Is the 2004 Nissan Murano reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Nissan Murano is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2004 Nissan Murano?

The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2004 Nissan Murano have?

4 recalls on file for this model year.

2004 Nissan Murano

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2004 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: 678
Recalls: 4
Investigations: 4
Top problem: Power train

Complaints per year

2004: 678 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

22% · 147 reports

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

CRASHINJURY

Visibility

18% · 124 reports

Most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and heater core.

CRASH

Electrical system

18% · 120 reports

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

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Nissan Murano. While driving various speeds, the battery and the ABS indicators illuminated. An independent mechanic diagnosed that the alternator failed and replaced the part three different times.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-05-21

Also filed under Service brakes

1) loss of acceleration and blinking dash lights (Vdc on/off, ABS, battery) and strange noise through stereo 2) smell of electrical components at high heat 3) smoke in cabin, smoke from under hood.

NHTSA ODI report, 2005-01-17

The dashboard started smoking where the air conditioning unit/ the navigation device/ stereo system, and other electrical components were mounted. Dealership indicated that the smoke occurred because of an electrical short.

NHTSA ODI report, 2004-06-29

Seats

14% · 94 reports

Most commonly citing power adjust.

INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

I was turning on a highway loop and I'm short so I had the seat all the way up to be able to see.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-06-06

Latches/locks/linkages

7% · 48 reports

Most commonly citing latch and lock.

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

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

▮
2004Complaint volume 678 complaints filed for this model year.
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

2004 Nissan Murano — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Power train: 147 reports on file for this year.
Visibility: 124 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 120 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

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 2004 Nissan Murano reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Nissan Murano is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Nissan Murano?: The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Nissan Murano have?: 4 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.