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.
Safety recalls
Owner complaints by component
- Service brakes38
- Power train37
- Air bags13
- Structure13
- Electrical system11
- Suspension10
- Visibility10
- Engine7
- Fuel/propulsion system6
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Murano model year we’ve synced.
View as table
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2003 | 799 |
| 2004 | 678 |
| 2005 | 987 |
| 2006 | 803 |
| 2007 | 675 |
| 2009 | 635 |
| 2010 | 193 |
| 2011 | 148 |
| 2012 | 135 |
| 2013 | 74 |
| 2014 | 145 |
| 2015 | 204 |
| 2016 | 108 |
| 2017 | 107 |
| 2018 | 15 |
| 2019 | 44 |
| 2020 | 48 |
| 2021 | 17 |
| 2022 | 6 |
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2024 | 5 |
| 2025 | 25 |
| 2026 | 4 |
- Crashes reported
- 7
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 2
- Deaths reported
- 1
What owners report most
Service brakes
“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.”
Power train
“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…”
Air bags
“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.”
Engines, transmissions & drive
- 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.
EPA fuel economy by version
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murano AWD Auto (variable gear ratios), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,200 | 444 |
| Murano FWD Auto (variable gear ratios), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,200 | 444 |
| Murano CrossCabriolet Auto (variable gear ratios), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 17 | 22 | 19 | $4,200 | 468 |
- 20mpg comb.
- 20mpg comb.
- 19mpg comb.
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 4 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 18.5%
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 4 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 17.9%
Maintenance basics
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat 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
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.