2011 Nissan Murano Problems
Compared with other Nissan Murano years
Fewer complaints than typical for this model
14/100 0.4× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 0.4× that of a typical Nissan Murano year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 9 of its 148 complaints were filed by the end of 2013.
- Most reported problem: Brake pedal sinks to floor, reduced stopping power (29 complaints, median 86,000 mi).
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 148filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 85,000miles, 106 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 20 mpgcombined, 3.5L 6-cyl FWD · 18 city / 23 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2011 Nissan Murano (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often describe a brake pedal that sinks toward the floor, and CVT transmission hesitation or slipping from a stop. Both are usually reported well past 50,000 miles, and many complaints say the symptoms come and go or that shops could not reproduce them.
- Brakes
Brake pedal sinks to floor, reduced stopping power
- 29 complaints (20%)
- median 86,000 mi at 8.7 yrs old (26 state mileage)
- filed 2015–2021
Complaints describe the brake pedal traveling almost to the floor with little or no resistance, sometimes after hitting a bump or during hard braking, and returning to normal hours or days later. Owners report pumping the pedal to stop and having to swerve or pull off the road. Some had the master cylinder, pads, or ABS module replaced and say the symptom returned, while others were told no fault could be found. Mostly reported between roughly 50,000 and 140,000 miles, in city and highway driving.
What to check: Ask whether the brake fluid flush and ABS actuator inspection campaign was performed, and have the pedal checked for a slow sink while held under pressure. Get any master cylinder or ABS repair paperwork.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When coming to a stop at light, when I pushed on the break to stop, the brake pedal went all the way to the floor and car will not stop. After pumping the break several times the car will eventually stop. This has happened numerous times in the last 3 weeks. I have taken my car to the dealer and other car shops and they see no visible evidence of any problems at all. I'm at a loss and my wife and myself are terrified to drive the car anymore.”
NHTSA complaint #11266954, filed 2019-10, 70,000 miles“I was exiting the highway when a car abruptly pulled in front of me and I had step on the brakes with great force to stop in time without crashing. Immediately afterwards when I had to use the brakes again at a red light, I had to push down the brake pedal almost all the way down to the floor to stop the car. The brakes felt spongey and provided almost no resistance to my foot as I pressed down. The issue persisted for a few days before I took it to a local mechanic. …”
NHTSA complaint #11298933, filed 2020-01, 100,000 miles - Transmission and drivetrain
CVT hesitation and loss of power from a stop
- 26 complaints (18%)
- median 93,000 mi at 7.2 yrs old (22 state mileage)
- filed 2012–2023
Owners describe the vehicle hesitating or failing to accelerate when pulling away from a stop or climbing an incline, with engine speed rising but little forward motion, then a sudden surge when the transmission engages. Some report hard shifting, slipping, clunking, or complete loss of power, and dealers diagnosed a failing CVT or replaced the transmission. Reported from very low mileage up to about 140,000 miles, often when warm or under acceleration.
What to check: Test drive from several stops and on an incline, watching for hesitation, surging, or delayed engagement, and ask for transmission fluid service records. Ask whether any CVT warranty extension still applies to the vehicle.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“We purchased the vehicle for my so and the transmission is slipping. Took it to the dealer and they said there is no warranty to cover it. We just found out the vehicle was eligible for an extended warranty, however it's exceeded the 120,000 mile dealer warranty. We're wanting to know if this problem was recalled by Nissan because it is not safe for him to drive it.”
NHTSA complaint #11403218, filed 2021-03, 136,000 miles“2011 Nissan Murano, 85000 miles, all maintenance done on time. Driving down the road at low speeds started to hear a clunking noise. The next day I was driving down the hwy taking my car into the shop when it started jumping rpms and would not accelerate almost causing me to get killed while trying to pull of the road. After letting the car sit I was able to drive it at 30mph to the closest car dealership where it was diagnosed with a failing transmission. …”
NHTSA complaint #11269741, filed 2019-10, 85,400 miles - Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
Sunroof glass shatters while driving
- 15 complaints (10%)
- median 50,000 mi at 4.0 yrs old (11 state mileage)
- filed 2011–2022
Complaints describe the sunroof glass breaking with a loud bang while driving at highway speed with no nearby vehicle or overhead object, leaving the glass bowed outward or shattered into the cabin. Owners say the dealer or manufacturer could not explain the breakage, and coverage under warranty was often undetermined. Reported from about 9,000 to 112,000 miles, mostly at highway speeds.
