2005 Nissan Murano: CVT failure

Filed Jun 10, 2015 · Transmission · 8,700 miles · NY

On 4/28/2005 I was driving my vehicle and it wouldn't get up past 10 MPH. I looked up online at nissan.com and found out there may be a warranty program for CVT. I brought it in, and they verified it and replaced it. 3 days later my CVT started to give me similar issues again. So I brought it back and they told me they may re work on it. Now I get it back and ride the car for another 2 days and now I hear a loud clicking noise. Now I had to get it towed back to kings nissan in brooklyn ny. This time they tell me it was a messed up tcu computer on the replaced CVT, and now a transfer case. Upon further review online. It seems like there are tons of people like my self going through this issue and nissan wont take ownership of it.

Filed Sep 20, 2014 · Transmission · 78,000 miles · CO

My 2005 nissan murano began exhibiting a strong burning oil smell approximately august 2013 and I took it to my mechanic. They said a seal in the front transfer case was bad and replaced it for a tune of $1800. In aug 2014 it began doing it again and much stronger. They replaced the seal again at no charge to me but then I took it back 2 weeks later for them to inspect the repair. The transfer case was cracked all along but they were unable to see it because of the amount of oil that had been leaking all over the underside of the case. I had to have the transfer case replaced in september to a tune of $3488+. I found out this has been happening to muranos from 2003 to 2012 and am very unhappy that nissan has not made this a recall on their CVT transfer cases. Obviously the mold of the case is flawed with this happening to so many years of murano's and I am not even sure the new transfer case I received is going to be any better since I find evidence that owners of as late as 2012 murano's are having the same problem. This needs to be resolved by nissan and made right with the many owner's that have had to spend thousands to replace their faulty transfer cases.

Filed Sep 19, 2014 · Transmission · 92,000 miles · TN

Backing out of the driveway heard clunking and grinding noises. Towed it to nissan and they state that I have a cracked transfer case, which with all parts and labor is costing us 5470.00. It seems to be a common occurrence with these models and years. Why hasn't nissan stepped up and issued a recall or extended program as with the CVT transmission??

Filed Jul 30, 2014 · Transmission · 119,000 miles · GA

The fatigue crack occurred at the transfer case. As an engineer, I suspect that the continuous variable transmission (CVT) problems in the murano caused the failure at the transfer case. More than likely, the manufacturer did not do proper fatigue testing or "turned an eye" at the problem. I believe that they are aware of the problems, as they have taken steps to extend the warranty in the CVT, yet refuse to recall other components directly associated with the CVT. This seems to be a very common issue among many nissan owners as I have read. Anyhow, a failure in the transfer case is a extremely dangerous situation. The transmission could lock up and cause an accident that may result in injuries or deaths.

Filed Nov 28, 2013 · Transmission · 140,000 miles · RI

Car developed load rumbling in the front end. Progressively getting louder. Car then began to sure and or loose power at random intervals .. As so many others have stated CVT failing. Learned about this problem after the fact. Was amazed to see how many people had filed complaints without any response or help from nissan. No recall no help getting car credit, as it is valueless in trade at dealer. Fortunate that mine seemed to last longer than most. Cost 4 to 6 thousand to fix... More than car is worth at this point. Left with no way getting rid of it or getting new vehicle. Car that I thought would have good trade in value absolutely no one wants to touch. Been offered 1000 max for it at several different dealers. Shocked that a company size of nissan would not work with there customers... At least offering reasonable compensation for current value of vehicle. Im sure nissan will never be considered in my car buying decisions again. Problem has potential to be deadly for everyone in vehicle as the car looses power or surges without warning. I am sure they will be sued shortly when an entire family looses there life because nissan refuses to acknowledge the problem.

Filed May 18, 2012 · Transmission · 144,600 miles · AL

The vehicle does not go when you press the gas. It stalls extremely bad. It hasn't caused me a wreck --yet but it is going to happen. I have 2 young boys(age 6 &4) and I am scared for them to be in the car with me. I can not pull out in front of anyone because it takes so long for the acceleration to pick up. I like the looks of my murano and I bought it saying"it is a nissan so it will last" but I am starting to doubt that seriously!! This is my 2nd nissan vehicle and if this part cant be recalled then it will be my last and I will spread the word. This CVT problem is a safety issue for so many owners yet nissan refuses to do anything. I am very disappointed and hate to sell my murano but that looks like what I will have to do and take a huge loss on it also because of the CVT needing replaced. Makes the car not worth the nada or blue book at all.!!!!

