Is the 2005 Nissan Murano reliable?

Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Nissan Murano is rated "significantly worse".

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Nissan Murano?

The most-reported component is seats, accounting for 46% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2005 Nissan Murano have?

6 recalls on file for this model year.

2005 Nissan Murano

■ Significantly worse — known issue year

2005 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: 987
Recalls: 6
Investigations: 2
Top problem: Seats

Complaints per year

2005: 987 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.

Seats

46% · 457 reports

Most commonly citing recliner and power adjust.

CRASHINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

This is previously addressed in an investigation closed in 2009. My seat bracket on drivers side did however break during vehicle operation while turning a corner.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-03-20

While I was driving on HIGHWAYI45 north I wanted to move my seat back that was when my seat broke; I hit my head on the passenger side window and almost had an accident took it the dealer and they knew exactly what had happen they told me that they...

NHTSA ODI report, 2007-12-17

Visibility

13% · 124 reports

Most commonly citing windshield wiper/washer and windshield.

Latches/locks/linkages

12% · 119 reports

Most commonly citing lock and latch.

Electrical system

10% · 102 reports

Most commonly citing alternator/generator/regulator and wiring.

CRASHFIREINJURY

Show complaint excerpts

My vehicle caught fire as I proceeded to pull away from a curbside parking space.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-07-26

Also filed under Engine

No electrical works in this car. He may be driving and it just stalls. He pulls over for a couple of minutes and tries to go and it just keeps dying.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-28

Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system and suspension

Not sure when it started bc I just purchased this vehicle a month ago. While driving one evening the head lights went off and I had to turn them off and back on.

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-12-14

Also filed under Exterior lighting

Power train

6% · 57 reports

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

CRASH

Safety timeline

6 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first

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

▮
2005Complaint volume 987 complaints filed for this model year.
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

2006-03-20Fuel system, gasoline06V054000 On certain sport utility vehicles, a fitting for vapor recirculation, which is welded on the fuel tank, may come off the fuel tank because incorrect material was used.

Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel tank with a new one 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 →
R

2006-12-18Steering06V401000 Certain sport utility vehicles fail to conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 114, "Theft protection." During an inspection of some vehicles at the assembly plant…

Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering wheel lock assembly free of charge. The recall began on December 18, 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

2005 Nissan Murano — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Seats: 457 reports on file for this year.
Visibility: 124 reports on file for this year.
Latches/locks/linkages: 119 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 05V319000 · Electrical system
Recall 06V003000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 06V054000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Recall 06V048000 · Seat belts
Recall 06V401000 · Steering
Recall 09V169000 · Engine and engine cooling

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2005 Nissan Murano reliable?: Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2005 Nissan Murano is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Nissan Murano?: The most-reported component is seats, accounting for 46% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2005 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.