What to check: Inspect the sunroof glass for cracks, chips, or repaired edges and check the shade and seal operation. Ask whether the glass has ever been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving about 60 MPH on the interstate I heard a loud sound like a gunshot. There weren't any cars in front of me and I didn't just go under an overpass. Upon inspection I discovered that my sunroof had exploded and no foreign objects were visible that may have caused it. Seems like this is a common problem and should be recalled.”
NHTSA complaint #11222586, filed 2019-06, 112,000 miles“While I was driving down the road at about 45 MPH no other vehicles around me and no overpass or trees above me , my sunroof exploded (it sounded like a gunshot went off) and then I heard a crackling noise which as soon as I pulled over I found it had exploded upwards and shattered. I have pictures to show the sunroof exploded upwards.”
NHTSA complaint #10485963, filed 2012-11, 25,000 miles - Air bags
Air bag warning light and no deployment in a crash
- 13 complaints (9%)
- median 85,000 mi at 7.4 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- 6 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2012–2026
Some owners report the air bag warning light coming on and a dealer diagnosis of a passenger seat sensor or diagnostic module fault, with repair quoted at a cost that led some to skip it. Others describe being struck at low speed and reporting that the side or front air bags did not deploy. Mostly reported from about 60,000 to 135,000 miles.
What to check: Confirm the air bag warning light comes on at startup and goes out, and ask for any record of air bag sensor or module repair.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While exiting a parking space at a low speed (less than 10 MPH) the car unexpectedly accelerated to full throttle. Braking would not hold it and my car ran into another vehicle after traveling 5-15 yards, pushing it up on a sidewalk before stopping. Both cars total loss due to bent frame/rails. My front end demolished and radiator pushed into engine but no airbags deployed. After the incident it was discovered that my accelerator pedal had snapped off.”
NHTSA complaint #10851970, filed 2016-03, 66,000 miles“Our vehicle has been in 2 accidents - one where we were struck in the rear left bumper and the other we were struck in the front left bumper. Speeds were about 20 MPH. Neither resulted in the airbags being deployed. We have experienced many issues with the electrical system including failure of the radio/climate control screen, speaker volume changing without initiation and unable to be controlled, & rear speakers not functioning. These occurred at all times of vehicle operation.”
NHTSA complaint #11280782, filed 2019-11, 85,000 miles
Buying note. Have the brakes and CVT checked before purchase, since those are the two areas owners most often report and some repairs were done without resolving the symptom. Service records for brake fluid, transmission fluid, and any air bag sensor work are worth asking for.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 148 consumer complaints for the 2011 Nissan Murano. 106 of the complaints include a mileage, and 17% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 85,000 miles. Of all complaints, 7 involved a crash, 2 an injury, 1 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 131 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 11 Nissan Murano model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 14 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (fewer complaints than typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Brakes39 26%
- Other or unknown23 16%
- Air bags13 8.8%
- Body and structure13 8.8%
- Electrical system11 7.4%
- Suspension10 6.8%
- Engine7 4.7%
- Fuel system6 4.0%
Also reported: Vehicle speed control (4), Seats (3), Electronic stability control (2), Steering (2), Equipment (1), Latches, locks and linkages (1), Tires (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Brakes: “As I was driving down the road I went over a speed bump and my brakes went all the way down to the floorboard. I was not going fast at the time this occurred. This has happened twice now, and I was told the master cylinder and brake booster needed to be replaced. Now I am out a vehicle until I can pay $1300 to get it replaced. My warranty just expired and now I am screwed. My brakes are still not working properly and did not go back to normal.”
NHTSA complaint #11039415, filed 2017-10, 67,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “Cvt transmission started making noises at 90k on daughter s 2011 Nissan Murano. This should be a recall Nissan is scamming everyone with all these 5k shop repair bills. Nissan ya can go to hell and will never buy another one. I will also go trade my gtr. I would drive chevy cruz or civic before I buy another Nissan. Oh this was our 29th Nissan between my wife,kids and I”
NHTSA complaint #11193148, filed 2019-04, 90,000 milesOther or unknown: “Driving in hot weather my car stalls. This happened in april 2017 I was told at that time it was my transmission by the dealer. I had the transmission replaced in nay 2017. This happened numerous times prior to my transmission being replaced. I go to accelerate and the car stalls”
NHTSA complaint #11004783, filed 2017-07, 73,000 milesVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): “I parked the Murano in the garage and closed the garage door then went inside the house. About 30 minutes later I heard a muffled boom sound. I thought the wind was blowing furniture around on my deck. I went to check the garage and noticed tempered glass on the floor. I looked at the lift gate door and noticed the entire glass window had shattered inward. Most of the glass was inside the car. I don't know how it happened but it was raining that day and the temperature had fallen.”
