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2003 Nissan Murano problems

The most common problem on the 2003 Nissan Murano is transmission and drivetrain, typically around 86,500 miles. It has 5.9 times the complaints of a typical Murano model year.

Year to avoid5.9x the typical complaints
Year score
7/100
Owner complaints
800
Recalls
6
Service bulletins
110
Worst area
Transmission
Fuel economy
20mpg
Typical repair
$900

The worst 2003 Nissan Murano problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

Specific symptoms reported on the 2003 Nissan Murano

Stalling 98Loss of power 67CVT failure 54Transmission failure 53Jerking 48Check engine light 47Hesitation 41Won't start 28Door locks 21Engine failure 11Power steering loss 11Sudden acceleration 11Grinding brakes 10Fuel pump 9Slipping 9Oil consumption 8ABS 6Adaptive cruise 5Brake failure 5Overheating 5Won't shift 5

Trouble codes owners of the 2003 Nissan Murano mention

P0340 5

Recalls 6

Engine and engine coolingReported May 19, 2009 · 362,891 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Nissan is recalling 362,891 my 2003-2007 murano vehicles. The intake air ducts, which are connected to the intermediate resonator in the air intake system of the engine, may separate from the resonator with engine movement. This separation occurs due to the premature aging of the material used in the intake air ducts which causes excessive shrinking.
Risk
Engine may stall increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace/repair the appropriate components free of charge. The recall began on september 24, 2009. Owners may contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.

Recall number 09V169000 · Recall details

Seat belts: rear/otherReported February 13, 2006 · 203,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On some sport utility vehicles, in certain high speed frontal crashes, the webbing of a rear outboard seat belt may contact the rear seat back hinge where it can be cut by the sharp edge of the metal portion of the hinge.
Risk
If the webbing is completely separated, it can increase the risk of injury to an occupant in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will install protectors over the webbing of the rear seat belts. The recall began on march 20, 2006. Owners may contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.

Recall number 06V048000 · Recall details

Fuel system, gasoline: storage: tank assemblyReported January 10, 2006 · 205,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain sport utility vehicles, due to the location of the forward edge of the fuel tank, in the event that a vehicle front tire runs over a small, sharp object in the road, catches it and propels it towards the rear of the vehicle, it may strike and puncture the fuel tank.
Risk
A punctured tank could increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy
Dealers will install protectors in front of the tank free of charge. The recall began on march 20, 2006. Owners may contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.

Recall number 06V003000 · Recall details

Electrical system: alternator/generator/regulatorReported July 14, 2005 · 125,466 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain sport utility vehicles, there is a possibility that a wire breaking inside the alternator could stop the battery from charging.
Risk
If this happens, the charger warning and brake warning lamps will immediately come on and the battery will begin to discharge. After a short time, the engine will go into a "fall safe" condition which will limit vehicle speed. The engine will stop running which could result in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the alternator with a new version which has been modified to prevent movement of the coil. The recall began on august 1, 2005. Owners may contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.

Recall number 05V319000 · Recall details

Engine and engine coolingReported November 17, 2003 · 630,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain passenger vehicles, the circuit board for the crank position sensor or cam position sensor may have an improper solder joint due to solder deformation caused by heat stress accelerated by the existence of flux residue during the soldering process.
Risk
This could cause the "service engine soon" warning light to come on, create a no start condition, cause reduced engine power, or cause the engine to stop running without warning during vehicle operation, which could result in a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the crank position sensors. Camshaft position sensor(s), and in some cases, the variable timing control sensor(s). Vehicles involved in a previous recall campaign, 01v357, are also included in this new campaign. The replacement sensors used in that campaign are also affected. Owner notification began on december 22, 2003. Owners should contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261 or infiniti at 1‑800‑662‑6200.

Recall number 03V455000 · Recall details

Power train: automatic transmission: gear position indication (PRNDL)Reported March 31, 2003 · 128 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain sport utility vehicles, the nut that attaches the transmission gear selector shaft to the control valve lever in the transmission may not be adequately tightened. This could result in the transmission not actually being in the gear indicated by the gear selector lever. In addition, the transmission position display in the instrument panel may not be on or may be incorrect.
Risk
If the gear displayed is different from the gear engaged, this could result in unexpected vehicle movement and a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will check the affected nut in the transmission shift lever linkage, and tighten it if necessary. Owner notification began april 15, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact nissan at 1‑800‑647‑7261.

