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, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2003 Nissan Murano have?

6 recalls on file for this model year.

2003 Nissan Murano

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2003 Nissan Murano
BUILT 2026-10-10

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.

How is this computed?

Complaints: 800
Recalls: 6
Investigations: 4
Top problem: Power train

Complaints per year

2003: 800 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2003	800
2004	678
2005	987
2006	803
2007	676
2008	5
2009	635
2010	193
2011	148
2012	135
2013	74
2014	144
2015	204
2016	107
2017	107
2018	113
2019	43
2020	47
2021	17
2022	6
2023	8
2024	5
2025	22
2026	3

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Power train

34% · 271 reports

Most commonly citing automatic transmission and transfer case (4-wheel drive).

CRASHFIRE

Show 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, 2018-10-24

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

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, 2013-04-23

Also filed under Vehicle speed control

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, 2013-03-23

Electrical system

28% · 227 reports

Most commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator and 12v/24v/48v battery.

FIRE

Show 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, 2017-11-13

Seats

14% · 111 reports

Most commonly citing power adjust and recliner.

Engine and engine cooling

12% · 98 reports

Most commonly citing engine and radiator assembly.

CRASHFIRE

Show complaint excerpts

Vehicle in front her rollback and hit the grill, no damage was done to the vehicle upon inspection. 1/4 miles on the road notice the vehicle was on fire. Dealer was notified and diagnosis the radiator was broke.

NHTSA ODI report, 2003-02-07

Vehicle speed control

7% · 58 reports

Most commonly citing accelerator pedal.

CRASH

Safety timeline

6 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

▮
2003Complaint volume 800 complaints filed for this model year.
R

2003-04-15Power train03V123000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2003-12-22Engine and engine cooling03V455000 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…

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…

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2004-11-19Preliminary evaluationClosed 2005-03-25 Alternator failure/ engine stalling
I
2005-03-25Engineering analysisClosed 2005-08-17 Alternator failure / engine stalling
R

2005-08-01Electrical system05V319000 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…

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2005-09-13Preliminary evaluationClosed 2006-01-31 Fuel tank punctures from road debris
R

2006-03-20Fuel system, gasoline06V003000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2006-03-20Seat belts06V048000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2008-11-18Preliminary evaluationClosed 2009-07-02 Driver seat anchor failure
R

2009-08-24Engine and engine cooling09V169000 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…

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.

Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2003 Nissan Murano — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Power train: 271 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 227 reports on file for this year.
Seats: 111 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 03V123000 · Power train
Recall 03V455000 · Engine and engine cooling
Recall 05V319000 · Electrical system
Recall 06V003000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 06V048000 · Seat belts
Recall 09V169000 · Engine and engine cooling

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 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, accounting for 34% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Nissan Murano have?: 6 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.

2003 Nissan Murano

Complaints per year

Known problem areas

Power train

Electrical system

Seats

Engine and engine cooling

Vehicle speed control

Safety timeline

Buy-smart checklist

Inspect

Verify these recalls were completed

Other years of this model

▲Best years3 years

■Worst years3 years

FAQ

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years