NHTSA complaint #10478201, filed 2012-10, 10,285 milesMileage when problems were reported
17% of the 106 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 60,000 and 106,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2011 Nissan Murano. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murano · SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 · 18.5% risk |
| Murano · SUV FWD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 · 17.9% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2012: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2011 Nissan Murano version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murano AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | CVT | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,350 |
| Murano CrossCabriolet AWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | CVT | 17 | 22 | 19 | $4,350 |
| Murano FWD | 3.5L 6-cyl | CVT | 18 | 23 | 20 | $3,350 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2011 Nissan Murano in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 131 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11031705Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11031704Apr 13, 2026Body and structure. CERTIFICATION LABEL AND VIN PLATE REPLACEMENT SERVICE INFORMATION Because of collision damage or other vehicle repair, a replacement “Certification Label” or “VIN Plate/Label” may be needed. HINT…
- 11004962May 21, 2024Electrical system. VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004961May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION – NETWORK DIAGNOSTIC FLOW CHART This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11004960May 21, 2024Electrical system. CAN COMMUNICATION CODES – DIAGNOSTIC TIPS AND GUIDELINES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001201Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDOW GLASS WARRANTY INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001194Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 11001191Apr 30, 2024Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors). WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10243708Sep 21, 2023Steering. DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10242057Aug 1, 2023Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors), Body and structure. CONVERTIBLE TOP PARTS SERVICE INFORMATION This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Other model years of the Nissan Murano
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 25 | 3,130 | 2 | 5 | 23 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 5 | 4,457 | 1 | 5 | 23 | — | Too new |
| 2023 | 8 | — | 0 | 5 | 23 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 6 | 20,300 | 0 | 5 | 23 | — | Not enough data |
| 2021 | 17 | 23,000 | 0 | 5 | 23 | — | Rising |
| 2020 | 48 | 9,500 | 2 | 5 | 23 | 55 · Typical | Stable |
| 2019 | 44 | 10,300 | 1 | 5 | 23 | 32 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2018 | 113 | 17,400 | 2 | 4–5 | 24 | 84 · More | Stable |
| 2017 | 107 | 19,800 | 3 | — | 24 | 87 · More | Stable |
| 2016 | 108 | 32,000 | 5 | 4–5 | 24 | 88 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 204 | 23,150 | 5 | 4 | 24 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2014 | 145 | 58,000 | 1 | 4 | 20 | 29 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 74 | 66,000 | 1 | 4 | 20 | 8 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2012 | 135 | 65,000 | 1 | 4 | 20 | 44 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 148 | 85,000 | 0 | 4 | 20 | 14 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2010 | 193 | 88,000 | 0 | — | 20 | 34 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 635 | 80,305 | 4 | — | 20 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 5 | 33,500 | 1 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
| 2007 | 676 | 80,000 | 2 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 803 | 65,526 | 4 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 987 | 66,000 | 6 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 678 | 72,134 | 4 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 800 | 72,000 | 6 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Nissan Murano model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2011 Nissan Murano?
Owners of this model year most often describe a brake pedal that sinks toward the floor, and CVT transmission hesitation or slipping from a stop. The issues reported most often: Brake pedal sinks to floor, reduced stopping power; CVT hesitation and loss of power from a stop; Sunroof glass shatters while driving.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2011 Nissan Murano have?
NHTSA recorded 148 consumer complaints for the 2011 Nissan Murano as of Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2011 Nissan Murano is reported most often?
Brakes is named most often, in 39 complaints (26% of the total), followed by transmission and drivetrain with 37.
Has the 2011 Nissan Murano been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2011 Nissan Murano do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2011 Nissan Murano 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2011 Nissan Murano get?
The EPA rates the 2011 Nissan Murano (Murano FWD, 3.5L 6-cyl) at 20 mpg combined, 18 city and 23 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,350 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2011 Nissan Murano reported?
Among the 106 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 85,000 miles and the middle half falls between 60,000 and 106,000 miles; 17% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.