLING
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT A WIRE BREAKING INSIDE THE ALTERNATOR COULD STOP THE BATTERY FROM CHARGING.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE THE ALTERNATOR WITH A NEW VERSION WHICH HAS BEEN MODIFIED TO PREVENT MOVEMENT OF THE COIL. THE RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 1, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647
Campaign 05V319000 — check if this car was fixed
FUEL TANK PUNCTURES FROM ROAD DEBRIS
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, DUE TO THE LOCATION OF THE FORWARD EDGE OF THE FUEL TANK, IN THE EVENT THAT A VEHICLE FRONT TIRE RUNS OVER A SMALL, SHARP OBJECT IN THE ROAD, CATCHES IT AND PROPELS
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL PROTECTORS IN FRONT OF THE TANK FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 06V003000 — check if this car was fixed
ON SOME SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, IN CERTAIN HIGH SPEED FRONTAL CRASHES, THE WEBBING OF A REAR OUTBOARD SEAT BELT MAY CONTACT THE REAR SEAT BACK HINGE WHERE IT CAN BE CUT BY THE SHARP EDGE OF THE METAL
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL PROTECTORS OVER THE WEBBING OF THE REAR SEAT BELTS. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 20, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 06V048000 — check if this car was fixed
DRIVER SEAT ANCHOR FAILURE
NISSAN IS RECALLING 362,891 MY 2003-2007 MURANO VEHICLES. THE INTAKE AIR DUCTS, WHICH ARE CONNECTED TO THE INTERMEDIATE RESONATOR IN THE AIR INTAKE SYSTEM OF THE ENGINE, MAY SEPARATE FROM THE RESONAT
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND REPLACE/REPAIR THE APPROPRIATE COMPONENTS FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 24, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT NISSAN AT 1-800-647-7261.
Campaign 09V169000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Nissan Murano — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for power train issues (157 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (120 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for seats issues (102 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 03V123000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 03V455000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
- Verify recall 05V319000 (electrical system) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06V003000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 06V048000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 09V169000 (engine and engine cooling) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2003 Nissan Murano reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Nissan Murano is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Nissan Murano?
The most-reported component is power train:automatic transmission, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Nissan Murano have?
6 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.