Filed Feb 26, 2012 · Transmission · 80,000 miles · NJ

At a speed of 40 MPH the transmission started to make a terrible ticking noise and vibrated through the cabin of the vehicle. I have ruled out the possibility of c.v. Joints as I ran the vehicle while being safely supported on a lift. The noise is echoing out of the CVT housing, all fluid levels are up.

Filed Jan 6, 2012 · Transmission · 39,934 miles · NY

I am writing to inform you of my problems occurring with my 2005 nissan murano sl VIN# [xxx]. I purchased my car from your dealership in 2005 and have gone for all of my service needs to your facility. There have been 3 different instances in which I have taken my car into your service department for issues/problems with the transfer case / CVT unit. Today january 5,2012, I called nissan services regarding the same issue again with my transfer case and was informed to bring it into your service department. I brought the car in and informed the front desk of the problem. Four hours later, I was informed that yes the transfer case was cracked but it would not be repaired because it was not the same problem from before and because I was out of warranty. I have 3 separate service orders from the other repairs from your department that clearly state what the issue/problem was "the transfer case was replaced due to damage". I have been a loyal customer for the past 7 years and am disappointed in the service received regarding a known ongoing issue with the CVT / transfer case of the murano, and feel that this problem should be covered and resolved at no cost to me. Attached please find the 3 service order numbers I am referring to regarding repairs to the CVT / transfer case 11/17/08 - nics129368 5/14/09 - 6004693-1 10/28/10 - 6026212-3. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Dec 1, 2011 · Engine · 85,000 miles · SC

Our car is starting the surging thing and acts like it is going to turn off then zooms off. I never realized the CVT cause so many people issues. The cowards at nissan not stepping forward are going to realize real quick they should have been loyal to their customers! I along with a lot of other folks will not be going back to nissan!

Filed Oct 25, 2011 · Transmission · 70,000 miles · VA

My transmission and engine began behaving erratically. The engine did not respond to the gas pedal immediately and seemed to work very hard to move the vehicle. The erratic behavior was then accompanied by what sounded like a plane landing then a loud bang. The behavior of the transmission caused the transfer case to fracture. (this was confirmed by my mechanic and again by the nissan dealer service department). Nissan has recognized the transmission problems in a number of its models including the 2005 murano. As a result, nissan vehicles ranging in years from 2003-2010 equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) have received a 10-year /120,000 mile CVT limited warranty extension. Unfortunately this extension'' only covers the transmission itself and not the parts around it. I am stuck paying the $3,400 to replace the transfer case or be forced to sell the car. Nissan is leaving the original CVT in my murano and I will undoubtedly be in the shop paying out of pocket for another breakage that could be avoided by a recall. I raised this issue with nissan corporate affairs and was promptly told that the transfer case was not covered under the extended CVT warranty and they will not be assisting financially. They did however offer me a $150 voucher off of the invoiced price of new nissan vehicle. This response is laughable and very insulting. I am very interested in becoming involved in any legal actions that will hasten a recall so that others will not be burdened by this manufacturers defect and financially fleeced by nissan corporation amidst an economic recession. According to my research on this problem with nissan and the murano in particular, I am not the first person to have and pay for this repair and I will most certainly not be the last.

Filed Nov 29, 2010 · Transmission · 67,000 miles · KS

I have a 2005 nissan murano with approximately 73,000 miles on it. Approximately 6000 miles ago, I had to replace the transfer case which cost $3600 to replace. Nissan did not cover it while the dealership repair manager did say it was defective and not my fault. In fact, my car repair person has said it is 1/5th the size of a transfer case of a jeep cherokee, a car the same size of my murano. Therefore, it is a design defect. The CVT now is needing repair. And, possibly the transfer case will be needing replacement as well. Not a well built car, in my opinion.

Filed Mar 20, 2009 · Transmission · 73,000 miles · OK

The CVT transmission failed on my nissan murano in rush hour traffic in oklahoma city. My wife and 5 yr old son in the vehicle, resulting in a very dangerous situation. She was almost run over. After looking into this problem I have found hundreds of people that have had the same thing happen to them. I think nissan has a serious problem with this car that they are not addressing. This could have resulted in injury or death and nissan refuses to acknowledge this ticking time bomb in their muranos. Seems the problem is exclusive to the CVT transmission. I'm looking at a $6400 repair bill because it is 5000 miles out of warranty. When this occurs the vehicle simply stops moving and must be towed. Also told cannot fix CVT, must be replaced with brand new CVT, $6000.