Structure, electrical system, and steering issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners
A popular SUV continues to be the 2020 Nissan Murano. The automaker claims it has the “tech that anticipates what’s next.” However, owners haven’t been as pleased as they should be, mainly because of the defective structure, malfunctioning steering and faulty electrical system.
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While this Nissan is no Infiniti, it should still be built to a high standard, but it’s not. Customers continue to balk at minor to major defects that cause trouble driving.
Here is one such example from an NHTSA complaint. “The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that the hood reflects the sunlight right into the driver’s eyes impairing their vision. The sunlight reflection impairs the contact’s vision while driving. This could cause an accident since the contact cannot see the road while driving. The dealer stated that there was no assistance that could be provided regarding the issue. The manufacturer was contacted due to the concern. The contact was informed that the vehicle operated as designed. No additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 300.”
There’s nothing worse than dumping a whole load of money on a new vehicle only to find out 300 miles later that there is a major defect. Then, having the automaker claim that nothing can be done is even more frustrating. It turns out that this isn’t the only documented problem. Service Bulletin #NTB18-035b also discusses how it doesn’t take long before the front passenger carpet can be pulled out from under the trim. With all of this in mind, maybe it’s time for Nissan to “anticipate what’s next.” In the foreseeable future, it’s expected that customers are going to jump ship for another brand.
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | |
| Power Train | |
| Suspension | |
| Visibility/wiper | |
| Air Bags | |
| Electrical System |
Considering that Nissan wants to boast about this SUVs technical expertise, it only makes sense to look at the electrical system. It doesn’t take long to find an extensive list of complaints.
Here is one from the Edmunds website. “This SUV might be the worst vehicle ever built, on par with the AMC Pacer. Expect many problems including dysfunctional cruise control and dangerous autonomous braking. The car will stop for unexpected reasons – beyond the mechanic’s ability to repair. This model should have the designation ‘POS’ appended to the model name. Worst vehicle I’ve ever owned.”
While some electrical concerns are more about convenience, there are defects that cause more worry. Service Bulletin #NTB19-071, for example, discusses how the Occupant Detection Sensor Unit might be defective. Without this system working the way it should, the Murano cannot determine if someone is sitting in the passenger seat, thereby leaving that occupant vulnerable if an accident were to occur. When no one is recognized in the seat, the air bag might not deploy, leading to more injuries. Of course, there’s always the option to wrap the passengers in bubble wrap instead.
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A look at the steering system reveals the same level of defects that the Murano is getting a reputation for.
Here is one more Edmunds review. “This car drifts all over the road you really have to hold steering wheel tight to feel in control of vehicle. The setup of the gas pedal, brake caused a lot of knee pain for me and the big console in the middle did not allow for knee movement.”
The steering system is a major part of any working vehicle. It’s just as important as components such as the engine and powertrain. While on that subject, it’s important to note that the Murano has known transmission problems. Service Bulletin #NTB17-003a says that fluid can leak by the transfer assembly near the right side drive shaft seal. New cars shouldn’t experience any type of leakage, as this only proves it wasn’t manufactured correctly. While Nissan is focused on coming up with state-of-the-art technology, the basics of car manufacturing are falling by the wayside.
Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Nissan pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.
Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
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