Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD

2011 Nissan MuranoRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 148 owner complaints for the 2011 Nissan Murano. Most complaints involve service brakes (38) and power train (37). The EPA rates it 19–20 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 4 stars overall.

Combined MPG
19–20mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
4of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
148
Top: service brakes
Fuel cost / yr
$3,200est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2011 Nissan Murano as of Oct 28, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

148 complaints filed with NHTSA · Sep 2011 – Jun 2026
  1. Service brakes38
  2. Power train37
  3. Air bags13
  4. Structure13
  5. Electrical system11
  6. Suspension10
  7. Visibility10
  8. Engine7
  9. Fuel/propulsion system6

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Murano model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2003799
2004678
2005987
2006803
2007675
2009635
2010193
2011148
2012135
201374
2014145
2015204
2016108
2017107
201815
201944
202048
202117
20226
20238
20245
202525
20264
Crashes reported
7
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
2
Deaths reported
1
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Service brakes

38 reports
“2011 Nissan Murano, While pulling into a parking area the left rear (drivers side) wheel collapsed. Fortunately this happened at a very low speed, (under 10 MPH). Upon inspection it was discovered that the lower control strut had rotted out and separated from the frame causing the wheel to collapse. If this had occurred on a main road at speed it could have caused a very serious accident due to loss of control. In this case it did not happen, as stated it was at low speed and in a parking lot. The deterioration of this strut was never called out by dealer inspite of numerous Multi-point safety inspections during normal periodic vehicle servicing. There was no warning of impending failure, it just occurred! Neither Nissan or the dealer claim any responsibility for the failure of this part(s) Both sides were replaced as both sides had rotted out.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 27, 2023Suspension, Wheels, Service brakesODI 11546755

Power train

37 reports1 crash
“In July 2023, at 55,496 miles on the odometer, the original CVT transmission failed and was replaced at Port City Nissan (120 Spaulding Tpke N, Portsmouth, NH 03801), an authorized Nissan dealership, with a Nissan-supplied rebuilt CVT transmission at a cost of approximately $7,000. The rebuilt transmission was warranted for one year. Approximately 2.5 years and only 26,500 miles after installation, the rebuilt CVT transmission has failed again at approximately 82,000 miles. CVT transmission failure while driving presents a serious safety hazard, as the vehicle may lose power unexpectedly, particularly dangerous at highway speeds, during merges, or in intersections. Pattern of Defect: Nissan’s CVT transmissions have been the subject of widespread consumer complaints and multiple class action lawsuits across various model years. Significantly, Nissan recently updated its warranty on rebuilt CVT transmissions from one year to three years with unlimited mileage for replacements performed after July 2024. This warranty extension strongly suggests Nissan is aware of systemic premature failures in its rebuilt CVT units. The failure of a rebuilt transmission at only…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 2, 2026Power trainODI 11728892

Air bags

13 reports6 crashes
“The passenger airbag warning light illuminated and remains on. A Nissan dealer diagnosed the issue as a failure of the Occupant Classification System sensor in the passenger seat. This causes the airbag system to be disabled and could prevent deployment in a crash. I was informed that my 2011 Murano is not included in Nissan’s previous airbag/OCS recalls (such as 16V244), even thought the symptoms appear identical. Repair requires replacement or reprogramming of the seat/OCS components and is very expensive ($2000-$7000). This is a critical safety issue because the passenger airbag may not function at all. Based on similar complaints from other 2011 Murano owners, this my represent a widespread defect that warrants investigation and a recall. Safety needs to be a priority. We were originally told to reset the light by a series of steps involving turning the car on and off. The process worked on a previous incident but now the light remains solid red and reset does not work.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 17, 2025Air bagsODI 11699814
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

3 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (variable gear ratios)
Drive
All-Wheel Drive · Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline · Premium Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Murano AWD
Auto (variable gear ratios), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive
182320$3,200444
Murano FWD
Auto (variable gear ratios), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
182320$3,200444
Murano CrossCabriolet
Auto (variable gear ratios), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive
172219$4,200468
  • Murano AWD
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    18 city · 23 hwy · $3,200/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • Murano FWD
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    18 city · 23 hwy · $3,200/yr
    20
    mpg comb.
  • Murano CrossCabriolet
    Auto (variable gear ratios), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    17 city · 22 hwy · $4,200/yr
    19
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Oct 28, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
4/ 5
4 of 5
Nissan Murano SUV AWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
4 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
18.5%
Overall
4 / 5
Nissan Murano SUV FWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
4 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
17.9%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 654Vehicle 369
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2011 Murano questions

How many recalls does the 2011 Nissan Murano have?

0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Oct 28, 2026.

What are the most common 2011 Nissan Murano problems?

Owners filed 148 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are service brakes (38), power train (37), air bags (13). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2011 Nissan Murano get?

The EPA rates the 2011 Nissan Murano at 19–20 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).

How safe is the 2011 Nissan Murano?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2011 Nissan Murano 4 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026