Recall number 03V123000 · Recall details

See all 6 recalls for the 2003 Nissan Murano

Defect investigations

Driver seat anchor failureOpened November 18, 2008, closed July 2, 2009

This investigation concerns structural failure of the anchor/bracket on the left rear side of the driver's seat.the concern is that such failures may alter the driver's seated position so as to reduce effectiveness of the occupant protection system or potentially compromise vehicle control.failure of the subject anchor bracket results from metal fatigue and causes rearward tilting of the driver's seat.these failures usually occur during driver ingress but may also occur while the vehicle is being operated.the safety related concerns during actual vehicle use were not validated by this investigation.while the number of complaints of this problem is relatively high, only three very minor, undocumented injuries were reported.the reported injuries occurred during driver ingress, not while the vehicle was in motion.investigation disclosed that the apparent risk of compromise to vehicle control has not been demonstrated.investigation also disclosed that the apparent risk of collapse of the driver's seat back has not been demonstrateda safety related defect trend was not identified and this investigation has been closed.

PE08065

Fuel tank punctures from road debrisOpened September 13, 2005, closed January 31, 2006

Odi opened a preliminary evaluation based on four vehicle owner questionnaires (voq's) indicating that the fuel tanks werepunctured by road debris under normal, non off-road driving conditions.as of november 30, 2005, the complaint total increased to 12.nissan supplied odi with 31 complaints of fuel tank punctures, including 26 not previously known to odi from the voq records. In a letter dated january 9, 2006, nissan north america, inc. Notified odi of its plan to recall approximately 209,000 model year 2003 - 2006 nissan murano vehicles built from april 24, 2002 (start of production of my 2003) through november 24, 2005 (including a portion of my 2006 vehicles) to correct a deficiency in fuel tank shielding from road debris.this recall has been designated the federal safety agency no. 06v‑003.recalled vehicles will be fitted with protective shielding for the frontal portion of the fuel tank to reduce the possibility of puncture by projectiles from the front wheels.accordingly, this investigation has been closed.

PE05050

Alternator failure / engine stallingOpened March 25, 2005, closed August 17, 2005

Odi received 14 reports of alleged engine stalling due to alternator failure on my 2003-2004 murano (subject) vehicles.all of the complaints reported that the vehicle could not be restarted after the stall occurred.based on these complaints, odi opened pe04-077 and later upgraded to ea05-006 for the subject vehicles.during ea05-006, additional failure data were identified as noted in the failure report summary above.on july 12, 2005, nissan notified the federal safety agency of a safety defect on my 2003-2005 murano vehicles produced from april 8, 2002 and september 24, 2004 (recall 05v‑319).the notification stated that an open circuit in the alternator can occur due to wire fatigue caused by movement of the rotor coil during rapid changes in engine speed in vehicles equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT).higher engine compartment temperature in the murano compared to other nissan models may also be a contributing factor to the wire fatigue.nissan also reported that when this happens, the charge warning and brake warning lamps will illuminate and the battery will begin to discharge.after a short time, the engine will then enter a fail safe mode that limits vehicle speed.very shortly after reaching this condition, the engine will stop.the federal safety agency's testing, however, showed that although the warning lamps illuminate, the vehicle speed is limited to only 4-7 MPH rather than what the federal safety agency considers a fail safe mode. Nissan will instruct owners to return their vehicles to any nissan dealer for an alternator inspection and replacement, if required.note:some vehicles may have had the newly designed alternator previously installed under warranty.consequently, this investigation is closed.odi will monitor the effectiveness of the remedy and take further action if warranted.

EA05006

Alternator failure/ engine stallingOpened November 19, 2004, closed March 25, 2005

Odi opened pe04-077 based on 14 reports of alleged engine stalling due to alternator failure.all of the complaints reported that the vehicle could not be restarted after the stall occurred.during pe04-077, additional failure data was identified as noted in the failure report summary above . During the investigation, nissan identified that there had been alternator warranty replacements due to an open circuit in the rotor coil caused by wire fatigue. Odi?s analysis shows failure rates that are of concern to odi and indicates that the alleged defect is continuing to occur in the subject vehicles.odi's analysis also shows that nearly all of the alternator warranty claims submitted resulted in engine stalls and at least 25% of the engine stalls resulted in a no restart condition.however, in 71% of the warranty data submitted, odi has not been able to determine if the consumer could restart the vehicle.this preliminary evaluation has been upgraded to an engineering analysis to further investigate this concern, to assess the potential safety-related consequences, and to determine the scope of the affected population.

PE04077

Technical service bulletins for the 2003 Nissan Murano 110

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 110 bulletins for the 2003 Nissan Murano

2003 Nissan Murano fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.5L 6‑cylFWD182320
3.5L 6‑cyl4WD182320

What 2003 Nissan Murano owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Jul 12, 2021 · Brakes, Engine · 162,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2003 Nissan Murano. The contact stated while driving 45 mph, the vehicle loss motive power and stalled without warning. The vehicle was shifted into PARK and restarted however, after driving for several miles, the failure recurred. The contact pulled over to side of the roadway and waited for several minutes before restarting the vehicle and slowly drove to the residence. The contact stated that the ABS and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not yet diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 162,000.

