2003 Nissan Murano Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 265about this part
- Share
- 33%of 800 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 85,750miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 265 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2003 Nissan Murano, 33% of the 800 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 85,750 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers. 1 recall campaign on record is filed under a similar system.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 2003 Murano se/sl aawhen I first start the engine it makes a sound like it has no oil or engine is choking but its starts but if engine is idling for 5 mins or so its shut off but I can start it again but after when im driving engine just dies off amd wont start again for about 5 mins. …”
NHTSA complaint #11153617, filed 2018-11, 3 miles“The problem with my Nissan Murano like so many others is the transmission. I took it to the dealer and I wasted $125 dollars. I also contacted Nissan cooperate and they have not did anything. Nissan knows this is a manufactory problem and they will not acknowledge the problem. I am so frustrated with this problem I seen that they extended the warranty but I am 20,000 miles over it I need help”
NHTSA complaint #10915991, filed 2016-10, 144,000 miles“I was hearing some really loud noises while accelerating in the last couple of days prior to the stalling/no acceleration issue that I experienced on april 9, 2014. I was driving on a busy expressway in rush hour traffic and the vehicle wouldn't accelerate or would hesitate for 5 seconds or so and then it would kick in, albeit slowly. The car is at the dealership right now.”
NHTSA complaint #10578819, filed 2014-04, 93,300 miles“Pulled off interstate because transmission was not acting correctly. When I pulled of the interstate at the stop sign, I tried to apply the accelerator and car would not move. I was almost hit in the rear. Finally able to get car to parking lot. Had car towed to Nissan dealer for repair. Waiting on call for cost of repairs.”
NHTSA complaint #10475577, filed 2012-09, 89,002 miles“The car slowed all the way down on the freeway . Almost causing me to crash . It did it suddenly I was unable to pull over .I was going about 65 MPH while the A/C was blowing it completely malfunctioned”
NHTSA complaint #11205429, filed 2019-05, 166,000 milesRelated recalls
- 03V123000Mar 31, 2003On certain sport utility vehicles, the nut that attaches the transmission gear selector shaft to the control valve lever in the transmission may not be…Covers: Nissan Murano 2003
Related service bulletins
- 10227254Nov 9, 2022ABNORMAL NOISE, VIBRATION AND/OR BINDING FEELING FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions…
- 10218741May 31, 2022NISSAN AWD MODELS; ABNORMAL NOISE, VIBRATION AND/OR JUDDER FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous…
- 10211988Mar 15, 2022NISSAN AWD MODELS; ABNORMAL NOISE, VIBRATION AND/OR JUDDER FROM REAR DIFFERENTIAL This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous…
- 10180989Sep 23, 2020NISSAN; VIBRATION AND/OR NOISE WHEN MAKING LOW SPEED TURNS IF YOU CONFIRM There is a vibration or judder feeling from the rear of the vehicle during the following conditions: ï·…
- 10145547Sep 28, 2018NISSAN; VIBRATION AND/OR NOISE WHEN MAKING LOW SPEED TURNS This bulletin applies only to vehicles equipped with AWD (All-Wheel Drive) or 4WD (4-Wheel Drive). This bulletin has…
- 10016805Nov 4, 2004Awd transfer case noise with damaged gears and/or cracked case.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 6 | 24% |
| 2024 | 1 | 20% |
| 2020 | 4 | 8% |
| 2018 | 5 | 4% |
| 2017 | 14 | 13% |
| 2016 | 15 | 14% |
| 2015 | 53 | 26% |
| 2014 | 31 | 21% |
| 2013 | 13 | 18% |
| 2012 | 30 | 22% |
| 2011 | 37 | 25% |
| 2010 | 40 | 21% |
| 2009 | 69 | 11% |
| 2008 | 3 | 60% |
| 2007 | 63 | 9% |
| 2006 | 43 | 5% |
| 2005 | 56 | 6% |
| 2004 | 143 | 21% |
| 2003 | 265 | 33% |
Other parts of the 2003 Nissan Murano
187 complaintsSeats
111 complaintsEngine cooling
98 complaintsVehicle speed control
58 complaintsEngine
45 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
44 complaintsFuel system
42 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
24 complaintsBody and structure
21 complaintsSteering
17 complaintsSuspension
17 complaintsEquipment
16 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Nissan Murano
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology