Research · Midsize Station Wagons

2020 Nissan MuranoRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 48 owner complaints for the 2020 Nissan Murano. Most complaints involve forward collision avoidance (14) and suspension (9). The EPA rates it 23 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
23mpg
EPA · 2 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest May 2021
Owner complaints
48
Top: forward collision avoidance
Fuel cost / yr
$2,800est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Suspension: spindle

Free remedy

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Nissan Murano, INFINITI QX60, 2021 Nissan GT-R, INFINITI QX50, and Q50 vehicles. The front steering knuckle or rear axle housing may have insufficient strength due to improper heat-treatment.

SuspensionReported May 27, 2021NHTSA 21V402000

Steering: linkages

Free remedy

Nissan North America, Inc. (Nissan) is recalling certain 2020 Nissan Murano vehicles. The left and/or right-hand transverse link may not have been manufactured correctly, which could result in it separating from the ball joint.

SteeringReported Mar 11, 2021NHTSA 21V170000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Oct 28, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

48 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2020 – Oct 2026
  1. Forward collision avoidance14
  2. Suspension9
  3. Steering5
  4. Power train4
  5. Service brakes4
  6. Visibility/wiper3
  7. Structure2
  8. Exterior lighting2
  9. Wheels2

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
1
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
2
Deaths reported
0
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

Forward collision avoidance

14 reports1 crash
“It has occurred on a few occasions where the emergency braking system has enabled with no obstructions nearby most commonly while backing up into a parking spot but the recent situation of it automatically breaking on the highway while doing 60 with no other vehicles nearby, my wife attempted the gas pedal to disengage the system but it did not affect the braking.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 21, 2026Forward collision avoidanceODI 11732815

Suspension

9 reports
“Component Affected: SUSPENSION: FRONT: CONTROL ARM: LOWER ARM Description of Defect: My 2020 Nissan Murano experienced a severe front suspension failure matching the exact structural symptoms described in Nissan Recall Campaign PC797 (NHTSA Campaign Number 21V170000) for defective front transverse links/lower control arms. The vehicle exhibited a loud popping and clunking noise coming from the front end, occurring primarily when applying the brakes and coming to a stop as the vehicle’s weight shifted forward. A professional diagnosis confirmed a failing front lower control arm and ball joint, creating a structural failure and an immediate risk of component separation, which threatens a total loss of steering control. This safety defect first manifested as a persistent noise last year while the vehicle was still well under the 84,000-mile mark when I took it in to have my transmission fluid changed. However, I thought it pertained to my front brakes and the repair man said when he drove it, he didn't hear the noise. But I continued to hear the noise when I braked in the front area. So, when I recently checked my 17-digit VIN on the official recall portal, after…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 20, 2026SuspensionODI 11772563

Steering

5 reports
“The contact owns a 2020 Nissan Murano. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was driving unstable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the suspension was inspected. The mechanic became aware of cracked bushings on the upper control arm on both sides of the vehicle. The independent mechanic performed an alignment; however, after the alignment was performed, the steering instability and handling failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V170000 (Steering); however, the VIN was not included in the recall repair.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 17, 2026Steering, SuspensionODI 11765060
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Oct 28, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

2 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Midsize Station Wagons
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (AV-S7)
Drive
All-Wheel Drive · Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular 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 (AV-S7), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive
202823$2,800388
Murano FWD
Auto (AV-S7), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
202823$2,800386
  • Murano AWD
    Auto (AV-S7), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    20 city · 28 hwy · $2,800/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Murano FWD
    Auto (AV-S7), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    20 city · 28 hwy · $2,800/yr
    23
    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
5/ 5
5 of 5
Nissan Murano SUV AWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
15.1%
Overall
5 / 5
Nissan Murano SUV FWD
Frontal crash
5 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
15.9%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Oct 28, 2026Vehicle 14526Vehicle 14508
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

2020 Murano questions

How many recalls does the 2020 Nissan Murano have?

2 safety recalls as of Oct 28, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2020 Nissan Murano problems?

Owners filed 48 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are forward collision avoidance (14), suspension (9), steering (5). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2020 Nissan Murano get?

The EPA rates the 2020 Nissan Murano at 23 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (2 versions rated).

How safe is the 2020 Nissan Murano?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2020 Nissan Murano 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Oct 28, 2026