Filed Jul 9, 2021 · Body · VA

Rusting excessively

Filed Jul 8, 2021 · Body, Suspension · VA

Rear subframe completely rusted cant believe nissan used such cheap steel

Filed Jul 8, 2021 · Acceleration, Electrical · VA

Abs stays on then the (brake warning lamps will immediately come after a short time, the engine will go into a "fall safe" condition which will limit vehicle speed. The engine will stop running and turn off on me. Also my subframe is rotten and is now disconnected the mechanic quoted me $2,600 to repair jus the subfreame.

Filed May 19, 2021 · Acceleration, Brakes · UT

While driving down the highway with my infant child the vehicle lost power I could not accelerate went from 75mph to a struggling 5mph. No matter how far I pressed the gas pedal there was no acceleration no revving of engine just complete nothing just pure panic. I was able to pull off to the side of the freeway in a not so safe place however I had no choice. I out hazard lights on and turned off the car. After waiting approx 5 min. I attempted to start car to no avail. The battery light as well as abs light stayed on. I again waited for another 5 -10 min and tried again nothing but same warning lights. I eventually had to wait for approx 45-_60 min when it finally started however I was only allowed to go no fastethan 5 mph. I was able to exit freeway where I parked car for several hours and walked home. Upon retrieving vehicle it still had same results. I drove home @ 5mph. I took car in for repairs and was told I needed a new battery wiring harness. I had that ordered a d repaired. Car drove home just fine however the following day the same incident occurred. Took car back in and was told I needed a new alternator which I replaced. However the following day the same thing occurred. Upon driving car back to a major dealership to notify them of the same problem, however once in their parking lot the mechanic attempted to drive car into the service bay and car wouldn't start. Immediately the mechanic said " oh you hear that clicking sound?" " That's the starter you need a new one". I once again had them service my car and put in a new starter.Yet once again the following day the same problem. In all these occurrences the car had just out of no where with no warning lost power leaving my children and I in a potentially dangerous situation multiple times. The vehicle has been parked in my garage. I can't afford replacing parts just to have the same incident. As far as dates go there were multiple dates that the vehicle stalled on me and had no acceleration.

Filed May 15, 2021 · Electrical · NJ

While driving I lost all power for the motor and had to have to battery replaced cuz lost all power

Filed Mar 31, 2021 · Acceleration, Electrical · 7 miles · LA

While driving the murano it slowed down and wouldn't go above 20mph. After about a mile it just stopped running & wouldn't crank back up. All the fluids were at the right levels. Took it to a johnny's mechanic shop & they said it was the engine.

Filed Apr 26, 2020 · Engine · CA

The car keeps on shutting off on me the motor and was caused a big accident

Filed Feb 9, 2020 · Suspension · 92,000 miles · CT

We are original owners of 2003 nissan murano; it has only 92k miles, it has always been garaged and well maintained. The rear wheels just started tilting inward at the top; a mechanic identified the rear subframe and suspension was rotting, and advised that it will continue to worsen until the back end of the vehicle just collapses. It is an expensive repair. Nissan is ignoring it is a manufacturer defect (they used crappy steel), that it is a very dangerous safety hazard, and it should be fixed by them. Searching online reveals many complaints of this same issue, many just recently made, and as a consumer it is very unfair to spend a lot of money on a new vehicle and keep it nice and fully functional, expecting it to last for a few more years to come, to surprisingly have the subframe fail especially when the vehicle is less than twenty years old and not even at 100,000 miles.

Filed Jan 11, 2020 · Fuel system · 130,000 miles · AZ

During the hot summer months in the phoenix arizona area I've experienced hesitation (especially in traffic) when either moving slowly along or traffic picks up or turning and I have to mash harder on the accelerator, sometimes 2-4 times!!! This is frightening !! What is the problem as I've checked filters, gas, intake? And asked mechanic ???

Used buying checklistWhat to check on a 2003 Nissan Murano before you buy

Compare the 2003 Nissan Murano

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Other model years

200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026

Questions about the 2003 Nissan Murano

Is the 2003 Nissan Murano reliable?

Owners have filed 800 complaints about the 2003 Nissan Murano, 5.9 times a typical Murano model year. It is one of the years we flag to avoid.

What is the 2003 Nissan Murano year score?

The 2003 Nissan Murano scores 7 out of 100 (poor). The score compares it with the other model years of the Nissan Murano: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2003 Nissan Murano?

Transmission and drivetrain, with 265 complaints, typically around 86,500 miles. Next is electrical (187).

How many recalls does the 2003 Nissan Murano have?

6 recalls, covering engine and engine cooling, seat belts and fuel system, gasoline.

Was there a recall on the 2003 Nissan Murano transmission?

Yes, 1 recall: 03V123000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Nissan Murano have bad transmission?

The Nissan Murano model years with the most transmission complaints are 2003 (265 complaints), 2004 (143 complaints) and 2009 (69 complaints).

What gas mileage does the 2003 Nissan Murano get?

Official estimates for the 2003 Nissan Murano range from 20 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.5L 6-cyl, FWD) gets 18 city and 23 highway.

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